As part of my health coaching practice, I collaborate with a functional medicine doctor’s office, Optimal You Wellness Center, to provide dietary and lifestyle coaching for patients. This approach complements the testing and supplements recommended by the doctors.
One of the most significant factors affecting people’s health is high stress levels. Though it manifests differently in each individual, stress is often a key underlying factor in many conditions.
To address this, I start by recommending a basic anti-inflammatory diet. As test results—such as food sensitivity tests, GI Maps, and Dutch hormone tests—become available, I tailor this diet to each patient’s specific needs. Stress plays a significant role in driving poor food choices and unhealthy eating habits. Many people have become accustomed to eating based on their emotional state. A tough day at work often leads to a carb-heavy meal and sugary drinks, while busy schedules frequently result in fast food. These food choices then place more stress on our systems, and the vicious cycle continues. It makes sense, then, that as I guide clients with dietary changes, I am also addressing stress management with them and helping them implement techniques that have the power to change their lives.
I discuss the issue of stress-fueled eating in my video training on emotional eating and gut health, part of a series on eating for stress relief, available in my program, 45 Days to Conscious Wellness. You can watch the training here: Emotional Eating and Gut Health.
I have personally experienced high stress levels and the impact of stress-driven eating habits. However, I have also experienced the healing process and the transformation of these habits.
Recently, I took a Dutch hormone test, which revealed that I had at one time been in stage 2 or 3 adrenal fatigue—a condition I corrected through lifestyle changes and mindfulness practices. Reflecting on my past, I remember the high-stress career, relationship, and lifestyle that left me struggling to control my nervous system. My reliance on caffeine and alcohol, coupled with restrictive dieting and intense workouts, took a severe toll on my body and mind. It was during this time that I was hitting the gym really hard, engaging in very restrictive challenges that cut my calories to almost nothing and removed all fat from my diet. There were moments when sheer hunger would drive me to tears, but I would still refuse to eat, out of determination to reach whatever new goal I had set for myself.
I remember hanging at 19% body fat and beating myself up for not reaching my goal of 18%. The level of shame and criticism I could instill on myself for only making the gym 4 times in a week instead of 5 or 6 was unmatchable. I wasn’t turning to the gym for health; it was my escape from an unhappy, controlling relationship and an unforgiving job. To onlookers, I appeared healthy, but my body and mind were under so much stress, and despite appearing healthy, my cortisol levels were likely elevated, and my adrenals were under immense strain.
The turning point came with my divorce, the healing work that followed, and the adoption of a mindful diet and morning routine. These changes led to my health coach certification, leaving a draining job, and building a life that supports healthy adrenals and cortisol levels. Without these changes, my health would have continued to deteriorate. I am now addressing residual hormonal imbalances and taking preventive measures for future well-being.
I share this story to highlight the profound impact of stress on the body. Stress can severely impair our systems, leading to unhealthy habits involving food, alcohol, smoking, other substances, and even behaviors like compulsive shopping and sex. Later, it can amount to a number of diseases and conditions that can be life threatening. It is crucial to take control of your health now. With the right guidance, it’s never too late.
For further reading, refer to this informative article: Stress, Inflammation, and the Functional Medicine Model.
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