Have you ever caught yourself standing in front of the fridge, not because you're hungry, but because stress is making you seek comfort in snacks?

Our lives are busier than ever, with constant news updates and stressful events. Many turn to food as a way to cope with their emotions during stressful times.

Why Stress Makes Us Hungry

Stress makes our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that boosts appetite. This happens to help us deal with stress, fueling our bodies so we have the energy to escape from danger if needed. But if stress continues, cortisol levels stay high, continuing to affect our appetite.

Stress also leads to cravings for sugary and simple carbohydrate foods, which temporarily boost our mood. But when our blood sugar and mood return to normal, the desire for more comfort foods kicks in, leaving us feeling bad emotionally and physically.

Here's How to Break the Stress-Eating Cycle

There are a number of things you can to do help keep cortisol levels in check and help reduce the temptation to stress eat.

• Try ashwagandha, an herbal extract that helps stabilize stress feedback and balance cortisol levels, reducing tension and improving mood.

• Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep increases appetite-stimulating hormones and decreases satiety hormones, making you crave more food.

• Let go of perfectionism and treat yourself with kindness.

• Surround yourself with supportive people or pets to handle daily stressors.

• Cultivate beauty and calm in your life through simple pleasures like flowers and soothing music.

• Engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and meditation.

• Walk barefoot on the ground to balance your nervous system.

• Choose healthcare providers who listen, answer your questions, and involve you in decisions about your health.

• Trust your own intuition and listen to your needs.

For additional support, consider trying Omega-3 SLIM MAX, a formula that contains ashwagandha and other ingredients designed to promote heart-healthy weight loss, trim your waist, shed pounds, and curb emotional eating during stressful times.