162. How to Eat Enough When Stress Kills Your Appetite

Stress doesn't just affect your mind, it can shut down your appetite entirely, making it hard to eat enough even when you know you need to. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies for maintaining caloric intake during periods of low appetite caused by stress, illness, or major life changes.

You'll learn:

• Why stress reduces appetite and affects digestion
• How liquid calories can help during low-appetite periods
• How to adjust macronutrient ratios to support gut health and energy
• Why meal timing and portion flexibility matter more than rigid schedules
• How tracking macros helps ensure you're actually meeting your caloric needs
• How to break the cycle of habitual under-eating during stressful seasons
• Practical meal prep tips for busy or low-appetite days

If eating enough has felt like an uphill battle during stressful or busy periods, this episode offers a compassionate, practical approach to fueling yourself without forcing food or adding pressure.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to challenges of low appetite during stress
361:04:47 Impact of stress and life changes on appetite
7027:45:01 Using liquid calories to boost intake
12638:52:07 The importance of meal timing and scheduling
17249:58:52 Adjusting macronutrient ratios for gut health
20388:52:14 Playing with carbs and fats for energy and comfort
26083:19:05 Practical meal prep tips for busy days
33333:19:27 Handling food aversions and pregnancy-related changes
39194:26:16 Tracking macros and adjusting for progress
446666:39:54 Breaking the cycle of habitual under-eating
476388:53:18 Final thoughts on consistency and self-improvement