From COVID-19 to a stressful news cycle, theres no shortage of things stressing us out. And unfortunately, when the going gets tough, the tough get hungry. Tension triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can signal hunger cravings and send us on a search for food (especially the junk variety) to soothe our uneasy souls.

Using food as a coping mechanism for stressful situations think emotional eating can cause more harm than good. But on the other hand, food doesnt have to be the enemy. In fact, when you make mindful choices, food can be a useful tool for taking the edge off. It all boils down to selectivity.

Choosing wisely between what will help alleviate overall stress in the long run versus the instant gratification given by unhealthy fixes is how the war on stress can be fought (and won) with food.

Food and stress are connected and should be managed concurrently

The brain and the gut literally feed off each other, so the idea that what we eat triggers and affects our emotions is by no means far-fetched.

The gut is our second brain, explains Nikki Ostrower, an integrative nutritionist and founder of NAO Wellness . Some of the brains neurotransmitters, aka happy chemicals, are manufactured in the gut 90% of serotonin, for example [a neurotransmitter associated with mood, sleep, appetite and gastrointestinal activity] is produced in the gut, which means theres a direct correlation between mental health, well-being, digestion and food cravings.