From the Coach’s Chair: When Stress Steals Your Appetite
Here’s What Brought Me to the Chair Today
The topic for today’s post came straight from a conversation with a friend, who asked what I’d suggest for someone struggling to eat due to stress and a low appetite. And the truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. But there are gentle, supportive ways to explore what’s going on.
One of those tools is a little… woo-woo. I’ll admit, when I first learned it, I struggled with it. Talking to your body? Really? But after seeing how powerful it can be—not just for me but for clients too—I’m a full believer that this is a surprisingly effective tool to keep in your wellness toolbelt.
The Coaching Approach
I don’t diagnose. I don’t prescribe. What I do is help people pause, notice, and ask better questions.
If someone came to me saying, “I’ve been too stressed to eat,” I wouldn’t whip out a list of meal plans or shake my finger about blood sugar. I’d get curious with them. What’s going on under the surface? What’s their body trying to say? What do they want their relationship with food to feel like—even during hard times?
Then we’d co-create a plan. Something small. Something doable. Something that feels less like a punishment and more like a warm hug.
One Practice to Try: Talk to Your Body (Yes, Really)
If you’re open to it, one gentle practice I often suggest is having a conversation with the part of your body that’s feeling “off.” In this case, maybe that’s your stomach.
Start by finding a quiet, comfortable space. Take a few slow, calming breaths. Let yourself settle. You might close your eyes if that feels good—or keep them open with a soft gaze. The goal here is to drop into a more mindful and relaxed state where you can listen inward without judgment or pressure.
When you’re ready, simply ask your stomach (yes, out loud if you feel comfortable):
“What’s going on?”
“What do you need from me right now?”
“Why might you be shutting down?”
Pause after each question and notice what comes up. Maybe it’s a thought, a sensation, an emotion, or even nothing at all. There’s no right answer—just information to explore. You’re not trying to fix or force anything, just opening a channel of communication and compassion.
If this feels weird, you’re not alone. I used to think this practice was a little too out there. But after seeing how often it helps people tune in and get clarity, I’m convinced it deserves a spot in your wellness toolkit.
In Closing
Stress has a sneaky way of pulling us away from our needs—especially when it comes to food. But when we pause long enough to listen instead of force or fix, we can often uncover what our body is really asking for. It’s not about eating perfectly or pushing through—it’s about building trust with yourself, one quiet check-in at a time.
If you give this body conversation practice a try, I’d love to hear how it goes. Drop a comment and let me know what came up for you—your insights might just help someone else feel a little less alone in their journey too.
And if you’re ready to explore this kind of gentle, powerful work with a coach by your side, I’d be honored to support you. Click here to learn more about working with me—let’s figure out what “wellness” means for you.
XOXO,
Jessica
In Your Corner, Always