The Invisible Calories: Stress-Eating Signals & How to Tune Out Cravings

Calories come from food and drink but what is controlling how much and when? The truth is, stress can be a hidden driver of what — and how much — we eat. These are the “invisible calories” that quietly add up, leaving us drained, heavier, and frustrated with ourselves.

When stress spikes, your body releases cortisol. This hormone does two things: Firstly, it triggers cravings for quick energy, you know the sort - sugar or carbs in the main. Secondly, it switches your body into “store” mode, making weight harder to manage.

That’s why willpower alone rarely works. You’re not weak — you’re wired to respond this way.

The first step is learning to recognise the signals. Ask yourself:

• Do I suddenly crave snacks in the evening after a tough day?

• Am I eating even though I’m not physically hungry?

• Do I feel guilty or sluggish afterwards?

If yes, you’re not dealing with a food problem, you’re dealing with a stress signal.

Here are three quick resets to break the pattern:

🔹 Pause & breathe – give yourself 90 seconds of slow breathing to calm the stress surge.

🔹 Water first – dehydration is often mistaken for hunger. A glass of water resets the signal.

🔹 Name it – simply saying “I’m stressed, not hungry” switches the brain out of autopilot.

These tiny shifts help you reclaim control, and when paired with HRV monitoring, they show you how stress patterns are shaping your energy, sleep, and cravings.

HRV monitoring

The good news? Once you can spot the invisible calories, you can stop them from stealing your energy and focus.

Want to discover what your body’s stress signals are really telling you? Start with a free WELLth Check and uncover your personal stress patterns.