Of the adults who overeat unhealthy foods when stressed, 33% say they do it to distract themselves from the stress. The survey finds that these behaviors are higher in women, who are more likely to report unhealthy eating behaviors as a result of stress. The percentage of those skipping meals due to stress is also higher in women, in teen girls, and in millennials.  When referring to stress here, we’re not just talking about a hard day at work. Stress encompasses feeling lonely or emotional turmoil, and then also work stress, relationship stress or caretaking, etc. There’s nothing wrong with eating foods that are less nourishing sometimes, but it can become problematic -- to our health, to our relationship with food, to our trust around food --  if we consistently use junk food as the way to regulate our emotions.

Some stress is considered vital for a happy and healthy life. Stress challenges us to adapt and overcome obstacles by learning new things, and stress motivates us to set and progress toward personal goals. On the other hand, too much stress that goes unrelieved can have negative consequences on our health and fitness goals, on top of negatively impacting our emotional health and well-being.

We often see tips for curbing an increased appetite, but what about those of us that consistently struggle with a lower appetite? Here are habits that can help you navigate having a low appetite.