Why persistent weight challenges, fatigue, and cravings may be linked to chronically elevated cortisol and what you can do about it.

Is stress sabotaging your health goals without you realizing it? 

Let’s talk about cortisol. 

You may already know it’s the “stress hormone,” but what you might not know is just how much it influences your weight, energy, mood, and even your ability to reverse or prevent chronic disease. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cortisol is made in your adrenal glands (they sit right above your kidneys), and it plays a key role in your body’s “fight or flight” response. It’s responsible for: quick bursts of energy to run from danger, increased blood sugar to fuel muscles, and suppressed functions like digestion and reproduction until you’re “safe” again. 

The problem?
Most of us aren’t running from lions…we’re running from our calendar alerts, emails, mental load, and overwhelming expectations... all.the.time. 

Even if you’re eating well, moving your body regularly, and embracing many healthy habits, your body may still be stuck in constant low-grade stress mode. That chronic cortisol elevation can: 

• Make it harder to lose belly fat 

• Spike cravings for sugar and salt 

• Disrupt your sleep 

• Raise blood sugar and blood pressure 

• Delay healing 

• Create inflammation 

I’m not even talking about traumatic stress…just the everyday background noise that keeps your nervous system over-activated and on edge. 

That’s why in order to set yourself up for real healing and wellness, you need to prioritize resetting your stress response in addition to practicing food and movement as medicine. I recently talked about this in one of my Instagram reels- you can watch it HERE if you're interested.

In my 1:1 coaching work, this is one of the biggest game-changers. 

I help clients recognize the invisible drivers keeping them stuck and teach tools to calm the nervous system and lower cortisol without needing to quit your job or move to a mountaintop. 

Here are just a few lifestyle factors that can raise cortisol: 

• Over-scheduling and perfectionism 

• Eating ultra-processed foods 

• Excess caffeine or poor sleep 

• Constant multitasking or decision fatigue 

• Not allowing time for rest, play, or breath 

And here’s what can lower cortisol naturally: 

• A blood sugar-balanced way of eating (hello, EnsoKitchen System ;)) 

• Deep, slow breathing 

• Walking in nature 

• Setting boundaries and saying no (yes, that counts as a wellness tool) 

• Gratitude practices 

• Eating enough protein and fiber 

• Real connection, away from your phone 

I created The Enso Kitchen System as a launching point for lasting, sustainable health. Yes, it includes simple, healing recipes designed to balance blood sugar and support hormonal health—but it’s also about practical, evidence-based strategies you can implement right away to restore balance, cultivate calm, and feel more like yourself again. 

If your body has felt stuck despite your best efforts, it’s not a willpower issue…it may be a sign that your nervous system and stress hormones need more support to truly heal. 

Ready to lower cortisol, support your hormones, and finally lose weight for good, without extremes?
The Enso Kitchen System is your real-life, practical guide to sustainable wellness, filled with anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-balancing recipes and simple strategies to help you feel better, fast. 

Get your copy HERE and start building the foundation for lasting energy, calm, and health. 

Want a customized lifestyle plan tailored to your unique goals, environment, and nervous system?
Apply HERE to work with me 1:1 for personalized support. 

P.S. I’m truly grateful and honestly a bit blown away to have reached an important milestone with The EnsoWellness Notebook newsletter. Thank you for allowing me to support you on your journey to lasting health and balance.