Stubborn Belly Fat or Energy Crashes?

You might think it’s your metabolism and in part, that’s true. But if you're struggling with things like:

• Mid-afternoon energy crashes

• Stubborn belly fat that won’t budge

• Cravings for carbs or sweets

• Feeling “off” even though you're doing everything right

…it might be time to look beneath the surface.

What Is Cortisol, and Why Should You Care?

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. In small, short bursts (like when you're escaping danger or crushing a workout), it’s actually helpful.

But when stress becomes chronic, hello modern life, cortisol can start to throw everything out of balance.

Here’s what high cortisol levels do in your body:

▪️ Raise blood sugar, even if you haven’t eaten

▪️ Signal fat storage, especially around the belly

▪️ Trigger cravings for sugar and refined carbs

▪️ Disrupt sleep, hormone balance, and recovery

When Cortisol Stays High, Your Metabolism Gets Confused

Your body’s systems are all interconnected. So when cortisol stays elevated, it can throw your metabolism into chaos. That’s when the ripple effects start:

• Energy highs and lows

• Mood swings or irritability

• Sleep struggles

• Weight gain (especially around the middle)

• That nagging feeling of “something’s off”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone and you’re not broken.

The Good News? You Do Have Tools

Even when life feels overwhelming, you still have ways to support your body and shift out of a stress response:

✅ Movement – gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or dancing

✅ Journaling – a powerful way to process thoughts and calm your nervous system

✅ Connection – spending time with people (or pets!) who make you feel safe and supported

✅ Breathwork or meditation – even 2 minutes can make a difference

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

Metabolism is complex but understanding how stress affects it is a game-changer.

Got questions about metabolism, cortisol, or how it all ties together? You deserve to feel steady, energized, and in tune with your body. If you are ready to take a functional medicine approach to your health, we can tackle this together