Our body’s response to stress greatly affects our appetite, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it changes our body’s need for food. During stressful periods, we find it increasingly difficult to make time and have the energy to prepare healthy meals, resulting in meals being skipped. Irregular eating patterns leads to more anxiety, mood swings and a decrease in overall health and wellbeing. However, each of us respond to stress differently. Some people actually eat less, but the majority of us crave highly flavourful comfort foods, rich in sugar but extremely unhealthy for your mind and body. Foods such as chips, cookies, soft drinks, icecream, chocolates, fast or take away foods are all the common options which are all very low in nutrients. Research has shown that over-indulging in our favourite comfort foods has little beneficial effects compared to eating something healthy like fruits or vegetables. A well-balanced life using some simple shortcuts for putting together nutritious meals, with preparation and routine being key habits to staying nourished and hydrated during these stressful times.