The Science Behind Stress Eating

Season 3 Wrap-Up: Stress, Growth & Grace

In this special Season 3 wrap-up episode, we dive into a powerful conversation inspired by my longtime walking buddy, Jennifer. We explore why it’s so hard even for me to apply my own tools when stress hits and how having an outside perspective can be invaluable. I discuss the neuroscience behind stress, how our nervous system locks us out of higher reasoning, and why grace and curiosity are key in rewiring our responses. Whether you’ve been with me all season or just tuning in, this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about allowing grace, staying curious, and building resilience.I also share some important updates, including upcoming courses on dopamine, cravings, and breaking free from food guilt, as well as changes in my 1:1 coaching availability. 🔗 Want to dive deeper? Check out my GRACE course for visuals on the window of tolerance: www.kilgrownutrition.com/grace [https://www.kilgrownutrition.com/grace] Stay connected on Instagram: @kilgrownutrition [https://www.instagram.com/kilgrownutrition/] Or get on my email list www.kilgrownutrition.com [https://www.kilgrownutrition.com/]

Dietitian Connections with Anne Elizabeth, RD

This was a delightful conversation with Anne Elizabeth, RD all about differing paths in dietetics, food relationship care for ourselves when we deal with other people's food drama all day, and the importance of connecting with other professionals in meaningful ways. Anne is a beautiful example of all of these things and I suspect you will see a lot of your personal path in our discussions. You can find Anne on her podcast "Conversations with Anne Elizabeth", her website https://www.anneelizabethrd.com/ [https://www.anneelizabethrd.com/], and on instagram @anneelizabethrd [https://www.instagram.com/anneelizabethrd/]

Food Relationship in Pregnancy and Beyond with Shauna Dixon Rowe, RDN

In an effort to bring additional RD voices to the podcast, I had a delightful visit with my first interviewee Shauna of Dixon Dietetics. We discuss nutrition in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum with a unique touch on pregnancy after bariatric surgery, an critical time for best nutrition practices that Shauna is uniquely qualified to help people with.  Shauna Rowe, RDN, born and raised in Queens, New York to Jamaican immigrant parents, discovered her passion for nutrition through her mother's love for cooking and baking. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Studies from Howard University and completed a year-long dietetic internship.     Transitioning from skilled rehab facilities and nursing homes, Shauna found her calling in supporting healthy pregnancies and births. With a focus on empowering women, she advocates for nutrient-dense diets and supplements to optimize maternal and fetal health.     In memory of her late mother, Joyce Dixon, who nurtured mothers and babies in her home daycare, Shauna founded Dixon Dietetics, LLC. Dedicated to guiding mothers through pregnancy, Dixon Dietetics aims to provide nourishment and support during this transformative journey. You can connect with Shauna @dixondietetics on instagram or her website dixondietetics.com [https://www.dixondietetics.com/]

The Science Behind Stress Eating

In this episode, we revisit the autonomic nervous system, shifting the focus from the polyvagal theory to the foundational sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. I share my personal realization from neuroscience classes—where polyvagal theory wasn’t even mentioned!—and dive into how our stress response shapes behaviors like stress eating or stress fasting. We explore the fight-or-flight response, its physiological goals (mobilizing energy, shutting down digestion, increasing alertness), and how acute vs. chronic stress impact hunger. I also break down the SAM system and HPA axis, explaining how adrenaline and cortisol influence metabolism, blood pressure, and even memory. Most importantly, I unpack why stress eating actually works to dial down the sympathetic response—and why that doesn’t make you broken or weak. Instead of shame, this understanding gives you insight and a chance to respond with effective tools beyond food. This is part of an online workshop I have been invited to give on March 21st. Come join me at kilgrownutrition.com/workshop [https://www.kilgrownutrition.com/workshop]

What Piano Taught Me About Food Relationship Practice

What does learning the piano have to do with healing your food relationship? A lot more than you might think! In this episode, I share my journey from aspiring musician to dietitian, the lessons I learned about practice, patience, and progress, and how these same principles apply to changing your relationship with food. Plus, a big announcement about my next chapter—spoiler: neuroscience is involved! If you’re ready to take a more structured, self-guided approach to food healing, this episode is for you. 🎹🍽️ Grab my 1:1 coaching guide HERE [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62608ead5c17241a8aa01ffa/t/67b3de44eeb6d7725659b81e/1739841180543/1%3A1+Pricing+Guide++2025.pdf]