Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne explores the emotional and physiological roots of stress snacking, especially in the context of navigating cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Reflecting on her own Stage IV cancer journey, Saranne candidly discusses her struggles with emotional eating, from late-night snacking to seeking comfort foods after long drives or stressful days. She is joined by functional medicine expert Jacqui Bryan, who offers practical strategies to recognize emotional eating triggers, explains the biological mechanisms at play, and shares actionable solutions for building a healthier relationship with food during and after cancer.

Together, they emphasize that emotional eating is not a matter of weak willpower, but rather a natural, albeit often misguided, attempt to self-soothe during overwhelming times.

Jacqui Bryan is a certified nutrition specialist, functional medicine expert, certified health coach, whole health educator, and registered nurse. Drawing on her clinical expertise and personal experience with cancer, Jacqui empowers clients to overcome disordered eating patterns and embrace mindful, intuitive eating. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach supports people through every stage of cancer, offering tools for both physical nourishment and emotional resilience.

"Over time, coping with food trains your brain to associate eating with emotional relief. And that becomes a feedback loop that’s hard to stop." ~Jacqui Bryan

Today on Beating Cancer Daily:

·     Emotional eating often arises as a coping mechanism in response to stress from cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship

·     Reaching for comfort foods is usually a biological response, not a moral failing or lack of discipline

·     Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which increases cravings for high-calorie foods that offer short-term relief but don’t address underlying emotions

·     Childhood experiences and cultural traditions can deeply influence emotional eating patterns in adulthood

·     Healthy substitutions, like fruits, nuts, or laughter, can provide similar neurochemical boosts to sugar and processed snacks

·     Pause-and-reflect strategies, such as keeping a food mood journal and mindful eating, help identify true hunger versus emotional triggers

·     Shame and secrecy around eating can worsen emotional distress; self-forgiveness and seeking support are integral to healing

·     Resources like comedy, creative activities, support groups, and professional guidance encourage sustainable, positive relationships with food

Guest Contact Information:

Jacqui Bryan

2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Finalist

Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,

and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024

Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in over 130 countries across 7 continents and features over 390 original daily episodes

hosted by Stage IV survivor

 Saranne Rothberg.  

To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:

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Have a blessed day! Saranne