Hi There,

It’s been a little while since my last blog post, and it feels really good to be back.

Life has been both beautiful and challenging and one of the biggest things I’ve been navigating recently is supporting my daughter through her anxiety, especially around eating.

After meals, she often experiences discomfort, like her food isn’t sitting well. That indigestion quickly turns into anxiety, and as a parent, it’s incredibly hard to watch. You want to fix it, to take it away, but more than anything, you learn to support, to guide, and gently help regulate in those moments.

And if I’m being honest, it’s in these challenges that I feel myself growing the most, not just as a mom, but as a health and wellness coach too.

Because it’s one thing to understand the connection between the gut and the nervous system, and it’s another to live it, to navigate it in real time, and to find simple, supportive tools that actually help.

Which brings me to what I want to share with you today.

When we’re stressed or anxious, digestion is often one of the first things to be affected. The body shifts into a fight-or-flight state, and digestion takes a back seat. Food may feel heavy, slow to move, or uncomfortable, which can then fuel even more anxiety.

It becomes a cycle.

But there are gentle ways to support the body through it.

Here are three simple practices I’ve been leaning on, not just for myself, but with my daughter as well:

1. Take 3 deep breaths before eating
This is something we now do together. Just a few slow, intentional breaths help signal safety to the body and shift the nervous system into a “rest and digest” state.

2. Slow down and chew your food well
Digestion begins in the mouth. Taking the time to chew properly helps activate digestive enzymes and makes the entire process easier on the body, especially when digestion is already feeling sensitive.

3. Pause during your meal
Instead of rushing, we practice slowing down and taking small breaks. This gives the body time to keep up and reduces that overwhelmed, “too full too fast” feeling that can trigger discomfort.

These practices are simple, but they’re powerful.

And more importantly, they’re doable, even in the middle of real life, real stress, and real challenges.

If you or your child are navigating something similar, know that you’re not alone. The connection between digestion and anxiety is real, and with the right support, it can absolutely improve.

If you’re looking for more personalized guidance, or you’d like to learn more about my 8-week wellness program, I’d love to connect with you. Send me a message with the word “wellbeing” to book a free 15-minute consultation.

Thank you for being here with me, truly

Sincerely,

Nancy Pitre

Health & Wellness Coach

Gut Thrive Practitioner