Ep 87: From Neurons To New Habits

Welcome to the Nourish & Nurture podcast, where science meets sustainable change. Today, we’re diving into why breaking old habits and building new ones feels so hard—backed by neuroscience—and how hormones like cortisol and estrogen play a role. Areas discussed:Leverage Dopamine: Pair new habits with instant rewards Start Microscopic: Small wins build basal ganglia pathways.Habit Stacking: Anchor new habits to existing ones.Stress-Reduction Rituals: Environment Design: Remove friction.Identity Shifts: Use affirmations like “I’m someone who prioritizes nourishing meals” to rewire self-perception.Track Progress: Use a habit tracker for nutrition, exercise, and mood.Social Accountability: Share goals with a friend or client group—social rewards activate dopamine.Hormone-Aware TimingAnticipate Lapses: Plan “if-then” scenariosStay tuned for 10 practical tips to make lasting changes in nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.This is Part 1 of 2 so check out next week's final part so that you can optimize YOUR health-based habits and beat self-sabotage.Hope you enjoy this one.Coach Sarah x