Ladies, let’s talk about habits—the good, the bad, and the snacky. As women over 40 with full calendars and countless responsibilities, it can feel impossible to steer your habits in a healthier direction. But here’s the truth: It’s not about having more willpower—it’s about hacking your habits to work for you, not against you.
Why do we need to rethink habits? Simply put, our routines often become invisible drivers of behaviors that don’t serve us. For example, that mid-afternoon cookie or nighttime crisp binge may feel automatic, but it’s simply a learned response your brain has been wired to expect. The good news? Habits can be unlearned and replaced with smarter choices.
Interrupt the Pattern: Often, snacking isn’t about hunger—it’s triggered by boredom, stress, or routine. When you find yourself reaching for snacks, pause and ask, What am I feeling right now? Identify whether it’s physical hunger or emotional hunger. If it’s emotional, distract yourself for 5 minutes—take a walk, stretch, or text a friend.
Rework Your Environment: Out of sight, out of mind is more than a cliche—it’s science. Store tempting snacks in opaque containers or in places that are inconvenient to reach. Instead, keep healthier options like nuts or veggie sticks easily accessible.
Create an Eating Schedule: Set defined times for meals and snacks, and stick to them. This trains your body to expect food at predictable intervals rather than constantly grazing. Plus, when your brain knows food is coming at specific times, you’re less likely to feel deprived.
Breaking free from ingrained habits takes time, but every small step adds up to a bigger win. You’re busy—so make your habits work as hard as you do.
Until next time, keep hacking your habits—you’ve got this!
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