We all start the new year with big health goals, right?
Whether it’s meal prepping, fitting into those jeans, or aiming for a summer six-pack.
But, let’s be real – after a strong start, we sometimes lose steam. Maybe we forget to meal plan, the scale isn’t cooperating, and the mirror isn’t our best friend.
Don’t worry; we’re not alone in this struggle.
Meet Emily Nichols – Our Habits Guru
I was lucky to chat with Emily Nichols, a certified personal trainer and the host of the Habit Hack Your Health podcast.
She’s like our habits guru, helping busy working moms (like you and me) achieve big goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Emily’s got some cool tricks up her sleeve to show us how to make “atomic habits” work for women. You might have heard about James Clear and his book “Atomic Habits.”
Well, Emily’s here to guide us on incorporating these habits with a unique twist for us awesome women.
Why Habits for Women Need a Different Approach
Emily noticed something when she and her husband were on a health journey together.
For him, it seemed easy-peasy, but for her (and many other women), not so much.
Why? Women tend to have an “all or nothing” mentality.
We start strong on Monday, planning to work out an hour daily, do massive meal preps, journal, and meditate every night. Sounds fantastic, right?
But, life happens, and we get overwhelmed. Emily understands this struggle, and she’s here to teach us a smarter, more doable approach.
The Big Secret: Small Micro Steps
Here’s the juicy secret Emily spilled: Instead of big, massive steps, take small micro steps.
Start with what Emily calls “habit loops” – a cue, routine, and reward system. It’s like brushing your teeth – automatic and easy!
For example, while cooking, throw in extra protein for tomorrow. Simple, right?
Finding Your Why and Starting Small
Emily suggests finding your deep “why.”
Not just wanting to be healthy or fit into jeans, but something more profound. Maybe you want to feel confident, sleep better, and be your best for your loved ones.
Once you’ve got your why, start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Give it time, track your progress, and watch the magic happen.
Creating Habit Loops: The Superpower Trick
The coolest strategy Emily shared is creating habit loops. These are like magical spells for habits!
Remember brushing your teeth? It’s a habit loop – something triggers it (cue), you brush (routine), and voila – you’ve got fresh breath (reward).
Apply this to your habits, like meal prepping or moving your body. Find a cue, create a routine, and enjoy the reward.
Emily even has a secret podcast feed called “Atomic Habits for Women,” where she dives deeper into these habit loops. .
Wrap-Up and Where to Connect
So, there you have it – Emily’s fantastic tips on making healthy habits stick.
If you want to listen to our full chat, click the play button on the player below.
You can also connect with Emily on Instagram @EmilyNichols2, and she’s always up for a good chat.
Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, taking small steps, and making habits part of your awesome life journey.
LISTEN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER
Links Mentioned in This Episode
- Emily’s Website: http://www.emily-nichols.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emilynichols22
- Private Podcast Feed:
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
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