You’re not weak, broken, or lacking discipline. If you keep reaching for food at the end of a long day, there’s nothing wrong with you—there’s something going on inside you. In this episode, we break down what’s really happening in your brain and body when emotional eating shows up (especially in the evening), and why willpower alone isn’t the answer.

This isn’t about blaming your cravings on “bad habits”—it’s about understanding the biology behind them so you can finally stop fighting yourself and start supporting your nervous system instead.

We’ll cover what’s actually happening with your dopamine and GABA levels, why your brain shifts into survival mode, and simple tools to regulate your body and create better routines that don’t rely on food to soothe. No shame, no restriction—just science, compassion, and strategies that work in real life.

What you’ll learn:

• Why your brain turns to carbs, sugar, or wine in moments of overwhelm
• What’s really driving emotional eating (hint: it’s not hunger)
• The “brain battery” metaphor that explains your low-willpower moments
• How to use simple pattern interrupts, sensory shifts, and micro-boundaries
• Why predictability = safety, and how to use that to rewire your habits
• Tools that take 30–90 seconds—but create powerful change

You don’t need more willpower. You need better tools—and the right kind of support.

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Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group

Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com

Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

If you’ve been working hard to lose weight and still not seeing results, you’re probably focusing on the wrong things. In this episode, I walk you through the Weight Loss Hierarchy—a no-BS breakdown of the five things that actually move the needle... and the ones that don’t.

Spoiler: it’s not cardio, detox teas, or hormone-balancing foods.

We’ll go layer by layer—from the non-negotiable of energy deficit (yep, calories still matter), to the underrated impact of daily movement, to the food quality choices that affect your cravings, energy, and consistency. We’ll also get real about strength training, sleep, and why “doing everything right” can still fall flat if you don’t have the right pieces in place.

You’ll learn:

• Why calorie deficit is the one truth every diet has in common
• How much daily movement really matters (more than your workouts!)
• Why what’s on your plate affects how you feel and what you crave
• How lifting weights changes the fat loss game
• The surprising role of sleep and stress in sustainable weight loss
• What to stop wasting time on (cardio, supplements, clean eating)

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want a science-backed, simplified plan—this one’s for you.

Support the show

Get Weekly Health Tips: thrivehealthcoachllc.com

Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group

Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com

Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

In this episode, I break down five simple, realistic, science-backed strategies that will help you enjoy the season without falling into the cycle of restriction, regret, and starting over in January. You’ll learn how your body responds to food based on volume—not just calories, why snacking might be secretly derailing your goals, and how to be intentional without being obsessive. Spoiler: you're going to eat 3–5 pounds of food per day no matter what. The power comes from choosing what that food is and the order in which you eat it.

Here’s what we cover:

• The “3–5 pound rule” and how your body actually registers fullness
• The difference between energy-dense vs. high-volume foods
• Why how you move during the holidays matters more than you think
• Five practical levers to enjoy indulgences without guilt
• What really causes holiday weight gain (and how to prevent it)

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having a plan that works with your biology—and lets you enjoy the eggnog latte without starting from scratch in January.

Support the show

Get Weekly Health Tips: thrivehealthcoachllc.com

Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group

Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com

Podcast Produced by Virtually You!