This week marks the first week of the school term. What does that mean for you?
Is it an opportunity for a fresh start, or does it feel a bit chaotic?
Probably a bit of both…..
As mums, many of us appreciate the structure that comes with the school term. And while I absolutely love school holidays—no lunchbox stress, slower mornings, no rushing sleepy kids out the door—by the end of the break, the lack of routine starts to create its own kind of chaos.
Maybe you’ve noticed it too.
●Things don’t get done.
●Your own health routines get pushed aside.
●Days feel a little more scattered.
As humans, our brains crave routine.
It’s comforting and familiar and helps things run smoothly.
So, as school starts back, some mums are celebrating, while others are already missing their little ones.
It’s the same mix of emotions for kids—excited to see their friends but not quite ready to dive back into school mode.
Stacking Habits: A Simple Way to Create Change
With this new routine kicking in, it’s the perfect time to think about habit stacking—a powerful way to make small but meaningful changes.
I recently ran a five-day online event on resetting sugar cravings and unlocking fat loss. One of the key strategies we talked about was habit stacking.
So, what is habit stacking?
Well, since our brains love routine, we can use that to our advantage by adding a new habit onto an existing one. Think about everyday tasks like:
- Brushing your teeth
- Putting on your seatbelt
- Making coffee in the morning
You don’t even think about these actions; they happen automatically because they’re wired into your brain.
That’s exactly why stacking a new habit onto an old one makes change easier and more sustainable.
Simple Ways to Stack Habits
Here are some easy ways you can stack new habits onto your current routines:
- Morning Coffee or Tea Routine.
- While waiting for the kettle or coffee machine, drink a glass of water to start your day hydrated.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or apple cider vinegar to support digestion and liver function.
- School Drop-off or Pick-up.
- Instead of scrolling on your phone while waiting, take a few deep breaths or do a quick 5-10-minute meditation to reset your nervous system.
- Bedtime Wind-Down
- Write a quick to-do list for the next day to clear your mind before sleep.
- Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on what went well and release lingering emotions.
- Cooking Dinner
- While waiting for food to cook, do some quick stretches or prep extra meals for the next few days.
Why Small Changes Work Best
Big changes can feel overwhelming, which is why New Year’s resolutions often don’t stick. But by stacking a new habit onto something automatic, it’s more likely to become part of your daily routine.
With time, your brain rewires itself to accommodate this new habit, making it effortless.
What Habit Will You Stack?
Now, over to you!
What’s one small habit you can stack onto your current routine? Will you start your morning with a glass of water before coffee? Maybe add some gentle stretching before launching into your day?
And if you’re looking for more ways to create sustainable health habits, I have a new event coming up next week. It’s all about weight loss without restrictive diets or excessive exercise—just simple, effective lifestyle shifts.
I’d hate for you to miss out!
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.