Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

#426 Why it’s so hard for us to change with Eliza Kingsford, MA, LPC

Nov 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Eliza Kingsford, a licensed therapist and bestselling author known for her expertise in behavior change, explores how our nervous system influences habits and relationships with food. She breaks down the three nervous system states—safe, activated, and shutdown—and their effect on eating behaviors. Eliza emphasizes that true change requires feeling safe, urging listeners to build capacity through daily 'deposits' like nourishment and connection. Discover why willpower isn’t the answer and how to cultivate resilience for lasting transformation.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Nervous System Is The Control Panel

  • The nervous system is the control panel driving every thought, feeling, and action.
  • Addressing physiology upstream often unlocks behavior change that therapy alone couldn't achieve.
INSIGHT

Three Core Nervous System States

  • Humans operate in three main nervous system states: safe/connected, activated (fight/flight), and shutdown.
  • Chronic activation often precedes shutdown and explains many stress-driven behaviors.
ADVICE

Eat From Safety, Not Reactivity

  • If you eat in a safe and connected state, choose food intentionally and notice fullness cues.
  • Prioritize connection and awareness when eating to reduce reactive choices.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app