Your Brain’s Two Voices

Which One Are You Listening To?

Ever feel like you want to make a change, but something deep inside keeps pulling you back into old habits? Yeah, it’s a really common challenge that many of us are trying to overcome. But. it’s not just willpower or motivation causing this headache; it’s your brain doing what it was designed to do to protect you.

And as you’ve probably noticed, not all protection is helpful! So, how do we move forward?

First, you must understand that your brain has two main voices when it comes to decision-making. Then, you must learn how to distinguish between these two voices, in order to break free from the patterns that hold you back.

The Primitive Brain: Keeping You “Safe” (But, Stuck)

The primitive brain (your limbic system) is the part responsible for survival. It operates on instinct by seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and conserving energy. Here are some examples you may notice in your day-to-day life:

• It craves comfort and routine—so it resists change

• It avoids discomfort—so it pushes you toward quick relief (hello, emotional eating)

• It fears uncertainty—so it clings to old patterns, even when they’re harmful

And this may happen because:

• You reach for food when you’re stressed—it’s a quick way to soothe discomfort.

• You avoid starting new habits because what if it doesn’t work?

• You stick with familiar routines (even diets that failed before) because they feel safe.

So as you can see, your primitive brain isn’t trying to sabotage you; it just doesn’t know the difference between actual danger and temporary discomfort.

The Higher Brain: Your Path to Growth

The higher brain (your prefrontal cortex) is where logic, long-term thinking, and intentional choices live. This is the part of your brain that:

• Helps you reflect before reacting

• Understands that short-term discomfort can lead to long-term growth

• Guides you to make choices based on values, not fear

So, when you pause and give yourself to engage your higher brain, you can take back control from old survival patterns.

How to Shift from the Primitive to the Higher Brain

1. Pause Before You Act: Rather than automatically reacting to an urge (whether it’s reaching for food, skipping a workout, or avoiding a new habit), take a moment and ask yourself: “Is this a decision I want to make, or is my brain trying to protect me from discomfort?”

2. Get Comfortable With Discomfort: Not all discomfort is bad and you don’t need to be ashamed or embarrassed for being uncomfortable. So the next time you feel resistance, remind yourself: “This is just my brain looking out for me, but I get to choose if this actually serves me.”

3. Create A Supportive Thought: Replace your survival-based thinking (“This is too hard, I can’t do it”) with something that activates your higher brain, is compassionate, and offers you support: “This is unfamiliar, but I am capable of handling it.” or “Discomfort is temporary, but growth lasts.”

Try It For Yourself?

Next time you feel stuck, pause and ask: “Which part of my brain am I listening to right now?”

Because the moment you start leading with intention instead of fear, you change everything! And this is exactly what we focus on inside my 12-week coaching program. So, if you’re ready to break free from old patterns and build a relationship with food that actually works for you (without restriction or guilt), apply for my 12 Week Coaching Program “Toodles” to Your “Trigger” Foods!