345 // Why Guilt Isn’t Helping Your Health Goals (And What to Do Instead)
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this Health, Wellth & Wisdom Podcast episode, host and Nutrition Coach Nicole Hagen explores why guilt and shame don’t drive behavior change and can’t be the default response to missteps if we want to successfully reach health goals.
This episode explains how guilt/shame actually shut down behavior change rather than supporting it and what a more productive, compassionate response actually looks like.
Throughout this episode, you’ll learn:
Why guilt and shame are learned responses when it comes to food and exercise
How self-criticism undermines consistency, motivation, and trust with your body
Why “holding yourself accountable” doesn’t require punishment
How to reframe missed goals as information instead of failure
Practical tools for positive self-talk that support growth instead of shutdown
If you find yourself spiraling after an “off” day, feeling discouraged when you don’t meet your goals, or believing you need to be harder on yourself to see results, this episode will help you understand why that approach backfires and why responding with curiosity, compassion, and strategy creates more sustainable progress.
Apply for 1:1 Nutrition Coaching:
https://nutritioncoachingwithnicole.com/1-on-1-coaching
Check your HSA/FSA Eligibility:
https://app.truemed.com/qualify/tm_qual_q0c29x5n9v
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In this Health, Wellth & Wisdom Podcast episode, host and Nutrition Coach Nicole Hagen explores why guilt and shame don’t drive behavior change and can’t be the default response to missteps if we want to successfully reach health goals. This episode explains how guilt/shame actually shut down behavior change rather than supporting it and what a more productive, compassionate response actually looks like. Throughout this episode, you’ll learn: Why guilt and shame are learned responses when it comes to food and exercise How self-criticism undermines consistency, motivation, and trust with your body Why “holding yourself accountable” doesn’t require punishment How to reframe missed goals as information instead of failure Practical tools for positive self-talk that support growth instead of shutdown If you find yourself spiraling after an “off” day, feeling discouraged when you don’t meet your goals, or believing you need to be harder on yourself to see results, this episode will help you understand why that approach backfires and why responding with curiosity, compassion, and strategy creates more sustainable progress. Apply for 1:1 Nutrition Coaching: https://nutritioncoachingwithnicole.com/1-on-1-coaching Check your HSA/FSA Eligibility: https://app.truemed.com/qualify/tm_qual_q0c29x5n9v