This podcast episode explains why the brain prefers cake to broccoli, using the concept of reward-based learning. It details how habits are formed through a trigger, behavior, and reward system, with the brain prioritizing behaviors with higher reward values. The speaker argues that willpower alone is insufficient for breaking bad habits; instead, awareness of the present-moment experience of a behavior is crucial for updating its reward value. The podcast cites studies from the speaker's "Craving to Quit" and "Eat Right Now" programs, demonstrating how mindfulness and attention to the actual experience of a habit (e.g., noticing the unpleasant taste of a cigarette) can lead to significant habit changes, reducing cravings and reliance on willpower.
