(S07) Let Them Eat Cake? Integrating "Let Them, Atomic Habits, and 7 Habits" with Traditional Models for Diabetes Care

Let Them…Eat Cake? This session explores how diabetes and nutrition educators can connect evidence-based behavior change models with modern habit frameworks from Atomic Habits, The Let Them Theory, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The session reframes common challenges, including burnout, overwhelm, perfectionism, and decision fatigue, as issues of system design rather than motivation or willpower. Attendees will learn how traditional models such as the Transtheoretical Model, Health Belief Model, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy align with practical strategies like habit stacking, environment design, identity-based habits, self-efficacy, and boundary-setting. Through practical diabetes and nutrition examples, DCESs gain actionable tools and language to reduce shame, improve engagement, and support sustainable behavior change.