Healthy Teen Life

Ultra-processed foods. There's been a lot of talk about them recently and studies are beginning to point more to their negative health effects on our health. Problem is, they're a major part of our everyday life. In this episode I cover what defines an ultra-processed food, how to spot them and what to do to transition off a daily diet of UPFs, plus four strategies that make it easier and more sus...

If you’d like a way to eat healthier, feel better and even lose some weight, without diets or giving up foods you enjoy, then you’ll want to learn about empowered eating. In this episode you’ll hear from Keri Glassman, a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist who is regularly featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Rachael Ray Show, is the author of four books, f...

Do you want to get fit in 2024 but you’re nervous about getting started at a gym or group program? Does working out stress you out, cause anxiety, or cause you to avoid going? Gym anxiety is real and it can be a big roadblock to fitness and healthier living. But it doesn't have to be that way! Listen to today’s episode with my daughter Zoe, who’s gone through what you’re likely feeling and overcam...

If standard issue New Year Resolutions aren't your thing, or maybe you want to work on character traits and attributes over more physical goals like weight change or improved overall health, then trying an In/Out list might be a better strategy. For many teenagers and young adults, creating an In/Out list can be highly effective in creating change with thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that are unhe...

Want to set a New Year's resolution? One that is more likely to succeed and not become one of the 91% who never accomplish their goal? Then you need to ask yourself four essential questions that help gain clarity, develop a plan, and be prepared for challenges along the way. Want additional support? Get on the waitlist here for my next group coaching session coming in January.   If you like this e...

As concerns about the environment, our natural resources and the changing climate continue to grow, our actions as individuals can have an impact on the future. Eating with sustainability in mind is one way of having a significant influence through your choices, buying power and voice. Listen in for a simple changes you can make that can have a positive impact on the environment and your own help....

We've long thought what was worrying our mind, made our gut feel bad but more and more research is showing it's the opposite. When we have an unhealthy gut biome that's out of balance, it can not only affect how we feel phsysically, like nausea or bloating, but it can also affect how we think and feel mentally. Today I'm joined by Dr. Uma Naidoo who explains how food and the diet we eat can impact...

If you've ever noticed yourself or a family member getting more down and out during the winter months, it may be a case of the Winter Blues. It's a time of the year when people can get low on their feelings and emotions but not fully understand why or what's going on. Feelings like these can be confusing and often can be confused with other conditions. Listen in to learn more about Seasonal Affect...

Every holiday season we find ourselves over-indulging and feeling bloated, guilty and regretful. But it doesn't have to be that way. There is a way to approach holiday events and eating with mindfulness and strategies in hand that have you enjoying and feeling great come the new year. Listen in for 3 simple yet highly effective strategies that can make a huge difference in how you handle any holid...

While calories are the largest information on a nutrition label, it's definitely not the only reason to look a nutrition facts label. In today's episode, I break down the 5 primary sections, why the base calculations are not directly applicable to a teenage person, variables to be aware of, how to use the contents as a reference point, and one area in particular that is often overlooked and under...

Growth mindset, do you have it? The concept has grown in popularity but is often misunderstood because it's generalized and confused with mindfulness or other practices. In this episode, Leslie defines mindset, the differences between fixed and growth mindsets, and how to develop a growth mindset that supports you and your personal life. Learn the six biggest characteristics that define growth min...

If you're a high school student considering college or a current freshman in college (or a parent), this episode is a must listen! Today I'm joined by author and mentor, Nora Bradbury-Haehl, an expert on college transitions and navigating your freshman year. PLUS, two high school juniors who are currently exploring college options and what their life will be like when they get there. Listen in as...

If you're wondering what might be causing or increasing your depression, take a look at your intake of ultra-processed foods. New ground-breaking research reveals specific processed, packaged foods that are linked to the development of depression. Listen in to find out what these foods are, how much is too much, and how to make changes to your diet to reduce or even eliminate your depression sympt...

Feeling down, stressed, anxious, or things just don't seem to be going well for you? Well this episode just might be the cure! Listen in as Leslie explains a positivity method that's research-backed and effective with increasing happiness and well-being. It's just 5 simple steps that only take a few minutes a day, it's fun, and reaps many positive rewards.  To help more teens seeking health and we...

If you find yourself consistently worrying about events, conversations, or situations in your life with friends, parents, teachers, or even the world at large, then you know how the constant repeat of thoughts can interfere with everyday thinking and functioning. Constant repetition of a thought or issues is called rumination and when it’s consistently focused on discouraging or adverse thoughts,...

Knowing if you're getting sufficient essential nutrients in your diet, which ones matter, and why is not always easy to know. There isn't a clear rule book or guide to go by. It varies for each individual based on dietary preferences, physical activity, pre-existing health conditions, and more. But there are several, that are more important during your adolescent years for supporting your overall...

When we see, hear, read or talk about weight and health, the first two topics that come up are diet (e.g. dieting) and exercise. Yet that's sadly inaccurate and misses several more important factors in ensuring you can sustain healthy weight for your body and your life, and, most importantly live healthy with potentially fewer healthy challenges along the way. Listen in as I talk about the other 5...

If you've ever struggled with loving yourself, knowing who you are, or always putting others before you, this episode is for you. Today, Leslie is joined by Patricia Anglin, author of "The Power Within Her: Seek Inside and Harness Your Untapped Potential" for a deep, enlightening and uplifting discussion on loving yourself from the inside out. If you'd like more information about Patti and her wor...

We all have those times when fear of change takes over and we stick with what's comfortable. Sometimes that's okay. Other times it holds us back and keeps us from reaching a desired goal or making change that's ultimately beneficial for ourselves and our personal growth. Today's episode will walk you through four distinct zones I've learned from Positive Psychology that will help you break out of...

There's a part of puberty that most people don't talk about yet is a major part of our emotional, moral and social development into adulthood. In today's episode I'm joined by Dr. Lori Reichel, the Puberty Prof, and we address more complex puberty concerns that most high school and college students want to know about. So forget body hair, periods, and growth spurts, let's talk next level 2.0 puber...

Your teen years are a time of big change socially, academically, athletically, emotionally, mentally, and even physically. So when your body changes and grows at an unexpected rate, it can be feel overwhelming. One more challenge to deal with and it's visible and not easy to hide. Feeling self-conscious and bad about yourself is the last thing you need to deal with. Well, it doesn't have to be tha...

While you may not currently think it's a big deal, eating and staying healthy during college IS the foundation of success at college, as you'll hear in today's episode with guest host and current college student, Zoe. She's experienced some of the highs and lows with eating at college and shares her learnings and tips for navigating healthy eating while having fun. We cover: How to navigate and ea...

If you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergies, or belief you may have one of these conditions, today's in-depth episode will provide all the answers. Join me as I talk with Monica Buzzell,  a Certified Gluten Free Practitioner and an Integrative Health Coach, specializing in celiac and gluten free living for families and individuals. She helps people easily...

It's no secret that stress, anxiety and depression are much more common today than we'd like, especially among middle, high school and college students. Which is why finding and implementing strategies that help reduce and prevent, is so important. In today's episode, Leslie shares three research-backed health habits that are proven to combat daily stressors that can lead to serious, chronic condi...

Media can be a great source of information but it can also get under our skin and get us down. As a teen, when your social life is growing and evolving, and social media can play a major role, it can be that much more sensitive. Which is why doing a media detox can be a highly effective means of realigning yourself and resetting priorities. In today's episode I provide insights on why and how to d...