Healthy Teen Life

138: Body Truce: How to Stop Fighting the Skin You're In

Most of us struggle with body image inside our head. As a teen or college student, most people probably aren't aware of how much thought and energy goes into body image because it's not something you want to share or admit -- until it starts to take over. If you're feeling like your body is a problem to be fixed, this episode cuts through the noise of toxic body culture and gives you practical tools to make peace with your physical self.
You'll learn why you're NOT broken for struggling with body image (looking at you, billion-dollar industries profiting off our insecurities!), and discover actionable strategies to stop body anxiety from holding you back from the things you actually want to do in life. Whether you're avoiding dating, the beach with friends, or just looking in the mirror, this episode shows you how to build genuine body confidence that doesn't depend on changing how you look.
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow, and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults (and parents, too) seeking relevant health and wellness information.
Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Parents: Grab a copy of our FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen.
 
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137: Breaking Free from Food Guilt

This episode is for any teen or young adult who has the food police running loose in their head or find thoughts about food are occupying too much mind space. It's time to stop feeling guilty about every bite! In this episode, we break down why your relationship with food is so complicated (spoiler: it's not your fault) and give you practical ways to make peace with eating. You'll learn how to recognize harmful food rules, quiet that annoying inner critic, and actually enjoy meals again—without the side dish of anxiety, regret or shame. Whether you're tired of the restrict-binge cycle or just exhausted from overthinking everything you eat, this episode gives you the roadmap to food freedom that actually works in real life.
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information.
Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
 
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136: Fixing this ONE Thing Can Switch Your Brain from Blah to Hurrah

Feeling anxious, low-energy, or just not like yourself lately? It’s not all in your head—and it’s not something you have to just deal with. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on in your body and how an unhealthy metabolism could be causing anxiety, depression, brain fog, low energy, or other physical and mental health struggles… and the one major solution to start fixing it, now. Discover how one major solution can transform your energy, focus and overall health in just six weeks —including clear, simple changes you can make right now to start feeling better. No dieting, no extremes—just the truth and tools for fueling your body and mind -- that actually work.
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information.
Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA improve weight and nutrition, body image and self-esteem.
Just browsing? Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen here.
 
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135: Metabolism & Mental Health: How Diet Can Heal the Mind

Ever wondered why traditional mental health treatments often fall short? Despite therapy sessions and prescriptions, are you or a loved one still struggling with anxiety or depression? Well, the answer might be on your plate, not just in your therapist's office.
In this eye-opening episode, Leslie sits down with Dr. Matthew Bernstein, clinical psychiatrist for over 20-years, and a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry, to expose the powerful connection mainstream medicine has overlooked for years: how your metabolism directly impacts your mental health. Until now, we've been missing a fundamental truth—what you eat literally shapes how you think.
Dr. Bernstein shares compelling research showing how optimizing your metabolic health through strategic dietary choices can transform anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and other mental health challenges. 
Discover why the food-mood connection might be the game-changer you've been searching for, and learn actionable strategies to harness your metabolism for mental wellness—it's potentially the missing piece in your mental health puzzle.
For more on Dr. Matthew Berstein visit:
https://accordmh.com/
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Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
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134: Neurohack Your Snack Attack: Rewiring Emotional Eating

Why do teens and college students stress eat during exam time; crave and binge on sweets after scrolling TikTok; or while feeling anxiety from social drama? This episode breaks down the science of how your nervous system contributes to emotional eating, explaining why willpower has nothing to do with stopping it. Discover practical "neurohacks" to recognize when anxiety is triggering your cravings and learn simple techniques to regulate your system before heading to the fridge. Perfect for teens struggling with stress eating, anxiety-induced munchies, or anyone looking to understand the real body-mind connection between emotions and food.
If you want to stop stress and anxiety from hijacking your eating habits and pushing you towards unhealthy choices, listen to the end for simple action steps you can start using immediately.
Like this episode? Please take one second to rate and review the show. It helps us reach more young people and their parents seeking youth health and wellness information for a happier, healthier life.
Get Support: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/young adult overcome weight or unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Holistic coaching that results in deep and sustainable change.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
 
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133: Exercise That Doesn't Suck: Finding Fitness & Movement You Love

You know you should exercise for your health, you want to start something, anything, yet you're struggling to find your "jam". Or you're exercising but it seems like a struggle to do and stay consistent.
In this episode Leslie challenges conventional fitness narratives and dives into rethinking movement—not as a punishment or obligation, but as a personal journey that inspires joy and longevity. Discover your unique "movement personality," learn how to separate exercise from appearance goals, and explore practical strategies for making physical activity a natural, positive part of your life that enhances you mentally and physically. Featuring actionable steps to transform your relationship with exercise from obligation to celebration. 
Whether you're an athlete, a beginner, or somewhere in between, this episode is filled with actionable advice to help reshape your relationship with physical activity for the better. Embrace fitness as self-care and transform how you live your life!
Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too.
Parents: if you’re looking to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem, schedule a free consult call with me here.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
 
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132: Be Your Own BFF: 3 Self-Compassion Hacks that Build Inner Strength

In a world that pushes perfectionism and self-criticism, what if the real secret to resilience was being your own best friend? In this episode, on Self-Compassion, we explore personal struggles with self-doubt and reveal how the science-backed practice of self-compassion can transform your relationship with yourself. Featuring insights from Dr. Kristin Neff's research, this episode offers teens and young adults simple, actionable steps to shift from self-criticism to self-kindness, boost motivation, and improve mental health. Learn how treating yourself with the same kindness you'd show a friend isn't just nice—it's scientifically proven to boost motivation, improve mental health, and help you bounce back from setbacks stronger than before. Whether you're a teen or a parent, tune in to discover actionable insights and nurture inner peace during these formative years.
Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too.
Parents: if you’re looking to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem, schedule a free consult call with me here.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
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131: Born Worthy: The Three Virtues Every Teen Already Possesses

In this powerful episode we delve into the transformative power of three inherent virtues every human possesses: uniqueness, equality, and infinite value.
Listen to discover how understanding these virtues can transform how teens and young adults navigate the complexities of life, from social media pressures to college anxieties, dating and friendship challenges, and major life decisions. Learn practical techniques for internalizing these concepts as tools for building confidence, authentic identity and a greater self-worth. Essential listening for any young person questioning their worth in a world of constant comparison and judgement.
Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too.
Parents: if you’re looking to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem, schedule a free consult call with me here.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
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130: Unfiltered: Navigating Body Image in a World of Perfect Posts

In this eye-opening episode, we break down how social media's filtered reality impacts teen and young adult body image. Learn to spot editing techniques, understand the psychology behind comparison, and discover practical action steps to help manage screen time and protect your self-image while still enjoying social platforms. Featuring three actionable steps to build a healthier relationship with your feed and your body. Essential listening for any teen or young adult who's ever felt inadequate after a scroll session.
If you're a teen, college-age young adult, or a supportive parent, tune in to better understand the digital world's influence and empower yourself with the tools for a balanced and confident life. Don't miss this chance to reshape the way you engage with technology and redefine your view on body image in today’s digital age.
Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too.
Parents: if you’re looking to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem, schedule a free consult call with me here.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
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129: Teen Cooking Skills That Build Confidence, Leadership & Healthy Habits

Getting in the kitchen could be the key to healthier eating, greater confidence, and real-world independence for teens and young adults in college or living on their own. In this episode, Leslie is joined by Lynn Fredericks, founder and CEO of Family Cook Products and the Teen Battle Chef program—a hands-on experience that teaches cooking skills for teens while fostering teamwork, leadership, and healthy nutrition choices. Learn how cooking can improve self-esteem, weight management, and lifelong wellness habits. Whether a beginner in the kitchen or a future chef, this episode is packed with insights for parents, young adults, and teens looking to make food fun, empowering, and nutritious.
Episode Links and Bio: Show Notes
Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too.
Parents: if you’re looking to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem, schedule a free Clarity Call with me here.
Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next).
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