EPISODE · Jun 15, 2025 · 55 MIN
These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why
from The Balance Theory · host Erika De Pellegrin
Think you’re doing everything right — eating clean, avoiding junk, trying all the wellness trends — but still feel bloated, tired, or stuck? You’re not alone. In this episode, leading nutritionist Layla Al-Naif joins us to unpack the hidden ways your healthy habits might actually be backfiring — and what to do instead. This is not about restrictive diets or fear-based rules. It’s about helping you understand: Why fad diets often fail to create real, lasting change How cheat meals mess with your gut and mindset more than you realise What your gut actually needs to function well Why eating “clean” doesn’t always mean eating right How to build balanced meals that support your energy — even when you're busy If you’re: Always bloated, even on a “clean” diet Feeling low on energy despite eating well Confused about what’s actually healthy Craving a simpler, more sustainable approach to food ...this episode will help you reset your thinking and feel better — without the overwhelm. Simplified no BS advice from Layla to get your nutrition on track! CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram LONDON DAIRY Thank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment. TIME STAMPS (01:30) Introduction (02:52) FAD Diets: Which one should we avoid? (06:31) When diets are only a means to an end (11:30) Cheat meals are your worst friend (15:04) What your gut needs (16:53) Eating for your Blood Type (18:56) Does your cultural heritage play role in what you can and can’t eat? (27:07) Do emotions play a role in digestion? (30:38) Is Fasting good? (39:36) Should we aim for ‘healthy’ or ‘nutritious’? (43:49) Blueprint for building our plates (46:55) How to meal prep when you’re time poor? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
Think you’re doing everything right — eating clean, avoiding junk, trying all the wellness trends — but still feel bloated, tired, or stuck? You’re not alone. In this episode, leading nutritionist Layla Al-Naif joins us to unpack the hidden ways your healthy habits might actually be backfiring — and what to do instead. This is not about restrictive diets or fear-based rules. It’s about helping you understand: Why fad diets often fail to create real, lasting change How cheat meals mess with your gut and mindset more than you realise What your gut actually needs to function well Why eating “clean” doesn’t always mean eating right How to build balanced meals that support your energy — even when you're busy If you’re: Always bloated, even on a “clean” diet Feeling low on energy despite eating well Confused about what’s actually healthy Craving a simpler, more sustainable approach to food ...this episode will help you reset your thinking and feel better — without the overwhelm. Simplified no BS advice from Layla to get your nutrition on track! CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📸 Instagram LONDON DAIRY Thank you to London Dairy, the sponsors of today's episode. This is your reminder to carve out a moment just for you today! Join me and my London Dairy ice cream tub on the couch for that self-care mmmm moment. TIME STAMPS (01:30) Introduction (02:52) FAD Diets: Which one should we avoid? (06:31) When diets are only a means to an end (11:30) Cheat meals are your worst friend (15:04) What your gut needs (16:53) Eating for your Blood Type (18:56) Does your cultural heritage play role in what you can and can’t eat? (27:07) Do emotions play a role in digestion? (30:38) Is Fasting good? (39:36) Should we aim for ‘healthy’ or ‘nutritious’? (43:49) Blueprint for building our plates (46:55) How to meal prep when you’re time poor? WHO AM I? My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process 📸 Connect with me on IG! RESOURCES ▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge ▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book LET’S BE FRIENDS 📸 Instagram 📱Tiktok MY FAVOURITE STUFF 💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial 🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.