These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why

<p>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 <em>hidden ways your healthy habits might actually be backfiring</em> — and what to do instead.</p><br><p>This is not about restrictive diets or fear-based rules. It’s about helping you understand:</p><ul><li>Why fad diets often fail to create real, lasting change </li><li>How cheat meals mess with your gut and mindset more than you realise </li><li>What your gut <em>actually</em> needs to function well </li><li>Why eating “clean” doesn’t always mean eating right </li><li>How to build balanced meals that support your energy — even when you're busy </li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you’re:</p><ul><li>Always bloated, even on a “clean” diet</li><li>Feeling low on energy despite eating well</li><li>Confused about what’s <em>actually</em> healthy</li><li>Craving a simpler, more sustainable approach to food</li></ul><p><br></p><p>...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!</p><br><p>CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST</p><p>📸 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/layla.alnaif?igsh=MTZobjIzOGg1NXU4dA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>LONDON DAIRY</p><p>Thank you to <a href="https://bit.ly/3HpYOEE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">London Dairy</a>, 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.</p><br><p>TIME STAMPS</p><p>(01:30) Introduction</p><p>(02:52) FAD Diets: Which one should we avoid?</p><p>(06:31) When diets are only a means to an end</p><p>(11:30) Cheat meals are your worst friend</p><p>(15:04) What your gut needs</p><p>(16:53) Eating for your Blood Type</p><p>(18:56) Does your cultural heritage play role in what you can and can’t eat?</p><p>(27:07) Do emotions play a role in digestion?</p><p>(30:38) Is Fasting good?</p><p>(39:36) Should we aim for ‘healthy’ or ‘nutritious’?</p><p>(43:49) Blueprint for building our plates</p><p>(46:55) How to meal prep when you’re time poor?</p><br><p>WHO AM I?</p><p>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 📸 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erikadpelle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with me on IG!</a></p><br><p>RESOURCES</p><p>▶︎ <a href="https://bit.ly/46CoiqR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">21 Day Self Growth Challenge</a></p><p>▶︎ <a href="https://bit.ly/4fEFlfP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goal Setting System E-Book</a></p><br><p>LET’S BE FRIENDS</p><p>📸 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebalancetheorypodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>📱<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebalancetheorypodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiktok</a></p><br><p>MY FAVOURITE STUFF</p><p>💻 Email & Calendar tool - <a href="https://try.sunsama.com/igaha8bg2gvk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunsama for 1 Month free trial</a></p><p>🌱 <a href="https://bit.ly/3S1MHiV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wholefoods & Supplement</a>s - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off</p><p>Support this show <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory">http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory</a>.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Balance Theory · Erika De Pellegrin