These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why
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” dietFeeling low on energy despite eating wellConfused about what’s actually healthyCraving 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📸 InstagramLONDON DAIRYThank 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-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% offSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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55:15
Moving to Dubai: Would I Still Do It? 3 Years Later HONEST Review
Thinking of moving to Dubai? Or just curious about life here? 🌆 In this episode, I give you my honest review after living here as an expat for the past 3 years — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This isn’t a sugar-coated guide or influencer highlight reel. It’s the real, unfiltered truth about what it’s like to build a life in Dubai as a foreigner.Whether you’re considering a move for work, lifestyle, or a fresh start, this episode dives into:✅ What surprised me most about Dubai✅ The hardest parts of adjusting as an expat✅ What I absolutely love about living here✅ Would I recommend it — and to who?✅ What I’d do differently if I were starting again💬 Have a question or thinking of moving to Dubai? Drop a me a comment on socials – I’d love to hear your story or help if I can!LONDON DAIRYThank 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.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-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% offSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Break This One Habit and Watch Your Self-Worth Transform w Davina Rankin
If you've ever felt like your worth depends on what you do, how you look, or who approves of you — you're not alone. In this raw and empowering conversation, Davina Rankin opens up about her journey of chasing external validation through modelling, relationships, and perfectionism… and what it took to finally feel enough without it.We dive deep into:✨ The habit that keeps you stuck in cycles of not-enoughness✨ Why external validation feels so addictive — and how to stop relying on it✨ The emotional shift that comes from choosing yourself first✨ How motherhood, celibacy, and solitude helped Davina reclaim her worthThis episode is a MUST-listen if you’re tired of seeking approval, performing for love, or feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself. It’s time to break the cycle and remember: your worth isn't something you earn — it's something you own.NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the bone broth range!✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: "THEBALANCETHEORY"CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 InstagramTIME STAMPS(01:27) Introduction(01:57) Why Celibacy?(08:04) Uncomfortable truth about yourself(12:32) Radical Self Acceptance(14:28) Don’t have poor spiritual hygiene(20:10) How has your feminine energy shifted(23:08) Practical Tips for moving away from External Validation(27:57) First step to seek your own validation(33:41) Showing up authentically you in all areas of your life equally (EVEN WORK)(38:33) Losing yourself & finding yourself as a mother(42:40) How has your self growth influenced your parenting?(46:05) Genuine Self love v Bandaid Self Love(47:56) Learn from your judgemental sideTHE STUDIO 🎥We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!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-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% offSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57:34
Overwhelmed by Gut Health & Nutrition? Here's What You Actually Need to Know
If you’ve ever felt confused by food labels, overwhelmed by gut health advice, or unsure which supplements are actually worth it — this episode is for you. We sit down with Lisa Baker, a dermal therapist turned nutritionist and supplement product developer, to demystify what’s really worth paying attention to when it comes to nutrition. From breaking down misleading food label claims to understanding the connection between gut health and overall wellbeing, Lisa shares practical, no-stress tips to help you make more confident and informed choices.✨ You’ll learn:– How to actually read food labels without getting lost– What ingredients to watch out for (even in “clean” products)– When supplements can support your diet — and when they’re unnecessary– Why gut health matters more than you think– How to build a realistic, balanced approach to eatingThis is your no-BS guide to gut health and nutrition — grounded, practical, and empowering.CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST📸 Instagram📚 Books TIME STAMPS(01:33) Introduction(02:43) Lisa’s journey from outside to inside health(05:44) 5 steps to creating a high quality product(10:48) Can we trust healthy clean labels?(14:33) What to look out for on labels(19:25) What foods/ingredients do you 100% avoid?(23:53) Supplements or Food?(26:05) Gut Health research update(29:25) Gut health helps mum’s breast milk for baby(32:34) FAD Diets - which one is worth exploring?(37:28) How does your work help you as a mum feeding your kids?(42:42) Is there a common nutrition rule you don’t agree with?(44:54) Ozempic - a concerning trend in Nutrition right now?NUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the bone broth range!✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: "THEBALANCETHEORY"THE STUDIO 🎥We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!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-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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50:55
8 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Ever feel like you should be further ahead by now? Like no matter how much you do, it still doesn’t feel like enough?In today’s episode, I’m walking you through 8 powerful signs that you’re actually doing far better than you give yourself credit for. If you’ve been doubting your progress, stuck in self-comparison, or just feeling behind in life — this one’s for you.💡 You’ll walk away feeling:Reassured you’re on the right path (even if it doesn’t look like it)- Validated in the quiet progress you have made- Clearer on what growth really looks like in this season- Let this episode be your reminder: you are not behind — you’re building.Press play and see if these 8 signs show up in your own life — chances are, they’re already there.🎧 Episode with Georgie StevensonNUTRAORGANICSToday's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and whole foods. I am currently LOVING the collagen powder and bone broth range.✨ GET 15% OFF USING CODE: THEBALANCETHEORYwww.nutraorganics.com.auTIME STAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:10) Sign 1(02:41) Sign 2(03:20) Sign 3(04:35) Sign 4(06:29) Sign 5(07:32) Sign 6(08:13) Sign 7(08:51) Sign 8👉🏽 My FREE Work Life Balance WorkshopWHO 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. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 Connect with me on IG!RESOURCES▶︎ 25 Day Self Development Marathon▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge▶︎ Goal Setting System E-BookLET’S BE FRIENDS📸 Instagram📱TiktokMY FAVOURITE STUFF💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Struggling to find balance in your life and achieve your goals? Join Erika De Pellegrin on The Balance Theory, a self development podcast packed with actionable strategies to build confidence, crush your goals, unlock the life you want and transform your mindset in the process. As a lawyer who’s conquered burnout, she shares powerful tips on self-growth, productivity, and unlocking your true potential—without the guilt, overwhelm & stress that comes from trying to juggle different areas of life. The Balance Theory is a powerful approach to reframing life balance, so you can build the life you are dreaming of without compromising what matters most. Join us weekly for practical and personal tools and insights to help find your unique balance, to be inspired by guests like Kayla Itsines, Kelsey Wells, Steph Claire Smith, Laura Henshaw, KIC Founders, Sarah Davidson, Chontel Duncan, Georgie Stevenson and more.Tune in to break through barriers and start living the life you deserve!Spotify Playlists:Mindset PlaylistSelf Awareness Playlist Health + Fitness PlaylistHead on over and connect with us on our TikTok, YouTube & Instagram!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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