The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 523: From Couch, to Garden, to Whole Foods and a Whole New Life Down 160 Pounds | Helene Leeds and Penelope Popken, Step It Up
Jul 11, 2025
Helene Leeds, a passionate mother and former MasterChef contestant, and her daughter Penelope Popken, who lost 160 pounds by embracing whole foods, share their transformative journey through food addiction and weight loss. They discuss the significant impact of gardening, outdoor time, and cooking on their healing process. Together, they've rejected quick fixes, focusing instead on sustainable living and empowerment. Their inspiring story highlights the power of connection, patience in change, and reclaiming freedom through mindful eating and movement.
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Multi-Generational Weight Struggles
- Helene saw her mother struggle with morbid obesity and addiction to unhealthy food throughout her childhood.
- Penelope reached 320 pounds by age 15, battling depression and emotional eating, despite efforts to intervene.
Processed Foods Hijack Health
- Ultra processed foods hijack the gut microbiome and brain, driving addictive eating behaviors.
- Outdoor time and less screen exposure improve metabolic function and emotional health.
Therapy Fueled Food Addiction
- Penelope hid junk food and overate despite therapy, which ironically included snacks undermining her progress.
- Therapists advised not to discuss weight, deepening her struggle with food addiction.
