She's So Lucky

Introducing Feel Good Friday! On Fridays, we’ll be sharing mini episodes with actionable wellness tips empowering you to live well. This week, we’re talking about creating space for healthy habits. It’s the time of year when a lot of people are trying to create better habits. While we’re all for creating healthy habits, it’s important to create space in your life so these healthy habits can stick. Tune in for advice on how to create space so you can implement better habits in 2019. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your new year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Deanna Belleny, MPH, RDN, co-founder of Diversify Dietetics - an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering students and young professionals from underrepresented minority groups to join the next generation of nutrition experts.   Deanna completed her bachelor's degree, dietetic internship, and masters degree in Houston, Texas and has loved working in such a diverse city (ranked as the most diverse city in the nation but who's counting!) Since her dietetic internship she noticed that the nutrition profession is not particularly diverse. It's quite the opposite. In fact, ONLY 9% of RDNs and NDTRs identifying as non-white. This is in stark contrast to the shifting demographic of the U.S.     In the spring of 2018, Deanna connected with Tamara Melton, MS, RDN, and they created Diversify Dietetics out of a need they saw was not being met. They set out to create a community to attract, encourage and empower students and young professionals of color who were seeking careers in the field of nutrition and dietetics.   In addition to her work with Diversify Dietetics, Deanna works full-time at Harvard Medical School. We had such a great conversation about ways to solve the diversity problem in the nutrition field, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share her story and the mission of Diversify Dietetics.   In this episode, we talk about… Why it is so important to increase ethnic representation in the nutrition field. How many of our “healthy eating” principles are eurocentric and miss the mark for a lot of people. Common obstacles non-white students face when embarking on a career in nutrition. Why it’s so important to educate mentors, teachers and hiring directors to diversify the nutrition field. ...and more!   RESOURCES: Diversify Dietetics Website: https://www.diversifydietetics.org/ Follow Diversify Dietetics on Instagram: http://instagram.com/diversifydietetics Like Diversify Dietetics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diversifydietetics/ Subscribe to the Feed Me The Facts Podcast: https://www.diversifydietetics.org/podcast/ Our Idea of Healthy Eating Excludes Other Cultures, and That's a Problem by Tamara Melton, MS, RDN, co-founder of Diversify Dietetics   NOTES FROM LES: Follow @curvycurl and @annaclausenfitness for Seattle community fitspo! If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your new year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our final episode of 2018, Les is sharing a personal, candid recap of the year. No topic is off limits. We touch on the highs and lows of 2018, what’s next for Balanced Black Girl, the real deal on setting goals that stick, and the question constantly in Les’ DM’s - when can we get more workouts? Tune into this intimate conversation to celebrate a year full of growth, challenges, and community. We break down: 2018 Highlights (Personal and in the Wellness Space) Lessons Learned What’s Next for Balanced Black Girl Real Talk on Goals and Resolutions   If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your new year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE.Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus solo episode, Les is answering listener questions on everything from food, to fitness, to hair care, to racism in the wellness space. Questions include:   What have been your experiences as a Balanced Black Girl doing outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, etc.)? What are some of your favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner options? What does your wash and go hair routine look like? How did you become comfortable talking about difficult subjects?   and more!   If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Pragati Gusmano, a Florida-based Functional Medicine Doctor and founder of Happy and Well, discusses her holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes of illness rather than just symptoms. She shares insights on the unique health challenges faced by women of color, offering practical tips for prevention and lifestyle changes. The conversation also highlights the need for better representation in wellness, the role of nutrition in immune health, and navigating seasonal illnesses.

Today, we’re talking to Bri Braggs, the founder of Fertile Alchemy. Bri is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who is passionate about educating women on the importance of preconception health and create a new narrative around their fertility. Bri helps her clients take charge of their fertility and hormonal health, and helps women live more conscious, holistic lifestyles in an approachable, doable way. She has also developed her own Aromatic Oil (make sure you shoot Bri a DM @FertileAlchemy letting her know you tuned in - she’ll give you a special discount code). Currently, Bri is working on expanding her line of products and writing her first book. She is currently enrolled in yoga teacher training and considers herself a “professional” at gluten free and dairy free baking. We had an incredible conversation about fertility and reproductive health for women of color, particularly black women, and know that you are going to find so much value in this episode.   In this episode, we talk about… Common fertility and hormone-related issues for women of color. How to start tracking your cycle to better understand your reproductive health. The spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of fertility. The disproportionate risk level of pregnancy and birth-related complications for black women, and how we can prevent putting ourselves at risk. Breaking generational patterns. Being a black woman in the wellness space (check out Bri’s Instagram post on the topic here).   RESOURCES: Fertile Alchemy Website: https://www.fertilealchemy.com/ Follow Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilealchemy/ Follow Fertile Alchemy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilealchemy/ Follow Fertile Alchemy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FertileAlchemy Bri’s Aromatic Oil: https://www.fertilealchemy.com/aromaticoil/fertile-alchemy-aromatic-oil (Shoot her a DM letting her know you tuned into the show for a special discount code!)   Join the BBG Community: Join the Balanced Black Girl Community on Facebook. Subscribe to the Balanced Black Girl newsletter for diverse, curated content delivered to your inbox weekly. Thanks for listening! Please take a moment to leave us a rating and review on iTunes.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Falesha Johnson. Falesha is a former professional track athlete turned empowerment speaker, speed and agility coach, and philanthropic adviser. Inspired by her personal love of track and field, Falesha saw a need for young athletes in her area to focus on speed and agility training. She then built her athletic training company Felite Performance, to help fill this void. She strongly believes that track and field have embedded characteristics in her such as resilience, adaptability, and time management skills that she continues to use in all aspects of life. Falesha is also a talented public speaker who leads inspiring talks on perseverance and creating a strong, authentic personal brand.   In this episode, we talk about… Her background as a professional track and field athlete. How she balances working full-time as a philanthropic adviser with running her own business. The importance of representation when it comes to coaches (for youth and adults) Setting and achieving audacious goals. Self-care for side hustlers.   RESOURCES: Falesha’s Website Follow Falesha on Instagram Follow Felite Performance on Instagram Get your ticket to the Ignited Womxn Summit to hear Falesha and Les speak (register before December 10 for early bird pricing!).   Join the BBG Community: Join the Balanced Black Girl Community on Facebook. Subscribe to the Balanced Black Girl newsletter for diverse, curated content delivered to your inbox weekly.   Thanks for listening! If you liked this episode, please take a moment to leave us a rating and review on iTunes.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re talking to Abiola Akanni, of Yoga by Biola. Abiola is a wellness entrepreneur best known for the Divine Feminine Workshop, and her unique yoga format Trap Vinyasa: A Body Positive Yoga Experience. Her yoga journey started 10 years ago after a bad drug habit and scoliosis diagnosis. Once she began applying yogic philosophy to her life she created a process of self-examination called the 5 self healing benefits of yoga in order to identify areas of growth. Currently, Abiola is focused on getting more yoga teachers of color teaching in their communities through her upcoming Trap Vinyasa mentorship program where she will be training the next generation of teachers to share the Trap Vinyasa format. In this episode, we talk about… Her prior struggles with bullying and substance abuse How yoga helped her heal through trauma and reshaped her life’s purpose Making yoga more accessible for underrepresented communities Her experiences as a Nigerian-American woman in the predominantly white US yoga industry Ways to make yoga feel more inclusive and focused on body positivity RESOURCES: Abiola’s Website: https://www.yogabybiola.com/ Trap Vinyasa Website: https://www.trapvinyasa.com/ Abiola’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogabybiola/ Yoga by Biola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogabybiola/ Yoga by Biola on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yogabybiola Subscribe to the Balanced Black Girl Newsletter: https://www.balancedblackgirl.com/subscribe Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ashley McGirt, a licensed mental health therapist and founder of her own counseling services, dives into vital conversations around mental health for women of color. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and destigmatizing mental health discussions within these communities. Ashley shares insights on navigating racial trauma and the unique challenges faced by black women. She also discusses her journey to becoming a mental health advocate and offers practical mental health tips for travelers, encouraging everyone to prioritize their emotional well-being.

Today, we’re talking to fitness coach Allison Tenney. Allison is known for her online fitness training programs and for founding the Ignited Womxn Summit, an annual wellness and leadership event that creates a space for learning through an inclusive lens. Over the past two years, Allison has really dug into understanding the importance of diversity, inclusion, and intersectional feminism both within and beyond the fitness space. It all started after her first Ignited Womxn event that she held on the heels of the 2016 Presidential Election. Currently, Allison is preparing for the 2019 Ignited Womxn Summit taking place in Seattle on February 9. During this conversation, she gets incredibly candid discussing challenging topics, and we’re so grateful for her honesty and willingness to share.   In this episode, we talk about… How the Ignited Womxn Summit came to be Why diversity in the wellness space is so important How those who are not a part of marginalized groups can be more supportive of those who are What it means to do the work Resources that can help individuals be better allies If you haven’t already, make sure you get your ticket to the Ignited Womxn Summit! You can register HERE (make sure you register before December 10 for early bird pricing). Yours truly will be a speaker - hope to see you there! RESOURCES: Allison’s Website: https://allisontenneyfitness.com/ Ignited Womxn Summit: http://ignitedwomxnsummit.com/ Allison’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisontenney/ On Whiteness by Erin Brown: https://www.iamerinbrown.info/blog/2017/1/4/on-whiteness Dr. Tee’s Foundations of Social Justice Course: https://imdrtee.com/foundationslivexxx/ White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo: https://amzn.to/2PYAHAFOur Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.