She's So Lucky

A few weeks back on Feel Good Friday we talked about creating a morning self-care routine. Today, we’re talking about creating a night time routine. Having a solid night routine can help you get more rest, properly recover from workouts, and improve your focus for the next day. Tune in for three simple tips to help you create a relaxing nighttime routine that works for you! Mentioned in this episode... Sunday Night Slow Jams Playlist 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 are talking to Michelle White, self-care blogger and author of the guided self-care journal, Self Explore, Self Restore. Michelle created her website gmichelle.com to offer space for folks to practice self-care regularly and strengthen their self-love. Michelle is a licensed social worker in the states of Illinois and Georgia. From her experiences in providing clinical services, technical assistance and trainings on interpersonal trauma, domestic violence and child abuse, Michelle understands how difficult it can be to practice self-care on a regular basis.    In this episode, we talk about… Simple ways to start a self-care practice. Overcoming guilt around practicing self-care. Practicing self-care in ways that are fulfilling for our needs. How to cultivate self-love through practicing self-care.   RESOURCES: Read Michelle’s Blog: https://gmichelle.com/ Follow Michelle on Instagram @thegmichelle  Michelle’s Self-Care Journal, Self Explore, Self Restore  Download Michelle’s Free Self-Care Resource Guide: https://gmichelle.com/free-stuff/   Balanced Black Girl February Book Club Pick: Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim 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 today’s Feel Good Friday episode, we’re sharing tips to help you stay healthy at your J-O-B. Let’s be real, most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else so it’s important to still take care of yourself even while you’re at the office. Tune in for seven super simple, actionable tips to help you feel your best at work. 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 Taylor Nolan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and host of the Let’s Talk About It Podcast. Taylor's provides a unique perspective on the topic of mental health from her studies in psychology and counseling, as well as her time spent on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise reality TV shows. On her platform, she focuses on candid conversations about mental health, relationships, personal development, and life.   In this episode, we talk about… Wellness practices beyond physical health. Dealing with trauma in the public eye. Growing up biracial in a predominately white environment. Seattle favorites to check out if you’re ever in the city.   RESOURCES: Listen to Taylor's Podcast on iTunes Let's Talk About It Episode 58: Women of Color and Wellness Featuring Les Follow Taylor on Instagram @taymocha   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 today’s Feel Good Friday episode, we’re addressing one of my favorite topics: how to create a morning self-care routine. I’m breaking down what my morning self-care routine looks like, why it can be short and sweet (I promise you don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn for a solid morning self-care routine), and how you can customize it to make it work for you. Generally speaking, I break my morning routine into three categories: things that take care of my mind, body, and spirit. Depending on my season in life and what my priorities are, the amount of time I spend on each area, and what I do to support each area will vary. But I recommend you find a routine that works well for you! Because we all could use a little more practical self-care. In this episode, we talk about… Why you shouldn’t use your phone first thing in the morning. Resources to help you take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Ideas for customizing your morning self-care routine to make it work for you.   RESOURCES: Download our free glow-up guide for morning journal sheets, inspiring quotes, and affirmations to guide your morning self-care routine. Join us at our Balanced Black Girl Seattle book club meet-up for Becoming on January 27. Register HERE.  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.

Today, we’re talking to Luca Page, the founder of Radically Fit Oakland. Radically Fit is the Bay Area's body positive community gym for all queer, trans, POC, big bodied and fat identified folx and their allies, regardless of experience or ability. Luca first got into fitness while grieving the loss of a close friend. With physical movement being such an important part of their healing, they wanted to share it with others through their training. They created Radically Fit to build a safe space for fitness, self-care, and well-being for those who need it most, but often don’t feel served or welcome in more traditional fitness spaces. We had an insightful, honest conversation about inclusivity across race, gender identity, sexuality, and physical ability in the fitness space, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share their story and mission. In this episode, we talk about… Luca’s experiences working in the fitness industry, and not having a body type traditionally seen as “fit.” Creating fitness offerings geared towards POC, queer, trans, big bodied, and fat identifying folks. Ways the fitness industry relies on shaming as a key marketing tactic, and how we can change that. The significance of representation across intersectionalities in the fitness space. What being an ally truly means.   RESOURCES: Radically Fit Website: https://www.radicallyfitoakland.com/ Follow Radically Fit on Instagram: @radicallyfitoakland Like Radically Fit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicallyFitOakland/ If you’d like to visit Radically Fit, reach out to Luca at info@radicallyfitoakland.com   If you're in Seattle, join us for our first Balanced Black Girl book club meet-up on January 27! RSVP HERE.  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.

It’s time for another Feel Good Friday mini-episode, and today we are talking about financial wellness. When talking about health and wellness, we often get very stuck in the physical, however, our mental and financial health are incredibly important too. In fact, your financial health can really impact your physical and mental health. So let’s start taking baby steps at becoming financially fit this year, and at taking the stigma out of talking about money. RESOURCES: 5 Ways to Improve Your Financial Wellness in the New Year  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 Dr. Kristian Henderson, professor of public health, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK+GRN, an all-natural marketplace by all Black artisans. BLK+GRN curates products that are sold in categories like skincare, home, bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green. In the U.S. black woman buy nearly twice as many body care and beauty products, with nearly 75% of the products marketing to black women containing toxic ingredients that can have a negative impact on our health. Through the creation of BLK+GRN, Dr. Kristian is tackling this issue head-on. She is an unshakeable optimist who is passionate about helping women cultivate a lifestyle that’s free of artificial ingredients, toxins, and harmful chemicals. She believes that doing so is the only way to foster true happiness. In this episode, we dive into the importance of understanding what ingredients are in our body care products, and how doing so can have a profound impact on our health. She and her team are leading their community into a Toxic-Free 2019 when it comes to products, mindset, and lifestyle. We had an inspiring, insightful conversation that will have a positive takeaway for everyone. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to share her story and mission.   In this episode, we talk about… How to make the switch to non-toxic products. Toxic ingredients we should avoid. The importance of supporting black-owned businesses. What inspired her to start BLK+GRN. Self-care tips for black girls.   RESOURCES: BLK+GRN Website: www.blkgrn.com Follow BLK+GRN on Instagram: @blkgrn Follow Dr. Kristian on Instagram: @drkristianh Follow Facebook: BLK+GRN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKandGRN/ Follow BLK+GRN on Twitter: @blkgrn From the BLK+GRN Blog: The Black Girl’s Guide to Self Care SPECIAL OFFERS: Use the code BBG20 for 20% off your BLK+GRN order! Head to our Instagram @balancedblackgirlpodcast to enter to win a BLK+GRN gift card.   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.

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.