Be Well by Kelly Leveque

Latest Episodes:

44. Your Brain on Food: How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health - with Dr. Uma Naidoo #WellnessWednesdays Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

I am fascinated by how food and our diet affects our mood. Dr. Uma Naidoo founded and directs the first hospital-based nutritional psychiatry service in the United States. She’s the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Director of Nutritional Psychiatry at MGH Academy. While serving on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, she was considered Harvard’s food-mood expert and has been featured in The Wallstreet Journal—in other words, she’s curious about which foods impact our moods and how. In her new book, “This Is Your Brain On Food,” she explores the fascinating science behind the food-mood link and offers actionable nutrition recommendations and recipes to optimize your mental health.

You will learn about...

(02:29) Getting interested in pairing psychiatry and nutrition
(09:16) The link between physical and mental symptoms
(16:08) The role of flavor in satisfaction and mood
(23:00) How gut health influences mood and mental state
(28:50) The science behind chocolate and controversial foods
(34:16) How carbohydrates affect your mood

Resources:

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

43. Managing Your Diet During Pregnancy - with Lily Nichols, RDN #WellnessWednesdays Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

Lily Nichols is a registered dietician and nutritionist and certified diabetes educator. She’s devoted her entire career to researching real food nutrition for pregnancy and gestational diabetes—and she’s uncovered a wide gap between current prenatal guidelines and what’s actually optimal for both mother and baby. She found out that, in mothers with uncontrolled blood sugar, the child is up to six times more likely to be diabetic or obese by the time they’re a teenager, and she realized that she could help break the cycle of childhood obesity. Her goal is to put better, more up-to-date information into the hands of moms and healthcare providers—because we can do a lot better than we are now!

You will learn about...

(00:55) The risk of childhood obesity based on the mother’s diet
(05:32) Recommendations for carbohydrates and balancing blood pressure
(11:58) What babies really need from their mother’s diet
(17:58) Dealing with food aversion or cravings in the first trimester
(33:30) Eating dairy during pregnancy
(40:06) Hero foods for pregnant women
(58:12) Why prenatal medicine contains folic acid
(01:05:44) Important micronutrients and how to get them in your diet
(01:16:02) Dealing with fear-mongering while pregnant

Resources:

lilynicholsrdn.com
Read: “Real Food for Pregnancy”
Read: “Real Food for Gestational Diabetes”
Instagram: @lilynicholsrdn

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

42. Building a Value-Driven Healthy Marketplace - with Nick Green, Co-Founder & CEO at Thrive Market #FabulousFriends Jul 17, 2020

Show notes

Nick Green is a man with a big brain and an even bigger heart. He’s the CEO and founder of Thrive Market, and he’s donated his entire salary to COVID-19 relief! He’s working so hard to ensure that everyone across the country has access to clean, healthy, and affordable food, and we should all be thankful for that. Thrive Market is a value-driven company, and it shows in everything they do—from how they source their products, to being able to shop by the values that matter most to you. Eating healthy is difficult, but it doesn’t have to be, and Nick is doing his part to make it easier.

You will learn about...

(02:58) Bringing healthy foods to the masses
(08:00) Getting Thrive Market off the ground without funding
(14:40) How they chose the products to bring into Thrive Market
(21:16) The values that drive Thrive Market
(28:32) Sourcing quality products
(38:28) Breaking down barriers to eating healthy
(43:59) What’s next for Thrive Market

Resources:

Visit thrivemarket.com/bewell and get $20 in shopping credit when you join today!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicholasgreen

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

41. Preparing Children’s Immune System for School - with Dr. Taz Bhatia #WellnessWednesdays Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

With her East-meets-West approach to medicine, Dr. Taz Bhatia does it all. She’s certified in integrative medicine, holistic medicine, and pediatrics, she’s a champion for women’s health, and she believes we all can uncover our innate superpowers. She is also the founder and CEO of CentreSpring MD in Atlanta, was previously a professor in integrative medicine at Emory University, and is a licensed acupuncturist and certified nutrition specialist. Wow! We discuss considerations for parents as we look at going back to school in the future, and how they can prepare their health and immune systems for whatever happens next.

You will learn about...

(04:47) Tips and tools to increase our kids’ immunity
(08:52) Normal bowel movements for children and supplementing their diet
(14:20) Probiotic strains and the best mechanism for delivery
(18:00) How to avoid loading your kids with sugar
(24:58) The non-negotiables when protecting your children’s health
(28:45) What to look for in blood testing and how often to have it done

Resources:

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

40. Finding the End of Mental Illness - with Dr. Daniel Amen #WellnessWednesdays Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

Dr. Daniel Amen is a physician, psychiatrist, teacher, and twelve-time New York Times bestselling author. Dr. Amen runs the Amen Clinics, and he’s widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on applying brain imaging science to clinical psychiatric practice. He recently published a new book, “The End of Mental Illness,” and I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Amen speak at a wellness conference in 2012. I was absolutely blown away by his practice, his diagnostic capabilities, and the positive lifestyle changes that can produce incredibly positive results in our brain health — and I think you will be too!

You will learn about...

(03:25) Dr. Amen’s background and how he uses brain imaging
(06:55) Ways of eating that are detrimental or healing to your brain
(11:36) How brain imaging works with mental health
(14:50) Building a healthy brain
(18:49) A day in the life of Dr. Amen
(25:48) Dealing with depression or anxiety
(33:31) Finding your meaning or purpose
(34:52) How hormones play a role in your mental health
(43:03) The role of dopamine and addiction on the brain

Thank you to our sponsor Birch Benders! Birch Benders now offers six varieties of toaster waffles that your family is sure to love. Use the code BEWELL for 20% off your purchase!

Resources:

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

39. How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out - with Kelsey Patel #FabulousFriends Jul 03, 2020

Show notes

Kelsey Patel is a wellness expert, reiki master, and author of the book “Burning Bright.” She is such an inspiration, but despite her larger-than-life appearance, she is quick to be very open, honest, and real about how she got to where she is today... and the times where things weren’t great or hadn’t fallen into place yet. We talk all about burnout, setting boundaries for yourself, your work, your clients, and how Kelsey was introduced to reiki in the first place. We also get the privilege of opening the podcast with a reiki session led by Kelsey. You are going to love it!

You will learn about...

(05:40) Experiencing a reiki session
(11:35) Not being too rigid with your wellness practice
(13:41) How Kelsey’s journey started
(22:18) Setting boundaries and balancing your energy
(29:30) Kelsey’s wellness non-negotiables
(35:43) What reiki is and what inspired Kelsey to write her book
(41:41) Reiki for nonbelievers
(44:39) Tips you can incorporate now to take care of burnout

Resources:

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

38. Your Brain on Birth Control - with Dr. Sarah Hill #WellnessWednesdays Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

Today’s topic is a divisive one — birth control. So let’s be clear upfront: I am not discouraging anyone from using birth control. It’s something I’ve used and needed at certain times in my life. I just feel called to educate you on the potential side effects so you can make the most informed decisions for you or your children. Dr. Sarah Hill is a research psychologist and professor who studies health, relationships, and other forms of social behavior. Her new book, “This Is Your Brain On Birth Control,” is going to open your mind to some of the unintended consequences your gynecologist may not have discussed with you when it comes to taking birth control. She’s also a writer and speaker with a passion for helping people learn about science and the ways they can help them feel happier, healthier, and more connected.

You will learn about...

(02:17) How your sex hormones change during your menstrual cycle.
(08:19) What’s happening when we take the birth control pill to our hormones and ovulation
(14:58) How birth control affects stress hormones
(26:23) The unintended side effects and the lack of education of those consequences
(36:41) How birth control affects who you are attracted to
(46:40) How men’s sex hormones change
(53:23) The sex hormones women experience when they’re breastfeeding
(01:02:11) Our relationship with food and cravings
(01:11:03) How overeating can start as kids
(01:23:13) The effect of non-caloric sweeteners on the body and brain

Resources:

Learn more: sarahehill.com
Read: “This Is Your Brain On Birth Control”
Instagram: @sarahehillphd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahehillphd
Fab Four Fundamentals

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

37. Finding the Joy in Movement - with Megan Roup #FabulousFriends Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

Megan Roup is a celebrity trainer and the founder of The Sculpt Society, a dance party and sculpting workout that’s available online and through an app. Today, she’s going to share her story and get you motivated to work out during quarantine. We dive into her love of dance, the work that goes into creating her content and routines, and the fundamental habits for success. She is all about finding the movements that bring you joy, and you can hear the joy come out of her when she speaks about it!

You will learn about...

(02:10) How Megan fell in love with movement
(07:43) Developing an obsession with food
(10:27) Changing the conversation you have with yourself
(17:04) Finding movement that brings you joy
(20:45) A day in Megan’s life
(31:57) Habits that lead to transformation

Resources:

thesculptsociety.com
Instagram: @meganroup

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

36. The Nutritional, Ethical, & Environmental Case for Red Meat - with Diana Rodgers & Robb Wolf #WellnessWednesdays Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

Today’s guests are two friends and people I have looked up to for a long time, Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf. Diana Rodgers is a registered dietitian with a clinical practice helping people recover their health through real food. Her blog, Sustainable Dish, started as a healthy, locally-sourced recipe site, but has grown into a much deeper dive into food systems. She has also spent the last 18 years living and working on an organic farm that grows vegetables and raises pasture-raised meat. She met Robb Wolf in 2011 after reading his book, “The Paleo Solution,” which has sold nearly a million copies. Robb trained as a research biochemist, and he discovered that the optimal human diet is one that most closely mimics our ancestral ways of eating before the invention of ultra-processed foods.

Both of them have dealt with severe digestive issues, have minds that question everything, and are always looking to find the truth behind commonly held beliefs. In addition to their firsthand production and deep backgrounds in science, they have read many books, interviewed experts, and attended a remarkable number of conferences around agriculture. Their new book and film “Sacred Cow” is going to debunk, using real science, the lies you’ve been told about red meat. I truly believe that our bodies — and the world — will be healthier because of them.

You will learn about...

(04:01) Talking about the health risks and nutrition of red meat
(13:39) The protein leverage hypothesis
(16:37) Body composition or blood test changes after increasing protein intake
(22:44) Lowering carb intake while breastfeeding
(28:05) Debunking some of the myths causing guilt around red meat
(45:33) The social justice benefits of meat
(52:45) About Diana’s farm
(56:52) Sourcing the right protein and feeling better about it
(01:01:54) Eating like a nutrivore
(01:06:14) The case against TMAO and MTOR

Resources:

Connect with Kelly:

kellyleveque.com
Instagram: @bewellbykelly
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly

Be Well By Kelly is a production of Crate Media

Mentioned in this episode:

BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

35. Building a Keto Food Empire - with Mark Sisson & Morgan Buehler #FabulousFriends Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

Today’s guests are two of my favorite people in the health space, Mark Sisson and Morgan Buehler. Mark is an American author, a food blogger at Mark’s Daily Apple, a former distance triathlete, and an Iron Man competitor. He’s obsessed with health and nutrition, was one of the first to popularize the paleo diet, and has written several books on the topic, including the recently released “The Keto Reset Diet.” He is an encyclopedia of knowledge. And Morgan is a surfer, a soccer player, and a mother who is so down to earth and knows how to get business done. These two, together, were able to get Primal Kitchen out on the scene, grow it like a rocket ship, and sell it to Kraft-Heinz, and there’s just so much to learn from them as business leaders, wellness innovators, and people.

You will learn about...