June 15, 2025

These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why

55 minutes

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” diet

Feeling low on energy despite eating well

Confused about what’s actually healthy

Craving 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!

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LONDON DAIRY

Thank 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!

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▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book

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By Erika De Pellegrin

1313 ratings

June 15, 2025

These ‘Healthy Habits’ Will Backfire — Nutritionist Layla Al-Naif Explains Why

55 minutes

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” diet

Feeling low on energy despite eating well

Confused about what’s actually healthy

Craving 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

📸 Instagram

LONDON DAIRY

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?