The Heal Deal Podcast with Dr. Leona

#43. The Art of Mindful Eating and Its Impact on Weight Loss: A conversation with Jackie Kirschen

In this episode, Dr. Leona welcomes Jackie Kirschen! Jackie is a weight loss dietitian who successfully lost 65 pounds and kept it off for 14 years. She helps women sustainably lose weight, indulge in the foods they love, end the yo-yo dieting cycle, and conquer binge eating while healing their relationship with food through Mindful Eating. Jackie's helped over 300+ women lose between 20-100+ pounds and achieve the body they desire without ever dieting again. She believes it's time to have your cake and eat it too.
 
Key takeaways from this episode:
Mindful eating can lead to sustainable weight loss without strict dieting methods.
Listening to internal cues and being mindful of food choices can help establish a healthier relationship with food.
Understanding how food makes one feel and making intentional choices based on body cues is key to long-term well-being.
 
Connect with Jackie Kirschen:
Website:  http://eatright4life.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the.mindful.nutritionist/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jaclyn.kirschen
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/themindfulnutritionist
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.mindful.nutritionist
Connect with Dr. Leona
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Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
Join The Metabolic Reset Challenge
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#42. Navigating Transitions & Embracing Change as a Gen X'er: A conversation with Michele Walter

In this episode, Dr. Leona welcomes Michele Walter! When Gen X’ers work with Michele, they learn how to move through the uncertainty of transitions with confidence, courage, and consciousness.
After the sudden death of her mom in 2012, Michele began to re-evaluate her “successful” life as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. She battled a decade of depression, anxiety, and a loss of purpose; but, through coaching strategies and mindfulness meditation practices, she learned to create a life of freedom, purpose, and joy. Michele made her biggest transition when she quit her attorney job at the age of 49 to become a full-time entrepreneur.
Michele is a Certified Professional Coach, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, and owner of Life From The Summit. She brings a rebellious, compassionate, and pragmatic approach to guiding other Gen X’ers through transition with proven strategies, tools, and practices.
 
Key takeaways from this episode:
The power of self-reflection and courage in making life-changing decisions.
The importance of aligning one's career with personal values and authentic self-expression.
Navigating transitions and embracing change as a catalyst for growth and healing.
 
Connect with Michele Walter:
Website:  https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LifeFromTheSummit
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@life.from.summit
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelewalter-lifefromthesummit
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit
Free audio series: The Inner Compass Masterclass https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/innercompassaudio
 
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Connect with Dr. Leona
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Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
Join The Metabolic Reset Challenge
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#41. Is America’s Healthcare System Broken? A conversation with Susan Salenger

In this episode, Dr. Leona welcomes Susan Salenger. Susan Salenger is the author and researcher behind SIDELINED: How Women Can Navigate A Broken Healthcare System. SIDELINED examines the many ways in which some women manage and sometimes mismanage their healthcare.
Susan explores how women, typically the medical gatekeepers for their families, tend to be extremely conscientious about taking care of themselves, yet at the same time inadvertently undermine their own care. They often hesitate to call the doctor when they don’t feel well and worry that their doctor’s visit will take time away from their families or work. They may hesitate to ask doctors the necessary questions and don’t always comply with the doctor’s instructions. Salenger’s research reveals how conflicted many women are about the medical decisions they ultimately make.
Susan also explores the cultural and medical history that has conditioned women not to act in their own best interest. She offers insights into the gender biases of the medical community, explores why women are misdiagnosed more often than men and why they are routinely omitted from clinical trials.
Designed to help women become more consciously aware, SIDELINED will provide readers with the knowledge, language, and skill sets needed to ensure that women are comfortable advocating for themselves when it comes to their own personal healthcare.
 
In this episode:
01:01 Guest introduction: Susan Salenger, Author of SIDELINED: How Women Can Navigate A Broken Healthcare System
04:21 Personal story of Susan's own medical journey and the inspiration behind her book SIDELINED
11:54 Caregiving and its impact on women’s health
20:58 The shame that women feel
30:15 Tips on seeking medical assistance and the importance of doing research
42:43 Racial disparities in healthcare
46:47 Take control of your health
 
Key takeaways:
Women, as primary caregivers, often prioritize family and work over their own health needs.
Susan Salinger's research sheds light on the conflicted nature of women's medical decision-making.
Personal experiences and societal influences play a significant role in women agreeing to unnecessary medical procedures.
The conversation explores the impact of menopause symptoms on women's decisions regarding hysterectomies and other medical interventions.
 
Connect with Susan Salenger:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
LinkedIn
Twitter
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
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Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
Join The Metabolic Reset Challenge
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#40. Are Your Fears Holding You Back from Achieving Better Health?

Do you feel like your health and weight loss goals are out of your reach?
Do you feel like it's too late to achieve the health you desire?
Are you 'afraid' of becoming healthy?
This episode delves into the fears that can hinder individuals from reaching their health and weight loss goals. It explores how fears of the unknown, putting the needs of others before one's own, and discomfort can act as barriers to achieving better health. Dr. Leona emphasizes the importance of understanding one's fears and taking steps to overcome them to pave the way for a healthier life.
Join the conversation!
“Your health and your happiness is on the other side of your fears.”
Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
04:38 Sponsor message: Download your Food Shopping Guide
06:10 Is fear holding you back from achieving better health?
08:50 Fear of the unknown
15:28 Hiding behind the needs of others
20:50 Being uncomfortable
29:55 Health is a blessing
36:02 Stop making excuses
39:40 Your health and your happiness is on the other side of your fears
 
Key takeaways:
Fear of the unknown can stem from a lack of clarity on what health truly means, leading to challenges in making necessary lifestyle changes.
Putting the needs of others before one's own can hinder personal health goals, especially for caregivers who prioritize the well-being of their loved ones over their own.
Fear of discomfort can lead individuals to seek comfort through unhealthy habits like emotional eating, hindering progress towards optimal health.
Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals and overcoming the fear of change and discomfort are crucial steps in achieving and sustaining better health.
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
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LinkedIn
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Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Download the Food Shopping Guide
Watch Free Weight Loss Webinar
Join The Metabolic Reset Challenge
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#39. 3 Strategies for Accelerating Healthy Weight Loss

This episode covers three key strategies for accelerating healthy weight loss. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on health to achieve weight loss, not just quick fixes or conventional myths regarding weight loss.
Strategies include prioritizing nutrition by incorporating whole, unprocessed foods, managing stress as a crucial factor in weight loss success, and having a support system to provide guidance, motivation, and shared experiences.
Join the conversation!
“You don’t lose weight to get healthy, you focus on getting healthy to lose the weight.”
~Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
03:05 Sponsor message: Download your Food Shopping Guide
04:34 Debunking 3 weight loss myths
09:30 Prioritizing your nutrition for accelerating healthy weight loss
12:46 Managing your stress for accelerating healthy weight loss
16:29 Having a strong support system for accelerating healthy weight loss
20:57 Focusing on systems to regain your health, and the weight loss will take care of itself
 
Key takeaways:
Prioritize Nutrition: This episode stresses the significance of consuming whole, unprocessed foods and provides a resource, the "Healthy Eating Food Shopping Guide," for making healthier food choices.
Manage Stress: Stress management is highlighted as essential for successful weight loss, emphasizing the impact of stress on overall health and weight loss goals.
Support System: Having a support system is emphasized for increased success in reaching weight loss goals, with a strong emphasis on the benefits of a shared experience, guidance, and understanding from others with similar goals.
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Download the Food Shopping Guide
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
Join The Metabolic Reset Challenge
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#38. 3 Steps to Creating Your Weight Loss Roadmap

Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
 
What do you want to achieve in the next 3, 6, 9 or 12 months in regards to your health and weight loss goals?
Whatever it is, whether it is to eat better or get back on your exercise regimen, it’s important to have a powerful mindset and a clear roadmap in your journey to healing and weight loss.
“If you are not clear with what you want, it will be very difficult to achieve it."
Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
02:23 Be clear on what you want.
03:09 Are you addicted to your distractions or are you addicted to your vision?
04:35 Stress comes from unmet expectations.
05:52 Freedom is the process of creating freedom.
 
Key takeaways:
Become aware and clear on your intention or goal. Remember, to be as specific as possible.
Be real with yourself and become aware the stress that you created.
Align yourself with the people and the opportunities that will support you and your goals.
 
Download the Food Shopping Guide
Become a Heal Deal Patron
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#37. Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: 5 things you must do BEFORE 2024

In this episode, Dr. Leona discusses the habitual cycle of setting and failing to keep New Year's resolutions, influenced by societal expectations rather than genuine personal reflection and a clear understanding of our goals. She explores why traditional approaches to New Year's resolutions often lead to disappointment and what can be done differently.
To ensure our goals align with our personal values and vision for our live, we must do these 5 things BEFORE 2024, so the we can experience meaningful changes in the new year and beyond.
“A New Year’s resolution without a plan is just a wish."
Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
01:01 New Year’s resolutions and why they fail
07:40 Sponsor message: Download your Food Shopping Guide
08:55 A brief history of popular New Year’s traditions
14:38 Understanding the importance of self-reflection on both successes and failures
16:43 The power of clear decision-making and its impact on goal achievement
19:27 Implementing the SMART system for planning and goal-setting
26:24 The importance of taking immediate action
31:26 Establishing a strong support system
 
Key takeaways:
Reflect on your past experiences and long-standing habits to understand your journey
Set clear, specific goals using the SMART system (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound)
Commit to your goals by making a firm decision to achieve them, then plan and prioritize
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
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Instagram
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LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Download the Food Shopping Guide
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#36. Life lessons: Stop hiding behind your excuses

Are you tired of letting excuses rule your life? Are you ready to break free from the constraints of "I can't" and "I don’t have time?"
Today's episode is real talk about how the excuses you make are holding you back from walking into your purpose. It’s time to stop hiding behind your excuses.
“Stop hiding behind your excuses, so you can walk into your purpose."
Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
01:01 Self-reflection: Learning from the past and preparing for the future
05:51 Sponsor message:  Register for 5-Day Breakthrough Challenge:  http://the5daybreakthroughchallenge.com/
07:58 Why we create excuses and why we need to stop hiding behind them
16:37 Excuse #1:  Hiding behind physical attributes
20:01 Excuse #2:  Hiding behind time
22:02 Excuse #3:  Hiding behind family
24:01 Excuse #4:  Hiding behind the lack of knowledge
27:20 Excuse #5:  Hiding behind fear
30:54 Stop hiding behind your excuses, so you can walk into your purpose.
 
Are your ready to experience your BREAKTHROUGH?
Give me 5 days to help you break through what is holding you back from achieving healthy weight loss!
The Next Challenge Starts:  December 4th - December 8th from 7 pm - 8 pm EST
Join the challenge!  http://the5daybreakthroughchallenge.com/
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#35. Are you really hungry? How to recognize your hunger cues

There are many factors that contribute to why you may be unable to stick to a weight loss plan, but sugar cravings, feelings of food deprivation, and increased hunger are at the top of the list. But by the end of this episode, you will understand your cues, especially when it comes to distinguishing the difference between hunger, cravings or appetite, in order to achieve better health, and successful weight loss.
“Listen to your body's cues, honor them, and nourish yourself with intention. Only then can you achieve true Freedom in your health and your life."
Dr. Leona
 
In this episode:
01:19 Why you may be struggling with your health and weight loss goals
02:35 Sponsor message: Download your Food Shopping Guide
06:45 A brief overview of our 5 senses
11:27 Some basic features and functions of our sensory structures
14:07 Defining hunger
17:35 Most people in this country have never experienced true hunger.
20:13 Why it’s not normal to be “hungry” all the time
25:55 Self-reflection: Is your hunger real or false?
33:06 Takeaways
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
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Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains

#34. Discovering your nutritional identity: A conversation with Dr. David Wiss

In this episode, Dr. Leona welcomes Dr. David Wiss. Dr. Wiss became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in 2013 and founded Nutrition in Recovery, a group practice of RDNs specializing in treating eating and substance use disorders. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Health with a minor in Health Psychology from UCLA by investigating links between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes among socially disadvantaged men. Dr. Wiss can be your nutrition and health consultant, functional medicine practitioner, recovery coach, or provide psychoeducation related to his expertise.
"Embrace the power of nutrition for mental health and discover your true potential!"
— Dr. David Wiss, Wise Mind Nutrition
 
In this episode:
01:01 Guest introduction: Guest introduction: Dr. David Wiss, Wise Mind Nutrition
02:20 Sponsor message: Download your Food Shopping Guide
03:03 From vanity to vitality:  Dr. Wiss’ story
06:45 Bridging the gap between physical and mental health
11:55 Discussing the power of nutritional identity and developing a healthy relationship with food
22:47 Emotional eating and food addiction
30:08 The link between depression and ultra processed foods
40:15 Tips to unlocking your nutritional identity
 
Connect with Dr. David Wiss:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Tik Tok
LinkedIn
Twitter
 
Connect with Dr. Leona
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter
Website
 
Become a Heal Deal Patron
Schedule Your Breakthrough Call
 
I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers that are holding you back from getting well. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms, that is the heal deal!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing with a friend.
Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care!
Dr. Leona
Founder, Freedom Health Systems
Host, The Heal Deal Podcast
Author, A Journey to Healing
Author, Freedom in Chains