Real Food, Real Talk: Unpacking Nutrition, Pharma & Parenting in a Processed World

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Randall—an incredible osteopath and advocate for women’s health—to explore the real stories behind chronic pain, recovery, and the power of strength training and nutrition. 💪

What happens when you stop chasing diets and starttuning in to what your body really needs—especially after having a baby? In this deeply honest and empowering episode, I sitdown with Ivanna Poole to talk through the realities ofpostpartum life—the messy middle between body changes, emotional eating, breastfeeding, and the pressure to “bounce back.” Ivanna shares how she’s transformed her relationship with food and her body, shedding 8kg not throughrestriction, but through mindful eating, whole foods, and mindset shifts. But this conversation is about way more than weightloss. We dive into the bigger picture of health—how processedfoods, poor nutrition education, and stress are impacting not only us as mothers, but our kids too. We talk about food as nourishment, not punishment. The power of local, sustainable food, why decoding foodlabels matters, and how ancestral eating might be the key toreconnecting with our bodies and our culture. This is for any mum who’s ever stood in front ofthe mirror feeling disconnected. For anyone wondering if healthy eating can actually feel joyful. For those ready to move, eat, and live with intention. 🗝️Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Postpartum Journeys02:59 – Ivanna's Transformation and Weight Loss Journey05:51 – Mindset Shifts and Body Acceptance08:53 – Nutrition Changes: From Processed to Whole Foods12:05 – The Importance of Protein and Healthy Fats14:55 – Emotional Eating and Mindful Choices18:00 – Navigating Challenges During Breastfeeding21:13 – Cost of Healthy Eating: Debunking Myths23:59 – The Impact of Stress on Eating Habits27:06 – Conclusion and Future Goals30:03 – The Impact of Nutrition on Childhood Obesity33:01 – Decoding Food Labels and Supermarket Choices35:49 – Understanding Meat Quality and Its Health Implications39:03 – The Importance of Local and Sustainable Food Sources41:56 – Growing Your Own Food: A Sustainable Approach45:56 – Practical Advice for Healthy Eating50:01 – The Role of Ancestry in Dietary Choices54:04 – The Importance of Movement and Mental Health

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Sophia Dawson, senior psychologist and founder of Holistic Psychology, to explore one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in mental health care: nutrition. Together, we dive into Sophia’s research into nutritional psychology, with a particular focus on OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how ultra-processed foods, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies may influence mental well-being more than we’ve been taught to believe. This isn’t your typical chat about food groups—it’s a deep dive into the mind-body connection, and the everyday choices we make that either fuel or drain us. From decoding food labels to challenging outdated beliefs about restrictive eating, we cover the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of how we eat—and how that relates to our long-term mental health. We also explore the healing potential of whole foods, the risks of the Western diet, and why small, consistent changes are far more powerful than any short-term “fix.” If you’ve ever felt curious about how food might be affecting your mood, energy, and clarity—this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Lifestyle Design Secrets podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Laura from Low Carb Haven about her journey into low carb living. Laura opened up about her struggles with autoimmune conditions and shared how shifting her diet dramatically improved her health. We delved into how she manages her family's nutrition and the essential role meal prep plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Throughout our conversation, Laura and I explored the impact of diet on overall well-being, emphasising the importance of real food and the dangers of processed alternatives. We discuss the rise of protein products, the decline of vegan options, and the critical role whole foods play in our diets. Laura highlights the significance of mindset and the gut-brain connection, explaining how our food choices affect not just our physical health but also our mental state. We touch on various topics, including the carnivore diet, preventative health strategies, and the importance of setting a positive example for future generations. Takeaways

Unlocking Peak Performance: Nutrition, Training & The Mindset Shift with Liam McKenzie In this episode, I sit down with Liam McKenzie, a semi-professional trail runner and coach, to talk about everything from performance-driven nutrition to the mental resilience needed to thrive in endurance sports. Liam shares his journey—from growing up in a sports-oriented family to finding his way as a coach and athlete in Wanaka’s outdoor paradise. He opens up about his struggles with ADHD, how movement became his anchor, and the lessons learned from injury setbacks. We also dig into the truth about nutrition, debunking diet fads and focusing on micronutrients, whole foods, and sustainable health practices. He’s all about coaching the individual, shaping training and diet to suit different bodies and goals. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone looking to improve your energy, strength, and recovery, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. 🏃‍♂️ Trail running isn’t just about fitness—it’s about community. 💡 Personalized coaching matters—everyone’s body and journey is different. 🧠 Exercise is key for managing ADHD and mental clarity. 🥩 Nutrition is more than macros—micronutrients and whole foods are game changers. 🦴 Injuries are a wake-up call—recovery and smart training are essential. ⚖️ Forget the diet fads—balance, sustainability, and small daily improvements win. 🚀 1% better every day adds up to massive change over time. 📢 “The town just captured me.” 🍽 “Simplify it and life will be good.” 💪 “Exercise levels me out really nicely.” 🔥 “Fat is not the enemy—it’s about balance.” 🥩 “When I went back to simple proteins, my body was the best it’s been.” 🏆 “Comparison is the thief of joy—focus on your own journey.” ⏳ 00:00 Introduction to Liam's Journey ⏳ 04:08 Trail Running Camps and Community Connection ⏳ 08:00 Coaching Philosophy and Athlete Development ⏳ 12:02 Personal Background and ADHD Experience ⏳ 15:58 Training Regimen and Nutrition Insights ⏳ 20:02 Injury Challenges and Recovery Lessons ⏳ 23:53 The Importance of Personalized Coaching ⏳ 27:50 Dietary Adjustments and Nutritional Awareness ⏳ 32:52 Nutritional Journey: From Fads to Fundamentals ⏳ 41:00 The Importance of Micronutrients and Whole Foods ⏳ 56:57 Sustainable Health: Shifting Focus from Weight Loss to Wellness 🎥 Watch him on YouTube: UCBdiZv19qhe_suas3R2RV5Q 📸 Follow him on Instagram: 👉 @liamckenziee 👉 @themckenziemethod 🌐 Visit his website: www.themckenziemethod.com.au We dive into real-life fitness, nutrition, and mindset shifts—no fluff, just practical insights that actually make a difference. 📖 Free Tools & Resources: www.amysfitnessandnutrition.co.nz 📩 Get 1 Recipe, 1 Juicy Story & 1 Epic Insight Weekly: Sign up for our Free Newsletter! 📚 Explore our Bite-Size Guides & Body Reset Programmes 🔍 Want a tailored plan? Book a consultation or fill out my Tell Me Everything Form to see if you’re ready for change! 🎧 Hit play and let’s get into it! Key Takeaways:Sound Bites:Chapters:Connect with Liam:More from Amy’s Fitness & Nutrition: