“I eat well.”

It’s something I hear all the time from people who feel stuck in their health and wellness journey. But that statement isn’t helpful—and in many cases, it’s the very thing keeping you from making real progress.

In this episode, I break down why “eating well” is a subjective belief, how it can sabotage your results, and what truly nourishing your body actually looks like. We’ll cover:

• The common (and problematic) interpretations of “eating well”

• How under-eating, macro imbalances, and marketing buzzwords can keep you spinning your wheels

• Sneaky food choices that seem healthy but aren’t aligned with your goals

• The five pillars I use with clients to assess whether their diet is actually working for them

• Why consistency - not perfection - is the key to seeing change

If you’ve been telling yourself you're doing everything right but not seeing results, this is the episode you need.

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1:1 Coaching
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What if the health struggles you’re facing aren’t just about diet, exercise, or willpower — but about unresolved trauma stored in your body?

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by trauma-informed confidence and relationship coach Tori Jenae to explore the deep connection between emotional health, the nervous system, and physical wellbeing.

Tori shares her personal healing journey, from a traumatic upbringing to decades of study in psychology, somatic work, and functional health practices. Together, we break down how chronic stress and trauma can manifest in everything from gut and hormone imbalances to burnout, perfectionism, and people-pleasing — and what you can actually do about it.

You’ll learn:

• How trauma gets stored in the body and impacts digestion, hormones, and energy

• The signs your body may still be stuck in fight-or-flight mode

• Why completing the stress cycle is essential for long-term health

• How perfectionism and people-pleasing can be early indicators of unresolved trauma

• Practical tools to start regulating your nervous system today

• Why self-compassion and experimentation are key to lasting change

Whether you’ve experienced “big T” trauma, chronic stress, or simply feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” this episode will help you approach your health goals from a deeper, more compassionate place.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Tori Jenae:

  Instagram @tori.jenae

  Website http://www.torijenae.com/

• Book mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Book mentioned: How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera

If you’re putting in the work at group fitness classes but still wondering why you’re not seeing more definition, this episode is for you.

As a long-time group fitness coach and lifter myself, I’m breaking down the key reasons your workouts might not be delivering the muscle tone and strength you’re after — and what to do about it (without ditching your favorite class).

Inside this episode, we cover:

• What most group fitness programs get wrong when it comes to muscle-building

• The importance of rest (yep, you probably need more of it)

• How to track your progress and push past your comfort zone

• The often-overlooked role of nutrition, sleep, and stress outside the gym

• Small changes that can make a big difference in your results

This isn’t about shaming group fitness — it’s about helping you actually get what you came for.

If you're ready to level up your training, but you're not sure where to start, I’d love to help. DM me on Instagram @coachdianaleigh or shoot me an email at coachdianaleigh@gmail.com and we’ll chat about how to tailor your workouts for real results.

What does it really take to age strong—and keep your brain sharp while you’re at it?

In this episode, I’m joined by Janet McConnell, a 69-year-old powerhouse who’s redefining what it means to thrive into your 60s and beyond. A longevity coach, personal trainer, and former corporate high-flyer turned bodybuilding competitor, Janet shares her journey from a shocking doctor’s visit at 46 to standing on a bodybuilding stage—and discovering the secrets of healthy aging along the way.

We dive into topics like:

• Why resistance training is crucial for brain health and longevity

• How lifting weights produces brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and protects cognitive function

• Common myths keeping women (especially over 40) out of the weight room—and how to overcome them

• Janet’s incredible personal transformation and lessons learned from stepping on stage at age 48

• How to safely get started with resistance training at any age

• Tips for finding the right trainer or fitness community (and how to spot red flags)

• Why training for life—not just aesthetics—is the key to long-term health and independence

• The real reason obstacles show up when you’re making changes—and how to handle them

Janet’s message is clear: You’re never too old—and it’s never too late—to build a strong body and mind. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or pushing 70, this episode will inspire you to take up space and take charge of your health.

Connect with Janet McConnell:

• YouTube: Aging Strong For Life

• LinkedIn: Janet McConnell

• Book: Elements of Aging

• Website: ignitefitnesswithjanet.com

• • Email: janet.mcconnell@gmail.com

  
  

  Connect with Coach Diana Leigh

  IG, TikTok, YouTube @coachdianaleigh

  Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com

"Only trust a doctor or a dietician."
If you’ve heard this online, you’re not alone—and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the why behind that message, the backlash it sparks, and where the truth actually lies.

We’re peeling back the layers of a complicated conversation:

• Why so many people feel let down by the medical system

• How unregulated coaches sometimes fill the gap—and sometimes cause harm

• The rise of the “do your own research” crowd and the erosion of trust in science

• Why credentials, mentorship, and integrity all matter in both fields

• The importance of both medical and holistic care in building a well-rounded support system

• How to vet coaches (yes, even the ones with big followings)

This episode is all about the middle ground: where nuance, science, lived experience, and accountability collide—and how you, as a consumer, can navigate this messy space with more clarity and confidence.

Connect With Coach Diana

Instagram, TikTok: @coachdianaleigh

Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com

In this special episode, I sit down with my client, Taylor Stead, to dive into her transformative journey in healing her lifelong IBS and gut issues. Taylor shares her story of navigating gut health struggles that had been plaguing her for years, from anxiety-induced digestive issues to feeling stuck in the cycle of dietary restrictions and discomfort.

Taylor opens up about the challenges of managing IBS while juggling a demanding lifestyle, and how it led her to explore various coaching and wellness options before finally finding a path that truly worked for her. We discuss the power of mindful eating and how it became the game-changer for her relationship with food, as well as the importance of stress management in the healing process. She also shares how hypnotherapy through the Nerva app played a pivotal role in managing stress and preventing flare-ups.

One of the most insightful parts of Taylor’s journey is her experience with the low FODMAP diet, which she had tried before but never with the structure and support that we created in our coaching. Taylor talks about what it was like to go through the elimination and reintroduction phases with full accountability, and how understanding the connection between stress and gut health has empowered her to make sustainable changes.

Not only has Taylor seen improvements in her gut health, but she’s also celebrated significant wins in her hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, including clearer skin and more stable energy levels. She reflects on how this process has shifted her mindset and empowered her to advocate for her health, making peace with imperfection and embracing the ongoing journey of self-care and healing.

This episode is full of practical tips, relatable struggles, and inspiring moments of progress. Whether you’re dealing with gut issues or simply want to learn more about mindful eating and stress management, Taylor’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to take control of their health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The power of mindful eating in overcoming IBS and digestive issues

• How stress management and hypnotherapy helped Taylor manage gut health

• The step-by-step process of the low FODMAP approach and how it can improve symptoms

• Insights on hormonal balance and skin health that came as a bonus of gut healing

• The importance of advocating for yourself in health and wellness, even when you don’t have all the answers

If you’ve struggled with IBS or gut health issues and felt discouraged by previous attempts, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Taylor broke free from the cycle and embraced a path to healing.

Learn more about 1:1 coaching: www.coachdianaleigh.com/1-1-coaching

Apply for 1:1 coaching today: https://www.bit.ly/applycoachd

In today’s episode, I take you through the evolution of my coaching methodology, the Anti-Macro Method, and how it’s adapted over the years to better serve the needs of my clients—especially as I’ve grown into a functional health practitioner. From its roots in intuitive eating and the hand portion method to its new focus on gut health, hormone balance, and sustainable habits, the AMM has become a flexible, client-centered approach to nutrition that helps people make empowered food choices without obsessing over calorie or macro tracking.

• Why I Embraced the Anti-Macro Approach:Starting from my own struggles with restrictive eating and disordered habits, I explain why I walked away from traditional macro tracking and embraced a healthier, more sustainable way of nourishing my body.

• The Anti-Macro Method: A Blend of Flexibility and Structure:Learn how the Anti-Macro Method uses tools like hand portions, food photos, and intuitive eating to build balanced, nutritious meals without requiring clients to track every calorie or gram. It's about creating long-term habits, not short-term fixes.

• My Journey into Functional Health:As my clients’ needs grew to include gut health and hormone balancing, I sought additional education to better serve them. This led to the evolution of AMM to include more tailored nutritional strategies, including fiber-rich foods and symptom journaling.

• The Benefits of Food Journaling and Hand Portions:I discuss how food journaling (especially photo food journaling) became an essential tool to better understand clients' nutrition, as opposed to relying solely on hand portion tracking. This method allows for deeper insights and greater client success, especially for those struggling with gut and hormone issues.

• The Anti-Macro Method Today:With a deeper focus on fiber, hormone health, and practical nutrition solutions, I share how the Anti-Macro Method continues to help clients create lasting results without the pressure of obsessive tracking or perfection.

• Personalization: The Anti-Macro Method is about giving clients the flexibility to choose a method that works for them—whether that’s hand portions, photo food journaling, or intuitive eating.

• Sustainability: The approach encourages structure and balance without the stress of counting every calorie or macro. It’s about long-term progress, not short-term perfection.

• • Empowerment: I emphasize the importance of developing a relationship with food that is based on trust, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
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• CONNECT WITH COACH DIANA
• IG and TikTok @coachdianaleigh
• Email: coachdianaleigh@gmail.com
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• Explore 1:1 coaching and other offers: https://www.coachdianaleigh.com/offers

In this episode, I sit down with David Amerland, who brings a unique perspective on fitness, health, and longevity, blending his deep scientific background with a lifelong passion for human behavior. David shares his insights into how technology, movement, and understanding human behavior intersect in the fitness world, helping us build a sustainable approach to our health.

David takes us through his journey from chemical engineering to digital marketing, and eventually to fitness, where he now explores how our bodies, minds, and even emotional connections impact our fitness journey. We discuss his book, Built to Last, and how it provides a personalized roadmap to fitness, focusing on long-term health rather than quick fixes.

Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the mind-body connection, exploring how emotional triggers and perceptions can influence physical performance and our long-term success. David also shares how sustainable fitness isn’t about perfection but finding what works for YOU, no matter your age or starting point.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How emotional connections impact physical performance.

• The science of longevity and cognitive health through movement.

• Sustainable fitness strategies for lasting results, no matter your lifestyle.

• Overcoming obstacles, including stress, to build momentum for change.

• Why consistency always trumps intensity when it comes to fitness.

If you’ve been looking for a fitness philosophy that’s tailored to your life, without unrealistic expectations, this episode will provide the clarity and insights you need to get started on your path to sustainable health and wellness.

Guest Info:
David Amerland is the author of Built to Last and a recognized expert in the intersection of human behavior, technology, and fitness. With a background in chemical engineering and digital marketing, David uses his knowledge to help people design fitness plans that fit their lives and help them build long-term health. His unique approach focuses on the emotional connection we have with our health goals and how to transform that connection into sustainable action.

You can learn more about David’s work and connect with him on his website and follow him on social media for regular updates and insights into fitness, health, and human behavior.

Website: https://davidamerland.com/

Twitter, Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram: @DavidAmerland