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 Laila 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!

RESOURCES

▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge

▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book

LET’S BE FRIENDS

📸 Instagram

📱Tiktok

MY FAVOURITE STUFF

💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial

🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking of moving to Dubai? Or just curious about life here? 🌆 In this episode, I give you my honest review after living here as an expat for the past 3 years — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This isn’t a sugar-coated guide or influencer highlight reel. It’s the real, unfiltered truth about what it’s like to build a life in Dubai as a foreigner.

Whether you’re considering a move for work, lifestyle, or a fresh start, this episode dives into:

✅ What surprised me most about Dubai

✅ The hardest parts of adjusting as an expat

✅ What I absolutely love about living here

✅ Would I recommend it — and to who?

✅ What I’d do differently if I were starting again

💬 Have a question or thinking of moving to Dubai? Drop a me a comment on socials – I’d love to hear your story or help if I can!

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.

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!

RESOURCES

▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge

▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book

LET’S BE FRIENDS

📸 Instagram

📱Tiktok

MY FAVOURITE STUFF

💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial

🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever felt like your worth depends on what you do, how you look, or who approves of you — you're not alone. In this raw and empowering conversation, Davina Rankin opens up about her journey of chasing external validation through modelling, relationships, and perfectionism… and what it took to finally feel enough without it.

We dive deep into:

✨ The habit that keeps you stuck in cycles of not-enoughness

✨ Why external validation feels so addictive — and how to stop relying on it✨ The emotional shift that comes from choosing yourself first

✨ How motherhood, celibacy, and solitude helped Davina reclaim her worth

This episode is a MUST-listen if you’re tired of seeking approval, performing for love, or feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself. It’s time to break the cycle and remember: your worth isn't something you earn — it's something you own.

NUTRAORGANICS

Today's episode is brought to you by my current daily go-to brand for all things wellness, supplements, vitamins and wholefoods. I am currently LOVING the bone broth range!

✨ GET 15% OFF HERE USING CODE: "THEBALANCETHEORY"

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

📸 Instagram

TIME STAMPS

(01:27) Introduction

(01:57) Why Celibacy?

(08:04) Uncomfortable truth about yourself

(12:32) Radical Self Acceptance

(14:28) Don’t have poor spiritual hygiene

(20:10) How has your feminine energy shifted

(23:08) Practical Tips for moving away from External Validation

(27:57) First step to seek your own validation

(33:41) Showing up authentically you in all areas of your life equally (EVEN WORK)

(38:33) Losing yourself & finding yourself as a mother

(42:40) How has your self growth influenced your parenting?

(46:05) Genuine Self love v Bandaid Self Love

(47:56) Learn from your judgemental side

THE STUDIO 🎥

We filmed this incredible conversation in the beautiful Pivotal Conversations Studio on the Gold Coast, Australia. Check them out if you're looking for high quality production, we couldn't recommend them enough!

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!

RESOURCES

▶︎ 21 Day Self Growth Challenge

▶︎ Goal Setting System E-Book

LET’S BE FRIENDS

📸 Instagram

📱Tiktok

MY FAVOURITE STUFF

💻 Email & Calendar tool - Sunsama for 1 Month free trial

🌱 Wholefoods & Supplements - use "THEBALANCETHEORY" for 15% off

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thebalancetheory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.