Food Heals

Why do people get so angry about vegan food?Why do the same arguments about meat keep showing up over and over again?And what happens when someone finally starts dismantling them… one by one? Today on Food Heals, Allison Melody is joined by plant-powered content creator Danny Ishay, Instagram’s favorite vegan debunker. If you’ve ever heard someone say: “Humans need meat for protein.”“It’s the food chain.”“Plants feel pain.” …and you’ve wanted to stick a carrot in their face and ask who actually feels pain, Danny has probably already made a video about it. Using logic, satire, and a little sass, Danny has built a massive following by calmly dismantling the myths people cling to about meat, dairy, and vegan diets. In this episode we talk about how he got started, why humor works better than yelling, and what really happens when trolls flood his comment section. You’ll hear: • Why comedy disarms people faster than confrontation • What actually happens when trolls show up in Danny's comments • The psychology behind why people defend meat so passionately • What made Allison say, “Follow the money.” • Why misinformation about nutrition spreads so easily • The surprising role community plays in sticking with a plant-based lifestyle If you’ve ever had one of these debates at a dinner table, in a comment section, or with that one friend who swears they “need meat for protein”… This episode might change the way you respond at next year's Thanksgiving. (You're welcome:) Follow Danny on Instagram: @dannyishay Get his book HERE.

Today's episode is a deeply personal one. I was devastated to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek. Like so many of you, I grew up watching Dawson's Creek. But for me, it was even more than a show. My very first job was working on Dawson's Creek in Wilmington, North Carolina. My parents got to see their little girl step onto a set they watched in our living room every week... and that memory means everything to me. Years later, I had dinner with James and his wife Kimberly (who was one of the very first guests ever on Food Heals episode 6). That night, James sat with me, looked me in the eyes, and told me my parents were proud of me. He held space for me in a way most people never do. He didn't have to. But that's who he was. In this episode, I'm joined by: Reality TV producer Jessica Sirikulbut, who shares her heartfelt reflections on James' character, his spiritual depth, and the emotional impact this loss has had on our generation. Ryan Bailey, host of So Bad It's Good, who brings his thoughtful pop culture lens to James' legacy and the profound way he shaped so many of our lives. Together, we reflect on: • The impact Dawson's Creek had on our generation • James' powerful final interviews about love and worthiness • What cancer teaches us about presence and perspective • The emotional and spiritual layers of healing • Why "I am worthy of love" might be the most important mantra of all James wasn't just a talented actor. He was a light. A father of six. A devoted husband. A man who meditated, journaled, and led with love. And in a world that feels so divided, his passing feels like a wake-up call to return to what actually matters. Love. Presence. Connection. Forgiveness. Sweetness in life. If this episode moves you, and you feel called to support his family during this unimaginable time, you can contribute here: 💛 GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek's Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family Thank you for being part of Food Heals Nation. Hold your loved ones close. Forgive quickly. Believe you are worthy of love. Because you are. 💛

In this episode, Allison Melody opens with a no filter Q&A that goes everywhere the mainstream won't. From the hidden reality of the dairy industry and why cows only produce milk when they're pregnant, to what really happens when creators are censored, reinstated, and quietly invited back after years of being silenced. She shares her personal experience with peptides, what she's learned so far, and why she believes they should be approached thoughtfully and with the right medical support. Then things get a little spicy. Allison spills the tea on a former Food Heals guest who is now making waves on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the rise of manifestation gurus, and what happens when empowerment crosses the line into grifting. After the Q&A, Allison welcomes award winning author and longtime vegan Ellen Kanner, author of Miami Vegan, for a vibrant conversation about food, culture, and sex. They talk about: Tropical flavors and plant based living inspired by Miami Why vegetables should be the star of the plate How to make vegan food sexy, flavorful, and accessible Aphrodisiac foods you should be cooking for date night The surprising connection between watermelon, nutmeg, avocado, and sex How plants can support intimacy, circulation, and connection Plus, practical tips for eating plant based on a budget, navigating restaurants as a vegan, and making the transition without feeling deprived. If food is medicine, this episode proves it can also be pleasure. Get Ellen's book Miami Vegan and learn more at soulfulvegan.com.

2026 is not a continuation of the old story. It's a clean slate. In this raw, unfiltered episode, Allison Melody shares 11 powerful shifts that can change your health, mindset, money, relationships, and overall direction in life. These aren't "steps" or a rigid formula. They're real-life upgrades, mindset resets, and non-negotiables for anyone who is done repeating the same patterns and ready for something better. From updating your algorithm and rewiring your brain, to healing your body, forgiving for real, building wealth, and being intentional about who you let into your life, this episode is a wake-up call and a permission slip wrapped into one. Allison also shares a deeply personal reflection on podfading, burnout, resilience, and why believing in yourself is not optional if you want your life to change. If you've been feeling stuck, exhausted, uninspired, or like you know you're meant for more, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your past does not get to decide your future How your algorithm, environment, and habits shape your reality Healing your body through testing, fasting, and nutrition Using creativity, evidence, and repetition to rewire your brain Why forgiveness is essential for emotional and physical healing How to build wealth without waiting for permission Being intentional about relationships and self-worth Why "delulu" belief can actually be a superpower A raw personal update from Allison on burnout, podfading, and coming back stronger This is not about perfection. It's about intention. And it starts now. #FoodHeals

Get ready to fall in love with vegan Italian food. In this delicious episode of Food Heals, Allison sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of LA's award-winning vegan restaurant Pura Vita, and renowned author Gene Stone (Forks Over Knives, How Not to Die) to talk about their brand new cookbook, Vegana Italiana. From mouthwatering pastas and creamy vegan ricotta to tiramisu you'll dream about, this episode explores how simple, clean ingredients and a little love can create unforgettable meals that are as good for you as they are for the planet. You'll discover: The story behind the first vegan Italian organic restaurant in the U.S. and how it survived Covid and thrived How Tara and Gene teamed up to bring her recipes and stories to life in Vegana Italiana The secret to making authentic Italian flavors without dairy or meat (hint: it starts with olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes) Why real Italian food makes you feel good instead of bloated and how ingredients grown in Italy differ from those in the U.S. What "biodynamic wine" actually means (and why you'll never drink the same way again) Tara's top favorite recipes from the book, including her vegan tiramisu, handmade gnocchi, and addictive mozzarella How to stock your "Essential Vegan Italian Pantry" for success The mindset shifts that helped Tara manifest her dream restaurant and now, her dream cookbook Listen now to learn how to cook, eat, and live the Italian vegan way, full of passion, flavor, and love.

We’ve all heard the promises of The Secret. If you think positive thoughts and raise your frequency, you can have, be, and do anything you want. But what happens when your nervous system is stuck in trauma and doesn’t feel safe enough to receive? That’s when manifestation stops working and survival mode takes over. In this episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody chats with Empowerment Strategist JJ Flizanes to explore the 4 survival states, how they block our manifestation, and how to move from trauma to transformation. Fight is when your body gears up to defend at all costs. Think Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games or Will Smith at the Oscars yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f--king mouth.” Flight is when your system tells you to run or avoid the situation entirely. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy bolting from monsters. Forrest Gump’s iconic “Run, Forrest, run.” Meredith Marks disengaging. Freeze is when you shut down, dissociate, or feel paralyzed. Think Ophelia in Hamlet, frozen and silenced by grief. Harry Potter stunned into stillness when Voldemort reappears. Fawn is when you abandon your own needs in order to appease or please others. Kyle Richards feeling guilty when Kathy has to apologize to her, Sansa Stark pledging her loyalty to King Joffrey in Game of Thrones just to survive. In today's episode, you will learn: Why traditional Law of Attraction teachings stop at the mind and miss the body How trauma and unprocessed emotions can keep you stuck in survival states Tools to shift from survival into safety so you can finally align with your desires The exact steps JJ takes herself when she feels triggered and needs to reset Listen now to discover how to move from survival mode into flow so you can finally create the life you have been vision-boarding. Get tickets to JJ’s event October 17–19 and save $250 with the code FOODHEALS250 at jjflizanes.com/unleash.

We’ve all heard the promises of The Secret. If you think positive thoughts and raise your frequency, you can have, be, and do anything you want. But what happens when your nervous system is stuck in trauma and doesn’t feel safe enough to receive? That’s when manifestation stops working and survival mode takes over. In this episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody chats with Empowerment Strategist JJ Flizanes to explore the 4 survival states, how they block our manifestation, and how to move from trauma to transformation. Fight is when your body gears up to defend at all costs. Think Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games or Will Smith at the Oscars yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f--king mouth.” Flight is when your system tells you to run or avoid the situation entirely. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy bolting from monsters. Forrest Gump’s iconic “Run, Forrest, run.” Meredith Marks disengaging. Freeze is when you shut down, dissociate, or feel paralyzed. Think Ophelia in Hamlet, frozen and silenced by grief. Harry Potter stunned into stillness when Voldemort reappears. Fawn is when you abandon your own needs in order to appease or please others. Kyle Richards feeling guilty when Kathy has to apologize to her, Sansa Stark pledging her loyalty to King Joffrey in Game of Thrones just to survive. In today's episode, you will learn: Why traditional Law of Attraction teachings stop at the mind and miss the body How trauma and unprocessed emotions can keep you stuck in survival states Tools to shift from survival into safety so you can finally align with your desires The exact steps JJ takes herself when she feels triggered and needs to reset Listen now to discover how to move from survival mode into flow so you can finally create the life you have been vision-boarding. Get tickets to JJ’s event October 17–19 and save $250 with the code FOODHEALS250 at jjflizanes.com/unleash.

Ten years into Food Heals, Allison Melody broadens the lens: from food as medicine to the health of our culture. In this deeply personal episode, Allison processes the news of a public assasination, her visceral grief as a daughter who lost her father, and the chilling implications for public figures, creators, podcasters, and anyone who speaks publicly. She traces how social media outrage, algorithmic incentives, and political extremism erode empathy and makes the case that love (not hate, not fear) is the only path to individual and collective healing. Along the way, she shares her family’s story, why she started Food Heals, and how to protect your “information diet” the same way you protect your plate. Theme: Hate does not heal hate. Only love heals. Content note This episode contains discussion of murder, political violence, cancer, grief, social-media harassment, and deplatforming. In this episode you’ll hear Why “the health of our nation depends on more than food” and what that means for free speech Allison’s visceral reaction to the news and how it connects to losing both parents to cancer The attention economy: how algorithms reward outrage and dehumanization A practical “information diet” for your mind and nervous system Powerful messages from fellow creators about responding with active love (not more anger) A simple framework to shift your state: breath, music, gratitude, service A rallying call for creators: “A microphone is not a shield…the First Amendment does not make us bulletproof—but it should make us brave.” Key takeaways Your voice matters, even when it is inconvenient. Free speech is not about agreement, it is about human dignity and the right to speak without violence. Protect your mind like your body. Curate your inputs, fast from outrage, and refuse dehumanizing content, no matter the target. Gratitude is medicine. A daily “what’s good?” practice shifts your state and ripples outward. Love is an action. Compassion, curiosity, and disciplined, justice-honoring love are stronger than hate. Join the conversation If this episode resonated, please rate and review the show and share it with someone who needs a dose of hope, sanilty and logic.

What if the most powerful medicine isn’t in your medicine cabinet but already in your fridge? In this episode of Food Heals, we’re revealing the unexpected healing powers of four everyday foods. One balances hormones and reduces hot flashes by 92 percent. Another helps eliminate chronic skin conditions. One supports cancer recovery. And the last? It’s over 1,000 times more nutrient-dense than your favorite leafy green. Think you know what’s on your plate? Think again. You’ll hear from healing heroes who ditched prescriptions and tapped into the potent power of plants with jaw-dropping results. (And yes, we’re busting that myth about a certain food giving men more curves than they bargained for.) Because healing doesn’t have to come from a prescription. Sometimes, it starts with what’s on your plate. Whether you’re balancing hormones, soothing skin, boosting your immunity, or beating the odds… You don’t need magic. You need plants. Your body is powerful. And when you feed it right, it knows exactly what to do. Your body was built to heal. When you give it the right food it remembers. You don’t need a miracle. You need a meal. Because food doesn’t just fuel us, food heals. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifishop.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off. EnergyBits EnergyBits offers clean, green, plant-based nutrition made from 100% spirulina and chlorella algae. Packed with protein, antioxidants, and nutrients, they’re an easy way to boost energy, support immunity, and fuel your body—naturally. Go to www.energybits.com and use code foodheals for 20% off any product.

This started out as a totally normal interview about the future of health and wellness, and then something crazy happened that you will not see coming. Let’s just say… there’s a twist. A moment you’ll have to hear for yourself. So buckle up, Food Heals Nation. Because in today’s episode, we’re going way beyond green juice and into the tech-powered future of healing. I sat down with Marcus Spruce, a public health expert, to talk about how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from how we manage chronic disease to how we get reminded to go to bed. Sounds futuristic, right? Just wait until you find out what else happens. Tune in to hear: The unexpected moment that will have you questioning everything Can AI really help us live longer, reverse chronic disease, and remind us to get our mammograms? Is this the beginning of better healthcare—or the start of a Black Mirror episode? What AI gets so right… and dangerously wrong Why I’m low-key obsessed with AI (but not ready to marry it—yet) Plus, what happened when Food Heals favorite Michelle Miller and I asked ChatGPT to be our British relationship coach named Matthew 😆 We also cover: Personalized wellness: AI that knows your calendar and your cortisol The ethics, privacy questions, and yes—creepy clone voice possibilities Why the real root causes of chronic disease can’t be solved by an app, no matter how smart This episode is part experiment, part education, and full entertainment! Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the “is this really happening?” of AI in our lives. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dane Johnson, we dive deep into the healing power of food for reversing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis — especially for those following a plant-based or vegan lifestyle. Dane breaks down the specific foods, nutrients, and strategies that have helped hundreds of his clients heal naturally using his S.H.I.E.L.D. Protocol. If you’ve been told diet doesn’t matter, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about IBD. In this episode, you'll learn: Healing foods for calming inflammation and restoring gut health How to follow a plant-based or vegan protocol for IBD Common food triggers to avoid during a flare Why real healing starts with personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes Don’t forget: Go to FoodHealsNation.com/shield to get your FREE 1-on-1 strategy session with a certified IBD Support Specialist, a 60-day Healing Journal, and Dane’s 6 Tips to Healing Crohn’s & Colitis ebook. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen for Dane’s inspiring story of how he healed from Crohn’s naturally and is now helping others do the same. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Have you been told that there's no cure for Crohn’s or Colitis? That your only option is a life full of medications, surgeries, or giving up the foods you love? Think again. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, host Allison Melody sits down with Dane Johnson, CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and creator of the groundbreaking S.H.I.E.L.D. Program, a holistic healing method that has helped over 500 people around the world reverse the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. After nearly losing his life to Crohn’s in 2014, Dane committed himself to natural healing and has been 100% surgery and medication-free ever since. Today, he shares his incredible story, the real root causes of IBD, and how he turned his pain into a mission to help others heal. Dane’s approach proves that you don’t have to live in fear of flare-ups, fatigue, or a restricted life. You can reclaim your health. You can feel strong, energized, and safe in your body again, and it starts here. In this episode, you’ll learn: The shocking story of how Crohn’s nearly took Dane’s life Why the conventional medical model often fails IBD patients How stress, mindset, and nutrition all play a vital role in recovery What your doctor might not be telling you about supplements, food, and lifestyle Why Dane believes you can live symptom-free without meds or surgery Ready to take action? Go to FoodHealsNation.com/shield to get your FREE 1-on-1 strategy session with a certified IBD Support Specialist. You’ll also receive a 60-Day Healing Journal and Dane’s 6 Tips to Healing Crohn’s & Colitis ebook, all completely free. Don’t forget this is only Part 1 of Dane’s healing journey and expert guidance. Tune in to Part 2 for even more tools, tips, and inspiration to become the CEO of your own health. Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15

In this fiery follow-up to Part 1, Allison Melody is back with more truth bombs about the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar and the real-world consequences of media narratives that equate wellness fraudsters with wellness itself. Belle Gibson lied about curing cancer with Gerson Therapy, but that doesn’t mean Gerson Therapy is a lie. Allison breaks down what Apple Cider Vinegar got so wrong about alternative medicine, shares her personal censorship story (yes, YouTube is at it again), and reads some of the shocking and heartbreaking responses she received after posting her thoughts online. From personal loss to purpose-driven passion, this episode is a call to protect the integrity of healing modalities that have helped so many. It’s a reminder that just because something is healing doesn’t mean the person teaching it is a healer. Topics Covered What the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar gets wrong about Gerson Therapy The difference between a scammer and a healing modality Censorship in the wellness space and Allison’s personal battle with YouTube The dark side of speaking your truth online: internet trolls and death threats Why the suppression of alternative medicine threatens our right to informed health choices Quotes We Love: "The scammer isn’t the science." "Just because something is healing doesn’t mean the person teaching it is a healer." "Belle Gibson lied. That doesn’t make Gerson Therapy a lie." "Our health is in our hands, and we deserve all the information to make the right decisions." Listen Now Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DeepCast, or your favorite podcast platform. (Probably not on YouTube due to ongoing censorship) Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15

In today's episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody dives into the recent media portrayals of alternative healing practices and their connection to scam artists. Inspired by HBO’s Breath of Fire and Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, Allison shares her personal experiences with Kundalini Yoga, alternative medicine, and the dangers of blindly following self-proclaimed “gurus.” What You’ll Learn: 🔹 The fine line between healing modalities and the people who exploit them 🔹 How Breath of Fire exposed the dark side of Kundalini Yoga and its leaders 🔹 The truth behind Apple Cider Vinegar and its misleading portrayal of natural healing 🔹 Why alternative healing methods are often vilified despite their effectiveness 🔹 Personal stories of deception, manipulation, and the power of discernment Key Takeaways: ✅ Just because something is a healing modality doesn’t mean the teacher is a healer. ✅ Grifters exist in every industry, including wellness and spirituality. ✅ The media’s portrayal of alternative medicine often discredits legitimate healing methods. ✅ Allison’s firsthand experience with Kundalini Yoga and the questionable figures behind it. ✅ How corporate buyouts have compromised once-holistic brands like Burt’s Bees, Tom’s, and Naked Juice. Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15 ✨ Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on alternative medicine and its portrayal in the media? DM Allison on Instagram @foodhealsnation 🎙 Next Episode: Gurus Who Grift Part 2 Stay tuned for Part 2 of Gurus Who Grift where Allison shares her take on Apple Cider Vinegar, the backlash she faced, and why speaking out got her death threats!

What if the secret to better health was rooted in ancient wisdom? On today’s episode of Food Heals, we’re diving into the world of acupuncture and cupping with Dr. Tom Ingegno, a leading expert in integrative medicine with over 23 years of experience. As a doctor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, Dr. Tom has dedicated his career to helping people heal naturally by combining modern research with time-tested traditional practices. Dr. Tom is the author of The Cupping Book: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Healing, where he demystifies cupping therapy and explains how this ancient practice can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress—all from the comfort of home. Through his work at Charm City Integrative Health, a clinic hailed as the “Future of Medicine” by futurist David Houle, Dr. Tom uses a multidimensional approach to reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and optimize overall wellness. In this episode, we explore: ✅ How acupuncture and cupping work to support healing ✅ The benefits of cupping for pain relief, stress reduction, and improved blood flow ✅ What the heck is fire cupping, and how does it work? 🔥 (Hint: It’s not as scary as it sounds!) ✅ Dr. Tom’s insights on biohacking, longevity, and the future of holistic healing Dr. Tom has taught at top schools for East Asian medicine, expanded acupuncture’s reach through his leadership on the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture, and has been featured in major media outlets for his expertise. He also co-hosts the Irreverent Health podcast, where he breaks down complex health topics with humor and clarity. If you’ve ever been curious about acupuncture, cupping, and how these ancient practices can help you thrive, this episode is a must-listen! Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to organifishop.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off. EnergyBits Our algae tablets have one ingredient, one calorie, and forty vitamins and minerals. Scientific studies show algae’s nutrients help improve immune health, gut health, brain health, mitochondria health, energy, beauty, sleep, longevity and more. Go to EnergyBits.com and use code foodheals for 20% off.

If you’ve ever felt powerless in the face of cravings, you’re not alone. But what if you could break the cycle of emotional eating, self-sabotage, and guilt—for good? In this episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody and Sexy Fit Vegan founder Ella Magers dive deep into The Peace Process—a 5-step framework designed to help you pause, reflect, and make empowered choices around food. Ella walks Alli through the process in real-time, leading to a massive aha moment that could change the way you think about food forever. Plus, Allison and Ella share personal stories of overcoming cravings, rewriting limiting beliefs, and learning to trust their bodies. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✔️ The Peace Process: A step-by-step method to break free from cravings and emotional eating ✔️ How to shift from autopilot reactions to conscious, empowered choices ✔️ A behind-the-scenes moment where Allison experiences a powerful breakthrough If you’re ready to take control of your eating habits without restriction or willpower battles, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now to discover how The Peace Process can help you finally feel free around food! 🌱 Learn more about Ella at sexyfitvegan.com. 💖 Join the Food Freedom Blueprint with Ella at https://allison.sexyfitvegan.com. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Are you ready to finally heal your relationship with food and your body? In this powerful episode of Food Heals, host Allison Melody sits down with Ella Magers, founder of Sexy Fit Vegan, to dive deep into food freedom, body confidence, and breaking the cycle of restriction, cravings, and guilt. Ella, a dedicated vegan since the age of 15, has spent her life helping people transform their health from the inside out. Having overcome her own struggles with disordered eating and body image, she now empowers others to break free from diet culture and build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle rooted in self-love. In this episode, Allison and Ella discuss: ✔️ Why willpower isn’t the answer—and what actually works instead ✔️ How to stop emotional eating and self-sabotage for good ✔️ The truth about cravings (and how to work with them, not against them) ✔️ How to embrace movement and nutrition in a way that feels joyful, not punishing ✔️ The power pause and mindset shifts that will help you finally feel at home in your body If you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, food guilt, and feeling out of control around eating, this episode is for you. Ella’s Food Freedom Blueprint is changing lives, and today, she’s sharing her secrets to sustainable health, happiness, and confidence. 🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward true food freedom! 🌱 Learn more about Ella at sexyfitvegan.com. 💖 Join the Food Freedom Blueprint with Ella at https://allison.sexyfitvegan.com

On this episode of Food Heals, we’re diving into two powerful ways to elevate your health—sprouts and CBD coffee! First, I’ve got updates from Tulum, Mexico. Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to step away, even if just temporarily, to gain a fresh perspective. Travel is healing for me, and being here in Tulum, surrounded by nature, vegan food, and a holistic community, has been exactly what I needed. I've been indulging in delicious plant-based meals, including the best whipped coffee at Liefs, working out with friends, and soaking in the healing energy of this paradise. But before we dive into today’s powerful conversations about the incredible nutritional benefits of sprouts and the calming ritual of CBD coffee, I want to touch on something important—the impact of air pollution and what we can do to protect ourselves. The recent LA fires have left behind toxic air filled with chemicals from burned plastics, electronics, and building materials, and we need to take proactive steps to safeguard our health. From air filtration to immune-boosting greens, I’ll be sharing my top tips to help you detox and stay well. Then, we’re diving into two powerful ways to elevate your health—sprouts and CBD coffee! First, I’m sitting down with Doug Evans, a pioneer in the plant-based health movement and author of The Sprout Book, to explore the mind-blowing benefits of sprouts. These tiny nutritional powerhouses can help regulate insulin, improve digestion, and even protect against environmental toxins. We recorded this episode live at Leslie Durso’s house in Marina del Rey, so of course, I had to bring her back to co-host! Leslie Durso, a celebrity vegan chef and wellness expert, is known for making plant-based living stylish, accessible, and delicious. Then, in part two, I’m chatting with Lindsey Sozio, founder of Lavender Coffee Boutique, a Denver-based coffee shop and online retailer redefining how we experience coffee. Lindsey is on a mission to shift away from the fast-paced coffee culture and turn your morning cup into a mindful wellness ritual—whether you take it with or without CBD. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Have you ever wondered how trauma impacts your mind and body? Or how you can truly heal from life’s most challenging moments—whether you’ve faced a wildfire, a loss, or another form of pain? In this episode of The Food Heals Podcast, host Allison Melody and guest JJ Flizanes come together to share their experiences with the devastating California wildfires and explore the healing tools that can help us overcome trauma—whether we’ve been directly affected by fires or not. First, Allison and JJ reflect on their own wildfire stories, discussing the emotional and neurological toll these events can take. Then, JJ introduces her powerful Radiant Sacred Circle Meditation, a free 14-minute guided visualization designed to channel love, strength, and healing energy to those impacted by the fires. Through this meditation, you’ll: ✨ Connect with a community sending collective love and light. ✨ Visualize healing energies flowing to those in need. ✨ Find peace within yourself while contributing to collective healing. The conversation goes deeper as Allison and JJ explore additional tools for healing trauma and regulating the nervous system, including: Meditation to calm neurological dysregulation. EFT/Tapping to release stored pain and rewire emotional triggers. EMDR Therapy for processing traumatic memories. Brain Rewiring through neuroplasticity, blending science and spirituality to change our reactions and heal at a deeper level. Whether you’ve experienced the devastation of wildfires or are seeking ways to heal from other forms of trauma, this episode is filled with actionable insights and hope. Download JJ’s free Guided Prayer and Meditation for California Fires 2025 at jjflizanes.com/fires Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi If you’ve been affected by the California wildfires—or even if you haven’t—your body may be carrying a toxic load it can’t handle alone. That’s where Organifi Green Juice comes in! With 11 superfoods like moringa, chlorella, turmeric, and ashwagandha, it supports detoxification, immunity, and stress relief. Amazing Deals: 🟢 01/24–01/26: Free Green Juice pouch with any 2-pouch purchase during National Green Juice Weekend. 🟢 01/31–02/03: Orders over $40 get free Organifi Sleep and fun-sized Happy Drops. Save 20% anytime at organifishop.com/foodheals. Your body will thank you!

What would you do if you stumbled upon an act of arson in progress? How do you process the devastation of wildfires destroying communities, homes, and lives? On this episode of The Food Heals Podcast, we ponder these questions and more as we dive into the devastation of the recent California wildfires. Host Allison Melody is joined by two powerhouse guests: Jen Briney, host of Congressional Dish and We’re Not Wrong, and Jeremy Ryan Slate, CEO of Command Your Brand and host of the Jeremy Ryan Slate Show. Together, they share personal stories and insightful perspectives on the causes, consequences, and human impact of these apocalyptic fires. In this episode, we explore: Jeremy’s shocking discovery of arson in progress and its aftermath. Jen’s reflections on growing up with wildfires and how they’ve shaped her understanding of resilience. What may have caused these fires and their devastating long-term repercussions. The questions of accountability: Who or what is to blame? These fires tore through the Los Angeles area, displacing families, destroying thousands of structures, and claiming dozens of lives. With economic losses potentially exceeding $50 billion, this disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities of our communities. Tune in for a raw and real conversation that sheds light on the challenges we face and the resilience we need to rebuild. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi If you’ve been affected by the California wildfires—or even if you haven’t—your body may be carrying a toxic load it can’t handle alone. That’s where Organifi Green Juice comes in! With 11 superfoods like moringa, chlorella, turmeric, and ashwagandha, it supports detoxification, immunity, and stress relief. Amazing Deals: 🟢 01/24–01/26: Free Green Juice pouch with any 2-pouch purchase during National Green Juice Weekend. 🟢 01/31–02/03: Orders over $40 get free Organifi Sleep and fun-sized Happy Drops. Save 20% anytime at organifishop.com/foodheals. Your body will thank you!