As we head into the holiday season—a time filled with gatherings, traditions, and (let’s be honest) a lot of food—there’s one word that always seems to come up: feast.

For many of us, feasting brings to mind tables piled high with turkey, stuffing, and desserts. But what if we thought of feasting in a bigger, more meaningful way? What if it wasn’t just about what’s on the table, but also about how we show up for the season?

In this episode, I explore the concept of feasting as described by Martha Beck in her book The Joy Diet. Beck’s approach to feasting is about savoring life with presence and gratitude, whether it involves food or not. It’s about noticing the small joys, slowing down, and appreciating the moment in front of you—something we could all use a little more of during the holiday season!

We’ll also take a look at some common ways we complicate the holidays, adding unnecessary stress to what should be a joyful time. From overcommitting to events and overthinking gifts to clinging too tightly to traditions, I’ll share practical tips to simplify the season and focus on what really matters.

And yes, we’ll talk about how to prepare for those real holiday moments—like a dry turkey, broken ornaments, or a family member's latest political rant—and how they might just become the memories you laugh about later.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What “feasting” really means (hint: it’s not about overeating).

• Simple ways to turn ordinary moments into meaningful celebrations.

• How to recognize when holiday activities, traditions, or expectations are draining you—and what to do about it.

• Why embracing imperfection can lead to a more joyful season.

• Tips to slow down and savor the holidays without sacrificing your health, energy, or sanity.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Key Takeaways:

• Feasting isn’t just about food—it’s about presence, joy, and gratitude.

• Simplifying your holidays can create more space for connection and meaning.

• Let go of perfectionism, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy the season for what it is.

Action Steps:

• Identify one holiday activity or tradition you love, and fully savor it this year.

• Let go of one obligation or expectation that drains your energy.

• Find a “feast” outside of food—whether it’s enjoying a sunset, cozying up with a book, or savoring a quiet moment by the fire.

If you enjoy the show, I would LOVE for you to leave a review at Apple Podcasts.

Want tips related to healthy and productive living sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my email list at healthyproductiveliving.com!

Let's connect!

On Facebook - @healthyproductivelivingwithkiley

On Instagram - @healthy.productive.living

The content of this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, not medical advice. Please speak with your health care professional about any health concerns you may have.

Processed foods are everywhere, and let’s be honest—they’re super convenient. But how are they impacting your health, energy, and long-term wellbeing?

In today’s episode, I’m unpacking the truth about processed foods, how they affect your body, and, most importantly, simple ways to eat more nutritious whole foods without overwhelm.

This episode isn’t about guilt or perfection—it’s about practical, actionable tips that can help you feel better and make sustainable progress toward healthier eating.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What “processed food” really means, as well as the continuum of food processing

• Three major problems with highly-processed foods

• Big-time benefits of whole foods

• Practical tips and easy swaps to reduce processed foods in your diet

• Nine success tips.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Previous Episode: The Pleasure Trap (Episode #4)

2. Tomato Mushroom Stew with Lentils and Brown Rice recipe

Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode inspires you to make small, meaningful changes in your eating habits. Remember, it’s not about fear—it’s about the joy of living a healthier, more vibrant life.

If you enjoy the show, I would LOVE for you to leave a review at Apple Podcasts.

Want tips related to healthy and productive living sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my email list at healthyproductiveliving.com!

Let's connect!

On Facebook - @healthyproductivelivingwithkiley

On Instagram - @healthy.productive.living

The content of this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, not medical advice. Please speak with your health care professional about any health concerns you may have.

Ever feel like your weekly plan gets derailed before it even begins? You carefully organize everything, only to have unexpected tasks, emergencies, or distractions throw you completely off track. It’s frustrating, right?

In this episode, I share a simple (but game-changing) planning hack that helps you to anticipate and manage those “unplanned, unwanted” moments that inevitably come up. I’ll walk you through how I’ve used this strategy in my own life to reduce frustration, stay productive, and even find some humor in the chaos.

We’ll chat about:

• Why the “random” things that derail our plans really aren’t that random.

• A mindset shift that changed how I approach weekly planning.

• A practical way to build more margin into your schedule—without feeling overwhelmed or behind.

If you’re tired of feeling behind and want a time management strategy to help you stay on top of your week (no matter what life throws at you), this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to improve your weekly planning, reduce stress, and create a productive schedule that actually works for your life!

Resources Mentioned:

• Winning the Week: Planning a Successful Week, Every Week by Demir and Carey Bentley

If you enjoy the show, I would LOVE for you to leave a review at Apple Podcasts.

Want tips related to healthy and productive living sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my email list at healthyproductiveliving.com!

Let's connect!

On Facebook - @healthyproductivelivingwithkiley

On Instagram - @healthy.productive.living

The content of this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, not medical advice. Please speak with your health care professional about any health concerns you may have.