Let’s get real for a second—how are your daily habits and behaviors shaping your kids' health and how they see themselves? If you've ever rolled your eyes at ridiculous school food rules or caught yourself wondering if you're sending mixed messages about food and body image, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m getting into the messy, uncomfortable truth with Jennifer Lawson about how our actions as moms can seriously impact our kids’ health and mindset.
Jennifer and I are pulling no punches. We’re challenging all the nonsense society throws at us, calling out toxic diet culture, and giving you real, actionable tips to help your family build healthier habits. It’s time to ditch the self-sacrifice martyr act and create a positive, empowering space for our kids to grow up strong and confident.
In this episode, we cover:
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How slapping labels on food (“good” vs. “bad”) screws with how kids think about eating.
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The wild connection between strict school food rules and rising obesity rates—yeah, it’s a thing.
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Why our generation had longer recess and more movement, and how today’s kids are paying for it.
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How to actually talk to your teens about health without turning it into a weight-shaming session.
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Why you need to model healthy habits if you want your kids to avoid toxic diet culture.
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Simple ways to fight against societal pressures and prioritize family nutrition and fitness.
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The long-term power of being present and actively involved in your child’s health journey.
Look, this isn’t about being a “perfect” parent (spoiler alert: that doesn’t exist). It’s about showing up, making intentional choices, and breaking free from the toxic cycles we were raised in. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies to help your family thrive—and it all starts with YOU.
The parents' attitudes ultimately dictate the well-being of their [kids] growth patterns. - Jennifer Lawson
So, tell me—how are you modeling healthy habits for your kids? How do you steer clear of those harmful body image convos? I want to hear it all! Let’s keep this conversation going. Hit me up on social media or drop a comment on our website. And hey, if this episode hit home for you, leave a review and share it with another mom who needs to hear it. Let’s change the game together!
Meet Jennifer Lawson
Jennifer is the head coach of the Powerhouse Academy. She is a licensed counselor with over 17 years of experience in fitness. She has worked on the gym floor. She has done fitness competitions. She also works in her private practice as a licensed counselor with teens and young adults aged 13 to 25.
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More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows.
[Nathalia Melo]
Hello, hello there, fam! Welcome back to another episode of The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast. I’m your host, Nathalia Melo, and today’s episode is one that I truly believe is going to be powerful and eye-opening for so many of you.
I have an incredible guest joining me today—our very own Head Coach at the Powerhouse Academy, Coach Jennifer Lawson! Jen is not only an experienced fitness professional with over 17 years in the industry, but she’s also a licensed counselor who works in her private practice with teens and young adults. Plus, she’s a mom of two!
Jen brings such a unique and valuable perspective to today’s conversation because she’s experienced fitness, motherhood, and mental health from so many angles. Welcome, Jen!
[Jennifer Lawson]
Thank you so much for having me, Nathalia! I’m really excited to be here. I think today’s conversation is so important, especially for parents to become more aware of how their behaviors impact their kids.
The Cycle of Diet Culture and Its Impact on Kids
[Nathalia Melo]
Let’s dive in. I want to start by sharing a personal story that I know many of you will relate to.
Growing up, my mom was a classic yo-yo dieter. She’d lose weight, gain it back, make comments about her own body—and even mine. In my culture, commenting on someone’s body was normal. It’s not unique to Latino culture, either. I know this happens in other cultures too.
But those comments stuck with me. It wasn’t until I became a mother myself that I realized how much my relationship with food and my body had been shaped by those early experiences.
Even now, I hear from women in their 60s and 70s who remember things their parents said to them as kids. That’s how deeply these things stick.
So, Jen, from your experience as a counselor, what are you seeing in young adults and teens when it comes to how parental behavior influences body image and eating habits?
How Parents’ Behaviors Influence Their Kids
[Jennifer Lawson]
Oh, absolutely. What I see a lot in my practice are teens and young adults struggling with body image and disordered eating patterns.
We, as parents, often think we’re protecting our kids because we don’t directly comment on their bodies. But what we don’t realize is that our behaviors speak louder than words.
Things like:
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Constantly talking about needing to lose weight.
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Following extreme diets like keto or carnivore.
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Labeling foods as "good" or "bad."
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Avoiding certain foods in front of kids.
Kids absorb everything. They watch how we eat, how we talk about ourselves, and how we engage with food. Even if you’re not commenting directly on their bodies, they’re still picking up on these behaviors.
[Nathalia Melo]
Yes! And I think many parents believe that not commenting on their kids’ bodies is enough. But if you’re skipping meals, obsessing over calories, or calling certain foods “bad,” your kids are still learning from that.
[Jennifer Lawson]
Exactly. And today’s teens are not just dealing with the pressure to be thin. They’re growing up in a world that promotes “health” culture that can be just as damaging. It’s diet culture in disguise.
We’re seeing a rise in things like orthorexia—an unhealthy obsession with eating “clean” or “healthy” foods. Social media is full of trends that promote extreme fasting or cutting out entire food groups, and teens are watching their parents do similar things.
The Long-Term Impact on Kids’ Mental and Physical Health
[Nathalia Melo]
I’ve seen studies showing that kids as young as six years old are already developing negative attitudes about their bodies.
And I’ve heard from women in our Powerhouse Academy who remember painful comments their parents made when they were children. It sticks with you.
[Jennifer Lawson]
Yes. I work with teens who are still carrying the weight of things their parents said or did years ago.
Research shows that when parents engage in weight-related conversations or express concerns about their kids’ weight, it significantly increases the risk of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in those children.
And it’s not just what’s said—it’s also what’s done.
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Skipping meals to lose weight.
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Following fad diets.
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Making negative comments about your own body.
Kids mirror those behaviors.
The “Martyr Mom” Mentality and Its Impact
[Nathalia Melo]
Let’s talk about the societal pressure on mothers to sacrifice everything for their families. I saw this post recently of a mom holding her child above water while she’s drowning, and it was celebrated as a symbol of unconditional love.
But that mentality is dangerous.
[Jennifer Lawson]
It is. This idea that good mothers should sacrifice everything—even their own health—hurts both the mom and the child.
When moms neglect themselves, they’re teaching their kids that it’s okay to ignore self-care and let themselves burn out. That behavior doesn’t serve anyone.
[Nathalia Melo]
Yes! I always say, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you’re constantly overwhelmed and not taking care of yourself, that affects your relationships with your kids, your spouse, and even your health.
What Can Parents Do Differently?
[Jennifer Lawson]
Here are some practical things parents can start doing today:
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Stop labeling foods as "good" or "bad." All foods have a place. Teaching kids moderation is more important than restriction.
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Eat meals together as a family. Research shows that family dinners are linked to better eating habits and stronger family bonds.
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Model balance, not extremes. Show your kids that exercise and healthy eating are about feeling good—not punishment or restriction.
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Avoid commenting on your body or theirs. Instead of saying, “I need to lose weight,” focus on how you feel: “I feel better when I move my body.”
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Include all foods in the house. Restricting certain foods like sweets often leads to bingeing when kids are exposed to them elsewhere.
[Nathalia Melo]
Yes! And for parents of teens, it’s so important to be present in their lives.
Ask about their day. Talk about their friends. Pay attention to what they’re seeing on social media.
Also, if you’re struggling with your own relationship with food and your body, it’s okay to get help. Your healing will help your kids.
Final Thoughts
[Nathalia Melo]
This was such a powerful conversation, Jen. I hope it helped all the parents listening to reflect on how their behaviors might be impacting their kids.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being aware and making small changes that set a better example.
[Jennifer Lawson]
Absolutely. And if this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on your own behaviors and how you can model a healthier relationship with food and your body for your children.
[Nathalia Melo]
Thank you so much for being here, Jen. I can’t wait for our next conversation!
And for all of you listening, if you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we help women in the Powerhouse Academy create sustainable health habits without extremes, check out the link in the show notes to schedule a call with me.
Until next time—take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
Bye for now!
