Liz Moody is here to inspire you to embrace a fulfilling life—with joy at the forefront.
This dynamic wellness advocate is dedicated to disseminating evidence-based strategies, adjustments, and resources to enhance both mental and physical wellness. Whether she’s dispelling skincare misconceptions through her engaging Instagram reels or engaging with notable gut health specialists on her hit podcast, Healthier Together, Moody embodies the spirit of “big sister meets science.” Through her approachable and candid style, she transforms complex information into practical, relatable guidance.
While she promotes habits that enhance personal health—like embarking on daily circadian walks or savoring green smoothies—the foundation of her wellness philosophy revolves around a theme suggested by her podcast’s title: community.
“I believe that coming together and connecting is an essential yet often neglected aspect of wellness that, in many ways, surpasses anything I can teach regarding nutrition or fitness,” she states.
Her belief in the importance of relationships is firmly rooted in research. Harvard researcher Robert Waldinger, MD, highlighted on Healthier Together that after 80 years of studying happiness, the most significant factor in human flourishing is the presence of strong relationships.
With her focus on connection, it’s no surprise that Moody’s podcast episodes—each downloaded millions of times—and her Instagram profile, boasting hundreds of thousands of followers, have turned into thriving communities.
Transforming Anxiety into Action
Moody’s personal wellness journey began during a time marked by intense isolation. After relocating from the U.S. to London with her husband, who was engaged in a rigorous graduate program, she found herself increasingly alone.
Having left her journalism career to focus on writing a novel, days spent alone in front of the computer led to surging anxiety and even panic attacks whenever she attempted to venture outdoors.
“It was during those months when I could hardly get out of bed that I began to contemplate the various elements that constitute my best life,” reflects Moody, who started diving into research across neuroscience and nutrition to enhance her wellbeing.
Engaging with Followers
Moody went on to become the food director for the wellness platform mindbodygreen, release two cookbooks—Glow Pops (featuring superfood popsicle recipes) and Healthier Together (focused on meals for two)—and start her podcast. In January 2020, Moody made the bold choice to become a full-time wellness content creator.
Just two months later, amid the onset of pandemic lockdowns, she worried about her mental health. To combat this, she embraced building a community through her growing Instagram presence. “I crafted content that I felt was necessary for myself and for others,” she remembers. “It became a tremendous source of connection.”
Her follower count grew rapidly, transforming her account into a lively hub of interaction. “One of my favorite aspects is when I see people in the comments supporting one another,” Moody shares.
Many of her Instagram followers also engage with her podcast, which she describes as fostering deeper connections than social media interactions. “You’re listening to me for an hour,” she notes, adding that podcast listeners often approach her in public, feeling as if they share a friendship with her.
Moody is also thrilled that Healthier Together podcast clubs have emerged nationwide, where members convene to discuss episodes and encourage one another in their wellness endeavors. “Being a small catalyst for that is the most fulfilling aspect of my work,” she expresses.
Understanding Common Yearnings
While Moody emphasizes that each person’s idea of a “best life” varies based on their individual circumstances, she has a talent for selecting podcast themes that resonate with many. She avoids jumping on wellness trends, explaining, “When one chases clicks or likes, it often detracts from the ultimate goal of truly serving your community.”
The fundamental human need for meaningful connections is always relevant. Moody points out that while many yearn for connection, there’s often a sense of shame tied to seeking it. Individuals may feel isolated in their loneliness or think they are the only ones without an established circle of friends.
She asserts, “A significant aspect of my mission is to dismantle the stigma surrounding this and to remind people that we are all yearning for connection.”
Gut health is a recurring and critical topic in Moody’s podcast. Here are her top strategies for sustaining it:
- Incorporate fermented foods: These are rich in probiotics that promote smooth digestion.
- Add a vegetable to each meal: Plant-based foods help nourish a diverse range of gut microbiomes.
- Reduce stress levels: High stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
Here are her suggestions for nurturing a positive relationship with social media:
- Curate your “Follows”: Unfollow or mute accounts that bring negative feelings.
- Engage as a creator, not just a consumer: Contributing to the dialogue can be empowering.
- Set clear boundaries with phone usage: Refrain from checking it first thing in the morning and keep it out of the bedroom at night.
Moody emphasizes that at times, self-care pursuits can inadvertently hinder the formation of healthy relationships. For instance, avoiding social gatherings due to dietary restrictions, or missing quality moments with loved ones because of rigid wellness routines. “If you find that these practices are restricting you and obstructing your best life, I genuinely believe that is no longer wellness,” she asserts.
