One Part Podcast / Episode 7: Finding Balance with Jordan Younger of The Balanced Blonde
The beautiful and brave Jordan Younger is this week’s guest. She’s gotten a lot of attention the last two months – and it all started with one controversial post made on her popular blog. Very excited to have the opportunity to share her story here on OPP.
Jordan speaks openly about the post and the negative backlash that resulted (we’re talking death threats here). She also talks about her struggle to overcome an eating disorder, how’s she’s healing, and the exciting developments she’s got in the works.
Here’s Jordan:
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Show Notes:
Balanced Blonde
Balanced Blonde Instagram
Raw Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
National Eating Disorder Association
Jordan’s Clothing Line
Cafe Gratitude
Sage Culver City
True Food Kitchen
If you liked this episode…leave a comment, tweet it, share it on Instagram and tag me, or head over to iTunes and leave a review. The more reviews, the greater chance someone else will hear Jordan’s inspiring story.
And please share this episode with someone who might need it!
12 Comments
Daniella
August 21, 2014Really, really enjoyed this. One of the hardest parts of eating vegan a few years ago was people’s opinions and judgements, and eating in a group setting. On my own, it was so easy! But in my “real life” it was so hard. I felt great, but missed certain things I truly enjoyed, and oh the comments after eating meat and dairy again! I didn’t know about Jordan until now, but i’m excited to flip through her old posts as well as follow along her new journey! What a brave person not only regarding food, but just in general regarding making life changes no matter what people say, so inspiring!
Jessica
August 21, 2014Daniella, it’s the “real life” that can be so hard, right? I felt the same way at first! And yes, go check out more Jordan. She is an incredible writer and just all around inspiring woman.
Jordan @ The Balanced Blonde
August 21, 2014JESSICA! You rock. This rocks. Many collaborations in our future, please? xox
Jessica
August 21, 2014Jordan, yes please! Lots ahead for us. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Abby
August 21, 2014This was an interesting episode and I enjoyed hearing Jordan’s story. When I first heard your disclaimer in the intro I thought “Who would get offended by this?” but found myself feeling a bit uncomfortable during the episode. This was one example, one person’s story, and I heard that loud and clear.
What kept popping up for me was how privileged a society we are where we can choose to eat a certain way, completely avoid certain types of foods, and have free reign over what we consume. The majority of us have an overabundance of options when it comes to food.
I live in Los Angeles and have amazing access to ingredients, for which I am super grateful. I can afford to supplement my trips to the farmer’s market with trips to Whole Foods. And I’m familiar with all of the things Jordan was talking about: vegan, juice cleanse, yoga, Cafe Gratitude. How would someone who isn’t white, somewhat affluent, and who doesn’t live in a city respond to this interview? What would it sound like to them? This was what came up for me while listening to this interview.
That being said, it amazes and disgusts me that Jordan got death threats for transiting away from veganism, being true to herself, and getting healthy. WTF is up with that, world?! Hopefully people who are going through similar issues hear the interview and are inspired to make healthy changes. Thank you for these podcasts, Jessica. I love them and look forward to hearing more!
Jessica
August 21, 2014Abby, thank you so, so much for writing these comments. I completely agree with you. It’s something that I’d like to change – making good food and healthy food options for EVERYONE. Thank you again for leaving such honest and thoughtful comments. And for listening.
Jeanette
August 22, 2014Jessica,
First off, I’ve NEVER commented on a podcast before but because the convo was so free and open, I wanted to interject with my own questions and just vibe with you guys.
My main question is, why did she feel that she had to incorporate meat and dairy back into her diet instead of adding the plant based foods that she was depriving herself. Or, why not be a pescatarian or a vegetarian?
Just curious. I’ve been a vegetarian for many years and recently went vegan and I could relate with a lot of what Jordan was saying. Veganism has helped me health wise and I couldn’t imagine what I would do if that all of a sudden changed.
Thank you both for being brave and honest. I love the podcast!
Jeanette
Jessica
August 22, 2014Thanks for leaving your first comment ever, Jeanette! And thanks for listening. I think that Jordan would be able to answer that question best. But I think what I took from it was that she was just listening to her body. Her body was telling her to eat salmon…so she did. I don’t see Jordan chowing down on McDonalds anytime soon – I think she just needed to let go of the label “vegan” and just focus on whole foods. Thanks so much for listening and think you’ll love the next episode too!
Mandy
February 22, 2015Jessica,
I just started listening to your podcasts. So great! This one especially spoke to me.
Thanks so much for these and keep up the inspiring work!
Mandy
Jessica
February 22, 2015Thanks so much for listening, Mandy! Keep me posted on the other ones you dig!
Pastaveia
July 3, 2015Wow! She’s so brave and no doubt will her story inspire someone else for sure. I agree that we have to adjust to the needs of our bodies we’re all different and must learn to surrender control when things are not working. We’re human and must learn to adjust, adapt and be kind to our bodies and minds. For me, this is were the balance is developed. You two are so brave to share. Thanks!
Jessica
July 6, 2015Pastaveia, I love this outlook! Thanks so much for sharing that.