097: Teens Want to Be in Control. Here's Why They're NOT (& What They Can Do About it) Direct from a Teen Author of The Teen Health Revolution

My guest today is 17-year-old Abdullah Ansari, and listening to him talk about teen health, food, stress, tech, and purpose made my jaw drop more than once. Not because he sounded rehearsed or polished. But because he sounded awake in a way most adults are still struggling to be.

He talks about teen health like it is urgent. Because it is. He talks about food like it is power. Because it is. And he talks about freedom in a way that completely reframes how most teens think about independence.

If you are raising a teen right now, or if you will be in the next few years, I truly believe this episode is one you will want to listen to together.

Here is just a small taste of what we unpack in this conversation:

• Why ultra-processed food is designed to override a teen’s self-control
• How the gut microbiome directly affects mood, anxiety, focus, and skin
• Why scrolling is not actually a “break” for a stressed-out brain
• Two free, simple stress reset tools every teen can use today
• How Abdullah handles peer pressure when everyone else is eating junk
• Why gratitude is not just emotional but biological
• How purpose changes the way teens use their bodies and their time

Resources We Mention for the Teen Health Revolution

• Order The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking Lifestyle Secrets for the Mind, Body, and Soul by Abdullah Ansari, Zain Ansari, Emaad Ansari, Qasim Ansari, and Madiha Saeed, MD on Amazon or Bookshop.org
• If you order the book before December 11, 2025, get the awesome bonuses from Abdullah and fam!
• Holistic Parenting with Dr. Saeed
• Getting to the Root of Chronic Inflammation and Disease in Kids with Dr. Madiha Saeed
• One Simple Stress-Busting Habit to Use Every Day
• Listen to the Holistic Kids’ Show podcast!
• Visit Abullah and brothers at their website The Holistic Kid’s Show or visit them on Facebook or Instagram

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teens to get on the waitlist for Teens Cook Real Food!

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