LeticiaHardy MD

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LeticiaHardy MD Equipping families to sustain a healthy lifestyle through unique step-by-step instructions that can This ignited my Step Up initiative. in 1997. in 2004.

"My mission is to equip families with the tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle by giving them unique step-by-step instructions that can be tailored to different family dynamics." I am a General Pediatrician who has encountered the obesity epidemic first hand through direct encounters with my patients. I noticed that I was seeing an increasing rate of elevated BMIs in my practice which prompted excessive patient counseling on diet and exercise. I later generated a clinic report on the weight trends in my practice. To my surprise, greater than 75% of my patients were in the overweight and obese range combined! Obesity Medicine wasn't something that was a discipline to study at the time of my residency and early years of practice. So, I decided to take the time to learn what was (and wasn't) working for my patient population. Initially, the common trend was me telling the family to eat healthier only for them to return to the clinic with more weight gain! It took years to figure out that I couldn't just tell someone to lose weight or eat healthily and exercise; I had to give them a different set of tools to use and show them how to use it in "small bites" (no pun intended) each step of the way. I finally figured out the type of hand-holding that they needed to allow for consistent behavior change for the entire family (not just the child). Now that I have mastered what works (and what doesn't), I plan to share these tools with as many families as possible. Dr. Hardy received her undergraduate degree in Natural Science at Fordham University, New York, N.Y. After her undergraduate education, she worked in a molecular genetics research lab on the Human Genome Project at Columbia University. She later decided to pursue a career in medicine and received her medical degree at the Health Science Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. After medical school, she moved to Winston Salem, NC to complete her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in 2007. When she is not working as a Pediatric Hospitalist in Virginia, she is teaching families, through webinars and educational videos, about how to implement a healthier lifestyle. She also serves as a consultant for start-up practices that are new to the field of Obesity Medicine. Licensure and Board Certification:
Diplomat of American Board of Pediatrics

Memberships, Offices and Committee Appointments:
Member of the Obesity Medicine Association
Fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics-Section On Obesity

17/09/2025

Hot flashes out of nowhere?

16/09/2025

Should you avoid fruit for weight loss? The short answer: No.
Fruit is not the enemy—it’s a nutrient powerhouse when eaten in the right portions. 🍎✨
Here’s the formula I give my patients and clients:
👉 2–3 servings a day
👉 Choose high-fiber, lower-glycemic fruits (berries, apples, pears, citrus)
👉 Pair fruit with protein or healthy fat (like nuts or Greek yogurt) to keep blood sugar steady
🍓 Bottom line: Fruit fuels your body, satisfies cravings, and supports sustainable weight loss.
Save this post for grocery shopping, and share it with a friend who’s still afraid of fruit!

🍓✨ This isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s gut-healing fuel 🌱💪Here’s why:🍓 Strawberries → fiber + polyphenols that feed your ...
15/09/2025

🍓✨ This isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s gut-healing fuel 🌱💪

Here’s why:
🍓 Strawberries → fiber + polyphenols that feed your good gut bacteria
🌿 Chia seeds → prebiotic fiber + omega-3s to calm inflammation & keep digestion smooth
🍁 Maple syrup → plant antioxidants that are gentler on your gut than refined sugar

When you care for your gut, you care for your whole body—because gut health = hormone balance, energy, and mood. 💛

👉 Save this recipe for when you want a snack that tastes amazing and supports your microbiome!

🥗✨ This isn’t just a salad—it’s menopause-friendly fuel 🌸💪Here’s why your body will thank you:🌱 Chickpeas → plant-based ...
14/09/2025

🥗✨ This isn’t just a salad—it’s menopause-friendly fuel 🌸💪

Here’s why your body will thank you:
🌱 Chickpeas → plant-based phytoestrogens to ease hot flashes + steady your hormones
🧅 Onions & scallions → antioxidants that fight oxidative stress & support circulation
🌿 Cilantro & mint → cooling herbs that help digestion + calm hot flashes
🌶️ Cumin & coriander → digestion + hormone balance support

When you nourish your hormones, you nourish your whole self. 💛

👉 Save this recipe for a refreshing way to care for your body during menopause!

🍐✨ This isn’t just a snack—it’s brain food! 🧠💡Here’s why:🥜 Almond butter → vitamin E to protect memory🌱 H**p hearts → om...
13/09/2025

🍐✨ This isn’t just a snack—it’s brain food! 🧠💡

Here’s why:
🥜 Almond butter → vitamin E to protect memory
🌱 H**p hearts → omega-3s for sharp focus
🌿 Cinnamon → boosts blood flow + learning
🍐 Pear → fiber + antioxidants for steady energy

Snack smart, fuel your mind, and give your brain the love it deserves. 🧠💪

👉 Save this post for when you need a brain-boosting pick-me-up!

12/09/2025

🍗 Chicken → rich in selenium & zinc to support thyroid hormone balance
🫑 Bell peppers & onions → antioxidants + vitamin C for hormone & adrenal health
🍅 Tomatoes → lycopene to protect thyroid cells from oxidative stress
🧄 Garlic & herbs → natural anti-inflammatory + immune support
💡 The best part? You’re nourishing your thyroid while enjoying a cozy, flavorful meal.
👉 Save this recipe for your next thyroid-loving dinner!

Image AI generated

11/09/2025

Which work out guru should I ask? My arms need help. Even when I slim down my arms and thighs stay on the bigger side—tight arms in shirt but loose everywhere else 🤔

11/09/2025

Current products that have helped my hair grow back:
Pumpkinseed oil with Saw Palmetto
Vit D K2
Batana oil
Mary Ruth’s Multivitamin
Fish oil (for inflammation; if you have an inflammatory disease or process going on)

10/09/2025

🥄 Not all oats are created equal…
👉 Steel-cut oats = least processed, lower glycemic impact, keep you fuller longer.
👉 Rolled oats = convenient and still nutrient-dense, a solid everyday choice.
👉 Instant oats = the fastest but also the highest glycemic spike (watch the added sugars here).
💡 Pro tip: Pair oats with protein + healthy fats (like chia seeds, nut butter, or Greek yogurt) to balance blood sugar and avoid that mid-morning crash.
✨ And if pesticides worry you—go for organic oats. Bonus: rinse and soak them overnight to reduce anti-nutrients like phytic acid, making minerals more bioavailable.
⚖️ At the end of the day, oats are a tool. Use them wisely, and they can support your heart, gut, and energy levels.

09/09/2025

Lower cortisol without cutting your favorite foods.

06/09/2025

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