Writer/Educator

Michael Writes & Educates in 4 ways:  Music, Photography, Poetry & Nutrition providing guidance to nourish 3 life dimensions: Body, Mind & Spirit. 

Music for the Spirit

Michael composes tone poems providing the context for listeners to imagine the possibilities, the meaning, and the musical painting. He then writes stories to educate the audience with insight into the deeper meaning behind each of those musical artworks including the lives of composers. All listeners become synesthetics seeing the music that captures emotions & instills joy.

Nature for the Mind

Michael’s nature writing comes in 2 forms: Photography & Poetry.

Photography becomes a teaching opportunity to be in the present moment witnessing the awe embedded in the very texture of the universe awaiting each and all. Photographs are available for viewing & purchase. Email Michael with inquiries.

Poetry is a daily activity for Michael which he began at the age of 11 ranging from Haiku to modern with themes of nature, life, loss & love.

At the sunset of life, the shadow of regret is present & palpable—Michael Leidig

The beauty in being an artist is that you have found the fountain of youth which bestows immortality—Michael Leidig

There are no obstacles in life, only vistas to see & sound the world differently—Michael Leidig

Oh River may I live my life like you flowing freely, never fully stopping, slowing only at times, but never completely still always in the moment navigated by an unseen force never letting rocks halt your forward momentum, laughing at them as you sing in their presence ever moving, never knowing where you began or will end—Michael Leidig

Clouds floating softly,
forming pictures in the sky
quickly moving on
—Michael Leidig

Nutrition for the Body

Michael’s nutrition publications range from children’s books to text books to journal articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Book Chapters

• Content Editor & Afterword to Mmm Let’s Eat! Libby Koponen. Blue Apple Books. NJ. 2013.
• Leidig MM. Overweight/Obese in Children and Adolescents (Ages 2-20). Dietitian’s Pocket Guide to Nutrition. Ed. Herbold NH and Edelstein S. Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 2010. 162-68.
• Leidig MM. Overweight/Obese in Children and Adolescents (Ages 2-20). Rapid Reference for Nurses: Nutrition. Ed. Herbold NH and Edelstein S. Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 2007. 162-68.

Journal Articles

• Meagher SM, Leidig MM, Price LL, Biever E. The relationship between depressive symptoms and BMI in adolescents enrolled in a weight management program. Children’s Health Care. 2016; March 17 online. doi/full/10.1080/02739615.2016.1163491
• Meagher SM & Leidig MM. The Center for Youth Wellness: A developmental and community focused model for an adolescent weight management program. American Psychological Association’s Child, Youth and Families News: Poverty, Health Disparities, and the Nation’s Children. 2012.
• Rhodes ET, Pawlak DB, Takoudes TC, Ebbeling CB, Feldman HA, Lovesky MM, Cooke EA, Leidig MM, Ludwig DS. Effects of a low-glycemic load diet in overweight and obese pregnant women: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010; Oct 20 (Epub ahead of print).
• Ebbeling CB, Leidig MM, Feldman HA, Lovesky MM, Ludwig DS. Effects of a Low-Glycemic Load vs Low-Fat Diet in Obese Young Adults. JAMA. 2007;297:2092-2102.
• Ebbeling CB, Garcia-Lago E, Leidig MM, et al. Altering Portion Sizes and Eating Rate to Attenuate Gorging During a Fast Food Meal: Effects on Energy Intake. Pediatrics. 2007;119:869-875.
• Leidig MM. Glycemic Guidelines. The Soy Connection. 2007;15(1):Winter.
• Ebbeling CB, Leidig MM, Sinclair KB et al. Effects of an ad libitum reduced glycemic load diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese young adults. Am J Clin Nutr; 2005; 81:976-982.
• Ebbeling CB, Leidig MM, Sinclair KB, Hangen JP, Ludwig DS. A reduced glycemic load diet in the treatment of adolescent obesity. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003;157:773-779.