Show Notes:

You’re doing “everything right”—eating clean, working out, and taking supplements—but you still feel tired, inflamed, or bloated. Sound familiar? In this episode, Jen is joined by Erin Holt, a functional nutritionist and founder of the Functional Nutrition Academy. Erin shares the hidden reasons your body might be fighting back, even when your habits look healthy on paper. From trauma and stress to restrictive eating and the nervous system, this conversation reveals what wellness routines often leave out—and how to truly heal from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

• Clean eating isn’t always enough—stress and trauma matter too
• Your nervous system directly impacts digestion, hormones, and inflammation
• Over-supplementing or under-eating can keep you stuck in “healing mode”
• Functional labs are helpful, but context and coaching are key
• Erin’s Functional Nutrition Academy teaches practitioners a full-body approach to healing
• Gut health, hormone balance, and metabolism are all connected through nervous system function
• You’re not broken—your body’s just asking for something different

🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Erin Holt’s Website
• Follow Erin Holt on Instagram
• Erin Holt's Podcast

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us think our homes are safe—but what if your bed, your humidifier, or even your receipts are making you sick? In this episode, Jen talks with Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy & immunology, about the surprising ways everyday habits and home environments may be harming your health. From dust mites and mold to hormone-disrupting toxins, Dr. Tania shares powerful insights and practical fixes—without the fear-mongering.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t make your bed right away—it traps dust mites and moisture
• Avoid going to bed with wet hair—it can lead to mold and dandruff
• Your humidifier may be making you sick—clean it or switch to a dehumidifier
• Freezer trick for stuffed animals—kills dust mites and bacteria
• Allergy meds vs. immunotherapy—why the long-term fix may be worth it
• Healthcare isn’t health-focused—Dr. Tania breaks down the broken system
• Top labs to request—Ferritin, B12, and thyroid for women’s health
• Her new Healthy Home Guide walks through room-by-room changes with science-backed advice

🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Dr. Tania Elliott’s Website
• Follow Dr. Tania on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Dr. Tania’s Substack

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone’s asking: What should I stop eating in 2025? Jen breaks it all down with five sneaky "health" foods that are secretly spiking your inflammation, disrupting your gut, and keeping you tired and bloated. From sparkling water to yogurt and bread, she reveals what to ditch—and what to swap in instead—for more energy and less confusion at the grocery store.

Key Takeaways:

• LaCroix and other flavored sparkling waters may contain PFAS—“forever chemicals” that mess with hormones, thyroid, and immune health.
• Nut Pods and other “plant-based” creamers use synthetic emulsifiers like dipotassium phosphate, which inflame your gut and drive cravings.
• Veggie sticks are mostly seed oils and additives, not vegetables. Swap them for clean brands like Lesser Evil, Siete, or Tatamata.
• Chobani and most conventional yogurts contain milk from GMO-fed cows and pasteurized probiotics. Try coconut-based yogurts like Kalina or Coconut Cult instead.
• Dave’s Killer Bread is ultra-processed and loaded with omega-6s and gluten. Jen recommends Pasha Bread (with code “WAKEUP” for 20% off) as a clean, fermented alternative.

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After nearly 15 years as an executive and talent scout for four NBA franchises, Jared Ralsky looked like he had it all. But behind the scenes, he was struggling with anxiety, inflammation, and feeling “skinny-fat.” In this episode, Jared joins Jen Smiley to share how clean eating, ancestral health, and learning to read labels transformed his life. From boardrooms to infrared saunas, Jared’s story proves that peak performance starts with what’s on your plate—and what you believe about your body.

Key Takeaways:

• Jared worked in the NBA for nearly 15 years before becoming a certified health coach
• Ancestral health helped him reduce anxiety and body fat while increasing energy
• Clean eating isn’t about giving things up—it’s about choosing better ingredients
• You can’t solve health with a pill—environment and food are foundational
• Even “healthy” foods and labels can be misleading without the right knowledge

🔗 Follow Jared: Instagram & LinkedIn

🌐 Learn more about Jared’s mission: The Health GOAT

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve cleaned up your diet, ditched the seed oils, and started reading labels—but you still wake up feeling puffy, tired, and inflamed. What gives? In this solo episode, Jen Smiley breaks down one of the most overlooked tools for detox and inflammation: infrared saunas. She explains how they work (spoiler: it's not like the steam room at the gym), why they’re a game-changer for your lymphatic system, and how to get started without breaking the bank. Plus, Jen shares her personal routine and the brand she trusts in her own home.

Key Takeaways:

• Infrared saunas reduce inflammation by penetrating deeper than traditional heat or steam
• You sweat out toxins—not just water (think: plastics, heavy metals, and more)
• Infrared light boosts mitochondrial function for more natural energy
• Puffiness and bloating could be signs your lymphatic system needs support
• You don’t need to spend $10K—start with local sessions or a sauna blanket
• Jen’s go-to sauna brand? Sunlighten, with a discount code linked below
• Hydrate, rinse, repeat: how to make the most of your sweat session

🔗 Follow Kyle: Instagram & TikTok

🎧 Listen to more Kyle: Clean Kitchen Podcast

🌐 Learn more about Kyle’s mission: Clean Kitchen Nutrition

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At just 21, Kyle Fitzgerald was sitting in a hospital getting infusions for Crohn’s disease—until one day, he decided to take his health into his own hands. In this episode, Kyle joins Jen to share how he went from chronic inflammation and medications to reading labels, prioritizing real food, and building a thriving online community through Clean Kitchen Nutrition. They talk gut health, what most people misunderstand about fatigue, and simple swaps that make a big difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic inflammation often starts with poor food quality, not genetics
• Most Americans are overfed and undernourished—calories ≠ nutrients
• Clean eating reversed Kyle’s Crohn’s symptoms without medication
• Plant-based diets aren’t always gut-friendly—bio-individuality matters
• Ground beef, fruit, and cooked veggies became Kyle’s healing staples
• You can feel full and energized by changing what you eat, not just how much
• Don’t overlook non-toxic living—start with water, detergent, and skincare
• Grocery tip: Shop the outer aisles first for whole, real foods
• For better mornings and sleep, get sunlight first thing and consider grounding

🔗 Follow Kyle: Instagram & TikTok

🎧 Listen to more Kyle: Clean Kitchen Podcast

🌐 Learn more about Kyle’s mission: Clean Kitchen Nutrition

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You wake up, reach for your coffee, and rely on that first sip to power your day—but what if your daily brew is secretly working against you? In this solo episode, Jen breaks down what’s really in your coffee: from mold and pesticides to plastic and toxins leaching from pods. She also reveals exactly what to look for in a clean cup—from roasting practices to third-party testing—and names nine coffee brands that go the extra mile. If you’re relying on sugar-laden creamers to mask the bitter taste or feeling jittery and bloated after your morning cup, this episode will open your eyes to what’s really brewing.

Key Takeaways:

• Coffee should just be coffee — no mold, pesticides, plastic, or toxins
• That bitter taste? It’s likely low-quality beans or contaminated coffee
• Pod users beware — hot water over plastic can leach chemicals into your drink
• Organic ≠ mold-free — look for brands that test for mycotoxins and toxins
• Common symptoms of tainted coffee include bloating, fatigue, IBS, and jitters
• Creamers can be the real problem too — loaded with gums, fillers, and oils
• Clean coffee is a great first step — but full results come from clean eating overall

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like everything you’ve been told about healthy eating doesn’t actually make you feel healthy? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jen is joined by Brian Sanders, creator of the upcoming Food Lies docu-series and host of the Peak Human podcast. They dive deep into the shocking truth behind the food pyramid, how marketing has hijacked our nutrition labels, and why conventional health advice is making us sicker.

From beef and grains to calories and cholesterol, Brian unpacks decades of misinformation—backed by science and common sense. If you’ve ever questioned your food labels, your cravings, or even your doctor’s advice, this episode will open your eyes.

Key Takeaways:

• The food pyramid is broken — it was designed to push cheap grains, not optimize health
• Red meat and fat aren't the enemy — processed food and fake health claims are
• Nutrition labels are misleading — 90 calories sells better than 30 unrecognizable ingredients
• Fiber ≠ whole grains — eating fiber can be good, but real food is what matters
• Oats are everywhere for a reason — they’re cheap, glyphosate-heavy, and highly profitable
• Doctors aren't taught nutrition — many still demonize healthy fats and meat
• Regenerative meat matters — but even conventional beef is better than processed carbs
• Want to be full and lose weight? Change what you eat, not how much
• Support for Food Lies is live — preorder the docu-series at foodlies.org

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Jen’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels

The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.