Episodes

  • Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Fruit Snacks with Simón Sacal

    Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Fruit Snacks with Simón Sacal
    May 14 2024
    The food industry has long recognized the consumer demand for clean, healthy snack options. However, many store-bought snacks, while appearing healthy on the surface, contain hidden sugars, additives, and preservatives. Solely recognizes these needs and is up to the challenge. They lead the clean snacking movement by offering simple, transparent, and delicious snacks made with whole, organic fruits. Their commitment to using only a few natural ingredients sets them apart from other brands that rely on artificial ingredients. In this episode, Jen talks with Simón Sacal, Founder and CEO at Solely. With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Simón is a pioneer in creating healthy snack options. He started Solely by inventing a technology to make fat-free potato chips and has since expanded the brand to include fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón's mission is to provide consumers with clean, nutritious, and guilt-free snacks made from ingredients that humans have used for thousands of years. Simón talks with Jen about how Soley uses real ingredients, like organic fruit, to create their fruit jerky, gummies, dried fruit, and pasta. Simón also shares how he sources organic fruits and the challenges in developing these products. He highlights the significance of organic farming in ensuring that the fruits used in their products are free from harmful chemicals. Key Takeaways [01:30] - An overview of Simon's background and how Solely got started. [02:59] - The fat-free movement. [05:04] - The challenges of creating clean and simple snacks. [07:21] - The challenges companies face in creating clean snacks. [09:18] - Solely's source for organic fruit. [11:15] - Solely's fruit jerky products and their taste profile. [14:57] - How Solely's fruit gummies are produced. [16:02] - Harmful ingredients in popular fruit snack brands. [20:13] - How Solely produces its pasta options: spaghetti squash and green banana. [23:34] - The best way to get Solely products. Quotes [04:08] - "At Solely, we go far beyond better for you. We do good for you. So, we only have food that humans have been eating for thousands of years and that we know nourishes and is good for you." ~ Simón Sacal [09:34] - "Being close to the farmers is a huge part of the business in many ways. It makes it sustainable. It makes it human. It makes it work. It's the only way you can really control the fruit and make it long-term sustainable." ~ Simón Sacal [10:19] - "Sometimes, you think you're eating clean because the ingredients look clean. But if you have a lot of pesticides on the product, it could be even worse than having something that is not perceived as clean. So, we make a huge effort to go organic." ~ Simón Sacal Links Simón Sacal on LinkedIn Solely Fruit Snacks Solely on Amazon Jimbo's Naturally Costco Kroger Albertsons Target Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    27 mins
  • Simple Ingredients and Big Impact with Nick Meyer

    Simple Ingredients and Big Impact with Nick Meyer
    Apr 30 2024
    Have you ever craved more snacks after eating one? That's because sugary snacks often leave us wanting more. But Bearded Brothers offers a refreshing change in the crowded snack market by providing healthier options. In this episode, Jen talks with Nick Meyers, President of Bearded Brothers, about how his journey into Bearded Brothers began, why organic ingredients are essential to their mission, and their special Yo bars designed for kids. In this episode: [01:49] - How and why Nick got involved in Beared Brothers. [05:25] - Why organic ingredients and clean labels are important to Beared Brothers. [13:36] - Nick talks about Beared Brothers Yo Bars for kids. [17:27] - Where you can find Bearded Brothers. Quotes [03:53] - “You look on the back, you read the ingredients, you know the ingredients, and not only do you know them, you feel good about them.” ~ Nick Meyer [09:27] - “You want to eat clean and feel good about it, but you want to enjoy your food too.” ~ Nick Meyer [12:29] - “When we created a lot of these bars, we wanted to stick to the cleanest ingredients possible.” ~ Nick Meyer Links Nick Meyer LinkedIn Bearded Brothers Breaded Brothers Instagram Costco Amazon Whole Foods Market Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Get 25% off your Bearded Brother purchase. Use the code Wakeup at https://www.beardedbros.com.
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    21 mins
  • The Journey to Gluten-Free Cookies with Addison LaBonte

    The Journey to Gluten-Free Cookies with Addison LaBonte
    Apr 16 2024
    Chronic pain often serves as a wake-up call, signaling the need for lifestyle and diet changes. While these kinds of changes can be tough, Addison LaBonte is on a mission to make it easier with better-for-you desserts made with real ingredients. Addison is the founder of Sweet Addison’s. Her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a painful condition that forced her to change her lifestyle. Unable to run, she tried a gluten-free diet and healthier eating habits out of desperation. When she found relief, it sparked an idea – why not create delicious cookies that fit her new lifestyle? In this episode, Addison talks with Jen about her journey to healing chronic pain by changing her diet, the benefits of going gluten-free, and creating Sweet Addison’s.. Key Takeaways [01:40] - How Addison was diagnosed with compartment syndrome. [07:31] - Who should explore gluten-free. [08:27] - Why Addison named her cookie company Sweet Addison’s. [09:25] - Products made by Sweet Addison’s and their ingredients. [19:22] - Why Sweet Addison’s doesn’t compromise on flavor. [24:23] - Sweet Addison’s mission. [25:28] - Where you can find Sweet Addison’s cookies. Quotes [05:20] - “To say that becoming gluten-free and reading food labels was life-changing is an understatement for me.” ~ Addison LaBonte [07:31] “When people say, do you think everybody should become gluten-free? I say honestly, yes.” ~ Addison LaBonte [20:08] - “One of the biggest feedbacks I get from people is, I can't believe that something this healthy can taste this good.” ~ Addison LaBonte Links Addison LaBonte Instagram Sweet Addison’s Sweet Addison’s Instagram The University of Maine Chips Ahoy! Mrs. Fields Famous Amos Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Get 10% off your Sweet Addisons purchase! Use code: Wakeup10 at https://sweetaddisons.com.
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    29 mins
  • A Water Sommelier’s Take on Bottled Water with Martin Reise

    A Water Sommelier’s Take on Bottled Water with Martin Reise
    Apr 2 2024
    As a water sommelier, Martin Reise spends his days creating content about water and sharing his knowledge with others. As a child, he noticed that water could have different tastes, sparking his curiosity. Disappointed by the limited water options available in restaurants, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Martin reveals some surprising truths about water. He explains why certain types, like alkaline water, may not be as beneficial as they seem. He also sheds light on the practices of major water brands, exposing how some of them bottle purified tap water and market it as something more. He believes that the best water is pure and natural, without any additives. He is skeptical of labels like "alkaline water" or "vitamin water," urging consumers to be wary of marketing gimmicks. In this episode, Jen talks with Martin about his journey into this unconventional career, the complexities behind water labels in the grocery store, and the secrets of water tasting. Key Takeaways [01:33] - How Martin became a water sommelier. [03:46] - Why some people are more sensitive to the taste of water. [06:15] - The most hydrating types of water. [13:00] - How to choose water at the grocery store. [15:33] - Martin breaks down different types of water. [22:05] - Martin’s take on infused water. [23:54] - Why Martin doesn’t drink distilled water. [25:18] - How purified water is affecting people’s health. [26:36] - Martin talks about water intoxication. [30:08] - Martin discusses his book and water-tasting box. [37:44] - Should you filter tap water in your house? Quotes [07:11] - “Electrolytes is just a fancy marketing word for minerals.” ~ Martin Reise [16:32] - “All these water producers are thinking, how can I convince the American people to buy tap water in a plastic bottle.” ~ Martin Reise [23:58] - “Distilled waters are for small appliances, I’m not a small appliance.” ~ Martin Reise Links Martin Reise Instagram Martin Reise Youtube Martin Reise Die Welt des Wassers Pepsi Coca Cola Costco FDA Vitamin Water Smart Water Essentia Water Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    42 mins
  • The Truth About Plant-Based Milk with Brooke Harris

    The Truth About Plant-Based Milk with Brooke Harris
    Mar 19 2024
    Opting for plant-based alternatives often seems like a health-conscious decision. But what if these seemingly harmless swaps are actually posing hidden risks behind the scenes? Brooke Harris, food lover and Founder of Goodmylk, previously thought switching to plant-based milk was always a healthy choice. But when she started having health problems from plant-based milk, she knew she needed to make a change. That's what led her to create Goodmylk, a dairy-free milk substitute that tastes great. Unlike many other plant-based milks with added sugars and palm oil, Goodmylk’s products are made from simple ingredients like dates, tigernut, Himalayan salt, sprouted almonds, and oats. Brooke also shares some of her unusual health tips, like cold plunging, red light therapy, and putting onions in socks before bed to help reduce inflammation. In this episode, Brooke talks with Jen about the hidden truths about plant-based milk, wellness tips to improve overall health, and how she created a better plant-based milk alternative. Key Takeaways [01:31] - What is Goodmylk Co. [05:20] - Common ingredients in most plant-based milk. [08:07] - The simple ingredients in Goodmylk. [14:10] - Why dairy-free milk is called milk. [18:13] - Brooke’s wellness hacks. [24:23] - Where you can find Goodmylk creamers. Quotes [03:53] - “Goodmylk launched with this idea of getting better, clean as close to homemade as possible plant-based milk.” ~ Brooke Harris [09:10] - “We have this crazy idea that instead of adding a bunch of weird ingredients to make something that is similar to a milky substance, almonds have a lot of fat and protein in them.” ~ Brooke Harris [10:37] - “Every step of the decision-making around making products filters around me being sick and wanting to create better options.” ~ Brooke Harris Links Brooke Harris Instagram Brooke Harris LinkedIn Goodmylk Co. Ritual Coffee Roasters Folgers Coffee So Delicious Almond Breeze Oatly Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    28 mins
  • Discovering Darë Vegan Cheese with Gwendolyn Dare Hageman

    Discovering Darë Vegan Cheese with Gwendolyn Dare Hageman
    Mar 5 2024
    Cheese cravings are among the toughest to shake. But imagine enjoying pepper jack, spicy queso, cream cheese, and smoked pimento without the discomfort of dairy. It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, it's not. Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, Owner of Darë Vegan Cheese, talks with Jen about her journey from formulating vegan cheese in a tiny blender at home to growing a fully-fledged business. Her vegan cheeses can be enjoyed without the cons of dairy. From playful recipe experiments to bold flavor combinations, Gwendolyn has reimagined cheese alternatives that even dairy lovers enjoy. In this episode, Gwendolyn talks with Jen about the inspiration and process behind creating vegan cheese, the benefits of dairy-free cheese, and the challenges of competing with larger brands. Key Takeaways [01:23] - The story behind the name, Darë Vegan Cheese. [02:17] - How Gwendolyn fell in love with vegan cuisine. [05:02] - How Darë Vegan Cheese got started. [05:57] - Why cashews work well as a dairy cheese alternative. [06:48] - Why people should go dairy-free. [08:57] - A deep dive into Darë Vegan Cheese ingredients. [12:01] - Where you can find Darë Vegan Cheese. [13:05] - Darë Vegan Cheese's core brand values. [15:14] - The challenges of competing with large brands. [16:55] - Gwendolyn’s vision for Darë Vegan Cheese. [19:04] - How to join the Darë Vegan Cheese affiliate program. Quotes [02:47] - “It was like the coolest challenge as a chef, to take what people are used to eating and making it healthier.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman [13:20] - “Our number one brand value is to create a workplace where people want to be.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman [14:14] - “We want to be a fancy cheese, but we also want to be down to earth.” ~ Gwendolyn Dare Hageman Links Gwendolyn Dare Hageman LinkedIn Darë Vegan Cheese Whole Foods Market Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    22 mins
  • Life with MS: Navigating Health and Chronic Illness with Nicole Pedra

    Life with MS: Navigating Health and Chronic Illness with Nicole Pedra
    Feb 20 2024
    Keeping a positive outlook, even when things are tough, is much easier said than done. But our attitude, along with our diet, can make all the difference in how you feel when living with chronic illness. Nicole Pedra, a Chronic Illness Survivor and Health Advocate, gets vulnerable about her personal experience living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Nicole has been through a lot with chronic illness, but she's learned some great lessons. She shares how important it is to stay positive and take care of yourself, especially with what you eat. She emphasizes the role of diet in promoting overall health, advocating for a balanced approach that nourishes both the body and the mind. Her inspiring story reminds us to keep looking for the good, even in hard times. In this episode, Nicole talks with Jen about maintaining positivity and healthy living despite health challenges, the importance of diet and holistic approaches in managing chronic conditions, and insights for listeners seeking inspiration and resilience.  Key Takeaways [01:15] - How chronic illnesses have impacted Nicole’s life. [02:49] - What went through Nicole’s mind when she was diagnosed. [05:31] - Why healthy eating wasn’t linked to Nicole’s diagnosis. [07:58] - How Multiple Sclerosis differs from other diagnoses and its symptoms. [12:00] - How to find gluten-free products, and ingredients Nicole avoids. [23:53] - The cost and the importance of eating organic. [27:44] - Nicole’s advice to people going through illnesses similar to hers. Quotes [03:32] - “I asked her if God was mad at me and if I was being punished because I didn’t understand why this could happen to someone so young.” ~ Nicole Pedra [22:17] - “It makes me so angry when I see an influencer in the chronic illness industry share how to make magic brownies that have all his crap in it.” ~ Nicole Pedra [28:26] - “You can’t control what the disease is going to do, but you need to figure out a way to be happy.” ~ Nicole Pedra Links  Nicole on Instagram Nicole on LinkedIn The Rise of Plant-Based Butter with Lauren Montgomery  Lovebird Cereal General Mills Yoplait Yogurt Plentiful Kitchen AWG Bakery Base Culture Breads Sprouted Power Trader Joe’s Carbonaut Banza Miracle Noodle Copellos Pasta Monty’s Plant-Based Outback Steakhouse Quaker Oats Oatly Starbucks  Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    33 mins
  • Fruits on the Go with Dr. Lior Lewensztain

    Fruits on the Go with Dr. Lior Lewensztain
    Feb 6 2024
    When was the last time you checked the labels on your fruit snacks? It can be tough to find snacks that are convenient and healthy with real ingredients. Some seem like a good choice on the surface, but they often hide chemicals and too much sugar. Dr. Lior Lewensztain is the founder of That’s It., and believes strongly in the idea of food as medicine. He noticed that many Americans weren't getting enough fruits each day, so he started his business to fix that. His fruit bars, probiotic bars, and fruit crunchables have become favorites for both kids and adults. Dr. Lior points out that many of fruit snacks in stores use the "natural flavor" label to hide chemicals and extra sugars. He suggests parents take a good look at their pantry and switch to real fruit products with no fake flavors or added sugars. It's a simple change that can make a big difference in your family's health. In this episode, Dr. Lior talks with Jen about the importance of adding fruits to your diet, the truth behind popular fruit snacks, and the story behind his simple on-the-go fruit snacks.  Key Takeaways [01:14] - Dr. Lior’s background and why he created That’s It. [03:26] - How fruit labels can be misleading. [05:13] - The meaning behind the name That’s It. [07:43] - Products offered by That’s It. [11:17] - Challenges in using high-quality ingredients. [12:37] - What sparked Dr. Lior’s interest in food as medicine. [14:45] - Why you should switch out your snacks. [16:24] - Where That’s It. gets fruit. [17:42] - Where you can find That’s It. Quotes [01:39] - “Only about 12% of Americans get their daily servings of fruits.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain [06:24] - “Everything that we do is incredibly clean and transparent, and we don’t use any natural flavors.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain [13:17] - “We are avid believers that food is medicine.” ~ Dr. Lior Lewansztain Links  Dr. Lior Lewensztain LinkedIn That's it. Walmart Costco Target Starbucks United Airlines Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
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    22 mins