Wake Up and Read the Labels!

Is Your “Healthy” Diet Making You Sick? The Missing Link in Wellness with Erin Holt

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 tooYour nervous system directly impacts digestion, hormones, and inflammationOver-supplementing or under-eating can keep you stuck in “healing mode”Functional labs are helpful, but context and coaching are keyErin’s Functional Nutrition Academy teaches practitioners a full-body approach to healingGut health, hormone balance, and metabolism are all connected through nervous system functionYou’re not broken—your body’s just asking for something different🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:Erin Holt’s Website Follow Erin Holt on InstagramErin Holt's PodcastDisclaimer: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/subscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX 

Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Bed (and Other Health Hacks You’ve Never Heard)

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 moistureAvoid going to bed with wet hair—it can lead to mold and dandruffYour humidifier may be making you sick—clean it or switch to a dehumidifierFreezer trick for stuffed animals—kills dust mites and bacteriaAllergy meds vs. immunotherapy—why the long-term fix may be worth itHealthcare isn’t health-focused—Dr. Tania breaks down the broken systemTop labs to request—Ferritin, B12, and thyroid for women’s healthHer new Healthy Home Guide walks through room-by-room changes with science-backed advice🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:Dr. Tania Elliott’s WebsiteFollow Dr. Tania on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Dr. Tania’s SubstackDisclaimer: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/wakeupandreadthelabelsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels The Wake Up Label Letter: https://jensmiley.substack.com/subscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX

5 Popular “Health” Foods to Ditch in 2025

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/subscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX 

NBA Exec Turned Health Coach: Jared Ralsky’s Wake-Up Call

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 coachAncestral health helped him reduce anxiety and body fat while increasing energyClean eating isn’t about giving things up—it’s about choosing better ingredientsYou can’t solve health with a pill—environment and food are foundationalEven “healthy” foods and labels can be misleading without the right knowledge🔗 Follow Jared: Instagram & LinkedIn🌐 Learn more about Jared’s mission: The Health GOATDisclaimer: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/subscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX 

Still Inflamed? Why Infrared Saunas Might Be the Missing Piece

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 steamYou sweat out toxins—not just water (think: plastics, heavy metals, and more)Infrared light boosts mitochondrial function for more natural energyPuffiness and bloating could be signs your lymphatic system needs supportYou don’t need to spend $10K—start with local sessions or a sauna blanketJen’s go-to sauna brand? Sunlighten, with a discount code linked belowHydrate, 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 NutritionDisclaimer: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/subscribeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-and-read-the-labels/id1618784569 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLX