Wake Up and Read the Labels!

From Crohn’s to Clean: How Kyle Fitzgerald Took Back His Health

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 geneticsMost Americans are overfed and undernourished—calories ≠ nutrientsClean eating reversed Kyle’s Crohn’s symptoms without medicationPlant-based diets aren’t always gut-friendly—bio-individuality mattersGround beef, fruit, and cooked veggies became Kyle’s healing staplesYou can feel full and energized by changing what you eat, not just how muchDon’t overlook non-toxic living—start with water, detergent, and skincareGrocery tip: Shop the outer aisles first for whole, real foodsFor 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 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 

Is Your Coffee Making You Sick? Mold, Toxins & What to Avoid

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 toxinsThat bitter taste? It’s likely low-quality beans or contaminated coffeePod users beware — hot water over plastic can leach chemicals into your drinkOrganic ≠ mold-free — look for brands that test for mycotoxins and toxinsCommon symptoms of tainted coffee include bloating, fatigue, IBS, and jittersCreamers can be the real problem too — loaded with gums, fillers, and oilsClean coffee is a great first step — but full results come from clean eating overallDisclaimer: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 

Food Lies You’ve Been Fed Your Whole Life

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 healthRed meat and fat aren't the enemy — processed food and fake health claims areNutrition labels are misleading — 90 calories sells better than 30 unrecognizable ingredientsFiber ≠ whole grains — eating fiber can be good, but real food is what mattersOats are everywhere for a reason — they’re cheap, glyphosate-heavy, and highly profitableDoctors aren't taught nutrition — many still demonize healthy fats and meatRegenerative meat matters — but even conventional beef is better than processed carbsWant to be full and lose weight? Change what you eat, not how muchSupport for Food Lies is live — preorder the docu-series at foodlies.orgDisclaimer: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 Grocery Store Meat Is Making You Sick (And What to Buy Instead)

Trying to eat more protein but still feeling bloated or inflamed? The problem might not be how much you're eating—but what kind. In this solo episode, Jen Smiley breaks down the hidden dangers of conventional grocery store meat, why it’s often loaded with hormones and antibiotics, and what it’s doing to your body. She dives into the nutritional, environmental, and ethical differences between conventional and pasture-raised organic meat, plus how to decode misleading meat labels at the store.From grain-fed cows to glyphosate-laced feed, you’ll learn why you are what your cow eats—and how choosing better protein can help build muscle, reduce cravings, and improve your health.Key Takeaways:Every cell in your body needs protein—but not all meat supports that repairConventional meat comes from animals raised in confined, unsanitary conditions with grain-based diets (mostly corn + soy)You are what your cow eats: If they’re fed GMOs and junk, it ends up in youGrass-fed ≠ grass-finished — always check the brand’s website to confirmOrganic ≠ Pasture-Raised — organic feed still matters, but access to pasture is betterPasture-raised meat is higher in omega-3s, antioxidants, and flavorConventional meat is cheaper, but the health cost is high (inflammation, cravings, hormone disruption)Best clean meat brands:Force of NatureHoly CowClean eating = fewer cravings, more energy, and better long-term healthDisclaimer: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 

The Real Reason You’re Bloated (and How to Fix It for Good)

If you’ve been battling bloating, sugar cravings, or gut issues—and your doctor says everything looks “normal”—this episode is for you. Jen Smiley sits down with Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a leading gut microbiome and longevity expert known for his acid-kicking approach to nutrition. From the truth about acid reflux and hidden sugar to the long-term impact of antibiotics, Dr. Gioffre explains how most people are suffering from low stomach acid and leaky gut—and what you can do to start healing now.He shares simple daily hacks, the five supplements everyone needs, and a powerful post-antibiotic protocol to repair your gut lining. You’ll also learn how to spot food sensitivities, reduce inflammation, and finally understand why the foods you think are healthy may be holding you back.🎧 Get 20% off Dr. Gioffre’s gut-healing supplements at getoffyouracid.com with code WAKEUP20📩 DM @drdarylgioffre on Instagram for 10% off gut testing.Key Takeaways:Low stomach acid—not high—is the root cause of most reflux and gut issuesSugar (even "healthy" types like honey and coconut sugar) feeds inflammation and raises uric acidEveryone has leaky gut—and it’s driving more than just bloating (think brain fog, anxiety, hormone imbalances)Post-antibiotic protocol: Silver + aloe + spore-based probiotic can rebuild the gut in just 2 weeksAvoid seed oils, dairy, gluten, and carbonated drinks to reduce inflammationSupplements everyone needs:MagnesiumOmega-3sProbioticVitamin D3 + K2Greens (liquid is best!)Best gut-healing products: Acid-Kicking Minerals & Gut Punch (dairy-free colostrum + organic collagen)Kombucha and probiotic yogurt? Not so fast—they may be doing more harm than goodBonus: Kombucha can contain hidden alcohol and yeast, fueling CandidaDisclaimer: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