Wake Up and Read the Labels!

Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes: How To Take Control of Your Health

Show Notes: Type 1 diabetes is often misunderstood, but for Sarah Bristow, it became the catalyst for a healthier, more intentional life. Diagnosed in 2014, Sarah transformed her approach to nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being—now empowering others through Thrive Coaching. In this episode, she shares her journey, the biggest myths about diabetes, and practical tips for managing blood sugar while still enjoying life.  Key Takeaways: Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune, not caused by sugar intake or body weight. Blood sugar management is about more than just numbers—stress, sleep, and overall health play a role. Many common “health foods” can spike blood sugar more than expected—learn what to watch for. Tracking blood sugar patterns is helpful, but don’t let it consume your life. Food quality matters—choosing real, whole foods can help stabilize blood sugar. Sarah’s biggest advice for those with Type 1? Find support, educate yourself, and don’t live in fear! 🔗 Connect with Sarah:💻 Thrive Coaching: https://thr1vet1d.com/services📷 Instagram: @thr1vet1d🎧 Tune in now and learn how to truly read the labels!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/WakeUpAndReadTheLabelsThe 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 Truth About Non-GMO Labels – What the Food Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

Show Notes: Are you paying extra for foods labeled "non-GMO" without knowing what it actually means? In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, Jen Smiley exposes the seven real GMO crops and how food companies use misleading marketing to make their products seem healthier than they are. From non-GMO salt (which doesn’t even exist!) to deceptive claims on bread, juice, and cereal, Jen reveals the food industry’s tricks and how to truly avoid GMOs for better health.Plus, learn why autoimmune diseases and inflammation are skyrocketing, and how GMOs may be playing a role. If you’re tired of being misled at the grocery store, this episode is a must-listen!  Key Takeaways: There are only seven GMO crops: Corn, soybean, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa, cotton, and potatoes—plus some papaya, pink pineapple, and summer squash. Non-GMO labels are often misleading: There’s no such thing as non-GMO salt, wheat, oats, dairy, or oranges, but companies use this label to charge more. GMOs contribute to inflammation and autoimmune diseases: Many processed foods made from GMO corn, soy, and sugar beets can damage gut health and trigger immune responses. The government subsidizes unhealthy ingredients: Grains, seed oils, sugar, and dairy products are mass-produced because they’re cheap, not because they’re healthy. How to actually avoid GMOs: Buy organic, shop the perimeter of the store, and check ingredient lists—not just marketing claims. Use the Read the Labels app: Scan foods at the grocery store to instantly see if they contain sneaky inflammatory ingredients. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to truly read the labels!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/WakeUpAndReadTheLabelsThe 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

What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Thyroid, Gut & Hormone Issues with Micaela Riley

Show Notes: If you’ve ever been told to "just eat less and move more" but still struggle with bloating, inflammation, or stubborn weight, this episode is for you. Jen sits down with Micaela Riley, a functional nutritionist and practitioner, to uncover the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, gut issues, and hormone imbalances. Micaela shares her personal journey overcoming PCOS, Hashimoto’s, and leaky gut—plus, she breaks down why standard nutrition advice often fails women.We also dive into Ozempic, GLP-1s, and hormone replacement therapy, discussing who they actually help and how to approach weight loss and metabolic health the right way. If you’re ready to take control of your health and finally see real progress, don’t miss this episode! 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. Key Takeaways:  The difference between functional nutrition and conventional nutritionists Why gut health is the first place to start for thyroid and hormone issues The role of stress, inflammation, and environmental toxins in metabolic dysfunction How functional lab testing reveals hidden health problems doctors often miss The truth about Ozempic & GLP-1 medications—who benefits and how to use them safely Why hormone replacement therapy is a game-changer for perimenopause & menopause Practical steps to reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar, and improve thyroid function  Jen’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabelsThe 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/7v3WcgicHQrjU9iCEcLZLXFollow Micaela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebalancedbymicaela/Work with Micaela: BeBalanced.co

Inflammation in a Cup? The Hidden Dangers of Popular Yogurts

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, Jen Smiley exposes the hidden ingredients in popular yogurts that may be causing inflammation, bloating, and gut issues. She breaks down why “healthy” options like Danon Light & Fit, So Delicious, Chobani Zero Sugar, and Silk aren’t as clean as they seem—and what to look for instead. Learn how to spot artificial flavors, dead probiotics, and gut-disrupting additives, plus discover the best clean yogurt brands that actually support your health. 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. Key Takeaways: Many popular yogurts contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and gut-disrupting additives. Non-fat dairy often comes from cows fed inflammatory diets, impacting the quality of the yogurt. Pasteurization after culturing kills beneficial probiotics, leaving you with “dead” yogurt. Stevia isn’t as natural as it seems—it undergoes a harsh chemical process that can cause bloating. Truly clean yogurts, like Kalina, Coconut Cult, and CocoJune (pure coconut), contain live probiotics and high-quality ingredients. Fat in yogurt isn’t the enemy—healthy fats help keep you full and satisfied. The food industry’s misleading labels make it difficult to identify clean options, but the Read the Labels app can help you scan and verify your yogurt choices.  Jen’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabelsThe 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 Most Nutritious Vegetable In the World with Chef Jamie Simpson

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, Jen Smiley sits down with Chef Jamie Simpson from The Chef’s Garden and Culinary Vegetable Institute in Ohio. Chef Jamie shares his journey from the kitchen to the farm, his passion for growing nutrient-dense vegetables, and the importance of eating with the seasons. Learn how the way your produce is grown affects its flavor, nutrition, and sustainability, plus how you can maximize your own kitchen’s potential by reducing food waste and embracing the entire plant. 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. Key Takeaways:  Eating with the seasons leads to more nutrient-dense, flavorful food  The industrial food system prioritizes shelf life over nutrition—here’s how to avoid it  You can minimize food waste by using all parts of the plant  Cooking methods impact the nutritional benefits of your food  Regenerative farming replenishes the soil, creating healthier crops for the future  Where to Find Jamie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_jamie_simpson/https://www.chefs-garden.com/roots-conference/roots-2017/speakers/speakers-2017/jamie-simpsonJen’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabelsThe 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