Podcasts about salad with

There's SO much information about wellness hacks, it's hard to know what's worth trying. And then there are pharmaceuticals like GLP-1 medications that seem like the magic bullet for metabolic health. With all of these, are we setting ourselves up for the next public health crisis? Before you or someone you love considers a pharmaceutical or biohack, listen to this episode. Jenn Trepeck of Salad with a Side of Fries breaks down why the wellness industry deserves more credit than mainstream media gives it, and why pharmaceutical solutions like GLP-1 medications and statins cannot carry the full weight of America's health crisis. From affordable, healthy eating strategies to the alarming long-term risks of overreliance on a single hormone pathway, Jenn makes a compelling, research-backed case for a more comprehensive approach to metabolic health. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why GLP-1 medications may be following the same trajectory as statin drugs, and what that historical pattern reveals about where we are headed with metabolic health and long-term outcomes.✅ How eating in season and shopping at ethnic grocery stores can make whole foods nutrition genuinely affordable, healthy eating for more people, regardless of income level.✅ The critical connection between reduced food intake on GLP-1 medications, nutrient deficiency, and the alarming rise of osteoporosis and cancer risk, especially for younger populations and children.✅ Why fat cell memory and the Minnesota Starvation Experiment both reveal that weight loss without lifestyle medicine and nutritional education is unlikely to produce lasting results.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into real-life wellness and weight loss, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Why mainstream media voices unfairly dismiss the wellness industry05:50 A critique of how major journalists cover GLP-1 medications without consulting balanced sources or opposing viewpoints13:33 The argument that pharmaceutical solutions have become the default answer instead of addressing the root causes of metabolic health issues22:29 Discussion of income, access, and why processed foods are cheaper than whole foods nutrition is a structural public health failure30:37 Practical tips for affordable healthy eating, including seasonal eating and shopping at ethnic grocery stores for better quality produce34:39 The GLP-1 conversation begins in earnest, with Jenn explaining why she calls them our generation's statin drug37:02 A deep dive into statin drug statistics, heart disease rates, and why more prescriptions have not produced better cardiovascular health outcomes41:14 Jenn outlines her predictions, including rising osteoporosis risk, bone density loss, and increased colorectal cancer risk tied to low fiber intake44:31 The role of fat cell memory, the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, and why GLP-1 medications without lifestyle medicine will not produce lasting changeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What if the reason you are constantly craving, constantly second-guessing, and constantly starting over has nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with what is missing from your plate? The hunger-crushing combo is not a diet trend. It is an evidence-based framework that helps your body feel genuinely satisfied, your blood sugar stay stable, and your mind stay focused without the obsession, the restriction, or the rabbit holes that social media and diet culture keep pulling you down.In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck and guest Abbey Sharp, registered dietitian and bestselling author, go deep on the science of protein, fiber, and healthy fats and why this trio is the most powerful tool you have for sustainable weight management and long-term health. They also take an unflinching look at skinnytok, infantilized femininity, the dangers of "what I eat in a day" videos, and how to stand firm in what you know works when the internet is working overtime to make you doubt it.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How the hunger-crushing combo of protein, fiber, and healthy fats works together to activate satiety hormones, stabilize blood sugar, and help you naturally reduce calorie intake without restriction or obsession.✅ Why fiber and lean protein are chronically underconsumed by most people and the compelling research showing that simply adding more of these to your diet can slash calorie intake effortlessly and nourish your gut microbiome in the process.✅ What skinnytok actually is and why it is spreading so rapidly through social media algorithms, and the very real physical consequences of chronic underfueling, including muscle wasting and bone density loss, especially in young women.✅ How to evaluate any nutrition claim or online diet trend using a simple set of questions that protect your goals, your media literacy, and your long-term relationship with food.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Abbey's personal history with fear foods and how it shaped her evidence-based approach to diet culture08:43 Defining the hunger-crushing combo and why protein, fiber, and healthy fat work together as a system13:06 How protein drives satiety hormones, the thermic effect of food, and naturally reduces calorie intake while protecting lean muscle mass15:47 Why fiber is the underrated hero of weight management, blood sugar stability, and a thriving gut microbiome18:04 Why healthy fats provide the long-term satisfaction that protein and fiber alone cannot deliver at mealtime20:59 The benefits of incorporating the hunger-crushing combo onto your plate25:28 Skinnytok, its roots in Ozempic culture, and why it is normalizing disordered eating for young girls32:57 The concept of infantilized femininity, girl dinner, and how diet culture keeps women small in more ways than one37:02 The problem with what I eat in a day content and how social media algorithms trap viewers in a cycle of food fear41:40 Abbey's practical litmus test: how to evaluate any restrictive dietKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What if the reason you're not getting anything done has nothing to do with laziness, lack of discipline, or poor time management? Brain fog is a biological response to overwhelm, and once you understand what is driving it, clearing it becomes a matter of strategy rather than willpower.On Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck delivers one of her most personal and practical episodes yet, tracing her own experience of brain fog through months of compounding stress and sharing every tool that helped her climb back out. From targeted nutritional supplements like magnesium, ashwagandha, and activated B vitamins, to the biochemical power of novelty, strength training, and social connection, Jenn lays out a morning, midday, and evening framework built around activation, adaptation, and restoration. This is not a surface-level conversation about productivity hacks. This is the science of resilience building applied to real life, with real results.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why brain fog is not a discipline problem but a biological response to layered overwhelm, and how the gut-brain connection, postbiotics, and targeted antioxidants work together beneath the surface to restore cognitive function and get your brain fully back online.✅ How movement goes far beyond the gym: why changing your walk route, adding intervals, doing squats before a meeting, and keeping light weights nearby are all proven strategies for increasing blood flow and boosting brain energy throughout the day.✅ Why novelty is one of the most powerful and underused tools for mental clarity, and how activities that demand your full attention, from learning a new language to trying a completely unfamiliar experience, actively protect against cognitive decline and sharpen neural connections.✅ How the foods you eat and the ones you avoid directly shape your brain health, why dark leafy greens, blueberries, and beans support memory and slow cognitive decline, and why ultra-processed foods are directly linked to dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Clearing brain fog and restoring mental clarity for real life03:07 Recognizing brain fog through observable behaviors: procrastination, lost productivity, inability to focus, and decision fatigue06:07 The three layers of overwhelm fueling mental fatigue: to-do list stress, emotional trauma, and relentless input overload12:09 The wired-but-tired cycle explained: how burnout, late nights, and disrupted sleep quietly destroy focus and brain energy17:51 Shifting from stimulants to solutions: building daily, calm energy with adaptogens, magnesium, and B vitamins for lasting resilience22:15 Morning activation framework: movement, probiotics, vitamin D3, protein-forward meals, and creatine to power up brain energy25:53 Midday adaptation strategies: breaks, deep breathing, single-tasking, and releasing pressure to force productivity31:19 Evening restoration: how CBD gummies, magnesium, and adaptogenic herbs quiet the mind and support deep restorative sleep34:27 Power up your walk and why strength training and resistance work are non-negotiable for brain health, long-term cognitive function, and longevity37:00 Novelty and new experiences spark brain energy and guard against cognitive decline41:10 Brain-supporting foods explained: dark leafy greens, blueberries, beans, and folate-rich choices that slow cognitive decline44:34 Supplement timing strategy: B complex and adaptogenic herbs in the morning and midday, magnesium and ashwagandha at night45:42 The gut-brain connection: how probiotics, postbiotics, fiber, and antioxidants work together to restore cognitive functionKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are your go-to health habits suddenly working against you? If you are in your 40s or beyond and wondering why everything you used to do no longer delivers results, this episode could change everything.Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad with a Side of Fries, sits down with registered holistic nutritionist and life coach Lara Frendjian to unpack why perimenopause symptoms demand a completely new approach to mornings, menopause weight loss, and daily metabolic health. Together, they explore how slow morning routines and smarter hormone balance strategies can transform energy, mood, and weight from the inside out.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why perimenopause symptoms can appear years before cycle changes, and how declining progesterone and erratic estrogen create a body that is more vulnerable to stress, weight gain, and hormone imbalance.✅ How a slow morning routine as brief as five minutes sends powerful signals to the nervous system, supporting circadian rhythm, reducing cortisol, and setting the tone for the entire day.✅ The surprising science behind caffeine and cortisol, including why delaying your first cup of coffee by at least 90 minutes can eliminate the afternoon energy crash and reduce dependence on stimulants.✅ Why fasted workouts may be doing more harm than good during perimenopause, and what a smarter pre-workout snack strategy looks like for protecting blood sugar stability and adrenal health.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to perimenopause symptoms and why habits that once worked no longer serve women in midlife04:53 Lara's background and her journey from accounting to holistic nutrition 10:03 How progesterone decline begins around age 35 and why the stress bucket overflows as hormones shift during midlife11:10 The thermostat analogy: how daily habits function as signals that shape hormone balance 15:18 What a slow morning routine actually looks like, why it does not need to take long, and the case for avoiding your phone first thing20:02 Why delaying caffeine and cortisol disruption by 90 minutes or more reduces reliance on stimulants 22:39 The power of a protein-forward breakfast, the front-load eating method, and how blood sugar stability drives fat loss without dieting28:10 Fasted workouts during perimenopause: the signs your exercise is too stressful and when lower intensity movement is the smarter choice31:32 Pre-workout snack strategy, the role of electrolytes and mineral balance, and how eating before movement supports cortisol regulation33:13 Evening habits that affect the next morning, the 12-hour overnight fast, and why the circadian rhythm and sleep window are inseparableKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Today's episode is a blast from the past. Think back to your favorite childhood snacks: Lunchables, Dunkaroos, SlimFast bars, and fat-free everything. Did these foods quietly wire you for a lifetime of complicated food choices? If you've ever wondered why you're chasing charcuterie boards and still tracking diet trends, this episode will hit differently. Jenn Trepeck of Salad With a Side of Fries opens the snack drawer of nostalgia and compares iconic 90s foods side by side with their modern counterparts, reading actual ingredient labels from both eras. From Slim Jims to grass-fed jerky, from Crystal Light to electrolyte packets, the names have changed, but the marketing playbook looks surprisingly familiar. The 90s were a wild time for nutrition, and the truth about what was actually in these foods might shock you. This one is equal parts fun, eye-opening, and genuinely useful.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How the fat-free diet culture of the 90s quietly transformed into today's protein-packed wellness obsession, and why they are more similar than different.✅ The shocking differences in food labels from the 90s versus today, using real ingredient comparisons from Wonder Bread, Kraft Mac and Cheese and McDonald's French Fries.✅ Why do so many modern processed foods contain lab-made additives, cheaper fillers, and synthetic ingredients and what economic incentives are driving those formulations?✅ How the thin ideal has returned with new tools, including GLP-1 medications and social media, echoing the same harmful messaging that defined 90s diet culture.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to a nostalgic deep dive into 90s diet culture and iconic snack foods04:34 Blast from the past: Hamburger helper, fruit roll-ups, Shake ‘n Bake, Lunchables and Kids Cuisine09:18 Comparing SnackWell's to today's Halo Top and the evolution of "guilt-free" processed foods10:47 From SlimFast bars to protein shakes, how fat-free diet culture shaped a generation's eating habits and the upgrade from mystery meat to clean protein-packed snacking12:32 I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and spray dressings; then versus now in food additives and fats15:32 Dunkaroos to Nutella Dippers and Capri Sun to cold-press juice, beloved nostalgia snacks revisited20:37 Reading real food labels, Wonder Bread's original ingredients versus today's chemical-laden version and Kraft Mac and Cheese24:36 McDonald's French Fries in 2000 had three ingredients; today's list is a chemistry lesson28:22 Food dyes and how to change the food industry33:42 Diet culture is back, the return of the thin ideal, heroin chic, and skeletal beauty standards driven by social media36:15 Biohacking, orthorexia, and GLP-1 medications and new names for the same old diet culture pressure39:19 Is 90s nostalgia fueling heroin chic, or is heroin chic fueling 90s nostalgia43:13 Processed food chemicals, plastics, and rising colon cancer rates and the long-term health cost of 90s snack foods44:01 Convenience culture of the 90s versus today KEY TAKEAWAYS:

What if the bloating, mood swings, and unpredictable cycles you have been blaming on your hormones are actually your gut sending out a distress signal? The truth is that your digestive health and your hormonal balance are far more intertwined than most people realize, and addressing one without the other may be exactly why nothing has worked so far.On Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Bridget Walton, functional hormone specialist and founder of I'm Hormonal, for a candid, science-backed conversation about the connection between hormones and gut health. From estrogen metabolism and microbiome balance to stress, elimination, and the power of functional nutrition, this episode delivers the clarity and actionable guidance women navigating these challenges have been seeking.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How sluggish elimination leads to a buildup of estrogen metabolites in the body, which can directly fuel PMS symptoms, heavy periods, cramping, and mood swings.✅ Why an imbalanced gut microbiome triggers an inflammatory response that disrupts cortisol and your sex hormones, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without addressing the root cause.✅ The foundational daily habits, including eating a rainbow of fiber-rich plants, incorporating fermented foods, minimizing processed food inflammation, and proper hydration, support both digestive health and hormonal harmony.✅ How to recognize when general wellness strategies are no longer enough, and functional health testing may be the key to finally getting a personalized plan that moves the needle.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The role of fiber and gut health in feeding your microbiome and producing essential vitamins for hormonal function05:36 Bridget shares her personal journey with bloating, acne, and digestive symptoms that launched her career in hormonal health08:55 How infrequent bowel movements allows estrogen metabolism byproducts to accumulate, driving PMS and heavy bleeding11:25 The importance of chewing your food properly15:00 Bridget outlines where to begin: eating the rainbow, fermented foods, hydration, and when to pursue functional health testing22:31 How often is normal elimination, why stress and digestion are deeply linked, and how deep breathing activates rest and digest27:50 Practical tips for eating on the go, including the underrated power of chewing and digestion to trigger proper stomach acid30:14 Final thoughts on listening to your body's signals and viewing PMS symptoms as communication rather than inconvenienceKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What if your gut has been signaling a problem for your brain for years? That is exactly what the latest science on the gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease is revealing, and it begins with something as overlooked as constipation. If you have ever dismissed a sluggish digestive system as no big deal, this conversation may be the most important one you hear all year.Salad With a Side of Fries host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Martha Carlin, microbiome researcher, founder of The BioCollective and a woman who traded a corporate career for a microscope after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 44. What she has uncovered about gut bacteria, endotoxin load, the glycocalyx, and neurological decline is both startling and deeply actionable. This is not fear, it is fuel for better choices.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why chronic constipation is far more than a digestive inconvenience and how waste sitting in the colon produces an endotoxin load now linked to Parkinson's, depression, autism, and diabetes.✅ What the glycocalyx is, why it matters for everything from gut health to cardiovascular function, and how damage to this critical structure can spread throughout the entire body over time.✅ How H. pylori consumes dopamine in the gut, why that interaction may explain why Parkinson's disease medications lose effectiveness, and what the research from Harvard reveals about this connection.✅ The surprising ways that endurance athletics, over-cleaning with quaternary ammonium compounds, and glyphosate-exposed foods all quietly assault the gut microbiome and compound your risk over time.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Martha Carlin's powerful warning: constipation creates a toxic burden linked to Parkinson's disease and neurological decline05:18 How Martha's husband's Parkinson's disease diagnosis launched her career in gut microbiome research07:08 How specific gut bacteria profiles reveal two distinct types of Parkinson's disease10:02 The concrete stool discovery: how electrolyte imbalance, sodium, and potassium disrupt nerve signaling and drive constipation12:24 Connection between chronic constipation and toxin reabsorption to autism, depression, diabetes, and neurological disease13:17 Glycocalyx: the overlooked protective barrier linking gut health to brain and cardiovascular function21:25 Quaternary ammonium compounds in cleaning products have more than doubled since COVID and are now linked to immune system disruption and Parkinson's disease24:06 Why Parkinson's disease is multifactorial: the glycocalyx as a self-assembled structure that becomes unstable over time29:18 A morning ritual backed by 1912 research: warm water with kosher salt and lemon to support gut health and daily elimination, and the definition of regular elimination33:19 Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics work together across the GI tract, with butyrate as a critical fuel for the glycocalyx37:11 How Sugar Shift probiotics and apple cider vinegar with the mother can help break down glyphosate and support gut microbiome health41:47 Martha's closing message of hope: diet, exercise, gut health, and daily habits can shift the trajectory of Parkinson's diseaseKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Do you have a habit like smoking or late night snacking that you want to kick, but no matter what you try, you just can't seem to quit? The answer isn't weakness, and it isn't a lack of motivation. It lives in the 88% of your brain you're not consciously controlling, and therapeutic hypnosis (hypnotherapy) may be one of the most underestimated tools available to change it.On Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck and guest Rita Black, a leading clinical hypnotherapist and author, pull back the curtain on hypnosis and hypnotherapy for weight loss, smoking cessation, and breaking stubborn subconscious patterns. If you've ever asked yourself why you can't stop doing something you genuinely don't want to do, this conversation was made for you.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How hypnotherapy works by relaxing the critical filter between your conscious and subconscious mind, making it easier to adopt new habits and beliefs rather than fighting against deeply embedded patterns.✅ Why willpower represents only 12% of your mental power, and how your subconscious patterns from night eating to emotional eating are running the show, whether you realize it or not.✅ How adopting an apprentice mindset and shifting your identity from "dieter" to "learner" can reduce shame, break the start-over-Monday cycle, and create sustainable behavioral change.✅ Three practical self-hypnosis techniques you can use today: the identity shift, the Movie Theater mental practice method, and aversion therapy tools that interrupt dopamine-driven cravings before they take hold.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Rita Black, clinical hypnotherapist and expert in hypnosis for weight loss and smoking cessation05:05 Rita shares her personal story of overcoming addiction through hypnotherapy and becoming a non-smoker10:04 The difference between stage hypnosis and therapeutic hypnosis: entertainment versus real behavioral change14:25 How hypnotherapy relaxes the critical filter so the conscious and subconscious mind can finally align19:36 The ringing phone analogy: why dopamine and expectation drive food cravings and night eating23:06 Three self-hypnosis tools to start using today. Step one: identity shift28:43 Step two: mental practice31:36 Step three: aversion therapy33:45 Understanding your inner critic, inner rebel, and inner coach and how inner communication drives choices37:35 How to choose the right hypnotherapist: finding a specialist with lived experience and strong reviewsKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Can't stop thinking about food, no matter what you do? That constant mental chatter is not your fault. There is a reason your brain keeps circling back to food.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck breaks down the real science behind food noise and why it is not a lack of willpower. She explains how emotional eating, hormone balance, and nutrition habits shape your relationship with food, while offering practical strategies to quiet the mental chatter and regain control in a sustainable, empowering way.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How food noise is driven by hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, not lack of discipline✅ Why calorie restriction increases cravings, control challenges, and amplifies mental chatter✅ How stabilizing blood sugar balance reduces food cravings, improves energy regulation and quiets that voice✅ Simple daily habits using stress management, sleep, and health to quiet intrusive food thoughtsThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Food noise and how calorie restriction fuels constant thoughts about eating03:51 Defining food noise as intrusive thoughts tied to mental health and food patterns06:29 The difference between normal planning and disruptive food obsession and eating patterns11:01 Is it food noise or physical hunger cues13:24 How diet culture and restriction create long-term behavioral patterns around food16:19 The blood sugar rollercoaster, food cravings, energy dips and understanding the dopamine response24:14 The importance of nutrition and why processed foods intensify cravings and disrupt appetite regulation28:02 The importance of movement, sleep in regulating hunger and reducing food chatter30:04 Consistency of foundational optimal health pillars of wellness will remove food noise35:36 Discussion of supplements to help reduce and remove food noise42:18 Final thoughts on eating healthy and avoiding processed foodKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Your future is not determined by one dramatic decision or change. Your future is built quietly, habit by habit, in the choices you make every single day. If that idea both excites and unsettles you, this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries is exactly what you need to hear.Host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Allison McCune Davis, author and natural health educator, for a rich conversation about what it truly takes to live long and live well. From healing her own body in her forties to completing a 75-day challenge at 60, Allison shares her three-pillar framework of body work, brain work, and world work and why longevity habits, purpose in life, and community/connection are just as essential as what you eat or how much you sleep.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How Allison's three-pillar framework of body work, brain work, and world work provides a practical roadmap for building longevity habits at any age.✅ Why muscle health, protein intake, hydration, and sleep health are among the most powerful tools for healthy aging and sustained energy.✅ How journaling, meditation, decluttering, and creative expression support mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness in ways that directly impact longevity.✅ Why purpose in life and community connection are scientifically linked to how long and how well we live, and how to find or reclaim both when life shifts.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to longevity habits and living well with natural health educator Allison McCune Davis04:10 Allison's first experience with traditional Chinese medicine and how it launched her natural health journey07:23 Healing through her forties with a naturopath and addressing gut health, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid health09:22 Turning 60, feeling restless, and committing to a 60-day challenge to discover renewed purpose in life13:15 Completing 75 Hard and how surrounding yourself with the right community connection changed everything16:47 What atomic habits teach us about identity and change20:57 Breaking down body work: protein intake, hydration, movement, sleep health, and deep breathing25:25 Brain work blueprint: journaling, reading, decluttering, meditation, and creative expression for spiritual wellness28:55 World work and why purpose in life, volunteering, relationships, and gathering are essential for healthy aging35:09 How women's wellness depends on intentional community connection and the power of saying no with purposeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Do you know where your food comes from? Most of us buy and consume food every single day without understanding who grew it, how it was raised, or what the labels actually mean. What if the fear driving your grocery store decisions is based more on marketing than reality?On this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck welcomes fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist Tara Vander Dussen of Discover Ag Podcast and Discover Ag TV for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about the food system, family farms, organic versus conventional choices, and how consumers can make smarter decisions without the overwhelm. From antibiotic use in dairy farming to the truth about grass-fed beef, water recycling on modern farms, and the impact of imports and tariffs on local agriculture, this episode reframes the conversation and replaces fear with facts.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How the food system is divided between agriculture and big food, and why understanding that distinction helps you shop smarter and reduce unnecessary food fear✅ What the organic label actually means as a farming practice, and how conventional dairy farming maintains strict quality and safety standards that often go unrecognized✅ Why most cattle in the United States spend the majority of their lives on pasture, and what the real difference between grass-fed and grass-finished beef means for your plate✅ How sustainable farming practices like water recycling, on-site veterinarians, and cattle nutritionists reflect a level of animal care and environmental responsibility that rarely makes it into the public conversationThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Breaking down the differences between agriculture and the food industry06:17 Understanding pesticides, glyphosate, and bio-engineered crops as tools in the farmer's toolbox09:13 Why food labels shifted from consumer information to marketing, and how to shop by personal values14:29 The truth about factory farms versus family farms and why 98 percent of dairies are family owned19:10 Conventional dairy quality: antibiotic protocols, testing standards, and why milk is one of the most tested products in the food supply chain25:45 How animal welfare and farm transparency have improved, and the water recycling system on a dairy farm is explained step by step29:29 Grass-fed versus grain-fed beef unpacked and why most cattle spend two-thirds of their lives on pasture36:42 How tariffs and global markets affect dairy farming prices and why grocery store milk prices can mislead38:57 The complicated relationship between consumer demand, imports, exports, and the modern food supplyKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Did you know that consuming alcohol, even casually, is classified in the same cancer risk category as tobacco and asbestos? Today's conversation is all about the alcohol-cancer connection, the sober curious movement, and how we can make informed choices about our health.On Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck welcomes Cecily Mak, a former Silicon Valley attorney, breast cancer survivor, and author of Undimmed, for a conversation that is equal parts eye-opening science and deeply personal storytelling. Cecily shares how losing her mother to esophageal cancer and later facing her own breast cancer diagnosis led her to uncover this critical, under-discussed connection between alcohol and cancer risk, and what all of us can do with that information today.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ The five distinct biological mechanisms that directly link alcohol and cancer.✅ How the alcohol industry has followed a playbook similar to Big Tobacco, suppressing updates to alcohol labeling laws and lobbying against stronger public health disclosures for decades.✅ What the sober curious movement looks like beyond the AA model and how alcohol moderation rather than full abstinence can still make a meaningful, measurable difference in your long-term health.✅ How Cecily Mak's Eight Awarenesses framework helps individuals break free from unwanted habits by building agency, self-compassion, and intentional choice rather than relying on willpower or labels.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 The truth about alcohol and cancer risk, why metabolizing alcohol releases a DNA-damaging carcinogen04:34 Cecily's mother's cancer diagnosis and how years of alcohol dependency shaped her path forward06:31 A 30-day experiment of an alcohol-free lifestyle reveals transformative benefits on sleep and relationships08:29 Cecily's breast cancer diagnosis and the discovery linking her drinking history to breast cancer risk factors12:40 Removing the dimmers and dependence on alcohol, and Cecily shares her journey of writing Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits17:55 Alcohol classified as a group one carcinogen and how it ranks alongside tobacco, asbestos, and UV radiation20:14 A discussion on the fight to update the outdated alcohol labeling laws25:54 The five biological pathways: acetaldehyde, elevated estrogen, oxidative stress, impaired DNA repair, and increased permeability32:55 Choosing clarity and alcohol-free living as the foundation for personal agency40:26 Releasing judgment and cultivating self-compassion as tools for sustainable habit change45:39 Cecily's one most important takeaway: learning to listen to ourselves as the most powerful tool in breaking unwanted habitsKEY TAKEAWAYS:

What if the reason you cannot lose weight, think clearly, or stop craving sugar after dinner has nothing to do with discipline and everything to do with your hormones, your gut, and what you are eating at breakfast? These are the questions your doctor might not be asking or answering, but Jenn is.On this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck pulls back the curtain on the powerful Happy Healthy Hub community by sharing this Q&A from inside the hub. Covering hormonal weight gain, natural cholesterol remedies, healing leaky gut, taming food noise, boosting morning energy, and why protein intake early in the day is the most underrated tool for controlling sugar cravings and stubborn weight loss, it's likely your questions are included too! If you have ever felt like your body is working against you, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. For more Q & A, and answers to your personal questions, become a member of the Happy Healthy Hub here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/membership/What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why hormonal weight gain and metabolic health are always the root cause of stubborn weight struggles and how willpower is never to blame, plus what actually depletes and replenishes this finite resource throughout your day.✅ How to naturally support cholesterol management through omega-3 supplements, soluble fiber, and reducing sugar and refined grains, and why coenzyme Q10 is essential for anyone currently taking a statin.✅ The key markers of gut health recovery, including zonulin testing and secretory IgA, and how repeated insults like antibiotics and artificial sweeteners compromise intestinal permeability over time.✅ How increasing protein intake earlier in the day dramatically reduces food noise, nighttime eating, and sugar cravings, and why satiety hormones like leptin and ghrelin are the real drivers behind your appetite.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: You don't lack willpower, you're just spending your finite resources elsewhere throughout the day03:26 Natural cholesterol remedies using omega-3 supplements, soluble fiber, and reducing sugar/grain/starch intake07:13 Why coenzyme Q10 is critical for anyone on a statin and the disconnect between statin use and heart health outcomes09:47 Healing leaky gut: how to recognize recovery, what causes gut lining breakdown, and whether gut health and intestinal permeability damage can fully reverse15:34 Understanding food noise: how restriction, undereating, and low protein intake amplify cravings throughout the day and why low protein intake early in the day leads to nighttime eating20:46 Hormonal weight gain vs. metabolism: the roles of insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and satiety hormones in body weight24:50 How to stop sugar cravings after dinner by switching habits, increasing protein intake, and creating new meal-end rituals27:19 Warm water with lemon as a bedtime ritual: supporting digestion, gallbladder health, and signaling the end of meals naturally30:17 What is the easiest area to change first: nutrition, exercise, or health, and discussion of habits34:04 Jenn's go-to-tips for meal prep, cooking and takeout, favorite fitness activity and wellness habit that made the biggest difference42:00 Looking at health and wellness on social media and how it is tied to economics and the top wellness trends for 2026KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are you dreading menopause? What if the menopause horror stories you've heard aren't the whole truth? Women across five continents have shared surprisingly different experiences with this inevitable life transition, and their insights might completely change how you approach your own future health.Jenn Trepeck hosts returning guest Zora Benhamou on Salad with a Side of Fries for a groundbreaking conversation about menopause around the world. As a gerontologist who's interviewed over 300 women from Vietnam to France, Zora reveals which symptoms appear universal, which treatments different cultures embrace, and why almost no one's mother prepared them for this transition, regardless of where they live.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How socioeconomic status and stress management impact the timing and severity of menopause symptoms across different cultures and communities worldwide.✅ Why menopause experiences with hormone replacement therapy vary dramatically from Spain's hesitation to France's acceptance, and what this reveals about menopause stigma.✅ The surprising universality of hot flashes and mood swings despite geographic differences, plus which Asian countries show remarkable openness about libido changes during the perimenopause transition.✅ How gerontology research connects the mind-body connection to aging gracefully, and why understanding your entire life course health matters for longevity planning.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Global menopause perspectives and how cultural menopause experiences shape women's transitions worldwide05:59 Understanding gerontology research and why the mind-body connection matters from birth through post menopause life08:59 Gathering research from over 300 women about menopause, asking five questions16:21 Socioeconomic status impact on perimenopause transition timing and how stress management affects menopause anxiety levels20:54 Hot flashes: universality versus cultural differences in libido changes and mood swings during hormonal transitions23:08 Hormone replacement therapy attitudes and HRT options 27:19 Understanding menopause as a spectrum with diverse experiences and tools to make the perimenopause transition easier29:02 Breaking menopause stigma through conversation and recognizing menopausal depression as life-threatening, and why knowing it's hormones, not you, can save lives30:47 Cultural differences in menopause discussion from the Czech Republic's ageism to varying levels of openness worldwide33:21 How household support and reverence for older women create better menopause outcomes and easier transitions36:18 Understanding perimenopause starts in mid-thirties with progesterone loss, not just something after age 5038:40 The 103 menopause symptoms beyond hot flashes, including joint pain, anxiety, and sleep issues, are often misdiagnosed39:43 Testing, measuring, and assessing perimenopause symptoms through data tracking and biohacking for better healthKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are you struggling with unexplained fatigue, stubborn weight gain, or brain fog despite doing all the "right" things? Mineral balancing might be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle. In this episode, we will explore how mineral deficiencies impact everything from thyroid health to energy levels, and why most people are walking around undernourished without even knowing it.Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad With a Side of Fries as she chats with Sophie Shepherd, founder of She Talks Health and a functional medicine expert. Sophie shares her transformative story of reversing Hashimoto's disease and gut dysfunction through mineral balancing and explains how most of us are severely undernourished despite eating well. Discover which everyday habits are silently depleting your magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels, why the calcium-to-potassium ratio matters more than you think for thyroid health, and how simple dietary shifts can restore your energy production and hormone balance without extreme measures or restrictive protocols.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How mineral imbalances contribute to thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and brain fog, and why traditional thyroid panels might not reveal the complete picture of your health✅ The critical role of HTMA testing (hair tissue mineral analysis) in identifying nutrient deficiencies and understanding the unique mineral balance your body needs based on your life stage and stress levels✅ Which everyday factors deplete your minerals most rapidly, including chronic stress, undereating, poor gut health, birth control, and other medications that create hidden nutritional deficiencies✅ Practical food strategies to support adrenal function and energy production, including the benefits of high-quality sea salt, bone broth, coconut water, and why potatoes deserve a place in your mineral-rich dietThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to mineral balancing and how calcium-potassium ratios affect thyroid hormone absorption into cells05:24 Sophie's health journey from IBS diagnosis to discovering Hashimoto's and reversing symptoms through functional medicine09:52 Understanding minerals as the spark plugs of life and what mineral balance truly means for your body11:50 Common signs of mineral deficiency, including fatigue, salt cravings, brain fog, mood swings, and PMS symptoms14:41 Top mineral thieves in daily life, chronic stress, undereating, soil depletion, and medication side effects17:28 When to consider functional lab testing versus focusing on foundational wellness habits and lifestyle changes21:51 Food-first approach to mineral balancing, focusing on macro minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium25:29 Debunking sodium fears and understanding the difference between table salt and high-quality Celtic sea salt, and mineral relationships and cofactors30:31 Final thoughts on finding solutions to mineral imbalances and reclaiming energy through personalized nutrition32:37 Brand recommendations, minerals that are overprescribed, and Sophie leaves the listeners with her final adviceKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Ready to stop playing food detective and actually feel good, enjoying food again? If you're exhausted from cutting out every food under the sun and still dealing with food sensitivities, this episode is for you. Jenn Trepeck is joined by the Autoimmunity Nutritionist, VJ Hamilton on Salad With a Side of Fries for an honest talk about gut health, chronic fatigue, and why that endless list of food sensitivities might not be about the food at all. VJ gets personal about her own autoimmune disease journey and shares the functional medicine secrets that have helped her and her clients ditch the restrictions and heal the root cause. Together, they break down nutrient depletion, inflammation management, digestive issues, and simple daily habits that support root cause healing without making you feel like a failure every time you eat.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why nutrient depletion and digestive issues are often the real culprits behind food sensitivities—not the foods themselves—and how to address nutrient absorption at the cellular level✅ How to support your gut health through simple daily practices like stewed apples, bone broth, and vagal tone exercises that regulate your immune system support✅ The connection between stress management, shallow breathing, and chronic fatigue, plus practical ways to calm your nervous system and improve digestion✅ When to temporarily eliminate trigger foods while working on root cause healing versus living in permanent inflammation management restriction modeThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Nutrient depletion is often the real issue behind food sensitivities, not the foods themselves05:32 VJ's journey from CPA to Autoimmunity Nutritionist after multiple autoimmune disease diagnoses10:20 Why physicians focus on symptoms instead of root cause healing for inflammation management14:57 Common signs of gut health issues: brain fog, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and digestive issues17:50 Why autoimmune disease affects women more than men: hormones, stress, and X chromosomes23:14 How to heal instead of restrict: addressing gut microbiome imbalances and nutrient absorption28:20 Simple daily practices for gut health: stewed apples, bone broth, omega-3s, and polyphenols, and why movement is key to feeling well33:16 Stress management through vagal tone stimulation: deep breathing, gargling, and singing36:40 Improving nutrient absorption by eating in a rested state and chewing food properly40:01 Working on the gut so you can reintroduce foodsKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Stop letting diet culture and social media define what wellness means for you. It's time to cut through the noise, ditch the "shoulds," and create your own personal wellness blueprint that actually fits your life. Ready to redefine wellness on your own terms?In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck tackles the big question: what is wellness? How do you move beyond BMI charts, diet industry trends, and Instagram influencers to define wellness that prioritizes energy, longevity, and improves quality of life? From understanding health outcomes versus disease prevention to building healthy habits that support both physical health and mental health, this episode gives you the tools to filter wellness noise and focus on what truly matters. Discover how to set health goals that honor your body, mind, and spirit—and learn why a wellness journey should never mean opting out of life.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How to create your own personal wellness definition that goes beyond weight loss and BMI to include energy, longevity, and quality of life✅ Why the diet industry and social media influencers may not be pursuing the same health goals you are—and how to filter their advice accordingly✅ The difference between preventing disease and achieving optimal wellness, including how to move from zero (absence of illness) to the positive numbers on the health outcomes spectrum✅ Practical ways to assess your wellness journey by examining what's standing in the way of your desired experiences, from playing with your kids to traveling in your 80sThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Defining wellness for 2026, and understanding what it means before setting health goals05:27 Doctors focus on disease prevention rather than optimal wellness and longevity, and what questions should your doctor be asking 13:14 Why today's diet industry has rebranded as "wellness" and how to recognize marketing versus substance16:00 The marathon training trap: why social media algorithms push content that may not align with your personal wellness goals19:26 The flawed premise behind belly fat articles and why stress management matters more than specific foods24:16 What wellness is NOT: BMI, disease states, cleanses, or opting out of social wellness and life events27:30 Jenn's wellness definition: having energy to live your life, mental bandwidth, and freedom to choose rather than just survive30:29 Using wearables and tools like heart rate variability to inform your wellness journey and empower better choices35:05 Critical questions to define personal wellness: what do you want in life, and what's standing in your way right now41:25 Discussion of perfectionism versus discernment and making choicesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are your New Year's resolutions setting you up for success or just another cycle of diet culture? Before you jump into the latest trend, discover what nutrition recommendations actually work for lasting health. It's time to pull back the curtain on what's really required for sustainable habits in 2026.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck is joined by Tara Schmidt, registered dietitian and Instructor of Nutrition at Mayo Clinic, to cut through the noise of fad diets and quick fixes. Together, they explore evidence-based nutrition, the truth about GLP-1 medications, why weight management shouldn't focus solely on the scale, and how to build lifestyle changes that actually last beyond January.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why your weight loss goals shouldn't focus on the number on the scale and what health metrics actually matter for long-term wellness and disease prevention✅ The truth about popular trends like 75 Hard, macro counting, low-carb diets, and GLP-1 medications—when they work, when they don't, and what's missing from the conversation✅ How to identify your personal barriers to change and create sustainable habits using the strategies that have worked for you in the past (hint: it's called the You Plan)✅ What longevity strategies and evidence-based nutrition principles you should actually focus on in 2026, including sleep, strength training, and nourishment over restrictionThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Challenging diet culture in 2026 with Tara Schmidt from Mayo Clinic06:24 How growing up in the 90s diet culture shaped Tara's approach to nutrition recommendations and patient care08:34 Deconstructing weight bias in resolutions and why your weight is just a number, not a measure of health12:12 Truth bombs on popular trends: 75 Hard, low-carb diets, and macro counting—when they help and when they harm18:32 Tara's advice when someone isn't losing weight each week, and the important metrics22:11 Deep dive into GLP-1 medications: the tool versus magic pill debate and why lifestyle changes still matter28:38 Getting your nutrients from fruits, veggies and other supplements32:26 Where to start with health goals in 2026: asking better questions about what will make you feel better and longevity strategies that matter: sleep, strength training and mindfulness36:40 Planning for barriers and creating backup strategies so sustainable habits stick when life happens39:34 Why balance is a verb, not a destination, and how to keep adjusting your approach in real time41:00 Creating your personalized nutrition plan using what's worked for you beforeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are you ready to discover which Salad With a Side of Fries episodes truly changed lives in 2025? Join Jenn for an inspiring countdown of transformative wellness conversations that tackle everything from heart rate variability to hormone health and pre-diabetic prevention. These game-changing discussions offer practical insights you can implement immediately.Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad With a Side of Fries, reveals the top 10 episodes of 2025. She shares powerful conversations about blood sugar management, diet culture, and flexible habits that serve your health goals. From understanding how to improve heart rate variability naturally to demystifying hormones and breaking free from rigid wellness rules, this episode delivers a curated playlist of wellness habits that honor real life.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How heart rate variability acts as a speedometer for your physiology and practical ways to improve it using wearable technology for better health monitoring.✅ Why hormone health isn't mysterious or taboo—discover how hormones communicate what your body needs and why birth control effects differ from what you've been told.✅ The truth about pre-diabetic prevention through daily food choices and why small, consistent changes matter more than once-yearly doctor visits for blood sugar management.✅ How to break free from diet culture and rigid habits by embracing the "Yes, And" approach to wellness habits that honor both your body and soul.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The annual countdown tradition of reviewing the Top 10 Episodes of 2025 05:03 Episode 324: Have Your Cake and Feel Great—breaking free from food shame and diet culture while enjoying treats06:55 Episode 302: The “Yes And” in Healthcare (feat. Andrea Nakayama)—combining Western medicine with lifestyle medicine and holistic health09:09 Episode 313: Rigid vs.Flexible Habits (feat. Monica Packer)—escaping perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mindset12:37 Episode 312: Daily Habits That Serve or Sabotage Your Health and Hormones —understanding context and nuance14:13 Episode 324: Hormones Are Your Check Engine Light (feat. Jillian Greaves)—demystifying hormone health and birth control effects on women's bodies20:03 Episode 288: Use Your Heart Monitor to Improve Your Health (feat. Torkil Færø)—tracking Heart Rate Variability23:11 Episode 303: Everyone Is Pre-Diabetic Unless…—why prevention happens daily through food choices, not annual checkups30:04 Episode 292: Your

Feel like you're in a routine of work, happy hour/holiday parties, too much food or alcohol and too little sleep? Or maybe you're looking for social plans that don't revolve around cocktails. If you struggle with blood sugar crashes, afternoon slumps, and that constant feeling of hunger, this episode may just be the key to finally feeling in control of your health—especially during the holiday season.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck welcomes Sarah Wragge, founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness, to discuss building a community and connecting with colleagues or friends without relying on alcohol-centered social events. They explore practical strategies for blood sugar balance, the power of starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast, effective food-sequence techniques, and how to create meaningful connections through fitness and wellness activities rather than traditional happy hours. Sarah shares her journey from corporate advertising to holistic nutrition coaching and reveals that balancing blood sugar throughout the day is the foundation for sustainable health.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How blood sugar balance through strategic meal timing (eating every 3-4 hours with protein, fat, and fiber) eliminates food noise, constant hunger, prevents energy crashes, and helps you feel satisfied throughout the day without obsessing about food.✅ The transformative power of alkalizing the body before coffee using greens to combat inflammation, improve digestive health, boost morning energy levels, and counteract the acidic effects of caffeine, sugar, and processed foods.✅ Why building a wellness community through fitness classes, morning coffee dates, and movement activities creates deeper connections than alcohol-centered socializing, plus practical alcohol guidelines like consolidating drinking days and choosing quality over quantity.✅ The strategic approach to holiday indulgences using food sequencing—stacking nutrition with protein breakfast and meals throughout the day before dessert—to prevent blood sugar spikes and enjoy treats without guilt or post-meal crashes.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Blood sugar balance strategies, meal timing for sustained energy and Sarah Wragge's journey from corporate advertising to holistic nutrition coaching05:19 Shifting wellness connection from alcohol-centered dinners to activities like a fitness class08:44 Building wellness community through coffee dates instead of happy hours and fixing the holiday mindset: small daily choices vs. January diet mentality12:37 Alkalizing the body with greens before coffee for digestive health16:07 Food sequencing and eating more less often for blood sugar stability21:24 Strategic alcohol guidelines: consolidating drinking days and picking your number25:08 Planning protein-forward meals before indulgences to prevent energy crashes31:37 Choosing to feel good every day35:52 The next frontier: micronutrients and fiber intake beyond macro trackingKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Tired of eating the same boring veggies every week? Let's talk about nutrient diversity—the health hack nobody's buzzing about but should be! It's not about being perfect or following strict rules; it's about bringing more color, flavor, and fun to your plate while feeling amazing.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck explores why micronutrients matter just as much as macronutrients. Learn how eating a variety of colored vegetables, embracing seasonal eating, and experimenting with different vitamins and minerals can improve gut health, support immune function, and enhance healthy aging. Hear practical strategies for adding dietary variety without complicating your routine, plus why the holidays offer a perfect opportunity for nutrient-rich foods.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why nutrient diversity and micronutrients are just as important as tracking your macros, and how eating a limited variety of foods puts your body into survival mode, affecting everything from energy levels to bone health and metabolic function.✅ The power of eating the rainbow—how different food colors indicate specific vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, and why incorporating plant-based foods with various phytochemicals supports immune support, digestive health, and reduces chronic disease risk.✅ Practical strategies to increase dietary variety without overwhelm, including shopping at farmers' markets, using frozen organic vegetables, cooking with global spices, and creating rainbow meals that make seasonal eating easy and affordable.✅ How the holiday season offers a hidden opportunity for nutrient diversity through festive foods you don't normally eat, and why developing a sense of culinary adventure helps improve gut microbiome diversity and overall wellness.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to nutrient diversity as the overlooked health tool and how micronutrient variety impacts satiety, energy levels, and overall wellness during the holiday season06:59 Understanding micronutrients versus macronutrients and why vitamins and minerals deserve more attention in wellness conversations than just tracking macros08:48 The World Health Organization recommendations for daily fruit and vegetable intake10:12 Why we're not getting nutrient diversity: the food industry focuses on taste over nutrition, lack of crop rotation, and produce picked before ripening loses connection to soil nutrients14:42 Three crops (rice, wheat, maize) provide over half of the world's plant-based calories, yet lack the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds needed for optimal health16:46 Research linking dietary variety to reduced type 2 diabetes risk, lower metabolic syndrome, improved cognitive function, and better gut microbiome diversity18:26 Eating the rainbow: how different food colors signal specific nutrients—green for iron and folate, orange for beta-carotene, red and purple for antioxidants22:39 Cravings and listening to our bodies33:17 Practical tips for becoming a "varietarian," including organic options, seasonal eating, using global spices, and shopping at farmers' markets for inspiration38:35 Using frozen organic vegetables for affordability and convenience while maintaining nutrient-rich variety throughout the week without food wasteKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Feeling like an emotional mess lately? What if the secret to calming your anxiety and depression isn't in your head—it's actually in your gut. This episode breaks down why your digestive system might be calling the shots on your mood, and the simple supplements for emotional vitality that actually work.Jenn Trepeck is joined by natural health educator Jared St. Clair on Salad With a Side of Fries to get real about the brain-gut connection. They're dishing on everything from spore-based probiotics to why your gut microbiome might be eating all your serotonin before it reaches your brain. Plus, Jared shares which magnesium and omega-3s are worth your money, and why your self-talk matters more than you think. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why gut health and mental health issues are connected and how fixing your leaky gut and microbiome first (before your brain) can dramatically reduce anxiety and depression—plus the specific spore-based probiotics that actually rebuild your gut long-term✅ The five essential supplements everyone should consider: a great multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium bisglycinate, probiotics, and digestive enzymes—and why these support neurotransmitter production and brain-gut connection✅ How ATP energy production in your brain affects mental clarity and mood, plus why creatine isn't just for athletes but is actually a "no-brainer" for preventing brain fog and supporting mental wellness✅ The power of mindset work and your reticular activating system (RAS)—why what you tell yourself matters more than any supplement, and how to stop sabotaging your health with negative self-talkThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jared St. Clair introduces the gut health mental health connection and why he always starts in the gut when addressing anxiety and depression04:59 Jared shares how early exposure to health concerns shaped his passion for natural wellness and supplements09:58 The origin of Vitality Radio and how Jared transitioned from local radio to podcasting after 12 years, building a platform for health education and supplement formulation13:33 What emotional vitality means and Jared's wife's journey from five medical diagnoses, including bipolar disorder and IBS, to finding hope through gut health transformation20:09 The Vital Five supplements everyone should consider: a great multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes for filling nutritional gaps23:11 Spore-based probiotics explained: why soil-based strains like Bacillus coagulans survive stomach acid, rebuild microbiome diversity, and create permanent change 27:12 Healing leaky gut and the gut barrier with L-glutamine, marshmallow, slippery elm, and holy aloe vera juice to support neurotransmitter production29:04 Why creatine is essential for brain health: supporting ATP energy production, preventing Alzheimer's, reducing brain fog, and helping with mental health issues35:36 The power of mindset and the reticular activating system: how self-talk and subconscious beliefs matter more than any supplement you can take for achieving vitality37:29 Placebo and nocebo effects explained: why believing a treatment will work (or won't) directly impacts outcomes, including medical procedures and supplement effectivenessKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Looking for the perfect healthy gift ideas this holiday season? Whether you're shopping for the fitness enthusiast, wellness warrior, or someone just beginning their health journey, finding thoughtful presents that support their goals doesn't have to be overwhelming. From innovative fitness trackers to luxurious silk pillowcases, there are countless options that show you care about their well-being.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck shares her favorite wellness gifts for everyone on your list. She covers everything from organic grocery delivery services like Thrive Market and Misfit Market to game-changing products like Ring Conn fitness trackers, Branch Basics' clean cleaning products, and stylish athleisure wear. Jenn also discusses the best health-conscious gifts for the holiday season, including skincare accessories, protein powders, and even some unexpected items that will delight any health-minded recipient.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Discover innovative fitness tracker options like Ring Conn that don't require monthly subscriptions, plus how they compare to the Aura Ring for monitoring sleep data and daily activity✅ Explore wellness gifts that reduce toxic burden in your home, including Branch Basics Clean Cleaning Products and why switching from conventional products matters for your health✅ Find the perfect healthy gift ideas for every budget, from affordable blender bottles and protein powder combinations to luxurious silk pillowcases and skincare accessories like Jade Rollers and ice rollers.✅ Learn about convenient organic grocery delivery services like Thrive Market and Misfit Market that make excellent gifts for busy, health-conscious friends and family.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Healthy Gift Ideas for health-conscious friends and family this holiday season04:28 Ring Conn Fitness Tracker review: no monthly subscription required, easier data display than Oura Ring Ring Conn - Website06:39 Thrive Market and Misfit Market Organic Grocery Delivery services are perfect gift subscriptions Thrive Market - Website & Misfit Market - Website09:37 Planet Nusa Athleisure Wear brand from Copenhagen: community-focused activewear with great leggings and matching sets Planet Nusa - Website11:52 Branch Basics Clean Cleaning Products: toxin-free home cleaning solutions and oxygen boost Laundry Powder Branch Basics - Website13:31 Silk Pillowcase from Bliss and Nod Pod Weighted Eye Mask for better sleep and stress relief Blissy - Website & Nodpod - Website15:00 Gift idea: Jenn's Uncomplicated Wellness is perfect for anyone on your list. Uncomplicating Wellness Plus, shop kGoal products using

Pelvic floor muscles are essential for far more than sexual health—they impact bladder control, bowel function, balance, and even longevity. Pelvic floor health affects every body on a daily basis, and it's time we actually talk about it.In this bonus episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck chats with Liz Miracle, a board-certified women's health physical therapist and co-creator of kGoal, the first smart pelvic floor trainer. They discuss everything from properly performed Kegel exercises to the surprising connection between pelvic floor strength and whole-body wellness, including relief from urinary incontinence and constipation, and improved core stability for every body—not just women. Learn why these muscles deserve as much attention as any other muscle group in your body and how proper training can prevent falls, improve athletic performance, and enhance quality of life.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why Pelvic Floor Exercises aren't just about preventing leaks—they're connected to constipation relief, balance and stability, athletic performance, and even longevity and aging independently✅ The difference between tight-and-weak versus loose-and-weak pelvic floor muscles, and why relaxation training matters just as much as muscle strengthening for issues like painful sex and bowel movement issues✅ How to use smart kGoal trainer technology with biofeedback games to ensure you're doing Kegel Exercises properly—including which muscles to actually engage (hint: most people are doing it wrong!)✅ The surprising lifestyle factors affecting your pelvic floor health, from carbonated water and bladder control to posture, stress, and why hovering over public toilets is sabotaging your progressThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to pelvic floor health and why kGoal exercises matter for more than sexual wellness02:43 Signs you need pelvic floor strengthening: urinary incontinence, gas leakage, heaviness, and pelvic organ prolapse04:02 How pelvic floor dysfunction affects men through erectile dysfunction and nerve compression05:32 The kGoal smart Kegel trainer device: insertable and sit-upon versions for all ages, including pediatric use for constipation relief08:02 Understanding tight-and-weak versus loose-and-weak pelvic floor muscles and why relaxation matters as much as contraction12:32 kGoal device features explained: Bluetooth connectivity, biofeedback games, and how the app provides muscle strengthening through interactive play17:24 kGoal games for different conditions: relaxation exercises for tight pelvic floors, moving target and pinball for bladder control training23:09 Real-world impact: CrossFit athlete improves max lift significantly after learning proper core strengthening and pelvic floor activation25:25 Longevity and aging: how pelvic floor weakness correlates with falls, nursing home admission, and maintaining independence30:37 Lifestyle factors affecting pelvic health: carbonated water as a bladder irritant, squatty potty benefits, and avoiding hovering over toilets35:35 Why doctors don't talk about pelvic floor healthKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Diabetes management doesn't have to mean missing out on life's greatest moments or living in fear. Learn how blood sugar management can transform daily life for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This conversation dispels common myths and reveals practical strategies that work.Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad With a Side of Fries with special guest Ben Tzeel, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years. Together, they explore the critical differences between Type 1 and Type 2, discuss nutrition and exercise strategies, and share how tools like continuous glucose monitors help people thrive while managing their condition during Diabetes Awareness Month.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ The critical differences between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, including how insulin resistance works differently in each condition and why Type 1 diabetes management requires external insulin for life.✅ How to use nutrition strategies like carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin to carb ratios to achieve better blood sugar control without restrictive eating or feeling deprived.✅ Why strength training and consistent movement boost insulin sensitivity for 24-72 hours after each workout, making exercise and diabetes management one of the most powerful tools you have.✅ The truth about continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes technology—what actually works, how to interpret the data, and why you still need to play an active role in your care.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 How insulin works as a key to unlock cells and allow glucose uptake for energy in Type 1 diabetes management04:35 Ben's story of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven and the outdated advice he received from doctors10:39 The stigma of diabetes and its unfair consequences12:41 Understanding the biological differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes and how insulin resistance develops differently18:29 Nutrition strategies for diabetes management, including carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin-to-carb ratios for meals24:24 The power of strength training and walking to maximize insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control for 24 to 72 hours28:51 Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps are game-changing technology tools for real-time diabetes care and data tracking33:52 Underrated diabetes tools, including inhalable insulin and nasal glucagon for faster-acting emergency blood sugar management37:06 Having early conversations with partners and supporters about Type 1 diabetes management, setting boundaries, and expressing needs40:13 The importance of asking people with diabetes how they want to be supported and having personalized conversations about glucose monitoring preferencesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Holiday wellness tips are essential as we navigate the season of gatherings, travel, and indulgence. Feeling stressed about upcoming family dinners or worried about digestive issues from all those holiday treats? You're not alone! Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad with a Side of Fries as she chats with Dr. Haley Parker, a doctor of East Asian Medicine and licensed acupuncturist, about practical ways to handle holiday stress management without losing your mind. Together, they explore how ancient wisdom meets modern holiday stress management, offering actionable advice on everything from improving sleep hygiene to supporting your immune system through seasonal changes and managing those inevitable digestive health challenges that come with festive feasting. Whether you're dreading Thanksgiving dinner drama, worried about fitting into your jeans after all those parties, or just trying not to catch every bug going around, we've got you covered. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How East Asian Medicine and acupuncture benefits can help manage holiday stress management, from dealing with family dynamics to maintaining your mental health wellness during the busiest time of year.✅ Practical holiday wellness tips for preventing and treating digestive health issues like bloating and food stagnation, including herbal medicine remedies and lifestyle adjustments that support your body through festive feasting.✅ Why rest and recovery are an active state and how to work with your body's natural circadian rhythm during seasonal changes, plus strategies for supporting your immune system to avoid getting sick during the holidays.✅ The connection between seasonal affective disorder and your body's mammalian need to slow down in fall and winter, along with stress relief techniques like journaling and mindfulness practices that help you tune into what your body actually needs.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to East Asian Medicine with Dr. Haley Parker 05:19 Dr. Haley shares her journey from Division 1 athlete to acupuncturist, and how chronic pain led her to explore integrative medicine and whole-person healthcare approaches 09:28 Defining East Asian Medicine as an umbrella term encompassing nutrition therapy, herbal medicine, manual therapy, acupuncture and the importance of rightful thinking12:49 Understanding holiday stress management through the lens of seasonal changes and how our bodies were meant to function, and a discussion of digestion issues20:11 Holiday wellness tips for managing family dynamics and stress during gatherings, including the importance of self-care routines, journaling, and approaching situations with compassion and grace22:07 Sleep hygiene strategies for the holidays, including power naps for nervous system regulation, balancing caffeine intake, and maintaining stable blood sugar 24:03 Practical digestive health advice for holiday meals, using an algebraic equation approach to balance indulgence with movement, hydration, and mindfulness practices around eating habits28:21 How humans, as non-hibernating mammals, struggle during seasonal transitions, plus the importance of eating seasonally to support organ systems and why rest and recovery are an active state essential for health35:57 Mental health wellness strategies, recognizing stress patterns, and becoming a better practitioner of self-care routines 39:57 How to find a qualified acupuncture practitioner, tips for choosing someone who resonates

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in health advice that contradicts itself — and none of it seems to work anymore in midlife? Today, I'm joined by Jenn Trepeck, health coach and host of the Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, to talk about her brand-new book "Uncomplicating Wellness." We cover: Why midlife health gets so confusing and how outdated strategies fail us once estrogen declines The 6 pillars of her Bio Stack The secret power of Wellness Anchors: small daily habits that keep you grounded How to replace all-or-nothing thinking with a "progress over perfection" mindset The protein debate: mTOR and longevity vs muscle and strength   Jenn Trepeck is an Optimal Health Coach, award-winning podcast host of Salad with a Side of Fries, and author of Uncomplicating Wellness: 6 Simple Steps to Your Healthiest You. Her podcast has become a top-ranked health and wellness show, known for its blend of science-backed education and real-world humor. Jenn's philosophy - "wellness without the weirdness"- runs through everything she does, encouraging people to enjoy their food, understand their bodies, and make choices that feel sustainable. Book: Uncomplicating wellness https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/uncomplicating-wellness/ Group & 1:1 coaching - start with a complimentary curiosity call : https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/contact/ RHONDA PATRICK EPISODE ON PROTEIN: https://youtu.be/fvO8e-2y37k?si=pua3hgZcy2uIAgNR Contact Jenn Trepeck Website: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saladwithasideoffriespod/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saladwithasideoffriespodcast  Facebook group://m.facebook.com/groups/425796548337541/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertrepeck/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenntrepeck  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenntrepeck  Podcast: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/a-salad-with-a-side-of-fries/#latest-episodes Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - http://oxfordhealthspan.com/discount/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try Suji to improve muscle 10% off with code ZORA at TrySuji.com - https://trysuji.com Try OneSkin skincare with code ZORA for 15% off https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/3974954/2885171/31050   Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.  

Eye health isn't just about whether you need glasses; your eyes are basically a tell-all that can reveal diabetes, high blood pressure, and even early signs of Alzheimer's. When's the last time you got an eye exam? Your peepers might be trying to tell you something important.In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck chats with Dr. Joseph Allen about why your annual eye checkup is more important than you think. They dive into retinal health, the wild connection between stress and eyes (hello, eyelid twitching!), and simple fixes like eating more lutein-rich greens and getting outside. Dr. Allen explains how often you should get an eye exam, how eye doctors can spot diabetes detection before your regular doctor does, and why you need to clean your eyelids daily. Plus, they tackle puffy eyes, dry eye disease, and lifestyle tweaks that actually work.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why annual eye exams are the most critical health screening for catching diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even Alzheimer's early—often before you show any symptoms✅ How stress shows up in your eyes, vision changes, and even blisters forming in the back of the retina, plus natural remedies like melatonin that can aid eye health✅ The lifestyle changes that protect your vision and overall health, including eating lutein and omega-3-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and salmon, natural light exposure, and why cleaning your eyelids daily is as important as brushing your teeth✅ Warning signs you should never ignore: new eye floaters, flashes of light, or dark curtains in your vision that could indicate retinal detachment requiring immediate treatment to prevent blindnessThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: Dr. Allen explains various fields of optometry and why eye health is a window to overall wellness and disease detection11:24 Eye exams can detect diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders through retinal bleeding patterns before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body17:00 The connection between stress and eyes, including eyelid twitching, vision changes, and cortisol-induced retinal swelling21:00 Melatonin research for treating stress-related eye conditions and its role as a powerful antioxidant in the retina23:50 Causes of cosmetic eye issues like dark circles, puffy eyelids, and bags under the eyes, plus treatment options29:28 Why diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Alzheimer's significantly impact eye health and vision34:26 Eye floaters and retinal detachment are warning signs that require immediate medical attention to prevent blindness37:37 Essential nutrients for eye health, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids from green leafy vegetables and fish43:10 The importance of natural sunlight and red light devices and the importance of sleep for eye health, tear production, and preventing dry eye disease and inflammation49:01 Daily eyelid hygiene practices prevent meibomian gland dysfunction and chronic dry eyeKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Eating disorders and bullying prevention isn't just about what our kids eat; it's about protecting them from the toxic messages bombarding them every single day. Think your child is safe because they're not on TikTok yet? Think again. Think you're safe because you're an adult? The dangerous world of "skinny tok" and diet culture is reaching all of us whether they're scrolling social media or not. In this eye-opening episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck gets real with Dr. Jillian Lampert about the scary stuff happening online and in schoolyards. Dr. Lampert opens up about her own eating disorder recovery and breaks down why some kids (and adults) are more vulnerable than others. Plus, she shares practical ways to help you and your kids spot BS social media messages and handle weight-related bullying, because let's face it, kids talk, and they're hearing this stuff even without a phone in their hands.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why genetic predisposition to eating disorders matters more than you think, and how to recognize if your child is at higher risk based on family history and specific genetic markers related to anxiety, metabolism, and inflammation.✅ The real connection between bullying prevention and body image, including how weight-related comments (even "compliments") can trigger dangerous disordered eating behaviors.✅ Essential media literacy skills everyone needs, and especially parents need to teach their children, right now, even if they're not on social media yet, because kids are absorbing toxic "skinny tok" messages from their peers regardless.✅ How weight loss medications are creating a new wave of moral judgment and intensifying body dissatisfaction across all ages, and what this means for the future of eating disorder treatment and prevention.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Dr. Lampert introduces the genetic markers linked to eating disorders and their connection to anxiety, metabolism, and inflammation01:00 Book launch announcement - October 29th, 2025. Uncomplicating Wellness is now available. Zoom launch event at 7:00 PM ET06:26 Dr. Lampert shares her personal eating disorder recovery story, revealing how bullying as a kid and diet praise triggered her life-threatening condition11:20 Understanding the genetic predisposition to eating disorders, why 9% of people develop eating disorders, the toxic diet culture, and the science behind nutritional psychiatry16:11 How we swung back from body positivity to obsessive thinness, discussion of body dissatisfaction, and the dangerous impact of weight loss medications 22:51 Why "skinny tok" affects all ages an demographics on social media, the critical media literacy skills needed and the direct link between weight-related bullying, body image, and eating disorder onset28:33 A powerful story illustrating how weight-related bullying reveals the bully's own insecurities and body dissatisfaction, and understanding self-cyberbullying35:21 Teaching media literacy skills and learning to reset your social media feeds, and real-life diet culture algorithms40:43 The connection between the loneliness epidemic post-pandemic and the rise in cyberbullying and balancing social media's lifesaving community connections 48:41 Dr. Lampert's final wisdomKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Wellness without rules isn't just a concept; it's a revolution in how women can approach their health. Are you tired of conflicting advice, restrictive diets, and the overwhelming noise of wellness culture? It's time to ditch the broken tools you've been given and discover that you're not broken; you just need a different approach. This conversation explores how to rebuild body trust, embrace personalized wellness, and reclaim your life at every stage.Host Jenn Trepeck of Salad With a Side of Fries hosts an honest roundtable discussion about her new book, Uncomplicating Wellness. Jenn explores women's health journey through different life stages, from post-surgery recovery to menopause, tackling everything from stress management to how to build trust with your body again without the pressure of perfection.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why wellness without rules works better than rigid plans, and how to stop calorie counting and focus on protein, quality fats, and fiber instead for sustainable results across every life stage✅ How to cut through the noise of social media wellness culture and identify which supplements, morning routines, and health trends actually serve your personalized wellness goals versus what's just marketing hype✅ The power of self-advocacy in healthcare—learning to ask the right questions, listen to your body, and build your care team when traditional doctors don't have all the answers for menopause wellness, gut health, or chronic conditions✅ Simple stress management techniques that actually work (like the breath-fogging trick) and why small, consistent actions create momentum better than beating yourself into compliance ever willThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Jenn's book, Uncomplicating Wellness and the launch party and mini summit details (Register to attend here: https://bit.ly/UWminisummitreg)02:36 Four women share their one-word relationships with wellness culture from "exploratory" and "evolving" to "work" and "menopause"—revealing how personalized wellness looks different for everyone07:59 First impressions of Uncomplicating Wellness: How the conversational tone, digestible content, and permission to explore the book non-sequentially differ from typical diet culture books15:53 How wellness culture noise shows up differently across life stages—from post-ACL surgery recovery to menopause wellness, and why social media's supplement obsession creates dangerous confusion21:46 The book meets you where you are, but the information can carry you throughout different stages of life and ditching the rules that no longer serve you 30:22 Reclaiming your life through ownership and responsibility, why healthcare shifted responsibility away from patients, and how proactive self-advocacy in healthcare empowers sustainable change34:26 Stress management in real life, using breath control techniques, the power of validation and acceptance and how words matter 40:43 The snowball effect of wellness without rules: how starting with one thing creates momentum that shows up in unexpected places throughout life, and the must-read chapter recommendation that "You're Not Lazy" 45:15 Final encouragement and book club opportunities: the group celebrates the conversational tone of the book and recommends the launch party48:20 Jenn announces bonus podcast playlists for each chapter, plus live...

Eating cake without guilt starts with understanding how your body actually functions. The secret isn't lack of willpower; it's focusing on quality nutrition and wellness strategies that buffer those sweet treats. Jenn is here to help you create your nutrition plan-and yes, it does include your favorite dessert!Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad With a Side of Fries, breaks down both the science and psychology of enjoying cake while still feeling great. The holidays are approaching! It is possible to enjoy your favorite holiday dishes without restriction as punishment or feeling guilty for indulging. Eating cake, or your favorite sweet treat, without guilt means having a plan, not following arbitrary or contradicting food rules that leave you deprived and lacking. Learn why eating cake without guilt involves mindset and food choices, discover practical holiday eating strategies, and understand how eating cake without guilt fits into sustainable nutrition and wellness. Ready to transform your relationship with sweet treats? This “no shame & guilt-free” conversation delivers actionable tools for eating cake without guilt all year long.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Why eating cake without guilt requires pairing sweet treats with nutrient dense meals instead of eating them separately to support stable blood sugar levels✅ How to use meal planning strategies and nutritional diversity to buffer indulgences so your body handles dessert better than when you're in a state of deprivation✅ The psychology behind food guilt and shame—and why breaking commitments to yourself creates the cycle that keeps you stuck in restrictive eating behaviors✅ Practical conscious eating choices for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and holiday parties that allow you to enjoy eating dessert after meals without the all-or-nothing mindsetThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: Eating cake without guilt and nutrition and wellness strategies for the holidays04:53 Why eating dessert immediately after your meal with protein and fiber supports stable blood sugar levels08:00 Reframing “healthy alternatives” to healthy habits and the lasting impacts11:59 Understanding emotional eating patterns and how childhood experiences can shape our food relationship habits, and the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients15:52 Holiday eating strategies: planning for the next day to avoid the all-or-nothing snowball effect21:41 How variety in diet and gut microbiome diversity reduces cravings and supports sustainable health practices26:46 Addressing the mental side: stopping the ‘should' mentality and creating your own meal planning strategies32:33 Why food guilt and shame appear when we break commitments to ourselves and put commitments to others first35:00 Restrictive eating behaviors learned in childhood and arbitrary food rules can damage our relationship with food38:19 Conscious eating choices, making a plan for an event or a meal and building healthy rituals around sweet treats for long-term successKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about LMNT's zero-sugar electrolyte mix, and she's not holding back on her signature deep-dive analysis. Jenn examines every ingredient with her trademark scrutiny, from the type of magnesium they use to the specific form of salt in each packet. She's got strong opinions about absorption mechanisms and flavor impacts you've probably never considered. Does LMNT pass Jenn's rigorous standards, or will she recommend you look elsewhere for your electrolyte mix? You'll have to listen to find out if this popular electrolyte drink should be a staple on your grocery list. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Happy Healthy Hub MemberJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramLMNT - WebsiteSEO KEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With a Side of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Electrolyte Supplements, LMNT, Sodium Intake, Magnesium Malate, Potassium Chloride, Stevia Sweetener, Hydration Optimization, Salt Deficiency, Mineral Absorption, Keto Friendly Electrolytes, Paleo Diet Supplements, Low Carb Hydration, Electrolyte Formulation, Natural Flavors, Sugar Free Electrolytes, Fitness Performance, Sleep Quality, Cognitive Function, Himalayan Pink Salt, Insulin Response, Glycemic Impact, Magnesium Sources, Potassium Dosage, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Adrenal Health, Electrolyte Balance, Mineral Deficiency, Sodium Chloride Sources, Whole Food Diet, Workout Recovery, Thyroid Health, Best Electrolyte Supplements For Low Carb Diets, How Much Sodium Do You Need For Optimal Health

Feeling drained or stuck with stubborn weight that just won't budge? Or maybe you're endlessly exhausted, breaking out in rashes, or other seemingly unexplainable symptoms? A sluggish liver or thyroid can leave you feeling tired, bloated, or in a fog. Don't worry, this episode is all about how your liver and thyroid team up to help your body ditch toxins, and what you can do to support them, boosting overall wellness. This week, Jenn Trepeck is joined by Sara Banta, renowned Certified Dietary Supplement Professional and a member of the National Association of Nutritional Professionals. Sara Banta shares her personal journey and practical tips on detox support, thyroid and liver health, estrogen balance, and using nutrition and lifestyle to support your health whether your goal is more energy, weight loss, and simple detoxification. Get ready for actionable advice, real talk, and holistic strategies to help you feel lighter, brighter, and more energized. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How liver health impacts detoxification and weight loss ✅ The role of thyroid function in energy, metabolism, and overall wellness ✅ Practical strategies to reduce toxins and support estrogen balance ✅ Supplements that help optimize liver and thyroid function The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Detox support links toxins to stalled weight loss and why liver health is vital for detoxification05:32 Sara Banta's journey with thyroid function and toxins, and her son's leukemia scare, tied to poor detox support12:20 Sara's son struggles with his heart stopping, and the value of natural supplements19:22 Signs of sluggish thyroid function can include unexplained weight gain, loss of hair, eyebrows, thinning, dry skin, bloating and more23:49 The liver controls the detoxification, hormones, thyroid, estrogen, and cortisol, removing environmental chemicals and more27:50 Fatty liver epidemic linked to toxins, not just alcohol31:16 Detox support starts with lifestyle, not just supplements36:23 Iodine deficiency can block thyroid function and detox support38:22 Supplements for liver health without toxins or fillers42:09 Discussion of iodine supplements and how to choose quality supplements for adequate detox support 44:16 Hope for holistic health through detox support strategiesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about Organic Bread of Heaven, a small family-run bakery that's making bread (and more) the old-school way, which might actually belong in your freezer. Have you ever wondered if there's a bread that checks all the boxes: organic, no preservatives, allergen-friendly, and still tastes like real bread? Jenn dives into a bakery that's flying under the radar but could be a game-changer for your grocery list. Is it too good to be true, or finally the answer to your gluten-free prayers? You'll have to listen to find out what sets this one apart, and no, it's not just a trend. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Happy Healthy Hub MemberJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramOrganic Bread of Heaven WebsiteKEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With a Side of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Allergen‑free Bread, Organic Bread, Sourdough Bread, Organic Bread of Heaven, Sprouted Wheat Bread, No Preservatives, Allergen-Free, Dairy-Free Bread, Nut-Free Bread, Soy-Free Bread, Sesame-Free Bread, Egg-Free Bread, Family-Owned Bakery, Gluten-Free Alternative, Healthy Bread Option, Clean Ingredients, No Added Sugar, Real Sourdough, No Added Yeast, Whole Grain Bread, Non-Gmo Bread, Bread For Kids With Allergies, Pizza Crust Alternative, High Carb Bread, No Artificial Flavors, Allergen-Friendly Baking, Bread With Simple Ingredients, Best Allergen-Free Sourdough Bread, Organic Sprouted Wheat Bread For Kids

Did you know that environmental toxins, such as microplastics, heavy metals, or mycotoxins, may be hanging out at your house? Could they be making you sick? Let's investigate, find out where they may be hiding and let's tackle those toxins together! Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad With a Side of Fries as she chats with nutritionist Adriana Shuman, who gives us the scoop on how toxins in our environment can impact our wellness. From detoxification hacks to picking third-party tested food, coffee and cookware, Adriana shares easy tips to clean up your kitchen and bedroom. Curious about genetics or dodging fragrances? This episode breaks it down with practical steps to thrive, not just survive, in a world filled with toxins. Tune in to learn how to boost your wellness with actionable, science-backed tips!What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Discover how environmental toxins affect your wellness and energy✅ Learn practical detoxification tips for a healthier home✅ Uncover the role of genetics in handling toxins like microplastics✅ Find out how to choose third-party tested products to reduce heavy metal exposureThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Shuman's journey from pharmacy to holistic health, driven by a passion to address toxins affecting our wellness and energy levels05:15 Breaking unwellness with functional medicine, Shuman recounts her experiences in Slovakia, where chronic illness was normalized08:40 Discussion of the critical roles of mitochondria and microbiome in combating environmental toxins and how these systems drive detoxification10:48 Shuman distinguishes between beneficial stressors, such as exercise, and harmful ones, including environmental toxins. Genetics or toxin overload leads to symptoms12:05 Shuman compares health to an oak tree, needing healthy soil free from environmental toxins. Proper nutrition, sleep, and movement are vital15:00 Shuman details key lab tests, including organic acid and mycotoxin tests, to assess heavy metals and other toxins24:52 Practical tips focus on choosing third-party tested coffee and cookware to minimize environmental toxins. Shuman recommends glass coffee makers34:02: Shuman shares bedroom hacks to reduce environmental toxins, like using organic mattresses and avoiding fragrances in laundry productsKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about stability and why it's more than just staying upright—it's a cornerstone of our health. Too often, we focus only on cardio or strength, forgetting that proper physical fitness requires strength, flexibility, and stability working together. Jenn explores how balance training supports not only your daily activities but also your long-term health. With stability training for longevity, you'll discover how minor tweaks to your fitness routine can improve physical balance, prevent injury, and keep you active for years to come. Could stability be the missing piece in your wellness journey? Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Happy Hub MemberJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramBone Health & the Problem with Bone Density ScansKEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With a Side of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Stability, Staying upright, Cardio, Strength, Flexibility, Balance training, Stability training for longevity, Fitness routine, Physical balance, Prevent injury, Balance

Have you ever been told to “eat less and move more” to lose weight, but always seem to gain the weight back? That's because, fundamentally, prolonged calorie restriction leads to metabolic adaptation, which actually prioritizes the loss of muscle mass, not body fat. It's not in your head! And you're not doomed!Today on Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck explores how metabolic adaptation can affect energy expenditure and muscle mass, leading to hormonal imbalances and other unwanted symptoms. Learn why "eat less, move more" is not a long-term weight loss solution and why, instead, we want to be focusing on building muscle. Jenn shares how prioritizing protein intake and fiber consumption, stress management, and getting quality sleep can help to prevent metabolic adaptation and support metabolic restoration. Discover how reverse dieting can help to restore your basal metabolic rate and other strategies to support sustainable health through gradual fat removal. What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ Learn why "eat less, move more" leads to muscle loss and fat regain✅ Explore nutrition strategies to prevent the effects of metabolic adaptation✅ Understand the roles stress management and sleep quality have in restoring basal metabolic rate✅ Get practical tips for restoring metabolic health, like reverse dieting, and sustaining hormonal balance for long-term healthThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Metabolic Adaptation Explained: How Calorie Restriction Slows Basal Metabolic Rate to Survive03:40 Our bodies adapt to weight loss by reducing energy expenditure, negatively impacting our muscle mass06:41 Metabolic adaptation conserves energy, lowering basal metabolic rate during calorie restriction09:57 Increased efficiency in metabolic adaptation sheds muscle mass, harming sustainable health13:29 Metabolic adaptation can cause weight loss plateaus, drawing nutrients from the bones15:04 Hormonal imbalances from metabolic adaptation affect thyroid function19:55 Prevent metabolic adaptation with quality nutrition: protein and fiber in every meal makes removing fat no big deal28:00 How reverse dieting can help restore our body's basal metabolic rate and counter the effects of metabolic adaptation34:41 Build muscle mass with resistance training to boost metabolism and avoid metabolic adaptation38:39 Thyroid function is key to restoring basal metabolic rateKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Did you know that there is a chiropractic technology that's revolutionizing wellness by optimizing proper spinal alignment and blood flow? This innovative approach uses advanced techniques, such as sound wave corrections to painlessly and systematically enhance brain health and improve quality of life. Today on Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck is joined by Dr. Stan Pierce, an industry leading chiropractor, to explore how chiropractic technology, like the EPIC method, addresses common issues like migraines and hypertension. Discover how precise neck alignment targets the root causes of lasting health improvements in this insightful episode, featuring cutting-edge health strategies.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How chiropractic technology benefits spinal alignment✅ The impact of blood flow on brain health✅ Benefits of sound wave techniques in EPIC corrections✅ Why the value of corrective care and upper cervical alignment techniques resolves various symptomsThe Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Dr. Stan Pierce explains how chiropractic technology enhances spinal alignment to optimize nervous system function06:05 Chiropractic technology and its role in correcting subluxation for better blood flow and health10:45 Highlights pros and cons of technology in healthcare, emphasizing digital x-ray and reduced human error14:12 Introduces EPIC, a chiropractic technology using a percussive instrument for precise corrective care19:14 Explains why the upper cervical focus in chiropractic technology is critical for brain health22:04 Describes how sound wave technology in chiropractic technology improves neck alignment29:18 Connects chiropractic technology to blood flow issues, addressing symptoms like high blood pressure34:25 Links chiropractic technology to preventing cognitive decline through upper cervical alignmentKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Have you ever felt like your body's playing tricks on you with endless fatigue, bloating, or hormone chaos? Candida overgrowth may be the sneaky culprit behind it all. Today's expert is here to fill you in on how candida links your gut health, thyroid function, and even hormones like estrogens and cortisol and his four-phase Candida protocol. In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck is joined by Dr. Michael Biamonte to discuss his naturopathic journey and the development of BioCybernetics for diagnosing imbalances. They debunk myths about candida overgrowth being protective, discuss symptoms such as cognitive issues and chemical sensitivity, and detail his four-phase Candida protocol. Additionally, discover the benefits of organic acid tests, stool tests, and calprotectin for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Don't miss this eye-opening chat.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Dr. Biamonte explains how candida overgrowth feeds on B complex vitamins, converting carbohydrates into sugars(04:57) Dr. Biamonte's journey into naturopathy, driven by curiosity about nutrition when his father was ill(07:23) Dr. Biamonte develops a computer program called BioCybernetics(11:31) Candida is a cause of unusual reactions to vitamins linked to gut health imbalance(13:06) Reverse-engineering Candida treatment and the importance of rotating antifungals(17:29) Dr. Biamonte debunks the myth that Candida is protective, explaining that it suppresses immune system function(19:09) Symptoms of candida overgrowth, including fatigue, cognitive issues, gastrointestinal discomfort, eczema, and chemical sensitivity(25:43) Dr. Biamonte connects Candida to hormones, impacting thyroid function and Hashimoto's(28:03) Dr. Biamonte recommends organic acid tests and specific stool tests over blood tests to diagnose candida overgrowth accurately(31:52) Dr. Biamonte outlines the protocol to remove Candida(36:00) Dr. Biamonte explains that resolving candida overgrowth and leaky gut facilitates thyroid and adrenal recovery, but toxic metals must be addressed first(39:40) Why is there resistance to the protocolKEY TAKEAWAYS:Candida overgrowth significantly impacts gut health and hormones, particularly estrogens and cortisol, which can exacerbate conditions like Hashimoto's and thyroid function imbalances, requiring a targeted approach to address underlying dysbiosis. Dr. Michael Biamonte's four-phase Candida protocol involves a bowel cleanse, rotating antifungals, biofilm busters, and probiotics to restore gut flora, emphasizing the need to address leaky gut for effective treatment.Accurate testing, such as organic acid tests and stool tests (as opposed to unreliable blood tests), is crucial for identifying Candida overgrowth. Markers like stool pH, fecal IgA, and calprotectin indicate its presence.QUOTES: (15:48) "You were so ahead of your time in creating a program that is now essentially what people hope AI will do in medicine." Jenn Trepeck(20:00) “Candida, just like many other things of this nature, stresses out whatever your genetic weaknesses are to the point where that's how the symptoms manifest.” Dr. Michael Biamonte(22:07) “A lot of those things we associate with the B vitamin deficiency. So, the irony is that a B complex would also create a reaction in these same

Curious about how your mindset shapes your eating habits and affects your body's response to food? Could healing past trauma be the missing piece in your wellness journey? Today, Jenn Trepeck and Lisa Schlosberg, founder of Out of the Cave, LLC, explore the mind-body connection and its impact on emotional eating. Together, they explore how healing trauma can reshape our relationships with food, how our animal brain interprets social context as either safety or danger, and offer tools such as breathwork and the feelings wheel to build emotional awareness and combat chronic stress for sustainable, holistic health.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Lisa Schlosberg introduces the concept of humans as spiritual beings, emphasizing the mind-body connection (05:59) Lisa's weight loss journey, emotional eating and revealing the importance of holistic health(10:50) The Adverse Childhood Experiences study connects childhood trauma to physical health issues like obesity and addiction(13:11) Discussion of the mind-body connection and how the feelings wheel can be tied to weight loss(18:35) Eating releases dopamine and serotonin, reinforcing emotional eating in times of stress(22:16) Reiterating humans as spiritual beings with an animal brain in a social context(29:02) The animal brain perceives discomfort as danger, triggering physiological reactions like chronic stress (31:40) Lisa suggests using breath work to manage emotional awareness and reduce stress eating(35:54) Discussion of energy, the mind-body connection and advocating for self-love and mindfulness(39:05) Addressing social media influence and doom scrolling, idealized images create chronic stress, driving emotional eating(42:34) Lisa concludes with a call for self-compassion, offering hope for trauma healingKEY TAKEAWAYS:The mind-body connection is central to understanding emotional eating, as Lisa Schlosberg explains how unprocessed trauma and stress can manifest as disordered eating patterns, impacting weight loss and holistic health.Self-compassion and emotional awareness are vital for healing, with tools like the feelings wheel helping individuals identify emotions associated with food and body image, thereby fostering healthier coping mechanisms.Chronic stress from social media and societal pressures can trigger stress eating. Still, mindfulness practices, such as breathwork, can help shift the nervous system toward a state of safety, supporting mental health and balanced eating habits.QUOTES: (05:59) “It wasn't until I spoke to my mom's friend, who is a nutritionist, she explained to me that I was undereating and over-exercising.” Lisa Schlosberg (08:45) “Food was my drug of choice growing up. And what was happening without using food and eating to stuff down all the feelings or dieting and over exercising to distract from all of the feelings, I was an emotional disaster. And that was very confusing and really tricky to navigate.” Lisa Schlosberg(13:12) “I started applying everything that I was learning in my own research about how diets don't work. You can't just restrict food and think that that's gonna be a sustainable way of living. I started focusing on my health holistically instead of just my weight. I started seeing myself as a complex, multidimensional, emotional human being rather than just a body,...

Ever wondered if tiny tweaks could truly lead to a wellness transformation, or if a community support system is all it's cracked up to be? What if a simple mental reset could help you let go of perfectionism and embrace the messy, beautiful gray area of progress? Get ready, because this episode is about to pull you into an inspiring conversation that's all about real results!Welcome to Salad with a Side of Fries. Today, host and health coach, Jenn Trepeck is joined by a Healthy Vibe Tribe member, Cyndi! After she discovered the podcast, Cyndi quickly became a loyal listener and podcast member (now the Happy Healthy Hub), soaking up nuggets like boosting protein and fiber for better lifestyle changes. In January 2025, Cyndi joined the Healthy Vibe Tribe, a 12-week Zoom health coaching program with Jenn, where accountability and group support helped her push past life's challenges, sparking her journey toward true lifestyle changes. Despite a rocky start, her mental reset and commitment led to incredible results like naturally gravitating towards whole foods rather than ultra processed snacks, losing eight inches from her waist, and fitting into a beloved old swimsuit. Tune in to hear how small changes and a mindset shift can equal big wins. If you need a dose of inspiration that'll have you ready to take on your own journey, don't miss this episode.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science that surround our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Meet Cyndi(04:20) Cyndi shares how she discovered the podcast(06:53) Using a nugget from every podcast episode can shape your wellness journey(09:13) Cyndi recalls feeling lost and needing a mental reset(12:27) Breakdown of the Healthy Vibe Tribe, valuable coaching and community support (Curious to learn more about joining the Fall Healthy Vibe Tribe? Click HERE) (16:11) The benefits of Cyndi committing to the 2nd Healthy Vibe Tribe round and seeing results(21:56) Eight inches disappear from her waist, fitting into an old swimsuit, marking a weight loss milestone(27:44) Cyndi adopts “example or warning” as a mantra and the value of tracking her food(32:50) Cyndi notes her husband joined her healthy habits after seeing her results(37:48) Cyndi shares her cardiologist's surprise at her improved cardiac health and blood work(39:43) Join the Healthy Vibe Tribe starting September 8th for a 12-week session (details HERE)KEY TAKEAWAYS:Small changes can lead to significant results. Cyndi's journey highlights how incremental adjustments, like increasing protein and fiber intake or establishing a bedtime routine, can transform health and wellness over time, as seen in her improved cardiac health and weight loss. Community support and coaching enhance success. The Healthy Vibe Tribe provided Cyndi with accountability and encouragement, helping her navigate challenges like the flu and stay committed to her lifestyle changes. Embracing the gray area fosters sustainable progress. Cyndi learned to move away from perfectionism, accepting that health improvements are not linear, which allowed her to achieve significant results, like losing eight inches from her waist and shocking her cardiovascular doctor with her improved heart health. QUOTES: (5:11) "In every episode, I would find...

What if you could take the guesswork out of fitness and create a truly personalized approach that actually works for you? In this episode, Philip Pape joins Jenn Trepeck to discuss his ADAPT framework, a step-by-step guide to personalizing your fitness routine. They talk about the importance of assessing your current situation, taking action, and analyzing your progress to make informed choices. Philip shares his insights on how to progress in strength training, adapt to injuries, and use evidence-based strategies to achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, this episode is packed with actionable tips and techniques to help you take your fitness to the next level. So, let's get started!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science that surround our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: NEAT, aka non-exercise activity thermogenesis(04:57) Philip's experience of flailing around in the world of fitness(07:54) The importance of measuring energy and performance (12:26) Introducing the ADAPT framework(14:56) “A” stands for ACCESS - movement and capacity for activity (16:31) "D" stands for DO - the importance of taking action and collecting data(17:53) “A” stands for ANALYZE - what are you keeping track of(21:42) “P” stands for PIVOT - making subtle changes(23:12) “T” stands for TEST - doing a controlled experiment(27:54) Discussion of progression in strength training, emphasising overload and rest(31:25) Does your plan or program meet your goals and the value of coaching(33:07) Personalizing walking and how to make it a habit, citing the benefits of increased non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)(37:48) The importance of using affected areas and promoting blood flow when injured(41:01) Building a home gym and the importance of mindset and moving forwardKEY TAKEAWAYS:Personalizing fitness is crucial for achieving success, and it starts with assessing your current situation, including your goals, lifestyle, and constraints. By understanding your unique needs, you can create a tailored approach that works for you.Tracking progress and analyzing data are essential for making informed choices and adjusting your approach as needed. This includes monitoring metrics such as body composition, resting heart rate, and biofeedback, and using that data to pivot and make changes to your training and nutrition plan.Patience and persistence are key when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. By focusing on progressive overload and consistent data collection, you can make steady progress and celebrate small wins along the way. It's also important to reframe your wins and focus on the positive changes you're experiencing, rather than getting discouraged by setbacks or plateaus.QUOTES: (01:00) "One thing you'll learn from almost every episode is that we talk about guidelines, not gospel. There's biology, then we figure out how that works for each of us.” - Jenn Trepeck(11:36) "Even if you are not physically injured, the mental component of feeling like something's wrong with you is so much bigger than people realize.” - Jenn Trepeck(20:20) “We're not focusing on any one measurement in isolation or any one data point. It's about the collective and patterns.” - Jenn Trepeck(23:57) “I like the idea of TEST because it reinforces what we often talk about,...

Hey there, health warriors! Ever wondered why that burst of motivation to hit the gym or eat right always seems to fizzle out? In this crossover episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck shares her featured episode on the Wits and Weights podcast to spill the beans on making wellness stick without the hype.In this special episode, Jenn and Philip Pape get real about swapping motivation for discipline and commitment, showing how small, consistent steps—like turning daily tasks into exercise or using gamification for accountability—build unstoppable momentum. They dive into why consistency is more important than intensity, how to avoid the mental trap of food tracking, and the power of understanding science/biology to transform nutrition choices. It's a fun, no-nonsense guide to crafting sustainable habits that fit your life! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight loss, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: A message from Jenn(04:14) Phillip introduces Jenn on his podcast called Wits and Weights, topic: motivation (06:42) Discussion of motivation, momentum, discipline and commitment (11:20) Discussion about accountability and consistency in wellness routines.(13:54) Reframing daily activities as exercise, suggesting consistency in small movements (23:11) The inverse relationship between consistency, intensity, and low-intensity(30:12) Jenn shares a personal example involving ketchup and food swaps(36:13) Accountability, gamification or a personal trainer to support habit formation(41:07) Jenn discusses obsession over nutritional thoughts and tracking tools(46:50) Jenn shares how understanding the "why" behind nutrition transforms emotional decisions into intellectual ones(51:58) Listener blip: Phillips' client shares weight loss story(54:53) Emotional eating(1:00:32) Jenn's advice: How daily movement is critical and the 30-30-30 planKEY TAKEAWAYS:Motivation is unreliable; discipline and commitment drive sustainable habit formation by prioritizing action over waiting for inspiration.Consistency trumps intensity in achieving long-term wellness and weight loss, as small, manageable steps build momentum effectively.Accountability, whether through a personal trainer or gamification, supports behavior change by aligning actions with individual goals and capacity.QUOTES: (07:05) “I often hear ‘I know what to do, I'm just waiting to want to do it. I'm supposed to want to do this.' and it's such BS. We've been taught that motivation comes first, so we're all sitting around waiting for lightning to strike.” Jenn Trepeck (08:14) “We think we're broken. Fundamentally, you are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. We've been fed a line that motivation is what we need, and it's not. I call it a different M word: Momentum, because in the beginning, motivation actually looks like discipline.” Jenn Trepeck(10:08) “You've gotta have a catalyst and we wanna distinguish that catalyst from motivation. I think people get overwhelmed with thinking like, ‘oh my God, I have to go to the gym three days a week, how am I gonna keep getting motivated to do that?' and it's just this thought that festers.” Phillip Pape(24:11) “So consistency and intensity are inversely correlated. The more intense something is, the harder it is to be consistent with it.” Jenn Trepeck(30:04) “You're not just...

Feeling confused about what a gestational diabetes diagnosis means for your pregnancy and your future wellness? Curious about easy and proven ways to keep it in check? Grab a seat and join today's conversation with Kelly Carter that'll make gestational diabetes feel way less scary!Jenn Trepeck and Kelly Carter, the Chief Success Officer at RenewRx, dive into the nitty-gritty of gestational diabetes, explaining how the placenta can throw insulin and blood sugar out of whack. Kelly shares game-changing advice with proven results, such as balancing your plate with veggies and proteins and incorporating movement, like post-meal walks, to manage blood sugar spikes. They also share stress management tricks, like journaling, to ease the mental load and bust myths that can make pregnancy feel overwhelming. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, delves into real-life wellness and weight loss, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Meet Kelly Carter(07:11) Kelly's journey from studying human nutrition to focusing on gestational diabetes(09:51) Why gestational diabetes became Kelly's focus(13:54) The placenta's role in gestational diabetes(15:24) Risk factors for gestational diabetes, including age, blood sugar sensitivity, diet and stress(21:19) Discussion on balanced nutrition to reduce blood sugar spikes, supported by continuous glucose monitoring(24:07) Building a balanced plate for gestational diabetes(29:56) Movement, particularly walking after meals, can lower blood sugar levels by up to 25% in women with gestational diabetes(31:35) Sleep challenges in pregnancy and their impact on stress and blood sugar(34:00) Utilize stress management strategies like walking, napping, and journaling KEY TAKEAWAYS:Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and the placenta's demands, where the body struggles to produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Still, it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes.A balanced nutrition approach, emphasizing the order of eating—starting with fibrous vegetables, followed by proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—can significantly reduce blood sugar spikes, as supported by continuous glucose monitoring data.Lifestyle factors like movement (e.g., walking post-meals), stress management (e.g., journaling, napping), and acknowledging sleep challenges are critical for managing gestational diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity, fostering long-term healthy habits.QUOTES: (00:25) “Very simply, gestational diabetes is your body not being able to keep up with the insulin that's needed to be produced to grow this baby.” Kelly Carter (12:59) “Gestational diabetes leaves women feeling confused, frustrated and not understanding what's happening.” Jenn Trepeck(17:23) “If you're able to focus on your diet and your lifestyle seven months before you conceive, your chances of having a healthy pregnancy increase by at least 30 percent.” Kelly Carter(18:55) "Everything in health is related, right? We want to look at nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress." Jenn Trepeck(29:37) “Why would it make any sense to stop training for the nine months in advance of your personal human Olympics?” Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become a Member of the Happy Healthy Hub

Ever wonder why your habits feel like a constant battle between all-or-nothing? Curious if there's a way to make flexible habits stick without burning out? Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad with a Side of Fries as she dives into the world of perfectionism and habits with Monica Packer, a recovering perfectionist who's cracked the code on sustainable growth. In this episode, Monica and Jenn unpack how to ditch rigid rules for baselines that support you, redefine consistency as doing your best most of the time, and build momentum with small, courageous steps that lead to exponential growth, all while keeping it real for your unique season of life.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Perfectionism is a spectrum(06:12) Monica describes her shift from perfectionism to flexible habits(13:38) Monica redefines habits as supportive actions that help you show up as yourself(16:05) Choosing ‘shoulds' that align with your life, making habits flexible (18:22) Consistency is doing your best most of the time. Flexibility makes sustainable habits possible(26:07) Baselines are the smallest version of a habit, building momentum for sustainable progress(32:39) Baselines reduce reliance on motivation, enabling habits to persist even on busy or low-energy days(35:51) Small, courageous steps in habits lead to exponential growth beyond perfectionismKEY TAKEAWAYS:Perfectionism is a spectrum rooted in fear, driving an all-or-nothing approach. Flexible habits support sustainable growth by prioritizing progress over rigid perfection.Baselines are small, achievable versions of habits that build momentum and consistency, allowing you to show up as yourself even on low-energy days.Consistency in habits means doing your best most of the time, rather than striving for rigid perfection. Flexibility enables sustainable habit formation, allowing us to adapt to life's seasons and challenges.QUOTES: (00:00) "I've learned that perfectionism really is a spectrum. The root of it is the same though regardless of where you're on the spectrum. It's an all or nothing pendulum swing, and the root is fear." - Monica Packer(10:36) "If only this were different. If only that were different. And the truth is maybe a hard pill to swallow, it's us, not all of these other things." - Jenn Trepeck(20:17) "Flexibility is what makes consistency possible." - Monica Packer(21:45) "Consistency and intensity are inversely related." - Jenn Trepeck(30:38) "The ‘how' might be two minutes here, two minutes there. Today, it's touching my toes. Tomorrow it's walking to the mailbox to get the mail." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become a Member – A Salad With a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries...

What if the daily habit you've focused on is actually sabotaging your overall health? What if there's a reason the health hack your friend or significant other swears by doesn't make you feel your best? This episode might explain why. Today on Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn explores some daily habits that can serve or sabotage our health and hormones. She discusses controversial topics like fasted workouts, intermittent fasting, and coffee for breakfast, challenging common health practices. Jenn emphasizes the imp. She breaks down the science behind our circadian rhythm, cortisol patterns, and hormone balance, offering practical advice on hydration, sleep, food choices, and stress management. Jenn highlights the complexity of health choices, so we can learn to pay attention to how our bodies respond to different habits. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Blue light and circadian rhythm(05:27) Daily habits: Serving or sabotaging health?(13:48) Breakfast choices and intermittent fasting impacts(20:50) Morning walks and natural light exposure(25:08) Fasted workouts: Benefits and drawbacks(30:06) Hydration habits and electrolytes (34:49) Importance of quiet time and meditation(38:33) Connecting with friends reduces stress(40:13) Cold plunges: Timing matters for health benefits(43:21) Melatonin use: Context and dosage considerations(46:32) Blue light glasses: When to use them(48:28) Clean beauty products and essential oils(52:38) Final thoughts on tweaking daily habitsKEY TAKEAWAYS:Morning Cold Plunges Can Backfire: Contrary to popular belief, daily morning cold plunges or showers can disrupt your cortisol patterns and lead to fatigue. For optimal benefits, try cold exposure post-workout or in the late afternoon when cortisol is naturally lower.Blue Light Glasses Aren't for All-Day Wear: Wearing blue light glasses during the day can actually sabotage your energy and focus and our body's melatonin production. We need blue light exposure during daytime hours for alertness and mood regulation - save the blue blockers for evening use.Essential Oils in Clean Beauty May Disrupt Hormones: Some essential oils in "clean" beauty products can act as phytoestrogens, potentially disrupting hormonal balance. Consider opting for unscented products and being mindful of your overall exposure to these ingredients.QUOTES: (04:58) “The daily habits that nourish the body, mind and spirit, emotion, the soul, are all important and valuable. That's where true transformation happens. It's in the seemingly small things that we do daily. With that said, many of the things that we do daily may not be serving us. They might actually be sabotaging us.” - Jenn Trepeck(10:27) “The body's job is to survive above all else. Fundamentally, our hormones, especially female hormones, are highly sensitive to nutrient availability and calories, calorie availability. So under-eating really just wreaks havoc on our hormones.” - Jenn Trepeck(17:37) “Nighttime eating is often directly connected to under-eating in the first half of the day.” - Jenn Trepeck(22:14) “Our entire body works on this circadian rhythm. The primary driver of circadian rhythm are our eyes through light exposure. If we can get the master clock functioning properly through light exposure when we wake up, it literally has a cascade of health benefits throughout the entire system.” - Jenn...

Ready to take your health to the next level? Ready to go beyond simply listening to Salad with a Side of Fries? Join the Happy Healthy Hub! In this Salad with a Side of Fries bonus episode, Jenn Trepeck shares the re-vamped membership that's now the Happy Healthy Hub. As Jenn says, this is the next best thing to Jenn's signature coaching program and helps you go from where you are now to where you want to be for less than the price of a Starbucks each week. Tune-in to hear the details of what you get in the Happy Healthy Hub, how to become a member and why Jenn created this special new platform (Hint: It's specifically for YOU!).The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.RESOURCES:Become A Happy Healthy Hub Member Jenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramMembership, coach, coaching, health coaching, coffee, patrion, glow, healthy, health, AMA, ask me anything, community, community board, post, comment, recipe, articles, discounts, benefits, subscriber

Can't seem to balance your hormones and get rid of frustrating symptoms like anxiety, irregular cycles, or weight gain no matter what you do? Chances are, your hormones aren't actually the root cause of those symptoms, but are actually your body's “check engine light”. In this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, Jenn Trepeck and functional medicine expert Jillian Greaves dish on hormonal health, revealing how to read your body's symptoms for real answers and real results. Jenn and Jillian explain why hormones are your body's check engine light, highlighting root causes such as chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, or disrupted blood sugar balance. They dive into the chaos of perimenopause, where cycles can feel like a guessing game, and share why trendy fixes like intermittent fasting often backfire on women's health. Jillian's journey highlights the power of self-advocacy and foundational habits, such as nervous system support and proper hormone testing, particularly during the mid-luteal phase. Together, they offer practical, no-nonsense strategies to help you work with your body, not against it, for lasting hormonal health.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our understanding of nutrition and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction(02:02) Your hormones are a check engine light, indicating underlying health issues (06:25) Jillian Greaves shares her hormonal health journey(08:11) Symptoms are the body's way of communicating imbalances, urging women to support their hormonal health(12:14) Hormones respond to deeper dynamics like nutrient deficiencies or stress, requiring investigation into the causes of hormone imbalances(15:29) For perimenopause, tracking cycles and monitoring symptoms helps to aid in managing hormonal health (17:24) Testing hormones during the mid-luteal phase is crucial for accurate assessment(20:57) Foundational practices like blood sugar balance, sleep, and circadian rhythm regulation are essential for supporting hormonal health (23:15) Reduce physical stressors by focusing on low-impact, strength-based movement to support hormonal health(26:33) The tools you use to support your nervous system need to be sustainable(28:47) Trends and extremes can be detrimental to long term health(31:58) A discussion on Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a quick fix for hormone imbalances(40:28) Become a member today for $10 per month; prices are going upKEY TAKEAWAYS:Hormones act as a check engine light, signaling underlying issues like under-eating, over-exercising, or chronic stress rather than serving as the root cause of our symptoms.Focus on foundational health practices—such as maintaining blood sugar balance, promoting sleep, regulating circadian rhythms, and supporting the nervous system—to naturally regulate hormonal health.Avoid trendy fixes like prolonged fasting or elimination diets; prioritize sustainable, personalized approaches to address perimenopause and hormone imbalances.QUOTES: (12:40) "One of the biggest mistakes we can make is overly fixating on the hormone itself. And what we need to do is ask the deeper question ‘why?'." Jillian Greaves(14:31) "I always say the body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. It's compensating." - Jenn Trepeck(14:52) “Work with your body instead of always trying to fight against it, and we hear it all the time, work with your hormones.” - Jenn Trepeck(28:09) "What I'm...

Don't think you can stay healthy while traveling and still enjoy every bite, sip, and moment? Think again. This episode spills the secrets to feeling good on the go without sacrificing the fun. Tune in to discover the secret to travel non-negotiables and learn how to stay healthy when traveling.In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck spills the tea on crafting a travel health plan that works for you. From packing protein shakes to embracing local cuisine with a guilt-free mindset, this episode is packed full of practical tips to feel your best whether you're on a work trip or a dream vacation. We'll cover picking your non-negotiables, like daily movement, to letting go of shame with a guilt-free mindset and plan. Get ready to rethink your travel routine? Tune in for tips to make your next trip—whether for work or play—a perfect blend of wellness and wanderlust!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Healthy travel challenges; Home health routines don't work on the road; Make way for wellness on the go(02:43) The importance of non-negotiables(06:39) Defining the trip: work vs. vacation, shapes the travel health plan(10:32) Planning for desired outcomes upon returning home, reverse-engineering the travel health plan (12:24) Stick to a realistic travel routine you make for yourself, which eliminates guilt(13:45) Discussion of non-negotiables and essential health priorities in action (19:17) Setting boundaries and overcoming shame surrounding expressing your health needs and wellness goals(25:59) Packing for your travel health plan to ensure non-negotiables are met(35:08) Take the clothes you will feel good in for the entire trip, and plan for the flight(39:13) Focus on the non-negotiables while allowing for flexibility and letting go encourages a guilt-free mindsetKEY TAKEAWAYS:Determine your non-negotiables for healthy travel. Identify and prioritize key health practices, such as drinking water to stay hydrated, eating protein-rich breakfasts, and engaging in daily movement, to maintain wellness on the road without rigidity.Be flexible. Adjust your travel health plan based on the type of trip (work or vacation) and location, you can embrace local cuisine and activities while ensuring your wellness goals are met.Create a realistic travel routine, pack essentials like protein bars or workout gear, and let go of guilt to enjoy the experience while staying aligned with health priorities.QUOTES:        (3:30) “Non-negotiables and not up for debate does not mean that we're rigid. It does not mean that we're not flexible." – Jenn Trepeck(11:30) “If you're totally stressed out the whole time about what you're going to eat, when you're going to eat it, how you're going to eat it, then you're not really on vacation." - Deanna(12:24) “Guilt shows up when we don't keep the commitments that we make. And more than that, it's the commitments that we make to ourselves." - Jenn Trepeck(13:26) “The point of this episode is to say the plan we have when we are home is not the same plan that works on the road.” - Jenn Trepeck(24:57) “When we tell people what to do to be helpful, a lot of the other judgment that we're afraid of disappears because the intention behind that is not judgment, but to be helpful." - Jenn Trepeck(35:27) “I make sure that I have clothing options that no matter how I'm feeling, day one, day 10, whatever it is, that I'm gonna feel great in what I'm wearing." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramNutrition Nugget: AirportsHealthier Options at StarbucksMenu MayhemThe Algae Advantage (feat. Catharine Arnston)

When it comes to your fitness routine, what are you training for? If you're like most of us, not a marathon or a bodybuilding competition. And yet, most trainers and fitness influencers advise us to train like we are! What if instead, we train for life?! Those fitness habits look pretty different…and they're A LOT easier to maintain. In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Emily Nichols, a personal trainer and host of Habit Hack Your Health, to explore the art of forming lasting fitness habits. Emily shares her expertise on creating keystone habits, mastering functional movement, and embracing a habit loop of cue, routine, and reward to foster lasting lifestyle changes. From rejecting diet culture to prioritizing enjoyable workouts, this conversation offers practical strategies to move your body, fuel your soul, and be your best self.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss in real life, clearing up myths, misinformation, and bad science surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let's dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Emily defines habits as ingrained actions that require minimal decision-making(04:56) Emily's journey from stress and unhealthy habits to embracing her fitness journey(09:34) Habits are reframed as lifestyle choices that reduce decision fatigue(11:20) Keystone habits are introduced as foundational actions that inspire other healthy behaviors(14:20) Training for life is defined as sustainable movement and nutrition practices, not tied to restrictive goals(21:11) Forming habits takes about 90 days, Emily challenges the notion of intense workouts(27:00) Shifting away from diet culture, emphasizes strength training for body composition (30:54) Habit loops (cue, routine, reward) are explained, with tangible or intangible rewards KEY TAKEAWAYS:Adopt keystone habits that inspire other healthy behaviors, such as improved nutrition and sleep, to create a sustainable lifestyle foundation.Build sustainable fitness habits using cues (e.g., calendar reminders, Post-it notes), routines, and rewards, taking small, intentional steps to reduce decision fatigue and foster long-term consistency, ultimately creating lasting lifestyle changes within approximately 90 days.Embrace functional movements and sustainable nutrition, prioritizing enjoyable fitness habits tied to personal identity and joy over diet culture and extreme workouts, to support everyday activities and promote lasting health, not just scale numbers.QUOTES:        (00:00) "Habits for me mean less decisions. Habits are part of my lifestyle." - Emily Nichols(01:05) "If your plan has you opting out of life, it's not your plan for life." - Jenn Trepeck(08:55) "The thing I hear all the time is, well, I just need to do it. And I'm like. Yes. But, that doesn't get us there. The other piece of this is habits."  - Jenn Trepeck(23:17) "Because the other thing thats in our heads is I have to kill myself in a workout." - Jenn Trepeck(30:38) "The reward part of all of this... people often forget." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramGUEST RESOURCES:Emily | Habit & Fitness Coach