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Are you tired of eating less and moving more, only to see no real results? What if the key to lasting fat loss wasn't harder work, but smarter strategy?In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Joe Hoye, a sought-after coach known for his bold, backwards approach to health. With a background in the medical field and a track record of helping women over 40 rebuild their metabolism and break free from diet culture, Joe shares how eating more, exercising less, and prioritizing recovery can completely transform your body—and your mindset.This conversation is compelling for women in midlife who feel stuck in a cycle of restriction and frustration. Joe breaks down why fat loss (not weight loss), building muscle, and mindset matter more than the number on the scale. From simplifying nutrition and supplements to balancing workouts with rest and recovery, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently—and finally feel good doing it.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: (02:24) The focus of Diet Detox simplifies nutrition and fitness: eat more and exercise less(06:30) Joe's journey began at 13, inspired by his mother, leading to a focus on helping women over 40(16:31) Eat less, move more is not effective for health. Focus on fat loss, not weight loss(20:12) Exercise without recovery is detrimental, discussion of 3 days/week resistance training and compound movements(28:46) Nutrition choices that follow a healthy weight loss plan for fat loss. Calories, protein, and carbs (31:25) Joe talks about supplements and the most critical elements to focus on(36:52) Stress managementKEY TAKEAWAYS:Fat loss is about balance, not extremes—sustainable results come from eating enough, exercising smart, and prioritizing recovery over overtraining.Muscle is the key to metabolism—building and maintaining muscle supports fat loss, boosts energy, and improves long-term health, especially for women over 40.Nutrition and mindset drive transformation—focusing on protein, recovery, and identity shifts empowers women (especially moms) to create lasting change that ripples through families and communities.QUOTES:        (03:39) “We might not see the ideal results in the first few weeks, but over time we can get there.” Jenn Trepeck(15:46) “When we change a mom's life, we change the lives, not just of an entire family, but of an entire community. - Jenn Trepeck(16:33) “We have to understand that muscle is everything when it comes to our metabolism. And our metabolism is everything when it comes to weight loss.” - Joe Hoye(30:30)  “If you're having trouble sleeping, the best thing that you can take for sleep is a complex carbohydrate before bed: oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice, something like that. Don't knock it before you try it. And then, tell me how well you slept, because I guarantee you it's better.” Joe Hoye(31:11) “It's pairing everything together. It's thinking about things in terms of their purpose, and we are talking about whole, actual food.” - 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 InstagramSupercharge Recovery From Surgery and More GUEST RESOURCES:$1 Diet Detox - WebsiteJoe Hoye - InstagramJoe Hoye - FacebookThe Diet Rebellion - PodcastEp. 27: Jenn Trepeck - Breaking the Diet Cycle: Why It's Not What You Eat, But How You EatGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Most coaches tell women to eat less and move more—Joe Hoye does the opposite. Through Diet Detox, he simplifies nutrition and fitness, helping women eat more, exercise less, and focus on what truly matters: breaking free from self-sabotage, shifting their identity, and achieving forever weight loss.With a background in surgery and years of coaching experience, Joe has helped over 1,000 women ditch restrictive diets, rebuild their metabolisms, and reshape their lives. His bold, backwards approach proves that lasting change isn't found in another diet—it's found in a total mindset shift.Named as one of the top 100 menopause influencers of 2024 and as the Host of Midlife Makeover summit, the largest online health summit for women 40+, Joe is an influential figure with a track record to back it up!

Are you a serial snacker? Is there ALWAYS room for dessert? Do you find yourself feeling hungry throughout the day, despite just eating? Or maybe you notice reaching for a bag of chips whenever you're feeling stressed? Did you know that there are actually different types of hunger that can shape our eating habits? Spoiler: You're NOT broken!Welcome to Salad with a Side of Fries, the podcast where we dig into the surprising truths about how we eat and why. Today, host and health coach Jenn Trepeck is tackling a topic that's far more complex than it seems: hunger. We're going to explore the fascinating world of hedonic hunger, the kind driven by pure pleasure, and how it can often override our natural homeostatic hunger, that biological signal that tells us we actually need fuel. We'll also explore how processed foods significantly impact our hunger signals and strategies for managing each type. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about your cravings and your plate, because by the end of this episode, you'll have a whole new understanding of what it means to truly be hungry. 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) Hedonic hunger, driven by dopamine, can override the biological drive of homeostatic hunger(06:48) Hunger is not a moral failing, and how to identify homeostatic hunger(12:01) Cravings versus hunger, and studies show high nutrient density diets reduce hunger pains and cravings(16:58) Is it hunger, or is it restriction, and hedonic hunger involves eating for pleasure, triggered by ultra-processed foods or stress(22:47) Controlling hedonic hunger(27:35) Emotional hunger is eating to cope with emotions, and recognizing emotional eating is key to managing it(33:50) Conditioned hunger is defined as a learned response to stimuli or situations(37:55) Hidden hunger is defined as cellular micronutrient deficiency, often from processed foods(43:00) Toxic hunger is defined as discomfort from processed food toxins(47:34) Nutrient-dense, whole foods emphasized as key to balancing all hunger typesKEY TAKEAWAYS:Hunger is multifaceted and often extends beyond the need for energy. There are several types of hunger—hedonic, emotional, conditioned, hidden, and toxic—that are distinct from basic physiological (homeostatic) hunger. This indicates that a complex interplay of pleasure can drive eating, emotions, learned responses, and even cellular deficiencies or toxic exposures, rather than just an empty stomach.Understanding the various drivers of hunger is crucial for managing eating behaviors effectively. Recognizing whether hunger is due to a biological need, an emotional state, a learned trigger, or even a cellular deficiency allows individuals to address the root cause more effectively. For example, emotional eating requires different strategies than homeostatic hunger.Food quality has a significant impact on hunger and overall well-being. Eating Nutrient-dense foods can reduce true hunger pains and cravings, while processed foods contribute to "hidden" and "toxic" hunger due to nutrient deficiencies and the presence of toxins. This underscores the importance of whole, unprocessed foods not just for satiety, but also for preventing various forms of discomfort and health issues often mistaken for hunger.QUOTES: (07:13) "The body only has so many ways to communicate with us." - Jenn Trepeck(14:21) “Eating nutrient-dense foods minimizes hunger pains." - Jenn Trepeck(21:06) “Hedonic hunger is when people get into that shame and blame and beat themselves up.” - Jenn Trepeck(31:12) “One of the best questions my therapist ever asked me was, where am I not being fed?" - 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: HungerThe Bulls-Eye of Change

What do the stubborn body fat you can't seem to lose, your hormones, and metabolic health all have in common? Well…a lot! If you're nearing perimenopause or menopause, you can't miss this conversation. In this episode, host Jenn Trepeck dives into a candid and clarifying conversation with leading health and wellness expert Ashley Fillmore. Ashley is the founder and president of Metabolic Fix and host of the Cheers to Your Success podcast. With nearly 20 years of experience, she helps women heal their metabolism, achieve hormone balance, and support lasting body composition changes. Together, they unpack why so many women still feel lost in the noise of wellness advice and how to make sense of what they're experiencing day-to-day, at each phase of their cycle and even as their cycles change.. This episode is all about discovering your hormone balance, transforming your body composition, and redefining what true health looks and feels like.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (05:36) Ashley Filmore explains how she made the health, hormone balance, and body composition space her life's work(09:01) Ashley shares her experience with unhealthy dieting and deprivation(14:28) The number on the scale versus body composition, muscle mass, body fat percentage, and lean muscle(18:39) How certain hormones and body fat distribution correlate, and the importance of tracking your cycle(28:55) Ashley discusses symptoms that may indicate hormone imbalance(35:56) Adjustments to fitness routines and nutrition during your cycle(43:39) Other reasons your hormones can be depletedKEY TAKEAWAYS:The scale doesn't define health, but body composition does: A lower number on the scale doesn't accurately reflect your physical or mental well-being. Proper health is better measured by the balance between lean muscle mass and body fat percentage, which is significantly influenced by hormones that also determine where fat is stored—for example, cortisol can be associated with belly fat, insulin has been linked to love handles, and estrogen is often associated with weight stored in the hips and the lower belly.Where fat accumulates on your body can reveal significant hormonal imbalances, guiding lifestyle and nutritional changes as well as potential hormonal imbalances. Plus, even with a calorie deficit and strength training, stubborn fat won't budge unless you focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods—because it's not just about calories, but the quality of what you eat.Using cycle-tracking apps or devices like the Oura Ring helps women understand their hormonal rhythms, especially as cycles become irregular during perimenopause. By listening to your body, tracking symptoms, and identifying hormonal imbalances, you can tailor your nutrition, exercise, and recovery strategies to align with your current hormonal state, optimizing energy, mood, metabolism, and overall health.Walking and strength training are effective, low-stress ways to support hormonal and metabolic health, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Walking is a free, accessible exercise that improves body composition, hormonal balance, and mental well-being, while intense workouts may be too stressful when hormone levels are low. Incorporating gentle movements, such as yoga, and traditional strength training with compound exercises 2–3 times per week can help maintain health without overexertion.QUOTES: (25:34) “Get to know your body and your baseline, what's normal for you, as opposed to what your doctor might say is normal or common.” - Jenn Trepeck(16:57) “Your hormones matter. It's impacting everything: muscle mass, your body fat percentage and where your body fat is distributed on your body.” Ashley Fillmore(41:55) “Pay attention to how you feel because you may not be textbook, you may be a little outside of what I just mentioned, and that could be normal for you.” Ashley Fillmore(42:48) "The walking, the yoga, the more gentle exercises are probably going to be more effective and feel better when we're in that perimenopause or menopause phase.” - 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 InstagramCheers to Your Success! Podcast | Guest Jenn TrepeckGUEST RESOURCES:Metabolic Fix™ | ONECheers To Your Success - PodcastAshley Fillmore - InstagramMetabolic Phase QuizFree Hormone AssessmentGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Ashley is a leading expert in sustainable weight loss. She helps women heal their metabolism, balance their hormones, and achieve lasting changes in their body composition. Ashley holds a BSc in Exercise and Nutrition and is a certified personal trainer, professional nutrition coach, and health educator with nearly 20 years of experience.  Ashley is the host of the Cheers to Your Success Podcast and the founder and president of Metabolic Fix™ – a premium online coaching company that has helped thousands of women finally break free from chronic dieting and achieve long-term, sustainable results using the Metabolic Fix Method™.  She is deeply committed to helping women better their lives and strives to inspire others to embrace the life of health, happiness, and self-love they deserve.

What if you could bounce back from surgery or an injury faster, stronger, and healthier than ever? In this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, gerontologist and biohacker Zora Benhamou joins health coach Jenn Trepeck for a deep dive into surgery and injury recovery, biohacks, and minimizing scars—the essential nutrients for optimizing your healing journey post surgery. Together, they bust myths around menopause, aging, and nutrition while unpacking the science behind inflammation reduction, amino acid supplementation, peptide therapy, and more. From osteoporosis prevention to scar management, Zora shares expert strategies to supercharge recovery and reclaim vitality at any age. Whether preparing for surgery or simply wanting to boost your longevity and performance, this conversation delivers actionable tools for real-life wellness.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (05:15) Zora's story of two hip replacements (in three months) and super-charged surgery recovery through muscle maintenance and protein intake(11:02) Delaying surgery until quality of life is significantly impacted is deeply a personal decision(16:47) Pre-surgery mental preparation and muscle building/maintenance within mobility limits(20:00) Nutrition focus: high protein intake, amino acids, whole foods and nutrient-rich supplements for surgery recovery(22:34) Long-term nutritional deficiencies contribute to bone health issues; commitment to nutrition needed, and a radiation protection hack(29:22) Managing surgery recovery by reducing inflammation(36:33) Discussion of post-surgery nutrition focuses on protein, collagen, anti-inflammatory foods and scar treatments(44:32) Recovery strategies apply to various surgeries, and having a positive mindset for surgery recoveryKEY TAKEAWAYS:Pre-surgery muscle maintenance is critical. Build and maintain muscle mass before surgery through exercise, even with limited mobility, to enhance surgery recovery and quality of life before and after surgery.Increase protein intake before and after surgery to support muscle growth, tissue repair, and ligament recovery.Eliminate processed foods and prioritize whole foods to reduce inflammation and aid healing. Use supplements for radiation protection.To improve scar texture and appearance, apply copper peptides, rosehip oil, and silicone tape, and consider micro needling or lasers.QUOTES: (17:27) “Going into that surgery with muscle mass and strength is so important for your recovery. That is key number one.” - Zora Benhamou(22:49) “When our body is not getting all the nutrients it needs to function, it will pull them from our bones.” - Jenn Trepeck(35:59) “In post-op procedures, because of various things, people often are not hungry, but we need nutrients to heal.” - Jenn Trepeck(45:34) “Try to turn it around to a positive and say, this is a great time to work on my health, focus on recovery, and build a better person. - Zora  Benhamou(46:20) "It's never too late to start."  - 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 InstagramReverse Menopause Weight Gain: New Blood Sugar Balancing Tips – Jenn Trepeck – Hack My AgeNutrition Nugget: Methylene BlueThe Algae Advantage (feat. Catharine Arnston)Bone Health & the Problem with Bone Density Scans (feat. Dr. John Neustadt)GUEST RESOURCES:Hack My Age - WebsiteBiohacking Menopause - Membership ProgramZora Benhamou Instagram (@hackmyage)Hack My Age - FacebookZora The Explorer (@hackmyage) | TikTokHack My Age - YouTubeBiohacking Menopause Support Group | FacebookGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Zora Benhamou is a gerontologist and biohacker dedicated to challenging menopause stigma and ageist stereotypes. As the dynamic host of the Hack My Age podcast, she focuses on empowering women navigating the menopausal transition through biohacking techniques and information from forward-thinking experts.At 54 years old, Zora embodies the essence of a digital nomad and is a passionate menopause educator. She is the visionary behind HackMyAge.com and the author of the Longevity Master Plan and cookbook, "Eating For Longevity," offering invaluable resources and programs for women in peri-menopause and post-menopause. Zora's commitment to normalizing menopause conversations is evident through creating the support group and community, Biohacking Menopause. She completed the Institute of Bioidentical Medicine's Menopause Method training and Dr. Stacey Sims' Menopause for Athletes course and is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the Gerontological Society of America, the Aging Society of America, the British Menopause Society and the European Menopause and Andropause Society. With a Master's degree in Gerontology from the prestigious University of Southern California, Zora's expertise extends to sports nutrition coaching and Oxygen Advantage Breathing instruction, further enriching her holistic approach to women's wellness.

Are you one of the millions of Americans who eat the Standard American Diet? Even if you're not, you're likely at risk of developing pre-diabeties, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. But, DON'T panic, because today's episode is packed with simple steps to help you take control of your blood sugar and lower your risk of diabetes and chronic disease.On this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, host Jenn Trepeck tackles the hard truth: many people are already pre-diabetic and don't even know it. From hidden insulin resistance to chronic inflammation, Jenn breaks down how the American diet and lifestyle are fueling a national health crisis. You'll learn how poor sleep, stress, a lack of fiber, and nutrient-depleted foods undermine your metabolic health—and what you can do today to take control and manage your risks. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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) Why is the Standard American diet the recipe for pre-diabetes and diabetes, and what is insulin resistance(04:18) Metabolic health connects to every system, and the ultra-processed food dilemma(09:48) Why supplements are important(14:30) Everyone is pre-diabetic, unless. Nutrition: protein, fiber, quality fat(21:31) America's fiber problem and the role of the microbiome(26:55) Our society is sedentary(30:35) The impact stress and loneliness can have on your health(34:56) Are you sleep deprived(37:30) Let's talk about the environment and toxins(42:07) If you don't like it, don't eat it and focus on preventionKEY TAKEAWAYS:Most people eating the Standard American Diet are already pre-diabetic due to high consumption of ultra-processed foods, even if their labs don't reflect it yet. Modern farming, soil depletion, and long-distance transport have stripped our food of nutrients, making quality sourcing and supplementation essential.Staying ahead of metabolic disease means taking daily action—moving your body, managing stress, eating well, sleeping, and staying connected.  Even a short walk after a meal can significantly reduce blood sugar spikes. Daily activity improves energy and focus, builds muscle, enhances insulin sensitivity, and monitors glucose levels.Just because a drink is labeled “prebiotic” doesn't mean it replaces real vegetables. Whole fruits and vegetables provide a variety of fibers that support gut health more effectively than most supplements or processed drinks. You can't supplement your way out of poor nutrition. Supplements are only as good as their quality. Many synthetic options don't break down or absorb adequately, making them useless. Food first, then smart supplementation.Chronic stress triggers hormonal changes that lead to insulin resistance and fat storage. The damage builds over time because most people don't recognize their stress. Managing stress is just as crucial as managing diet and exercise.QUOTES:         (08:56) “Our food supply is ripening while in transit, not connected to the vine where nutrients come from.” - Jenn Trepeck(18:54) “Variety is your friend. Eat the rainbow.” - Jenn Trepeck(23:30) “I'm a big fan of supplements, but you cannot supplement your way out of poor nutrition. Food first, then mart supplementation.” - Jenn Trepeck(39:36) “Next time you need to replace a mattress or a pillow. Let's make sure it's a material that isn't going to off-gas toxins.” - Jenn Trepeck"It comes down to default vs design because the way our world is set-up around us, the default would easily be the recipe for pre-diabetes and diabetes. That's why we're here...unless you do this now." - 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 InstagramMovember: Men's HealthReal People, Real Results: Shannon Nutrition Nugget: Ultra-Processed FoodGMO, Organic, and Local, Oh My!How to Cheat8 Domains of HealthAmerica's Fiber ProblemQ & A: SupplementsTick…Tick…BOOM

Our healthcare system treats us like it's one size fits all, yet that's not how true healing works, especially when it comes to chronic conditions. Today's guest will help us understand how to fill the gap we experience with Western medicine, including the difference between signs vs. symptoms, and empowers our individualized healthcare. On this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator Andrea Nakayama to explore why chronic conditions require more than just a diagnosis and a prescription. They unpack Andrea's “three roots, many branches” model, revealing how digestion, inflammation, and genetics lie at the heart of chronic illness—and how nurturing the "soil" around them can lead to true healing. From nutrition habits to the importance of bio-individuality, this conversation empowers you to become an informed partner in your health care.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: Our healthcare system is one size fits all(05:08) Andrea shares her motivation for her journey into functional nutrition, and a discussion of Western medicine(07:41) Should every person receive the same treatment for the same chronic condition(11:45) How to choose a guide in the health equation(16:40) Knowing the difference between your signs vs. symptoms(21:59) Andrea walks us through the “three roots and many branches” model(28:36) The roles digestion and inflammation play in our health(33:37) Tiers to nutrition mastery. Tier one is our non-negotiables(36:40) Don't neglect your passion and purpose(38:48) Andrea's non-negotiable trifecta: Sleep, poop, and blood sugarKEY TAKEAWAYS:Chronic health conditions must be understood through a systems-based lens, not just symptom management. Every chronic issue has three core roots—genes, digestion, and inflammation. Healing begins by nurturing these “roots” and the surrounding “soil,” rather than chasing individual symptoms alone. Western medicine excels in acute care but often falls short in managing chronic conditions. Patients are frequently seen through the lens of their diagnosis rather than as whole individuals, resulting in treatments that overlook their unique health histories and personal needs.One of the most powerful tools patients can use is specific, emotion-free communication based on personal health tracking. By clearly distinguishing between signs (measurable indicators like fever or rash) and symptoms (subjective experiences like fatigue or pain) and offering detailed timelines of when and how issues arise, patients empower providers to better understand and address their unique health needs.Supporting foundational health can start with three simple, non-negotiable nutrition habits: include fat, fiber, and protein at every meal or snack to help stabilize blood sugar; eat the rainbow to boost fiber and phytonutrient intake while feeding your microbiome; and know your yes-no-maybe list to understand better how specific foods impact your body. Tracking what makes you feel great, what doesn't, and what you're unsure about builds awareness and equips you to have more productive, personalized conversations with your healthcare provider.QUOTES:         (07:41) “The first two gaps I encountered were that people are treated like their diagnosis. So, when you are in the medical system, you are your endometriosis, your fibroids, your breast cancer, your PMS. You are your symptom. The other gap was that everybody with the same symptom or diagnosis was treated the same.” - Andrea Nakayama(09:34) “A chronic condition means you're sick and you're not getting better. There's things going on for a long time, and our medical system isn't trained to address chronic conditions.” Andrea Nakayama(25:32) “The three roots of any chronic condition are always our genes, digestion and inflammation.  All three need to be tended to for the branches to express themselves more fully.” - Andrea Nakayama(36:53) “We have an episode called the Longevity Equation, and one about Blue Zones and one of the big factors there that everybody seems to overlook is community and connection.” - 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: Genes and EpigeneticsSalad With a Side of Fries: The Longevity EquationSalad With a Side of Fries: Blue Zones: A Blueprint for Physical and Mental HealthSalad With a Side of Fries: The Down and DirtyGUEST RESOURCES:Andrea Nakayama - WebsiteFunctional Nutrition Alliance  - WebsiteAndrea Nakayama - InstagramFunctional Nutrition Alliance - YouTubeAndrea Nakayama - PinterestAndrea Nakayama, Functional Nutritionist & EducatorAndrea Nakayama - Functional Nutrition Alliance | LinkedInGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Andrea is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator who has led thousands of clients and teaches even more coaches and clinicians worldwide. Together, they are revolutionizing the ownership of their own and their clients' health. As the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast host and the founder and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea draws on systems biology, mental models, root-cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships to offer long-awaited solutions for the rapidly growing chronic illness epidemic.After losing her young husband to a brain tumor in 2002, she discovered a passion for using food as personalized medicine and is now regularly consulted as the nutrition expert for the toughest clinical cases in the practices of many world-renowned doctors. She trains nearly four thousand practitioners each year in her methodologies so that they can, too, become the last stop for their clients and patients and a trusted referral partner for doctors in their area.

When's the last time you really looked at your nails? Could they be revealing something more than just your latest manicure? What if they were giving you clues about your internal health? This week on Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes renowned dermatologist and nail health expert Dr. Dana Stern to uncover what your nails are trying to tell you. From decoding nail color and shape to the truth about nail polish, gel manicures, and whether nails need to "breathe"—this episode is packed with everything you need to know for healthy nails from the cuticle to the tip. Tune in to learn how your nails can serve as your body's early warning system—and what you can do to care for them, inside and out. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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:(05:43) Dr. Dana explains some of the underlying health conditions indicated by your nails(11:49) Breakthrough study on brittle nails(15:36) Discussion about gel manicures, nail polishes, and UV exposure (20:50) Do nails breathe, and cuticle care(22:52) What does the cuticle tell us about our nails(28:36) Giving your nails a break, and what about polish removers(33:11) What products and supplements will promote nail health, and what about biotin(42:44) Get a precision glass nail file for ultimate nail careKEY TAKEAWAYS:Nails can be indicators of underlying health conditions. Changes in the nails, such as unusual color or shape (like spoon-shaped nails indicating iron deficiency or white nails potentially signaling diabetes or heart issues), can be early signs of systemic diseases.  Observing nail health can provide valuable clues for early diagnosis and intervention.  Many standard nail enhancements, like gels, acrylics, and dips, can damage the nail plate and surrounding skin. In particular, the removal process of soak-off gels has been scientifically proven to thin and weaken the nail plate, making it more prone to brittleness and breakage. Potential risks are associated with UV lamps used in gel manicures. Switch to a precision glass nail file for smoother, healthier nail edges and reduced breakage. Nails don't breathe, but good blood flow is crucial for their health. Therefore, maintaining good peripheral circulation through cardiovascular activity or even hand massage is vital for healthy nail growth and preventing issues like brittleness and peeling, especially as we age and tend to have poorer circulation.The cuticle is a vital protective barrier for the nail and should not be removed. It acts as a natural seal, protecting the nail matrix (the nail's growth center) from water, moisture, and pathogens. Disrupting the cuticle can lead to nail abnormalities like patches, surface irregularities, bumps, and even separation. Liquid cuticle removers essentially destroy the cuticle, just like cutting it.  QUOTES:         (08:46) “If I see a white situation in someone's nails, I get general labs. I'm taking a thorough history and trying to uncover it. Something has been missed or something is brewing.” - Dr. Dana Stern(09:21) “We see this a lot with oral health too, that it's, you're seeing things before it manifests in the symptoms that everybody seems to be looking for.” - Jenn Trepeck(10:51) “If you have spec, a single pigmented band, meaning that one of your nails has this brown streak, that's something you want to see a board-certified dermatologist for, to examine.” - Dr. Dana Stern(18:47) “The take-home message is use protection because we know that UV radiation is definitively associated with skin cancer, UVA specifically in the case of the nail lights they use.” - Dr. Dana Stern(42:24) “I think at some point, a greater commitment to supplementation, a greater commitment to the quality of protein choices is really helpful and important.” - Jenn Trepeck(51:44) “The nails are the crystal ball to your internal health. So let's remove our polish for a minute or two or more. Take a look and choose quality nail care.” - 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:Dr. Dana Nails - WebsiteDr. Dana Nails -  Instagram Dr. Dana Nails - FacebookDr. Dana Nails - LinkedInDr. Dana Nails  - TikTokGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Dr. Dana Stern is the only board-certified dermatologist in the U.S. who devotes her entire practice to the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the nails. As one of the country's most trusted and respected nail specialists, patients worldwide, from celebrities to luminaries, come to see Dr. Dana at her bustling Fifth Avenue, New York City and Hamptons practices. After observing what her patients used on their nails, she determined that nail care products were formulated with harsh chemicals and not backed by science. She knew there needed to be a change, and that she was the person to do it. Drawing from almost two decades of nail expertise and her vast knowledge of product chemistry, she founded her eponymous nail care brand, Dr.Dana's mission is to revolutionize the at-home nail treatment industry and change how we care for our nails. She is the Nail Expert Choice for the media, and Vogue magazine called her the“Go-to Dermatologist for nail disorders and cosmetic conditions relating to nail disease”. She is also a contributing editor for Nails Magazine, where she writes a column entitled “A Day in the Life of a Nail Doctor.” In addition to her impressive career, which includes a position as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City,Dr. Dana is also a busy mom of three boys and a rescue Basset hound named Bo.

What's your favorite protein and fiber-packed snack? Don't have one? Don't worry, we've got you covered in the 300th episode of Salad with a Side of Fries!If you've been here a while, you'll know that host Jenn Trepeck's favorite "Jennism" is that ‘protein and fiber at every meal makes removing fat no big deal.' Today, we're celebrating episode 300 by packing this episode full of proven, verified, taste-tested snack and meal ideas from you, our amazing listeners. You called in to share your go-to combos of protein and fiber that are delicious and nourishing. Plus, Jenn is letting you in on a little secret—there's a book in the works, and she will share even more about that later this summer! Let's get into it—cheers to 300 episodes and counting!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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) Welcome to the 300th episode of Salad With a Side of Fries(02:11) Jenn reminds us of her Jennism, “Protein and Fiber at Every Meal Makes Removing Fat No Big Deal”(04:52) Tori from Michigan shares her love for avocado toast with an egg(05:06) Tanya from Atlanta snacks on Greek yogurt with fruit, walnuts and honey(05:37) Stephanie introduces her roasted chickpea power bowl and how she customizes it to transform it into a balanced meal(07:01) Norman uses organic hemp hearts in many ways(07:59) Madelyn from Georgia loves an avocado chicken salad sandwich(08:21) Lori from Manhattan is a fan of celery and carrot sticks with nut butter(08:46) Kayla from Texas favors eggs with a side of avocado(08:58) Judy from Michigan wants everyone to try her egg whites with parmesan cheese and veggies(12:04) Kayla from Boston craves her sister's recipe of chickpeas, avocado, apple, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, with a side of grilled chicken(12:37) Jennifer from Long Island shreds roasted chicken and pairs it with sweet peppers and grapes(12:56) Kristen from Connecticut shares her favorite breakfast meal, which equals 15 grams of fiber and 28 grams of protein(13:59) From De in Colorado, we have eggs, a big salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with pumpkin seeds(14:41) Debbie from Florida makes a snack or dessert from a Honeycrisp apple and almond butter(15:17) Cindy from Indiana shares her unique way of making a protein packed dip for her veggies from cottage cheese(17:00) Jenn invites listeners to call in with their recipes and shares her gratitude for each listenerKEY TAKEAWAYS:Listeners celebrated the podcast's core principle—“protein and fiber at every meal makes removing fat no big deal”—by sharing their go-to combinations. The episode highlighted creative, easy, balanced, and satisfying meals that support stable blood sugar and long-term wellness, from avocado toast with egg to Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, to roasted chickpeas with veggies.The episode underscored real-life wellness, not restriction. Healthy eating is accessible and sustainable. Nutrition doesn't have to be extreme or complicated—it must be intentional and enjoyable.Beyond food tips, this milestone episode was a thank-you to the loyal community built since 2019. Jenn Trepeck announced her upcoming book and encouraged ongoing engagement through the show's membership program and merchandise. It's not just about eating better—it's about building a culture of empowerment, education, and fun around health.To receive healthful, Jenn-approved recipes each week, become a member!QUOTES:         (01:47)  “Whether you are a newer listener or you've been here since the beginning in 2019, please know I am so grateful for you.” - Jenn Trepeck(02:01) “I'm working on a book. It's been in the works for a long time and is finally happening. So, there is more to come this summer.” - Jenn Trepeck(17:58) “We are all locking arms to change the state of healthcare.”  - 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 Instagram

Are you navigating perimenopause or menopause while also managing chronic health conditions? Or perhaps perimenopause has triggered an underlying, previously dormant issue? Traditional healthcare may not be enough to combat the symptoms, but do not fear! Today's guest is here to teach us how your nervous system, immune system, and hormones can all work together to support healing and longevity. This week, host Jenn Trepeck is joined by Dr. Jessica Drummond, Founder and CEO of The Integrative Women's Health Institute. Together, they explore how seemingly “silent” chronic conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, autoimmune disorders or even long covid, can complicate menopause—and what you can do about it. Dr. Drummond shares her insights on calming the nervous system, building metabolic health through nutrient-dense habits, and using tools like heart rate variability (HRV) to guide recovery. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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) The impact of menopause on silent chronic conditions(05:44) Dr. Jessica Drummond reflects on her professional journey in the chronic condition space(11:11) Common underlying chronic conditions affecting menopause(16:08) Discussion of the silent underlying conditions that can manifest later in life(25:43) Calming the nervous system to heal in a consistent way(30:50) The importance of your metabolic health in the form of nutrient-dense food, strength training, walking, hydration and circadian rhythm(32:09) Discussion of heart rate variability, recovery, and developing the art of sitting quietly(41:36) The importance of working with a health coach to plan for the future of your healthKEY TAKEAWAYS:Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can be overwhelming on their own. Still, when layered on top of chronic conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, autoimmune disorders, or post-viral syndromes (e.g., long COVID), it creates a compounded health challenge. Traditional training often overlooks the role of nutrition, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle in healing. Chronic conditions—especially during perimenopause—require a personalized, holistic strategy.Healing during menopause doesn't require drastic changes—small, consistent steps matter most. Start where it feels easiest, like mindfulness, nutrition, or gentle movement. Recovery and nervous system regulation are just as important as action. Tools like heart rate variability (HRV) can help track progress, showing that true resilience comes from balancing effort with rest.Integrating the nervous, immune, and hormone systems is the key to living a longer, more active, healthier life. When these systems are balanced and working together, they support overall well-being and longevity.QUOTES:         (10:04) “In my traditional physical therapy training, nutrition was not emphasized as a healing tool. It was more like you needed adequate nutrients to perform certain physical activities, but we didn't think about it from an anti-inflammatory standpoint.” - Dr. Jessica Drummond(13:59) “Research shows us that acute illnesses like infections trigger chronic diseases.” - Dr. Jessica Drummond(22:36) “It's exposing these underlying things that have been lying dormant, that we just brushed aside or pushed through because they weren't really standing in the way of us doing the things that we wanted to do.”  - Jenn Trepeck(40:19) “I think we make these plans expecting perfection, planning for this optimal, ideal day that never happens. So put these things in place so they happen even on the days where we don't feel a hundred percent, even on the days where nothing goes as planned.” - 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 InstagramUse Your Heart Rate Monitor to Improve Your Health                GUEST RESOURCES:The Integrative Women's Health InstituteIntegrative Women's Health  - Podcast Integrative Women's Health - PubMedInnovative Approaches to Chronic Pain with The Anodunos Method TeamGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Dr. Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC, is a leading expert in women's health and the Founder and CEO of The Integrative Women's Health Institute. With 25 years of clinical experience, in her MenoChronic Program, she specializes in supporting women ages 35-55 through the perimenopause and menopause transitions who struggle with underlying chronic conditions such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, post-viral syndromes (such as long covid), and autoimmune issues, using health coaching, integrative, and functional medicine. She is a licensed clinical nutritionist, physical therapist, and board-certified Women's Health Coach. Dr. Drummond is the best-selling author of Outsmart Endometriosis and Clinician to Coach: Secrets to Building Your Successful Health Coach Practice, offering practical strategies for health and wellness practitioners.

Are you tired of starting over every Monday? Wondering how to build lasting healthy habits that stick—even when life gets chaotic? Then this episode is for you. This week on Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck dives into the transformative journey of the Healthy Vibe Tribe and how 12 weeks of shared goals, weekly check-ins, and community support led to lasting change. Healthy Vibe Tribe member, Shannon, joins Jenn to share how she went from chasing the number on the scale to tuning into how she felt—physically, emotionally, and mentally. They talk about staying on track through travel, social events, and everyday chaos, proving that progress—not perfection—is what matters. Tune in to hear how consistency, community, and a shift in mindset can help you transform from the inside out. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (04:20) The creation of the Healthy Vibe Tribe(10:44) Discussion of the commitment level as a Healthy Vibe Tribe member(13:18) Noticing the transformation in healthy habits over 12 weeks(27:20) The Healthy Vibe Tribe principles made all the difference while traveling(33:37) Making the choice about drinking an alcoholic beverage(37:33) Going forward with the learnings from the Healthy Vibe Tribe(44:38) Tips on making life and health changes on your weight loss journeyKEY TAKEAWAYS:Weekly check-ins and shared goals fostered accountability and motivation, especially during busy times. Instead of fixating on the scale, shift your focus to how you feel—physically and emotionally. While tracking numbers offers helpful structure, lasting results come from staying present, consistent, and committed to progress over perfection.Being part of a supportive community and intentionally planning will help you maintain healthier habits during challenging times like vacations and conferences. Scheduling check-ins, packing snacks, and prioritizing wellness, can help you avoid the typical wellness pitfalls of travel.Transformation takes root when healthy decisions become second nature. This shift fosters a sense of empowerment and often inspires those nearby, creating a ripple effect that encourages collective growth. Consistent choices, made with intention, serve as a quiet but powerful example of what's possible when wellness becomes a way of life.QUOTES: (07:40) “Am I an example or a warning? You get to a point where you have to decide that time is important, and I don't want the quality of the subsequent decades of my life to be different because I kept saying, ‘Next Monday is gonna be the time.'” -  Shannon: Healthy Vibe Tribe Member(21:31) “There's something really powerful about the words we use, not just in terms of lost weight, which many of you listeners know, is like nails on a chalkboard to me. We remove it, we release it.” - Jenn Trepeck(32:22) “But the point is that perfection is not required, and bringing the exercise clothes is still progress over where we've been before.”  - Jenn Trepeck(35:04) “When we start to make quality choices, it inherently invites other people around us to do it too, in a way that's not pushy. Our consistency in healthier choices allows the people around us to adapt.” -  Jenn Trepeck(40:19) “Accountability, even if it looks a little bit different, is keeping the things in place that we know helped us get here.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Want to Jump Into Round 2 of the Healthy Vibe Tribe? Start HERE: https://bit.ly/gotrimprofileBecome 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 InstagramPlan, Party, Prosper: A Game Plan for the Season and New Year

Are you feeling off but can't pinpoint the cause of your frustrating symptoms? Have you considered that mold could be the culprit? Today's guest shares insights into the symptoms of hidden mold exposure and mold remediation to heal and improve your overall health. This week on Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck welcomes functional health coach Jenn Malecha to share her personal journey with hidden mold exposure and the profound impact it had on her health. Jenn M. opens up about her skin cancer diagnosis, unexplained symptoms, and the shocking discovery of black mold in her home office. Together, they uncover why mold often goes undetected, the dangers of mycotoxins, and how symptoms like brain fog, vertigo, and digestive issues can easily be misdiagnosed. From mold sabbaticals and testing methods like VCS and urine analysis to the importance of professional remediation, this episode is packed with crucial insights. Plus, Jenn M. shares her toxic checklist to help you identify hidden hazards in your environment. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation—your health might depend on it!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (04:56)  Jenn M. shares her professional background and discusses her skin cancer diagnosis(07:33) Jenn M. experienced health problems, leading her to discover black mold in her home (15:17) Why mold exposure can often be overlooked and what about mycotoxins(22:06) Symptoms associated with mold exposure in your home and taking a mold sabbatical(27:46) Visual contrast screening (VCS) and urine testing(33:03) Get a professional to do mold remediation(39:16) Jenn M.'s toxic checklist available to members and EMF radiationKEY TAKEAWAYS:While not all mold is dangerous, certain types release toxic compounds called mycotoxins, which can cause significant health problems. These toxins often go unnoticed in homes, especially in water-damaged buildings.The symptoms of mold exposure, such as ear ringing, vertigo, teeth grinding, brain fog, and digestive problems, often resemble those of other conditions. This can lead to a misdiagnosis, as traditional medicine treats symptoms individually rather than considering an underlying cause like mold or mycotoxins.If you suspect mold exposure, go on a "mold sabbatical" by leaving your home for a few days, ideally staying in nature. If symptoms improve outside your usual environment, this could indicate a mold issue in your home.Visual contrast screening (VCS) and urine tests can help detect mold exposure, but they are not foolproof. Proper mold remediation should include sealing off affected areas, using air scrubbers, and treating mold with appropriate solutions (not bleach). Additionally, diet and detox protocols should be personalized to support recovery.QUOTES: (13:18) “That innocent mildew in the shower, you think nothing of it, but it could be a sign of moisture accumulation in your home. That mildew can further burden the body if you're already dealing with a moldy situation.”  - Jenn Malecha(19:45) “The body will encapsulate toxins and mold in the fat, and we start putting on weight that we can't lose because it's the body's protective mechanism. So it's brilliant, it's frustrating, but it's a brilliant mechanism.”  - Jenn Malecha(21:14) “The confusing piece is that the symptoms connected to mold or mycotoxins look like symptoms of many other things. And so as our western medicine system does, we address all of those symptoms individually rather than saying, well, what else could be going on here?”  - Jenn Trepeck(36:06) “I want everybody to hear it, but it bears emphasis that we remove these foods for a while to support healing. That allows us to add those foods back in eventually.” -  Jenn Trepeck(43:34) “Take the steps that we're willing and able to take when we're willing and able to take them versus feeling like you have to do everything all at once and then are totally overwhelmed.” - 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 InstagramWhat Your Thyroid Says About the Rest of Your Health (feat. Reed Davis)Metabolic Health is Overall Health (feat. Dr. Casey Means)                     GUEST RESOURCES:Jenn Malecha - InstagramWholistic Health Boss - FacebookWholistic Health Boss - YouTubeGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Jenn Malecha supports busy, health-mind professionals in taking back control of their health by giving them access to the proper lab tests and resources to find the missing pieces of their health puzzle, fix what is wrong, and get back to feeling like themselves again.Using over a decade of personal training experience, training in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition®, Transformational Coaching, and a B.S. in Kinesiology, she creates personalized health-rebuilding programs for clients that are realistic and sustainable for long-lasting results and that empowers clients to be the boss of their health.If you're ready to look at the “big picture” of your health (not just one disconnected piece at a time), to embrace healthy as a way of being, and to stop settling for anything less than you deserve when it comes to your health and happiness then Jenn is exactly who you've been looking for!

Does your health plan stress you out more than it helps you? If navigating wellness feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Luckily, wellness doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode, Jenn shows us how. On this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck is here to help you uncomplicate your health journey. From focusing on what works for your body to tuning out the endless noise of health content online, Jenn breaks down the essentials—clean eating, movement, sleep, stress management, including the power of social connection, and the role of supplements. Learn why consistency matters more than perfection, how to listen to your body's signals, and why sleep might be the ultimate biohack. It's time to simplify, take control, and make wellness work for you—without the stress!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, who discusses wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (02:44) Don't allow your health plan to stress you; focus on what works for your body and your life(06:19) Limit how many content creators you follow and the truth about protein and fiber(10:31) Clean, lean protein, veggies and fruit, and eating at certain times of the day(15:27) Fasting, the difference between unprocessed and processed foods, and movement(23:40) Listen to your body, stress, sleep and supplements(31:15) Social connection and community are key for longevity(33:08) Sleep is the ultimate biohack for a healthy body(37:02) The quality of a supplement mattersKEY TAKEAWAYS:If your health plan feels overwhelming, it might do more harm than good. Simplify your wellness by focusing on what works for you and limiting the experts you follow to avoid confusion and decision fatigue.Our bodies are wired to respond to stress as a survival mechanism, but modern-day stressors—like emails and phone notifications—trigger the same physiological response as life-threatening situations. This prolonged fight-or-flight state shuts down essential functions like digestion, immune response, and detoxification, contributing to long-term health issues.Simple actions like deep breathing before meals, movement, quality nutrition, fresh air, and social connection can help regulate stress and improve overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep and establishing consistent routines further support mental and physical health.Supplements can be a powerful tool to add on, but they cannot take the place of other healthy lifestyle choices.QUOTES: (07:48) “No expert knows your body better than you do. We teach ourselves not to listen to our bodies, we outsource all of that to the rules, and we follow the rules and ignore the signs and communication coming from our bodies.” Jenn Trepeck(11:45) “The difference between a meal and a snack is how much we have at a time and how long till we might need to eat again.” Jenn Trepeck(21:33) “We've heard sitting is the new smoking. Right? The thing we're doing that we don't realize is slowly killing us because sitting all day is not human.” Jenn Trepeck(27:34) “The physiological response designed to save our lives now contributes to our demise.” Jenn Trepeck(42:54) “Anything we're doing for one part of the body supports everything in the body.” 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 InstagramTop Five Tips for Digesting Nutrition NewsNutrition Nugget: 30-30-30The Ultimate BiohackSleep On It  60 Second Health Quiz

What if a simple molecule could revolutionize health and longevity?n this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, Jenn Trepeck welcomes Greg the Hydrogen Man, a molecular hydrogen therapy specialist, researcher, and the voice behind the popular YouTube channel Uprising 144k. Greg shares his journey of overcoming severe health challenges through molecular hydrogen and how this powerful antioxidant can optimize cellular health, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall well-being. From uncovering groundbreaking research in Japan to witnessing his father's recovery from arthritis, Greg dives deep into the science and potential of hydrogen therapy. He also sheds light on common misconceptions, warning about low-quality hydrogen products that may do more harm than good. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (05:13) Greg shares his healing journey using molecular hydrogen (14:10) How Japan has integrated hydrogen therapy into medical practice(18:55) Greg shares his father's story of recovery from arthritis(27:00) Greg talks about the continuing research of molecular hydrogen (34:57) How does hydrogen create these positive results in cellular health(42:52) Quality is keyKEY TAKEAWAYS: Greg shares his journey of overcoming severe health challenges by incorporating molecular hydrogen into his routine. He warns about misleading hydrogen products, particularly hydrogen tablets, which may contain harmful compounds and alter water's pH in undesirable ways.Despite promising results and increasing research, molecular hydrogen therapy remains relatively unknown in mainstream healthcare. Greg noted that Japan has integrated hydrogen therapy into medical practice, while in the U.S., financial interests and misinformation may be slowing its adoption. Hydrogen is significantly smaller than other antioxidants, allowing it to reach deep into the mitochondria and every part of the body where other antioxidants cannot. This makes it particularly effective in combating oxidative stress linked to inflammation and various diseases.QUOTES:(11:08) “It's important to use hydrogen properly because it needs to be safe, but you want it to be effective. So we want it to work.” Greg the Hydrogen Man(21:41) “We don't realize the value of our health until it's jeopardized. Right? And then we realize how little these other things matter.” Jenn Trepeck(36:27) “They put hydrogen there because they had already seen that it was having a positive effect on all these medical conditions.” Greg the Hydrogen Man(37:26) “Inflammation is essentially the source of all sickness, illness, disease. It is oxidative stress, like the rusting of our insides.” Jenn Trepeck(40:04) “Hydrogen is the most abundant element.” Jenn Trepeck(48:51) “When we can increase the nutrient density and the way nutrients reach the different body parts, there's so much possibility.” 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 InstagramBiostack Over BiohackBecome a Member to Receive 10% Discount off H2 TabsNutrition Nugget: AntioxidantsWhat's Your Biological AgeGUEST RESOURCES:Uprising144K Hydrogen Man - PodcastGreg Hman - InstagramHoly Hydrogen Machine - WebsiteMy Pure Water - Carbon Distiller - WebsiteGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Greg the Hydrogen Man is a molecular hydrogen therapy specialist, researcher, and host of the popular YouTube channel Uprising144K. Struggling to find answers and overcome extreme depression due to his compromised immune system, tumors, autoimmune issues, gut problems, arthritis, wheelchair-bound immobility, and a severe heart condition, he began his journey to heal himself and discover hydrogen along the way. Studying the complex compound for four years, he implemented it into his health regimen and reversed his health challenges. Greg discusses the endless health benefits of hydrogen, how it helps protect against EMF radiation, topical application for skin problems, tumors, hormone support, COVID-19 and marketing tricks to watch out for when shopping for generators.

Do you suffer from age-related aches and pains that traditional stretching or medications won't relieve? Are you doing all the sports recovery things and still feel pain? It's possible that the cause isn't actually aging, but because your body is in a state of fight-or-flight. Tune into this episode and discover how simple posture adjustments and diaphragmatic breathing can transform your physical performance and well-being.In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck welcomes Dr. Amy Novotny, founder of the PABR® Institute. Together they explore a naturalistic approach to pain relief, stress reduction, and overall wellness. Dr. Novotny shares her groundbreaking work on how altering your breathing mechanics and ribcage positioning can shift the body from a fight-or-flight state to a state of rest and relaxation, helping to reduce muscle tension and improve physical performance. By addressing the autonomic nervous system this approach can relieve digestive issues, and decrease the impact of chronic stress, and this episode offers insightful strategies for relieving pain, improving sleep, and even overcoming trauma-related physiological responses—all without the need for traditional stretching or medications. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (05:27) Amy shares her professional journey(09:47) The three main components of the autonomic nervous system. Amy explains the results of a patient changing their breathing mechanics(15:15) Amy explains muscle contraction and why it's worse with age and gives an example of how to relax the breastbone(26:47) What should you notice about back muscle tension (29:11) Belly breathing versus diaphragmatic breathing and how chewing and swallowing impacts your TMJ jointKEY TAKEAWAYS: Dr. Amy Novotny discovered that altering her ribcage position and breathing mechanics allowed her to shift from a fight-or-flight state (sympathetic) to a state of rest-and-relaxation (parasympathetic), significantly reducing muscle tension and enhancing her physical performance without traditional stretching or rehabilitation techniques.Dr. Novotny's work highlights how chronic stress and muscle tension, especially in the abdominal region, can contribute to digestive issues. People can naturally relieve physical tension, improve digestion, and even overcome trauma-related physiological responses by addressing posture and breathing mechanics.Unlike voluntary muscle contractions (e.g., lifting an object), emotional stress triggers involuntary muscle contractions that can persist unnoticed. Over time, this accumulated tension can lead to chronic pain, which is often mistaken for age-related discomfort.QUOTES:         (06:11) “I realized if I changed my breathing mechanics, very different than breath work, but if I changed my mechanics of how I held my rib cage and how that affected my diaphragm, I could run eight miles in 55 minutes, get off the treadmill and not have to stretch.” Dr. Amy Novotny(20:45) “You must physically train your body to get in the correct position again.” Dr. Amy Novotny(28:51) “There are specific techniques that can help us hone that interoception.” Jenn Trepeck(33:52) “Diarrhea, constipation, all those types of things as we know, are also connected to trauma." Jenn Trepeck.(34:45) “I'm a big fan of playing with it. See what happens. Because what do we have to lose?” 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 InstagramReawaken Your Health Podcast - Guest: Jenn Trepeck                                 GUESTS RESOURCES:Dr. Amy Novotny - FacebookDr. Amy Novotny - LinkedInDr.  Amy Novotny - InstagramDr. Amy Novotny - TwitterPABR Institute - WebsiteDr. Amy Novotny - YouTubeGUEST BIOGRAPHY:Dr. Amy Novotny founded the PABR® Institute with the mission to provide pain, stress and anxiety relief to those who seek a naturalistic form of treatment when other treatment methods have fallen short. Her unique approach comes from her experience treating in various settings and with a wide range of patient populations over the past 16 years. Her background in orthopedics, sports, geriatrics, balance disorders, nerve injuries, and most recently, chronic pain; and influences from coursework at the Postural Restoration Institute gave her the foundation to develop this treatment method to address a wide variety of painful and restrictive conditions. Her methods have helped countless people reduce and eliminate pain, stress, anxiety, orthopedic surgeries, sleep issues and the need for medications. She co-authored two Amazon #1 Best-Selling books, Don't Quit: Stories of Persistence, Courage and Faith and Success Habits of Super Achievers, sharing her journey on developing the PABR® Method. She co-authored Wall Street Journal Best Seller, From WTF to OMG, With a Little LOL: Unpacking Entrepreneurs' Hidden Lessons.  Her ability to speak French and Spanish has allowed her to communicate with and help various clients worldwide, including France, Mexico, Central America and South America. She has a variety of interests including running 40+ marathons, running 10 ultra marathons (including two 100 milers), completing an Ironman triathlon, photographing wildlife and landscapes all over the world that has led to several of her images being chosen as Photos of the Day, most notably National Geographic Your Shot World Top Photo of the Day. Visit her photography portfolio at www.amysimpressions.com!

It seems like almost everyone is taking GLP-1 medications these days to lose weight. Now a couple years after they've been used for this purpose, what do we know? How do we interpret all the headlines about them? Despite how the news makes it sound and what your doctor may have told you, you have options! Tune in to understand more about GLP-1 medications, what Jenn does as a health coach for her clients who are taking them, and how you can naturally support your own GLP-1, empowering you with knowledge and control over your health.Welcome to Salad with a Side of Fries! In today's episode, Jenn dives into the impact of GLP-1 medications on metabolic health. She begins by explaining what GLP-1 is and addresses some of the controversy surrounding celebrities who don't admit to using it for their weight loss. Jenn also uncovers how the secondary benefits of GLP-1 often mislead the public and explores its short term side effects and potential long lasting impacts. She discusses the concept of fat cells having memory, what people can do to support true metabolic health while taking these meds, and shares practical tips for naturally supporting your body's own GLP-1 for long term metabolic health. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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) Jenn talks about GLP-1 meds, metabolic health and weight loss(05:07) Defining GLP-1 and how it works in the body(12:05) How the public is misled by the secondary benefits of taking the medication and discussion of side effects(21:08) Being cautious and a discussion of the gut brain connection and malnutrition(26:50) Fat cells have memory, BMI as a metric, and an example of how the Healthy Vibe Tribe brought down blood sugar 70 points for a client(35:10) How to naturally support your GLP-1 and metabolic health(43:53) What about insulinKEY TAKEAWAYS: GLP-1 medications are more openly discussed with more people openly admitting they're taking them. This shift contrasts with the early days when celebrities falsely claimed weight loss was solely due to light exercise, misleading the public and creating unrealistic expectations for weight loss.Jenn criticizes the Super Bowl ad from Hers, which she believes "weaponized diet culture" to promote its version of a GLP-1 medication. She expresses frustration with how marketing continues to exploit societal insecurities around weight, comparing it to the more positive and empowering approaches taken by brands like Dove.While GLP-1 medications can be life-transforming in the short term—reducing weight and alleviating joint pain—there are concerns about their long-term impact. Issues like bone density loss, muscle deterioration, and potential joint problems down the line should be considered. This highlights the importance of being proactive and responsible for your long-term healthWhile taking the medications may seem like the “easy button,” there are other considerations to ensure true health, like the nutrition you provide your body when you do eat and the role supplementation can play. There are nutrition and supplementation choices that can support the body's own GLP-1 production.QUOTES: (04:55) “GLP stands for Glucagon Like Peptide. Glucagon Like Peptide 1 comes from the large bowel, or the colon. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, supporting blood sugar regulation.” Jenn Trepeck(17:21) “Protein and fiber at every meal makes removing fat, no big deal.” Jenn Trepeck(34:54) “Sometimes while we think this is the easy button, it requires an even more significant commitment to protein, fiber, quality fat, strength training, and a multivitamin to get your micronutrients.” Jenn Trepeck.(40:23) “When we start to understand low glycemic impact nutrition, we're focusing on nutrient dense foods and less processed foods.” Jenn Trepeck(42:35) “ Exercise, sleep, water, food. Those are your responsibilities. ” Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Jenn's GLP-1 Support SupplementsBecome 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: Ozempic Your Fat Cells Have Memory, A New Study Finds (feat. Ferdinand von Meyenn) BMI Is BSNutrition Nugget: ButterThe Ultimate BiohackTop 5 Tips for Digesting Nutrition News

Do you struggle to lose weight and keep it off? It turns out, fat cells actually have a memory that can keep weight off after rapid weight loss!In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck sits down with Professor Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn, assistant professor at the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health at ETH Zurich, to explore his study with the intriguing finding that fat cells encode a memory which influences the ability to maintain weight loss and therefore impacts metabolic health. They delve into his groundbreaking research on bariatric patients and mice, uncovering how fat cells retain memory and can continue to impact the body long after weight loss. Dr. von Meyenn breaks down the role of epigenetics, why GLP-1 medications don't provide long-term effects, and the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle when losing weight and keeping it off. They also discuss the hip-to-waist ratio versus BMI and why prevention is the most powerful tool for long-term well-being. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: (05:27) Ferdinand's research on fat cell memory and metabolic health(09:21) Research findings on bariatric patients and experiments on mice(17:28) Ferdinand defines epigenetics and GLP's don't give long-lasting effects(26:06) Losing weight too quickly and the set point concept(35:00) Weight loss is good, but proper nutrition is critical and discussion of adiponectin(38:27) Excess energy and body fat, the hip to waist ratio, and being overweight, and the long-term consequencesKEY TAKEAWAYS: Even after significant weight loss, an individuals' fat cells retain molecular changes (altered RNA and epigenetic markers) associated with their previous obese state. These long-lasting molecular markers in the fat cells predispose the body to regain weight as it responds more readily to an obesogenic environment.Weight loss significantly improves health, whether in humans or mice. However, fat cells have a form of memory, meaning that even after weight loss, some molecular changes persist. While these changes do not necessarily drive disease, they highlight the importance of sustained weight management strategies.Rapid weight loss, especially with methods like GLP-1 medications, can lead to muscle loss, negatively impacting metabolism and overall health. Since muscles play a key role in energy expenditure and physical stability (especially with aging), preserving muscle mass during weight loss is crucial for long-term success and well-being.QUOTES:         (06:59) “Many times people get bariatric surgery, and despite that being a very significant intervention that restricts how much food you take in, people lose weight for a while, and yet some recover some of that body weight.” Ferdinand von Meyenn(13:46) “The cell predisposes these people to regain weight because their cells are signaling for the obesogenic environment that they became used to.” Jenn Trepeck(24:53) “I think this is connected to the set point idea that people have heard of how we go about ‘losing the weight'. That might play into this too.” Jenn Trepeck.(26:08) “If weight loss is too quick, it is also loss of protein mass, basically of muscle mass and that is really problematic.” Ferdinand von Meyenn(32:43) “If we build lean muscle mass over time, removing fat over time, giving the body time to adapt to this metabolically healthier environment, there's the possibility of easier maintenance.” 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: Minnesota Starvation ExperimentGUEST RESOURCESLaboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics - WebsitevonMeyenn BlueSky - Social MediavonMeyenn Lab BlueSky - Social MediaMeyenn lab -  XFerdinand - XFerdinand von Meyenn - LinkedInGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Ferdinand von Meyenn has been Assistant Professor of the Institute of Food Nutrition and Health at the ETH Zurich since January 2019.Ferdinand studied Biochemistry at the TU Müchnen, Germany, before moving to ETH Zürich for his PhD to study metabolism and type-2 diabetes. After graduating, he joined Prof Wolf Reik at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, UK, investigating epigenetic mechanisms during development and ageing. In 2017 he joined King's College London as a Group leader and Research Fellow. Then, in 2019, he moved to ETH Zurich, where he was appointed Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics. His research focuses on the relationship between nutrition, metabolism and the epigenome, aiming to contribute to developing novel strategies to combat obesity and metabolic disease.

Is your relationship with food or your body complicated? Do you struggle with body confidence and self-love? You might be surprised about how many aspects of life are impacted by your body image. Wondering if you can truly love your body? Spoiler alert: you can! In this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, Marla Mervis-Hartmann, a dynamic speaker, bestselling author, and coach specializing in body confidence, self-love, and intuitive eating joins the show. Together, Marla and Jenn dive deep into healing a challenged relationship with your body, breaking free from diet culture and disordered eating, and embracing true self-acceptance. Marla shares powerful insights on shifting away from food restriction and guilt, learning to trust your body, and fostering a sustainable, positive mindset around food and body image. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [3:40] Marla reveals how she began her focus on healing her body image[10:07] How negative body image can show up in our lives[19:20] Listening to your body and befriending yourself[25:52] Choosing the road of self-compassion and acceptance[30:48] Reframing your perception of your body image KEY TAKEAWAYS: People believe reaching a certain weight or body shape will bring them happiness and confidence, but true healing comes from addressing deeper emotional and psychological factors, not just physical appearance. How we feel about our bodies can impact our relationships, work, self-worth, and ability to be present. It can lead to comparison, avoidance of opportunities, and even withholding joy from ourselves.Recognizing and challenging diet culture, societal pressures, and past traumas is crucial for improving body image. Developing self-compassion, addressing underlying emotional wounds, and reframing our relationship with food and our bodies are key steps to healing.Finding a balanced, self-compassionate approach to body acceptance and eating is essential. Instead of rigid dieting allow for self-acceptance, mindful choices, and kindness toward oneself—much like a best friend offering support.QUOTES:         [6:10] “I needed deep help with this. So that's what took me on this journey of recovery, of healing my relationship with my body and my food.” Marla Mervis-Hartmann[9:44] “We can be so mean to ourselves, the things that we say in our head compared to what we would never say out loud to someone else, but we say them to ourselves.” Jenn Trepeck[25:09] “If you're hearing this right now, that moment when something shows up and maybe it's not even around your food and your body, perhaps it's about something completely different, that you just have this seed of wisdom that says, ‘Let's be kind to me here'.” Marla Mervis-Hartmann[29:21] “I would try to walk beside someone in a window to see our reflection, because I was like ‘She's thin, am I as thin as her?', and then I would compare myself.” Marla Mervis-Hartmann[32:48] “And now, what can I do for myself? Even if we ask it instead of what we would say to a friend, and now ‘what can I do for you?' say, ‘what can I do for me?' I love that question.” Jenn Trepeck[36:26] “We're having this conversation and we say ‘their body is okay for them, but their body would not be OK for me'. That disconnect, then, ask the following question: ‘Why is it okay for them and not for you? What's the other thing they have that makes it alright that I don't have that makes it not OK?'” 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: Love Your Body Love Yourself - BookBreaking the Cycle - Free GiftLove Your Body Love Yourself - WebsiteTEDx Talk: The Secret Ingredient to Feeling Good in Your BodyBe-Friend Yourself - BookMarla Mervis-Hartmann- InstagramLove Your Body Love Yourself - FacebookMarla Mervis-Hartmann - YouTubeGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Marla Mervis-Hartmann is a dynamic speaker, bestselling author, and coach specializing in body confidence, food freedom, and self-love. As the creator of Love Your Body, Love Yourself and the bestselling book Be-Friend Yourself, Marla empowers individuals to transform their relationships with food and their bodies through self-compassion and spiritual practices. Featured on TEDx Salinas and in major media outlets like ABC, NBC, and FOX, she integrates expertise in Reiki, integrative somatic trauma therapy, and women's wellness to help people move from despair to hope and thrive. Marla resides in Maui with her family, continuing her mission to inspire others to embrace self-acceptance and vibrant living.

How much mental space does food take up in your life? Do you feel trapped by food rules, guilt, or the pressure to eat a certain way? Let's put on our curiosity hats to explore our relationship with food.In this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, Jenn Trepeck discusses our important relationship with food.  From food triggers and guilt-free eating to breaking free from restrictive diets or mindsets, Jenn explores how our thoughts about food impact our daily lives. Plus, she highlights why seeking support can be a game-changer in creating a healthier, more balanced mindset around eating and relationship with food. Tune in next week for the second part of this discussion diving into body image with a special guest! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [1:51] Exploring our relationship with food, body shape and being food aware [11:29] Food triggers, guilt-free eating, and the time spent thinking about food[16:28] Food restrictions, One Meal a Day (OMAD), fear food and a discussion on eating disorders[26:22] Judging ourselves for food choices and how we can redirect these feelings[27:40] What a balanced relationship with food looks like[33:20] Exercise, activity choices and wearablesKEY TAKEAWAYS: Many people recall becoming aware of their body size and food choices at a young age, often influenced by family, social environments, and cultural messaging. Restrictive eating patterns are deeply ingrained behaviors influenced by diet culture. These habits contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating these mindsets for overall well-being.Food choices may be driven by fear, competition, or guilt. Instead of restricting, skipping meals, or yo-yo dieting, a balanced approach involves recognizing hunger and satiety, eating various nourishing foods, and honoring your body's needs without anxiety. A balanced lifestyle allows for flexibility—being able to eat at any restaurant without stress, working out without obsessing over steps or missing a day, and removing labels like "good" or "bad" from food choices. The key is self-awareness and making mindful choices rather than engaging in self-sabotage or comparison.QUOTES:         [9:44] “The first time I felt I had to watch what I ate was between high school and college. - Jenn Trepeck[14:11] “If we are choosing not to have social plans because we don't want to eat out, or we don't want to eat around other people, we are isolating. We want to look at our relationship to that. - Jenn Trepeck[15:40] “What we learn through the Healthy Vibe Tribe and what I learned that completely changed my life is that it's not actually about the calories. It's about what calories are made of.” -Jenn Trepeck.[2.0:06] “Are we eating to avoid something?” Jenn Trepeck[27:05] “What does a more balanced relationship, a healthier relationship with food, look like? It means eating in a way that nourishes your body and your mind. Guilt and anxiety are not present. It means recognizing hunger and satiety and fullness.” 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 InstagramCr-Cr-Cr-CravingsDry Beyond January - Part OneDry Beyond January - Part Two

Feel like “healthy foods” have little flavor? Have you ever considered the energy your food carries and how it impacts your overall well-being? These are both a function of the quality of the ingredients and even the way you prepare your meals. Whether you consider yourself a home chef or someone who's better off leaving the kitchen to others, this episode is for youIn this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck sits down with Chef Whitney Aronoff, founder of High Vibration Foods, to explore how the food we choose influences our physical health and our emotional and spiritual balance. From selecting fresh, in-season ingredients to understanding the power of ancestral diets, Chef Aronoff shares her journey of holistic healing through understanding food. This conversation dives deep into the concept of high-vibration food—what it is, why it matters, and how you can incorporate it into your daily life. Jenn and Whitney discuss everything from food industry pitfalls and shopping for healthy ingredients to the benefits of soaking grains and investing in quality kitchen tools. Plus, Chef Aronoff reveals how simple changes in food preparation can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:24] Whitney Aronoff shares how she discovered holistic healing[9:48] Laying the foundation for high-vibration food[15:07] Understanding the food industry[23:07] How to shop for quality food[29:50] Discussion of sprouting grains and buying food out of season[31:38] Seasonal foods and investing in quality kitchen equipment[38:14] Spices and herbs and how they affect traditional food preparation[39:10] Organic vs. non-organic: it's not just about how it's grown.KEY TAKEAWAYS: Food is sustenance and energy influencing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Eating high-vibration, fresh, and in-season foods can enhance overall health and balance.Modern food processing and eating habits can contribute to health issues. Studying ancestral diets and eating warm, whole foods can heal digestive problems and improve overall well-being.Soaking grains, nuts, and certain foods before consumption can improve digestion, reduce allergens, and enhance nutrient absorption. This simple preparation step can make foods easier on the body and maximize their health benefits.Investing in high-quality kitchen equipment and fresh, organic ingredients enhances the cooking experience and improves food quality, taste, and overall health.QUOTES:         “When you eat more fresh and seasonal food, you feel lighter, you feel fresher, you need less of it because it's transferring more energy to you.” Whitney Aronoff[6:48] “I wanted to learn how my ancestors ate traditionally. Because that fueled them and allowed them to live long, healthy lives and for their offspring to prosper.” Whitney Aronoff[12:54] “Eating is a transfer of energy. What we consume impacts our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual health, like every aspect of health.” - Jenn Trepeck[32:52] “You can Google, I live [here], what fruits and vegetables are in season right now.” - Jenn Trepeck[ 34:56] ”Blanching and roasting are my go-to's when I feel like I'm making food versus cooking because cooking is a ton of pots and pans and a ton of ingredients.” - Jenn Trepeck[37:57] “I think spices are one of those ingredients similar to oil where people don't understand that it should be one ingredient; you expect it to be one ingredient, so we don't read the label.” Jenn Trepeck[43:01] “The quality of the ingredients creates the quality of the food experience in eating it and tasting it; the quality of our energy and our lives.” 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 InstagramFats, Plants and UsSheMD WebsiteSheMD on SpotifySheMD on YouTubeGUEST RESOURCES: Whitney Aronoff - InstagramStarseed Kitchen - WebsiteHigh Vibration Living - PodcastHigh Vibration FoodsGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Chef Whitney is a personal chef who crafts custom meal plans for clients, guiding them toward their best lives and is the founder of High Vibration Foods. Whitney healed herself of an auto-immune disease and chronic digestive issues with food by attending culinary school at The Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City. By studying Eastern and Western healing philosophies with food, she uncovered the root causes of her suffering. Her blog, Starseed Kitchen, shares seasonal high-vibration recipes and her line of organic spice blends, High Vibration Foods, which she launched in 2020 and is now available at Erewhon Market. Whitney firmly believes that the healthiest meal one can eat is the one prepared at home. Chef Whitney's goal is to share her culinary knowledge to empower people to cook nourishing meals in their kitchens.

Do you or someone you know suffer from eczema? Then you'll know that steroid prescriptions are what most doctors prescribe as treatment. But what if there is a holistic approach that focuses on nutrition, gut health, and environmental factors, that can help tackle the root cause? Listen in for practical ways to get started healing from the inside out, and the outside in.In today's episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck welcomes  Andra McHugh, host of The Eczema Kids Podcast, to share her personal journey with her children's eczema struggles and how she turned them into a mission to help others. They discuss holistic approaches to managing eczema, from food choices and digestive health to creating a non-toxic home environment. Andra emphasizes the importance of commitment and community support in healing, offering practical steps for long-term success. Don't miss Andra's exclusive offer for Salad with a Side of Fries Members of $400 off her five-piece eczema elimination method for the Salad with a Side of Fries community. And Andra's FREE product guide is linked below.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [4:44] Andra's story of how her children suffered from eczema[7:58] The difference between skin irritation and eczema and getting to the root cause[11:21] A discussion on skin care to manage the discomfort of symptoms and addressing the root cause along with the support of community[18:10] Step one is commitment, no matter what, for 90 days[20:28] Andra suggests spices and other food choices and food groups and eating for ultimate digestion[25:32] Eating seasonal foods foods and crops[27:38] Tips for making your home non-toxic [34:08] Treating eczema holistically one step at a timeKEY TAKEAWAYS: Severe eczema in children can be challenging to manage with conventional treatments, such as steroid prescriptions. A holistic approach focuses on healing from the root cause rather than simply managing symptoms. This includes addressing underlying issues such as gut health, diet, and environmental factors while making small, consistent changes for long-term healing.Food combinations and digestion-focused diets are essential for gut health, eczema, and other skin conditions. For example, grains can be soaked in lemon water and cooked in an Instapot to reduce lectins and promote digestion. Focusing on digestion can help with conditions like eczema, as the digestive system plays a key role in nutrient absorption and symptom management.Creating a non-toxic home environment is vital for holistic eczema healing. This includes using natural cleaners (e.g., tea tree oil and vinegar), reducing EMF exposure, and addressing potential mold and water quality issues. Switching from plastic to glass or stainless steel in the kitchen, eliminating toxic chemicals from household items, and focusing on non-toxic materials for clothing can significantly improve eczema symptoms.QUOTES:         [8:53] “Eczema is an autoimmune, right? It's an inflammatory condition, essentially. It stems from the gut. As we often say, our skin is our intestines turned inside out, right?” - Jenn Trepeck [10:10] “Everything that's touching your skin needs to be digestible because your skin is your largest organ.” - Andra McHugh[13:33] “If you're not sleeping through the night, everything becomes infinitely harder” - Jenn Trepeck[15:46] “There's that ownership and autonomy that I think can be empowering versus overwhelming.” - Jenn Trepeck[24:53] ”We  want to be particular about the ingredients in the foods that we're buying, even though they're saying it's gluten-free or grain-free.” - Jenn Trepeck[27:54] “Unfortunately, this is how our homes are built, including all the smart appliances. alarm systems and everything is hooked up to Wi-Fi. It's such an inflammatory environment.” - Andra McHugh.[33:19] “ I love your language: putting it in escrow. It all adds up, and it's worth it. Any step you can take is worth it.” 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 InstagramGUESTS MENTIONED GETTING THEIR RESOURCESEczema Kids - WebsiteEczema Kids - PodcastEczema Kids - ShopEczema Kids - Elimination MethodEczema Kids - InstagramEczema-Safe Product Guide FreebieGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Meet Andra McHugh: a veggie-loving, matcha-sipping mom of four who turned her family's eczema struggles into a mission to help other parents reclaim their children's health. After months of sleepless nights and endless frustration with conventional medicine, Andra took matters into her own hands. She discovered natural, practical solutions that healed her kids' painful, itchy skin and gave them back their childhoods.Now, as the host of the Eczema Kids Podcast, Andra shares her proven strategies with families everywhere—covering diet, natural remedies, and practical hacks for busy parents. Her mission? To empower you with simple, actionable steps to heal your child's eczema and create a healthier, happier home.

Like so many things in wellness, it's easier said than done to live alcohol free. If you've tried before or are curious about sober living, this episode is for you! It's the practical side of how to unlock unexpected health benefits, stronger connections, and a clearer mind.Today on Salad With a Side of Fries, Jenn Trepeck continues to explore the thought-provoking idea of living "Dry Beyond January" with Gillian Tietz, MS, CAMS-I, host of the Sober Powered podcast and a sobriety and anger management coach. Jenn and Gill discuss the challenges and rewards of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, from tackling cravings and navigating social settings to finding deeper connections and breaking the cycle of shame that often comes from drinking. Whether you're taking a break from alcohol or considering sobriety for the long haul, you'll discover strategies to manage triggers, build healthier habits, and redefine your relationship with drinking. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [6:20] To drink, or not to drink[9:41] Reversing shame and judgment and shared experiences[12:56] Pros and cons of a Dry January[15:10] Navigating a sober weekend[18:55] Connecting with non-drinkers and dating while sober[28:41] Strategies for communicating going alcohol-free[30:57] Ordering Alcohol-free drinks with caution [35:14] Avoiding triggers and habits and creating new enjoyable memories without alcohol[38:53] The National Helpline is 800-662-HELP KEY TAKEAWAYS: Connecting with others in sober communities is critical for overcoming the shame spiral from drinking. Sharing experiences and hearing “I struggle with that, too" from your peers can help you realize you are not alone and break the isolation cycle.People often underestimate the unexpected challenges of quitting drinking, such as fatigue that persists for weeks and doubts about the payoff. These moments of struggle can lead to thoughts of giving up or attempting moderation. Patience and understanding the long-term benefits are essential to living dry beyond January.For those who choose not to drink, strategies include discreetly blending in, such as ordering non-alcoholic drinks that resemble alcoholic ones, setting clear boundaries early in dating or social scenarios and avoiding habits and triggers that increase your desire or cravings to drink.Successfully navigating cravings and triggers involves strategies beyond willpower, such as changing your environment, identifying emotional triggers, and reflecting on past behaviors to plan better responses.QUOTES: [6:42] “If you're wondering if you can, then you are somebody that can't moderate their drinking. I think it's just as simple as that. Like people that can moderate just do and live their lives.” - Gill Tietz[8:43]” Because when you think of an alcoholic, you think of a weak-willed loser who ruined their whole life because they like to drink too much, they're selfish, all of that kind of stuff. And many of us know that's not true, but that's the general public's perception. So, I was afraid of being labeled as an alcoholic and judged.” Gill Tietz[12:19] “The difference though, is that people could go the rest of their life without drinking. People can't go the rest of their life without eating.” Jenn Trepeck.[31:00] “I think more and more now, there are so many more non-alcoholic options on bar menus or in restaurant menus and certainly so many more in stores.” Jenn Trepeck[33:20] “I think it's such a valid point to recognize that we have that biochemical response, we have that craving, that reward pathway that still exists, even if we're not always feeding it. And that some of these other things can end up feeding that same pathway.” 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 InstagramThe Truth About AlcoholYou Are Not Alone: Relapse RateGUEST RESOURCES: Sober Powered - PodcastSober Powered - WebsiteSober Powered - InstagramGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Gillian Tietz, MS, CAMS-I, hosts the Sober Powered Podcast and is a sobriety and anger management coach. Getting sober in 2019 inspired her to start her podcast, where she utilizes her biochemistry background to teach others how alcohol affects the brain and why it's so hard to stop drinking.

Do you ever wonder how your life might improve if you stopped drinking, even for a little while? From better sleep to clearer thinking and enhanced emotional well-being, the benefits might surprise you!Today, Jenn dives into the thought-provoking idea of being Dry Beyond January. The positive changes that can come from reducing or being alcohol-free and how this choice aligns with creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle may surprise you. This is part one of a two-part series exploring the impact of alcohol on our health and well-being. Jenn breaks down the physical, emotional, and social benefits of cutting back or quitting alcohol entirely and shares strategies to make the process approachable and sustainable. Whether you're considering a dry month or a long-term change, this episode will help you take the first step with confidence. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [4:43] Moderate drinking versus heavy drinking and how each impacts us[9:29] Alcohol's impact on mood, brain chemistry and sleep deprivation[12:41] Other associated risks and our brain's ability to build pathways[14:28] Stress-related drinking[17:48] Short-term benefits of being alcohol-free and withdrawal symptoms[24:33] Long-term benefits of not drinking alcohol[30:09] Alcohol depletes electrolytes and dehydrates us, creating physical signs of aging[33:05] Discussion of how much money Americans spend each year on alcoholKEY TAKEAWAYS: Alcohol significantly affects the liver, brain, and sleep patterns. The liver prioritizes processing alcohol over other toxins, leading to delayed toxin removal and issues like inflammation. Alcohol also suppresses REM sleep and causes sleep disruptions like overheating, which can have cascading effects on mood, energy, and overall health.Alcohol triggers dopamine release, creating a memory of the triggers leading up to drinking. This reinforces habits, making the brain associate stress or other cues with seeking alcohol, which can perpetuate a cycle of dependency.The short—and long-term health benefits of being alcohol-free are significant and varied. Eliminating alcohol can lead to immediate improvements, such as better sleep, clearer skin, weight loss, improved digestion, and mental clarity. In the long term, it reduces the risk of liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers while enhancing cognitive function and life expectancy.Alcohol depletes electrolytes, causes dehydration, and overburdens organs like the liver and kidneys. However, the liver can regenerate and recover, often within weeks to months, depending on the extent of the damage.RESOURCES: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 InstagramThe Truth About AlcoholQUOTES: [6:35] “The liver is not a multitasker. It prioritizes the alcohol out of our system, which pushes down the priority list other toxins and things like sugar and fats.” - Jenn Trepeck[12:41] “Alcohol activates GABA receptors in the brain, which slows down neuron communication. We feel relaxed, but really, the brain has just slowed down.” - Jenn Trepeck[14:01] “Drinking creates dopamine. With dopamine, there's a memory of the experience encoded in the brain. What's encoded in the brain is also what led you to the alcohol that triggers it. So whether that's the emotion that led you there, the stressful situation, the part that's encoded, is that trigger.” - Jenn Trepeck[26:56] “When we reduce the inflammation, because the alcohol caused the inflammation, we see a decreased risk factor of virtually every sickness, illness, disease, or symptom. - Jenn Trepeck[35:54] “When there's the presence of alcohol, there is greater conflict.” - Jenn Trepeck

Your body isn't one-size-fits-all, so why should your health plan be? This week's episode dives into the personalized world of metabolic typing and functional medicine, where understanding your unique physiology is key to lasting wellness.Functional medicine expert and Metabolic Typing coach Martin Pytela is here to share his transformative journey from battling mercury toxicity to founding Life Enthusiast, an online hub for alternative health solutions. Together, Jenn and Martin explore how metabolic types and endocrine dominance—like thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian types—impact food choices, energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. This conversation is packed with actionable insights, from tips on what to avoid putting in your mouth to the balance between fats, proteins, and carbs based on your metabolic type. Stick around for Jenn's rapid-fire questions with Martin, plus a preview of the upcoming Nutrition Nugget on creatine. Let's uncover the science behind making wellness genuinely work for you.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [4:29] Martin shares how he developed an interest in alternative health[9:03] What is metabolic typing? Discover functional medicine and testing[12:23] Discussion of the different metabolic types: alkaline and acidic[16:09] Are you an oxidizer or an autonomic drinker?[19:19] Starting your day off right, based on your metabolic type[23:50] Different types of endocrine dominance: estrogen/adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, ovarian, testosterone and feeding those systems[28:00] How different body types are influenced by the different metabolic types[32:08] Martin answers Jenn's rapid-fire questions[35:15] Preview of this week's  Nutrition Nugget bonus episode on Creatine and consider joining the Healthy Vibe Tribe; it's not too late!KEY TAKEAWAYS: Many journeys to wellness begin with health challenges, like those caused by mercury amalgam fillings. The pursuit of healing can often lead to alternative medicine, functional health, and innovative ventures that inspire others to embrace holistic approaches to well-being.Individual differences in metabolic types significantly influence how people react to foods and other factors. Understanding personal physiology is essential for tailoring our health strategies and improving overall well-being.Understanding your metabolic type (sympathetic or parasympathetic dominant) and endocrine dominance (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, or ovarian) can help tailor your diet to optimize energy, mood, and wellness. For example, a thyroid-dominant individual may thrive on a carb-centric breakfast, while an adrenal-dominant person benefits from a breakfast high in fats and proteins.While diet and lifestyle adjustments can align with specific body aesthetics, prioritizing metabolic balance and emotional well-being over appearances leads to sustainable wellness and reduced cravings.QUOTES: [7:12] “The medical system is not using the scientific method. They say they do, but they don't. They never ask what the cause of this is. They see a symptom, and they say, for the symptom, I have a pill.” Martin Pytela[17:45] “ Depending on our [metabolic] type, we want to shift the balance of macronutrients in our approach.” Jenn Trepeck[28:24] “We know that blood sugar balance and many of these elements are critical to metabolic health, and that doesn't necessarily mean one size or one shape.” Jenn Trepeck[29:42] “I would like to say this: when you learn and figure out your [metabolic] type, you can work with it or against it.” Martin Pytela[30:23] “Sometimes the choice that might get us to the aesthetic isn't necessarily the choice that brings us peace, joy, and some of the things that we're looking for.” Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Learn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe HEREReady to jump into the Healthy Vibe Tribe? Start here: 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 InstagramWheat, Celiac, Gluten and GlyphosateGUEST RESOURCES: Life Enthusiast PodcastLife Enthusiast - FacebookLife Enthusiast - InstagramLife Enthusiast - XLife Enthusiast - YouTubeGUEST BIO: Martin Pytela is a respected functional medicine expert and Metabolic Typing coach whose mission is to "Restore Vitality to You and The Planet." With over 12,000 clients coached since 2011 and over 60,000 students enrolled in his Udemy courses, Martin has a wealth of knowledge to share on topics such as healing trauma, managing stress and anxiety, emotions, spirituality, weight loss, metabolism, longevity, mindfulness, gut health, and overall health.

As 2024 comes to a close, Tee revisits a conversation that embodies this podcast's motto: “Read Your Labels and Know Your Ingredients.” Wellness expert Jenn Trepeck, host of the “A Salad With a Side of Fries” podcast, joins Tee to decode the complex world of food labels. Jenn is recognized as one of Podcast Magazine's 40 Under 40 and a nominee for the 2022 International Women's Podcast Award, and she shares practical insights on interpreting labels, understanding nutritional elements like fats and carbs, and identifying hidden ingredients. In this episode, Tee and Jenn tackle myths and misinformation in the food industry while offering actionable tips for healthier eating. Listeners will learn how to navigate grocery stores, avoid harmful chemicals, and make sustainable dietary changes. For over 200 hundred podcasts Tee has encouraged every listener to “Read Their Labels and Know Their Ingredients.” In this episode, Jenn and Tee tell everyone how! __________________________ Connect with Jenn: Instagram Podcast Facebook LinkedIn  YouTube Free 30-minute 1-on-1 Wellness Discovery Call  __________________________ Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Tee's Organics - Therese's Healthy Products for You and Your Home: Check out these incredible products made only with purified water, seven essential oils, and vinegar. Once you clean with them, you will be addicted! No more spraying chemicals in your home. Use the code Healthyliving for a 15% discount on my products at Shop Tee's Organics Austin Air Purifiers: For Podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air The Green Living Gurus Website  Instagram Youtube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868 For further info contact Tee: Email: Tee@TheGreenLivingGurus.com Cell: 716-868-8868 DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. Produced By: Social Chameleon

It's time to hear which episodes made the Top 10 of 2024! Are you ready to catch a glimpse of the health, nutrition, and lifestyle tips that could transform your 2025? Let this be your curated playlist for your listening time this holiday season.Welcome to Salad with a Side of Fries, the podcast where balance meets results and wellness seamlessly fits into real life. In this final full episode of 2024, host Jenn Trepeck reflects on an incredible year, celebrating the show's recognition as Earworthy's Best Health and Wellness Independent Podcast of 2024. Jenn and one lucky listener share their top 10 episodes of the year, diving into powerful conversations about health, nutrition, and lifestyle, featuring expert guests and transformative insights, including the podcast's very first live show. Plus, don't miss the exciting lead-up to this Friday's final Nutrition Nugget of the year, “Daily,” where Jenn explores how small, consistent actions can create the 2025 of your dreams. Tune in for a recap of the year's highlights and a glimpse of what's to come! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [4:01] Salad With A Side of Fries honored with the best Health and Wellness Independent Podcast of 2024 by Earworthy[8:03] Ep. 235 Top Three Reasons And Remedies For Weight Loss Resistance (feat. Becky Bell) - aired January 31st[11:29] Ep. 247 Coin and Cuisine - Commonalities Between Money and Food[13:57] Ep. 243 Unsubscribe, Food Tracking Apps and Diet Culture (feat. Nicole Hagen) - aired March 27th[19:08] Ep. 252 Take Your Foot Off the Gas (Reverse Dieting) - aired May 29th[22:06] Ep. 275 - Fitness Fact or Fiction (feat. Sarah Thomas) - aired November 6th[28:27] Ep. 242 - The Ultimate Biohack - aired March 20th[34:57] Ep. 269 - Caveman Biology in a Very Modern World (feat. Dr. Kathy Campbell) - aired September 25th[40:30] Ep. 277 - 8 Domains of Health - aired November 20th[43:00] Ep. 249 - Memory: How We Lose It and How to Keep It - aired May 8th[46:50] #10 Ep 264 - Live from New York...It's Salad with a Side of Fries! - aired August 21st[51:07 Bonus Picks: IBS is a BS Diagnosis (feat. Hannah Aylward), Nutrition Nugget: Enough (aired 5/31/24), Nutrition Nugget: Your Acceptance Speech (aired 2/9/24)KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Top Three Reasons and Remedies for Weight Loss Resistance focused on the fact that stress plays a major, often overlooked role in weight loss resistance, alongside inflammation and insulin resistance. Addressing stress management, sleep quality, and resilience can sometimes be more effective than focusing solely on diet or exercise.Fitness Fact or Fiction offered an antidote to fitness advice that can feel overwhelming and contradictory. This episode makes it approachable by focusing on actionable steps for long-term wellness. It emphasizes the importance of balance, debunks common myths, and discusses the critical role of muscle mass in metabolism as we age. A standout quote, "You can't outrun your fork," reminds listeners that fitness and nutrition must work together, and no amount of exercise can replace proper eating habits.The focus of The Ultimate Biohack was that sleep is the cornerstone of health and wellness; none of the trendy "biohacks" can compare to its impact. Jenn debunks the glamorization of sacrificing sleep for productivity, highlighting its role in cognitive function, recovery, and brain detoxification through the glymphatic system. Without consistent, quality sleep (7-8+ hours), fitness, nutrition, and supplementation efforts are significantly undermined.The focus of Live from New York…It's Salad with a Side of Fries, 5th Anniversary of the show, was a live recorded Q&A episode that captured the essence of the podcast's mission and philosophy, showcasing the vibrant community around it. The dynamic energy of the event highlighted the importance of fostering real connections while experimenting with unique formats, such as live shows, to engage listeners freshly and authentically.QUOTES: [14:47] “I think this story is all too common, where doctors want to tell us just from looking at us what's happening, or they make judgments based on our weight, and as we say over and over, health is not a size, weight does not determine health in any capacity.” Jenn Trepeck[21:04] “We expect so much of ourselves. I think another piece is the role of consistency and balance. Frankly, if we could live 100 percent of the time in consistency and balance, we'd see the “results” that everybody's looking for.”  Jenn Trepeck [29:20] “We're deteriorating our health more by not sleeping than we could get from any biohack.” Jenn Trepeck [31:02] “One of my biggest pet peeves with the personal development gurus is that they're all saying, sleep when you die, find more time in the day, wake up two hours earlier….” Jenn Trepeck[38:06] “We are eating food that is devoid of nutrition.  We're eating food-like substances that give our bodies more chemicals or “modified foods.” We're eating these things, and they taste good, they seem like food, but they're not providing the body with the nutrients it seeks and that it needs to do all its functions.” Jenn Trepeck[44:39] “Alzheimer's is referred to as diabetes type three. So, we see this connection between our metabolic health and brain health, how our brains function. The good news is that we have a lot of control. We're not doomed to an aging memory.” Jenn Trepeck[46:02] “I no longer use a to-do list. Everything ends up on the calendar at a time slot with an allocated time to do the thing. For what it's worth, that has been life-changing.” Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Learn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe on Jan 6 at 8pm ETReady to jump into the Healthy Vibe Tribe? Start here: Ep. 235 - Top 3 Reasons & Remedies for Weight Loss Resistance (feat. Becky Bell)  Ep. 247 - Coin and Cuisine - Commonalities Between Money and Food Ep. 274 - 8 Chemicals that Drive Overeating & Undereating (feat. Dr. Laurel Mellin)Ep. 243 - Unsubscribe: Food Tracking Apps & Diet Culture (feat. Nicole Hagen)Ep. 252 - Take Your Foot Off the Gas (Reverse Dieting)Ep. 275 - Fitness Fact or Fiction (feat. Sarah Thomas)Ep. 242 - The Ultimate BiohackEp. 269 - Caveman Biology in a Very Modern World (feat. Dr. Kathy Campbell)Ep. 277 - 8 Domains of HealthEp. 249 - Memory: How We Lose It and How We Keep It Ep. 264 - Live from New York...It's Salad with a Side of Fries!Bonus Pick: IBS is a BS Diagnosis (feat. Hannah Aylward)Bonus Pick: Nutrition Nugget: EnoughBonus Pick: Nutrition Nugget: Your Acceptance SpeechBecome 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 Instagram

What if you could forget cravings? Sounds like a fairytale, right? What if emotional eating wasn't a problem but a symptom?Today, Jenn Trepeck dives into the myths, misconceptions, and mindset traps around food, dieting, and emotional eating. Joining Jenn is Dr. Melissa McCreery, psychologist, emotional eating expert, and creator of Your Missing PEACE, to challenge the all-or-nothing holiday mindset and break down the hidden hungers driving your cravings. Together, they'll explore how curiosity (not guilt!) is the key to stepping off the hamster wheel of dieting and creating lasting freedom with food. In this episode, you'll uncover practical ways to navigate the holidays, rethink outdated beliefs, and savor life—cookies and all—without waiting until January to hit reset. Tune in and transform your relationship with food, one bite at a time!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [1:50] Dr. Melissa McCreery shares her inspiring story[9:24] Emotional Eating and reasons hidden hunger can drive our cravings[15:11] Dr. Melissa discusses the auto-pilot mentality and asks, “What do you want to savor?”[21:55] Dieting's hidden traps: why it feels like you're running on a hamster wheel[26:44] Unlocking self-awareness: Dr. Melissa introduces the Hidden Hunger Quiz[31:25] Why change feels hard and how to navigate emotions around the holidays[38:54] A sneak peek at the upcoming Nutrition Nugget segment: “Chew.”KEY TAKEAWAYS: Overcoming struggles like overeating, emotional eating, or food-related issues doesn't require a lifetime of self-control, discipline, or constant management. It doesn't require endless discipline or continuous management. Many feel trapped in a cycle of cravings and worry, but true freedom comes from shifting mindsets and reclaiming power over food. It's about living free from the cycle, trusting yourself, and focusing your energy on what truly matters.Emotional eating isn't the problem—it's the symptom. Labeling yourself as an emotional eater might feel like an “aha” moment, but it's often useless. We all eat for a reason, and emotional eating usually points to deeper, hidden hungers—like the need for rest, self-care, or balance. Simply trying to manage anxiety or stress isn't always the answer. It's time to uncover the hidden pangs of hunger driving your cravings and how addressing them can break the cycle for good.Holiday eating isn't inevitable—it's a choice shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. The all-or-nothing mindset during the holidays can feel like a trap: staying hyper-vigilant about food or diving headfirst into a free-for-all. Neither feels good, and both are driven by the beliefs we repeat so often they feel like facts. Challenge those narratives to help you rewrite the story about holiday eating and reclaim control without the guilt or extremes.The hamster wheel of guilt keeps you stuck—curiosity sets you free. When diets fail or holiday eating feels out of control, the instinct is often to blame yourself and push harder. But running faster on the hamster wheel doesn't work. Instead, the antidote is curiosity. Asking why things didn't go as planned—a sudden craving, holiday stress, or shifting routines—opens the door to understanding and real solutions. It isn't about perfection; it's about staying curious, learning from the moment, and choosing the next step forward.QUOTES: [0:00] “We eat for a reason. We always eat for a reason. We overeat for a reason. If you find yourself standing in the pantry staring at the cashews and the peanut butter and not knowing how you got there, there is a reason. And sometimes it's because you're having emotions you don't know how to deal with. “Dr. Melissa McCreery[8:23] “It's amazing to be on the other side of it and experience it and be able to say to someone, ‘It is possible. There is this other place'.” Jenn Trepeck[11:19] “If I'm exhausted, I can have the best tools in the world for anxiety, but I may not have the bandwidth to deal with the situation right now. So it might be helpful to know that I'm emotionally eating because I'm anxious, but actually, what I need is to address my hidden hunger for rest.” Dr. Melissa McCreery[12:53] “Sometimes it's not even the food or the choice to eat it, it's what happens after, and beating ourselves up is worse than the food or the fact that we ate because of emotions.” Jenn Trepeck[23:45] “That hamster wheel thinking kills curiosity, and curiosity is how you solve the puzzle. And this is all just a puzzle. So what's going on? There is a much more powerful question than anything you'll ever get by being hard on yourself in the holidays.” Dr. Melissa McCreeryRESOURCES:Learn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe on Dec 19 at 7pm ETLearn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe on Jan 6 at 8pm ETReady to jump into the Healthy Vibe Tribe? Start here: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 InstagramEight Chemicals That Drive Overeating and Under-Eating GUEST RESOURCES: Too Much On Her Plate - WebsiteToo Much On Her Plate - FacebookToo Much On Her Plate - InstagramDr. Melissa McCreery - LinkedInCurrent Project Inc. - InstagramFree Emotional Eating QuizThe Missing Peace Program - WebsiteToo Much On Her Plate - PodcastGUEST BIO: Dr. Melissa McCreery is a psychologist, emotional eating expert, author, the Too Much on Her Plate podcast host, and the creator of Your Missing Peace. This program supports smart, busy women in creating freedom from overeating and peace with food. She has helped thousands break cycles of overwhelm, overload, and overeating without feeling deprived and without depending on ridiculous amounts of willpower. Participants in her signature program lose their cravings and their overeating habits. Dr. McCreery's approach to helping working mothers, busy professionals, and stressed-out business owners emphasizes leveraging your unique strengths, ditching a diet mentality, and using the power of psychology. Her perspective has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN Health, Weight Watchers Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Working Mother, Fitness, Women's Health, Real Simple, and Self.

Are you ready to prioritize your health while still enjoying the great things about the holiday season? Today is all about embracing the holiday festivities without compromising your wellness goals. In this episode, Jenn dives into an inspiring conversation about reclaiming your health and making 2025 your best year. She explores the role of biochemistry in willpower, the empowering benefits of linking arms with like-minded individuals, and shares strategies for success, including the launch of the Healthy Vibe Tribe. Jenn also discusses how the joy of community support can leave a legacy of health. This episode has practical tools, motivation, and heart to help you create a vibrant, healthy life. Tune in to set the stage for wellness in 2025 and to learn more about the Healthy Vibe Tribe. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:14] Preparation and planning are key to success[8:34] Why consistency over intensity is important[10:29] Build downtime into your schedule and how to limit alcohol intake[16:07] What to say to the food pushers and other tricks and hacks for success at holiday parties[23:13] Managing stress during this busy time of year[30:12] Maintaining a low glycemic nutrition component and the benefits of walking[32:17] Prioritizing hydration throughout your day[38:55] Strategic supplementation and discussion on how metabolism and biochemistry can influence health and habits[40:17] Announcement and breakdown of The Healthy Vibe Tribe program starting January 13th.[46:32] Discussion of membership costs and benefits[52:30] Jenn previews the upcoming Nutrition Nugget segment titled "Second Time Around.”KEY TAKEAWAYS: Preparation is key to thriving through the holidays. Planning meals, setting goals, and organizing your environment can help you maintain healthy habits and reduce guilt during the festive season. Preparing protein-packed snacks, scheduling workouts, or setting clear intentions minimizes the chances of sabotaging health and fitness goals while allowing leeway to enjoy yourself.Consistency over intensity ensures long-term success. Maintaining small, manageable habits—like staying hydrated, controlling portion sizes, and incorporating daily movement—can be more impactful than intense but unsustainable efforts.Prioritize foundational health habits for the new year. Key health pillars such as sleep, hydration, and stress management should be prioritized alongside fitness and nutrition. By building a foundation of healthy routines, long-term success becomes achievable.Link arms with like-minded people. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals can propel you toward your goals. By sharing your journey and connecting with others heading in the same direction, you create an environment of accountability, motivation, and mutual growth.QUOTES: [7:50] “It's possible to decide what we want to have happen and then figure out what those things are. So, for me, it's getting to the gym every day while traveling, and especially when there's holiday parties every day, it's finding that movement and making sure I get my water in every day. It‘s all those little things.” Jenn Trepeck[11:00] “I put into my schedule something that I know either friends, or health-minded colleagues, will surround me. So I am building in that accountability a little bit to myself, knowing that I want to feel well but still celebrate.” Shannon[19:58] “If you're starving when you get there, you'll make poor choices, not because you don't have any willpower, but because your hormones are taking over. So, if you come feeling satisfied, you will have more control over your food than your food controlling you.” Jessica[23:56] “We don't have to wait for the new year to reward ourselves. Maybe it's buying ourselves a gift. Maybe it's having downtime. Do we want to get tickets to a concert or a show or go to the spa or find, maybe get a massage?” Jenn Trepeck[31:11]” Muscle dictates metabolism, as we always say. It's not just losing weight; it's removing fat and building muscle to improve our overall health.” Jenn Trepeck[37:38] “I'm celebrating the win daily and not getting discouraged or focusing too far ahead because I can easily just say ‘I'll do that tomorrow'.” Shannon[43:06] “The Healthy Vibe Tribe is a great opportunity to get that support, be around people going in the same direction as you and get the education part. That's why I'm excited to partner and lock arms with you.” Jessica[49:56] “The Healthy Vibe Tribe is one of the most exciting programs I could even imagine placing myself in. It's taking action and stepping into 2025 with momentum.” ShannonRESOURCES:Learn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe on Dec 19 at 7pm ETLearn more about Healthy Vibe Tribe on Jan 6 at 8pm ETReady to jump into the Healthy Vibe Tribe? Start here: Jan 13th Weekly Zoom Call QuestionnaireBecome 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: C vs. IThe Big C EpisodeYou vs The Diet Industry

When you're strapped for time, is exercise what you cut? Or have you decided to just eat your way through the holidays and then start your fitness journey in January? Is there a part of you that would like to start doing something, anything for your health now? You don't need a complete overhaul, you just need to find your minimum effective dose.Today, Jenn is joined by Vince Sant, creator of the “Fat Loss Extreme” fitness program and Co-Founder of V Shred, who's here to help us rethink how we approach health and fitness. Vince is passionate about making fitness accessible for everyone, especially for women ages 35-and-up. We'll discuss the power of resistance training—especially for women—and debunk the myth that lifting weights leads to bulk. Vince dives into the benefits of HIIT workouts, explaining how they leverage Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) for maximum calorie burn, even after you've left the gym so we can work smarter not harder…or longer. He also emphasizes the importance of starting now—no need to wait for January 1. By stacking small wins, like walking on an incline or incorporating intentional movements into your day, you can create a foundation for long-term success. He'll share why achieving your health goals doesn't require perfection but rather gradual, consistent changes. Focusing on your minimum effective dose, Vince delivers insights for building lasting habits without sacrificing life's joys. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:50] Vince describes why he focused on fitness for women 35 + and the joy he receives from watching them thrive and support one another[14:46] Vince challenges the "wait until January 1" mindset and explains why starting now makes all the difference[18:54] Learn how a sustainable approach beats quick fixes every time[21:21] Discover the power of the minimum effective dose in fitness and how it works[28:34]  Common fitness mistakes and expert tips for maximizing calorie burn[33:32] Find out why walking on an incline is a simple yet powerful fat-burning strategy[35:39] Vince explains why resistance training is a game-changer, especially for women[40:42] Explore the effectiveness of bodyweight workouts for all fitness levels[43:02] Settle the cardio debate: should it come before or after your workout[48:35] Finally, Vince wraps up with rapid-fire questions to deliver quick, actionable insights.KEY TAKEAWAYS: Achieving fitness and dietary goals requires a gradual, sustainable approach. Start small by making one change each week and build upon it. Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to do everything perfectly all at once. Focus on consistency rather than willpower, as lasting discipline develops over time. Balance and moderation, rather than restriction, allow enjoying life's pleasures while fostering long-term success. Starting now, rather than delaying until a milestone like New Year's, increases your chances of sticking with it and breaking the cycle of quick starts and early quits.Building a sustainable fitness program starts with small, manageable steps. Focus on mastering one habit at a time, like drinking more water, setting a consistent bedtime, or starting the day with a healthy breakfast. Gradually adding new weekly habits creates a strong foundation for long-term success without feeling overwhelmed. This step-by-step approach allows you to develop consistency and effectively integrate positive changes into your lifestyle.Effective fitness programs require a balanced approach, prioritizing key components like resistance training, cardio, and balance. Resistance training should often take precedence, particularly for women, as it supports muscle growth and overall fitness better than relying solely on cardio. While cardio has benefits and can complement a routine, it's not the sole solution for getting in shape. Instead, choose activities you enjoy to make cardio sustainable and view it as enhancing your fitness journey rather than the foundation.High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an efficient cardio method involving short bursts of maximum effort followed by rest. For beginners, a good starting ratio is 20 seconds of high-intensity activity, like sprinting, followed by 40–60 seconds of rest. This approach maximizes calorie burn, improves cardiovascular health, and can be adapted to various fitness levels, making it a practical option for those looking to enhance their workouts.HIIT workouts leverage the power of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), meaning your body continues to burn calories after the workout. Pushing yourself during short, intense intervals creates an oxygen deficit that boosts calorie burn and metabolic activity even during recovery.QUOTES: [10:12] “My mom doesn't want to be in shape because she wants to have abs at the pool. She just wants to feel good, have energy, and be able to play with her grandkids when we have them.” Vince Sant[11:35] “Fitness doesn't have to be this all-consuming process, it can be something where there is balance, and you can still live your life, get phenomenal results, and feel great about yourself.” Vince Sant[15:13] “I do wish people would not treat New Year's like it's a specific time of year that will change everything for them because the change is internal.” Vince Sant[20:07] “I always say this time of year, start stacking wins now so that when new year's gets here, you already got a little bit of momentum, and you don't all of a sudden have to start 20 new things where you feel all this pressure.” Vince Sant[21:38] “The minimal effective dose is simply doing the least work where you get the most reward.” Vince Sant[33:00] “ You could burn calories for 2 days from a 10-minute workout. So that's what I'm talking about when I'm saying ‘minimum effective dose'.” Vince Sant[35:37] “Women need resistance training, and it needs to be a topic of conversation in women's circles.” Vince Sant[54:01] “Remember, we never have to be perfect. And this time of year, we don't have to strive for optimal. Instead, consider your personal minimum effective dose and keep moving forward.” 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: V Shred - WebpageV Shred - YouTubeV Shred IG - InstagramV Shred 4 Women - InstagramVince's Personal IG - InstagramVince Sant - LinktreeGUEST BIO: Vince Sant is the creator of the popular “Fat Loss Extreme” fitness program and Co-Founder of V Shred, one of the fastest-growing online fitness brands in the world. His mission is to revolutionize women's fitness by providing everyday women with the right tools, weight loss strategies, and programs that can help them achieve their goals.  Recognizing the unique struggles women over 35 face as they get older, including an aging metabolism, hormones, and societal pressures around body image, Vince has dedicated his career to helping women reclaim their health and confidence at any age.Over 3.1 million people have now chosen the Fat Loss Extreme program. V Shred continues to serve millions of women with easy-to-follow exercise programs and science-based eating strategies that can completely transform a woman's body in a few short months. With a website garnering 16 million monthly hits, a 1.5 million-strong email community, and a vast social media influence of over 10 million, V Shred continues to impact millions of people around the globe positively. Vince's vision extends beyond fitness; it's a movement towards empowering women to embrace their bodies, helping them understand their unique health needs at every stage of life, and teaching them how to achieve optimal health to live their best lives.

Do you know your biological age? How does one learn their biological age and how is it different from your chronological age? The answer lies in our epigenetics, which is how you live your life! In this fascinating episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn welcomes Hannah Went, co-founder of TruDiagnostic, to explore the science behind biological age testing. Together, they dive into the cutting-edge world of epigenetics, methylation, and the role of lifestyle in optimizing health. From understanding how epigenetic markers can predict disease risks to uncovering how simple changes can slow aging, this episode is packed with insights that could transform how you think about your health and longevity. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [1:57] What is your biological age?[6:04]  Hannah describes epigenetics and what they target in the blood through various tests.[9:54] What is methylation?[12:53] How is epigenetic testing different from Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos?[15:38] What are the privacy implications of taking these tests, and what can the tests reveal?[22:49] Studies around epigenetic information.[25:42] Slowing the progression of biomarkers that create disease.[29:05] Lifestyle changes can positively impact stress and overall health[32:19] There is power in testing.[33:39] Choosing the most compatible testing company.KEY TAKEAWAYS: Genetics and epigenetics offer complementary insights into human biology. Genetics represents the fixed "hardware" inherited equally from each parent, while epigenetics is the dynamic "software" influenced by interactions with the environment and personal behaviors. Unlike static genetic markers, epigenetic markers are often changeable, though some—like imprint markers—may be inherited, presenting exciting opportunities for biomarker discovery.While the classification of aging as a disease may be debated, it's clear that biological age clocks are becoming powerful tools for detecting disease signals. For example, one clock has shown 92% accuracy in predicting mortality, compared to 72% for chronological age. These biomarkers are improving and will soon include methylation risk scores for specific diseases, helping to assess individual disease risks more precisely. Aging may serve as a general indicator, providing valuable insights into disease likelihood and guiding interventions for better health outcomes.Aging and health assessments, like biological age testing, can serve as a valuable wake-up call, especially for those with room for improvement in their health and lifestyle. While biohacking and excessive supplementation are popular, they often lack clarity and balance, making it difficult to pinpoint what's truly effective. Simplicity is vital—maintaining a balanced approach is more beneficial than overloading the body with too many interventions, which can disrupt homeostasis and lead to less favorable results.QUOTES: [6:19] “I like to break down the word. So epi is a Greek prefix that actually just means above or on top of. So we're quite literally just looking on top of your genetics.” Hannah Went[7:25] “You can change your epigenetics and control your health. You can no longer blame, you know, your predisposition for disease based on your second cousins.” Hannah Went [7:40] “We are in control of our health. Genetics are this predisposition, but not a determining, inherent absolute.” Jenn Trepeck[12:14] “Epigenetics is actually a better marker in some cases in terms of disease predictability, odds ratios, hazard ratio and that's the point of the biomarker. How close can we get to that disease prediction?” Hannah Went[14:03] “Epigenetic tests are not a replacement for traditional lab tests. Instead, they're just providing a unique layer of insight into how your environment and lifestyle may be affecting your particular genes.” Hannah Went[27:18] “We can look at these results and let it be a wake up call to say,  I may have different data so, I might want to make some lifestyle changes.” Jenn Trepeck[33:09] “You see things on social media nowadays, like ‘food is medicine'. ‘You are what you eat'. ‘Your DNA is not your destiny'.  That's epigenetics. They're quite literally describing epigenetics without saying the word.” Hannah Went[35:06] “People get confused between what's truly genetic and what is inherited lifestyle. Something might run in your family, that doesn't necessarily mean it's genetic because the other thing that runs in families is lifestyle choices and habits.” 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 Nuggets for Epigenetics EpisodeGUEST RESOURCES: Everything Epigenetics - PodcastTrudiagnostic - WebsiteEverything Epigenetics - InstagramEverything Epi - TwitterGUEST BIOGRAPHY: Hannah Went has a lifelong passion for longevity and breakthrough, disruptive technologies that drive radical improvement to the human condition. She attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Biology. She had multiple research internships studying cell signaling and cell biology then. After graduation, she worked for the International Peptide Society as their Director of Research and Content. Through work in the integrative medicine industry, Hannah saw an opportunity for methylation-based age diagnostics and started TruDiagnostic in 2020. TruDiagnostic focuses on methylation array-based diagnostics for life extension and preventive healthcare, serving functional medicine providers. TruDiagnostic is committed to research, with over 30 approved clinical trials investigating epigenetic methylation changes in longevity and health interventions. Since TruDiagnostic's inception, they have created one of the world's largest private epigenetic health databases, with over 75,000 patients tested. Hannah has since created Everything Epigenetics, sharing insights on how DNA regulation impacts health. 

If you're not sure where to focus your health efforts, or you think you know the best way to address your primary concern, tune in! Have you heard about the Eight Domains of Health? Which three areas should you prioritize to make the most significant impact on your health journey? How can you tell if the changes you're making are truly working?In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn dives deep into the Eight Domains of Health, unraveling the layers of wellness that go beyond simple diet and exercise. She covers the essential systems that contribute to lasting wellness, from the intricacies of digestion as a whole-body experience to the often-overlooked role of detoxification, hormone balance, and cardiovascular health. Jenn also explains the importance of body composition, cognitive health, and the crucial need for quality sleep to create a foundation for healthy aging. Whether you're looking to prioritize these domains or are wondering if your efforts are paying off, Jenn provides practical insights and tips for creating a balanced health journey. She also highlights the three key domains to focus on as you begin your wellness journey. OH! And don't miss next week's episode on epigenetic testing, where she'll discuss how to determine your biological age!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [02:38] Exploring the 8 Domains of Health[07:32]  Digestion - the whole body experience[12:16] Toxins need to go[19:39] Endocrine System: what are our hormones up to[25:07] Weight and body composition: is BMI BS[30:34] Fitness: how it helps determine longevity[35:53] Cardiovascular health: it's plumbing, electrical, circulation and oxygenation throughout the body[40:29] Cognitive Function - Let's think about it[43:06] Sleep - Don't underestimate it. Stress disrupts all eight domains of health[47:08] How should you tackle this pyramid of “Domains” [1:00:45] Right before Thanksgiving, Nutrition Nugget will be all about giving and gratitudeKEY TAKEAWAYS: Digestion is a full-body process, from your mouth to your intestines. Symptoms like bloating or indigestion reflect how well your digestive system is functioning. Lifestyle choices, including diet, affect digestion and gut health. A balanced system requires attention to all aspects of digestion.Health should be measured by body composition and muscle strength, not BMI. Lean muscle and balanced fat are better indicators of health. Nutrition, blood sugar balance, sleep, stress management, and fitness support a healthy body composition and overall wellness.Muscle mass and fitness are critical for longevity, supporting joint health, balance, and resilience. Strength training reduces joint strain and boosts cardiovascular and brain health. A well-rounded fitness routine, including strength, aerobic, and balance exercises, is essential for health and independence as we age.Sleep is essential for overall health, serving as the "ultimate biohack" for body and mind. Quality sleep supports detoxification, recovery, hormone balance, cognitive function, and more. Prioritizing sleep can lead to noticeable improvements across multiple areas of health, reinforcing its critical role in wellness.QUOTES: [10:14] “Christine and I have a mentor who says the road to health is paved with good intestines. Your GI tract is your immune system, nutrient absorption, and gut-brain connection.” Jenn Trepeck [12:44] “You can't age well if you can't detox well.” Jenn Trepeck[30:59] “Muscle is expensive tissue because you have to work for it. But I think your muscle mass is your longevity lever. I think the less muscle we have, the faster we age.” Jenn Trepeck[35:59] “Regarding cardiovascular health, most doctors look at cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, which are all plumbing. I think the pieces that get overlooked are the electrical pieces of the heart.” Jenn Trepeck[48:36] “We have to be willing to give the body time to respond. We didn't get here overnight. We're not going to repair it overnight.”  Jenn Trepeck[49:01] “I implore you to be willing to journal. I don't mean writing down every thought and feeling. I mean, track what you notice because often, these things will improve so unless we pause to think about it and consider it, we might not notice some of the changes happening.” Jenn Trepeck[58:50] “So the idea of putting all these things together to me is more about being able to think of the small changes we can make.” 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 InstagramDebunking DetoxWhere Does The Food Go To?Down and Dirty Nutrition 101Caveman Biology in a Very Modern World (Dr. Kathy Campbell)BMI is BSBrain Health and Blood Sugar

Curious about what it might look like to work with a health coach? Wondering what it takes to see progress on your health journey? Is there more to nutrition than eating the "right" foods, and how do you know if your choices are paying off? In this episode of Salad with a Side of Fries, Jenn dives into some signs and benchmarks of nutritional progress, including whether blood work can be a tangible indicator of health improvements. Jenn, in conversation with two of her past clients, looks at the journey many of us face with diet and exercise, highlighting that your experience and journey to lasting results IS possible. She discusses what it's like to commit to fitness and nutrition changes, exploring topics like the role of family influence, breaking through initial doubts, the impact of genuinely caring about what you eat, and the role of a health coach. You'll see how small changes can make a big difference, from reducing inflammation to recognizing how food affects energy and well-being. Tune in to hear her insights and those from people just like you on working with a health coach, how to keep your favorite meals on the menu and improve your health too!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [1:47] We hear about one of Jenn's client's on-and-off exercise and eating journey[5:27] Why some people may experience skepticism that eating could affect the way we feel[10:01] The liquid diet and the not-so-long-lasting results[15:04] What to look out for when considering a health coach[25:35] Making the changes in what you choose to eat and fitness goals[31:03] Caring about your fitness and nutrition is life-changing[37:31] Is it genetics, or how we've been taught to eat in our family and reading labels[40:02] Being healthy for your family is a great reason to be aware of your nutrition[42:32] Nutrition Nugget will be all about Panera, don't miss it on FridayKEY TAKEAWAYS: Making dietary changes, like adopting a gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet, may significantly reduce inflammation and related symptoms. Eliminating gluten, sugar, fried foods and reducing sodium helped Cayla experience noticeable health improvements. This experience, backed by blood work showing reduced inflammation, underscores the potential impact of dietary adjustments on overall wellnessPeople often explore health coaching out of a willingness to try something new for their wellness journey, even if they're unsure of the exact outcome. As long as there's potential for learning or improvement, this openness to experiment can make health coaching valuable. For many, gaining even small insights or benefits can be worth investing time and moneyMany Americans need to be made aware of nutrition's profound impact on their overall health, immunity, and quality of life. Only after making informed nutritional decisions and observing improvements—such as fewer illnesses or increased energy—can people realize how essential quality nutrition is. This knowledge gap often stems from educational, food, and medical systems that do not emphasize the importance of proper nutrition. Knowledge becomes a transformative, lifelong asset for those who learnFor many, the turning point in adopting healthier habits is not just understanding nutrition but beginning to care about it. This shift often comes from engaging, accessible education—like relatable videos and interactive learning—that fosters a deeper connection to the information. By learning how food impacts the body and actively participating in the process, a once passive approach to health can motivate positive change. These are all parts of Jenn's coaching curriculumQUOTES: [5:51] “I was a big skeptic that what you eat makes a difference in how you feel. And then, over COVID, I went gluten-free. I had such a major increase in my quality of life that I was not expecting in any way whatsoever. And I was like, what else is there?” Cayla[6:55] “I was like, all right, fine. I'll try the gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet. So, I did the whole elimination: no sugar, no fried foods, no gluten, low sodium, all of that jazz, and it really helped. Then my skepticism went out the window because I have real evidence, blood work, that indicates that my inflammation from gluten was significantly reduced after cutting it out.” Cayla [12:26] “I think a common thread in anybody who chooses to work with a coach is to say, ‘I recognize that there's something I don't know here, and I'm willing to learn and  have a guide or a Sherpa in the process'.” Jenn Trepeck[13:09] “I had no idea what fiber was. I've been gluten-free and on and off other elimination diets, testing out what is best for me on a physical comfort scale, but in no way did I have the nutritious sense at all. I don't know how I was functioning. I had probably no protein in my diet. I was running on the fumes of carbs. ” Cayla[14:28] “I think a lot of people approach this with a, ‘what do I have to lose?' kind of feeling, but I also think there's people saying, ‘I'm going to commit time, effort, energy, money to something; like I got a goal and I want to hit it. This is part of the plan to get there.' And I think some of those goals can be relatively universal, right? There's a lot of people who want to see the scale change.” Jenn Trepeck[16:37]  “Well, it's our educational system. It's our food system. It's our medical system, right? The structure of everything is designed to have us eating the flaming hot Cheetos, not recognizing that that's contributing to our lack of energy, literally our physical pain that's every day for some people.” Jenn Trepeck[20:51] “I think there's a big misconception about what coaching looks like or working with somebody. Like the expectation is that someone's going to say ‘yes' or ‘no' and foods are going to fall into the eat list or the not eat list, and losing all of your favorite foods. And going back to learning to read labels, it's not a yes or no, because everything's just choices and you get to make those choices. Those aren't choices for me to make for you.” Jenn Trepeck[31:03] “Honestly, the biggest change from working with you is that I care now. I didn't care before. That's probably why all of these major things have changed for me. I didn't care what I put in my body. I would eat snacks until I was full for each meal. I had no concept of nutrition, but I didn't care to have a concept of nutrition or fitness or anything. Simply caring is all I needed to do the things I maybe subconsciously knew I should do.” Cayla[33:06] “I think that's where the coach or the guide comes in to help connect those dots. Then we learn over time that we can do this ourselves. You don't need somebody like me forever, right? It's like we can tweak and learn and maybe revisit those kinds of things, but there's a piece of learning how to do this for yourself.” Jenn Trepeck[40:02] “None of us controls our destiny, our fate, right? We might have another 10 minutes. We might have another 40 years. So that part you can't control outside of eating well and exercising. But if I can control the quality and be healthy and available for what I want to do and be healthy and around for my family, that's what I want.”  PaulRESOURCES: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 Instagram

Have you shied away from lifting weights because you don't want to “bulk up?” Have you found a workout you like and keep doing it over and over? Are you intrigued or confused by fitness recommendations you see online? This episode will answer your questions and debunk fitness myths! This week, Jenn welcomes Sarah Thomas, host of Burn Fat and Feast. Together, they dive into topics like belly fat, exercise, cardio fitness, weight lifting, and overall wellness, with Sarah busting common myths surrounding these areas. Sarah shares her story and the inspiration behind starting Burn Fat and Feast, explaining why weight training is essential and how lifting heavier weights can be beneficial. Plus, they discuss the importance of moving our bodies, even if it's just for a couple of minutes a day. Tune in to learn more about incorporating strength training into your day, why cardio is overrated for changing body composition, and more. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [3:45] Jenn shares what members are getting this week[5:32] Sarah shares her story of being an overweight child to an anorexic teen to being a healthy and happy adult[9:36] Cardio is for heart health[14:06] The importance of strength and resistance training[17:08] Why we should prioritize lifting heavier weights and repeating the same exercises[19:27] What progressive overload is, what it isn't and all about super setting[26:04] Why you can spot train muscle, but can't spot reduce fat[28:34] Sarah discusses menopause and belly fat [30:38] Balancing holiday eating with your wellness goals and how fitness “fits”[34:07] How do you stay fit during a time crunch?KEY TAKEAWAYS: Walking is amazing for cardiovascular health. It is great for our heart health. We need it. That doesn't mean all of our workouts need to be straight cardio. You can have your heart rate elevated by weightlifting, which all women should be doing. Starting in your late twenties, you lose muscle mass at 1-2% per year, leading to a loss of 15-20% by your forties if you don't engage in regular strength training. This condition, known as sarcopenia, accelerates the aging process. Prioritizing building muscle helps maintain strength and mobility and supports healthier aging overall.For effective strength training, prioritize lifting weights that feel challenging by the last few reps or seconds of an exercise. Avoid sticking with outdated weight limits; choose weights that push your muscles to grow and stay strong over time.You can strengthen muscles through exercises like sit-ups, but you cannot spot reduce fat in specific areas like the belly. Fat loss happens throughout the body and is influenced by your overall metabolism and hormonal changes. To manage body composition effectively, focus on consistent movement, balanced nutrition, and prioritize stress management and sleep, particularly during perimenopause.QUOTES: [6:17] “I won't say that I did everything right from there. I turned to over-exercising for many, many years. I would probably say over a decade of over-exercising after that. So, I've done everything wrong before doing anything right. Along the way, I wanted to know more about our bodies, what makes us work specifically as women, and how our bodies function.” -  Sarah Thomas[9:36] “Cardio, in general, is great for our heart health. So we have, for some reason, turned cardio into ‘this is what's going to change your body.' It was never researched or meant to change our body composition. We have somehow morphed it into something it wasn't created to do.” - Sarah Thomas“As we age, that intense cardio is registering to the body as a stressor, on top of all the stress we already have.” - Jenn Trepeck[15:00] “I always say weightlifting is queen at this stage of your life. I mean, really! You know, I always say, we talk to perimenopausal women, but if you're in your twenties and your early thirties, pay attention, start doing it now. It is the best approach. I wish I had someone to tell me this in my late twenties and early thirties. So even if you're not here yet and you're listening. Do this now, do this now, because having muscle mass is what we need as we get older.” - Sarah Thomas[34:56]  “I would challenge you by saying, I bet you have five minutes after lunch to do something. I bet you could get up from your desk for five or 10 minutes and do something versus scrolling. Maybe you could still scroll social media and move your body. Maybe you can just get on the treadmill and keep doing that. But I would challenge you to say, if you have five minutes, if you have 10 minutes, you can still get up and move your body.” - Sarah Thomas[35:19] “There are a lot of magical things that can happen when you get up and move after you eat. So, 30 minutes to an hour after you eat, it gives that glucose spike when you eat something, somewhere to go. And so it will decrease that insulin response, which will level out, so I'm getting kind of sciencey, but it will level out the glucose response, which we don't want the big spikes.” - Sarah Thomas[37:41] “If you're like, I just don't have time, start there. Just get up two or three times throughout your day. Walk around, manage your stress and sleep well.” Sarah ThomasRESOURCES: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:Burn Fat and Feast - WebsiteBurn Fat and Feast - InstagramBurn Fat and Feast - FacebookBurn Fat and Feast - TikTokSarah Thomas - PinterestSarah Thomas - LinkedInBurn Fat and Feast Podcast feat. Jenn Trepeck - Episode 128BIO: Sarah ThomasI am a personal trainer, fitness instructor, nutrition coach, business mentor, wife, mom of three, and the founder and CEO of Burn Fat and FEAST, a lifestyle program for women who feel stuck and frustrated with weight loss and overall well-being. Burn Fat and FEAST provides a proven, step-by-step system that educates and empowers women to finally shed excess weight, increase metabolism, and stop yo-yo dieting once and for all. At Burn Fat and FEAST, we teach women to live life to the fullest by focusing on progress over perfection!I am passionate about teaching a positive mindset, food freedom, metabolic flexibility, hormone balance and fat loss to women in their 30s and beyond. I implement our BFF signature 3, 4, and 5 approaches for long-term, sustainable fat loss. This approach gives my clients results without feeling deprived or getting stuck in a plateau. I've been featured in TV and magazine publications such as Nashville's Talk of the Town, Franklin Lifestyle, The Tennessean, and Nashville Voyager, as well as on Podcasts and as a keynote speaker for national wellness and educational conferences across the country.

With so many items available at Costco, it can be tricky to determine what is a truly healthier option vs. what is just marketed as a good option. Jenn is here to help!This week, Jenn is diving into all things Costco. She walks through a variety of items from meat, to refrigerated foods, frozen foods, and even some non food items. Jenn discusses the nutrition facts, how you can spruce up a meal using some Costco items for quick meals, and what she would stay away from. This is definitely an episode to listen to before you hit Costco for your next food haul! Tune in to learn what you should add to your cart! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [2:12] Jenn shares the recipes members are getting this week![5:34] What are some good meat options at Costco considering the type and price?[13:34] What is the quality of the food in the refrigerated sections? [17:09] Are there healthy noodle options available at Costo? [19:54] What are some good frozen food options? [26:29] Which snack options are good to buy at Costco? [34:01] Any good non-food items you should look out for?KEY TAKEAWAYS: Costco meats are a great option for price and quality!Even if something is marked “healthy” make sure you check the ingredients and amount you are getting for the listed price.You always have the option to create meals that add in healthy options - for example Kevin's mongolian beef with some organic veggies. QUOTES: “We know that in any store, the produce is going to be our best option...the organic berries at Costco are, hands down, the best prices I've seen anywhere...they actually have quite a bit of organic produce.” - Jenn Trepeck[5:36] “So they have organic ground meat. First of all, four pounds for $24.99 for organic ground beef is wild. I was curious, it doesn't say it on the package if they are grass fed, so I went to the internet, according to the internet it is grass fed. I think it is more challenging to find organic grass fed beef for that kind of price, which is why I thought it was notable. Actually, the same for the organic, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they are $5.99 a pound.” - Jenn Trepeck[9:37] “Some things at Costco are region or geography specific. So, not to say that everything we found here you'll find at your Costco, but you know, I think if they have them at any Costco, it's something you could even ask your Costco for.” Jenn Trepeck[16:10] “I would say, add vegetables to this right. Round out your meal, it's going to give you some of the fiber and I would add some quality fat in there also. You can make a meal in a few minutes for your family, but for something that's pre-packaged and one of these sauces, I've seen way worse.” - Jenn Trepeck about Kevin's Chicken"Anytime we are getting these frozen, or already prepared in some way, foods, they are adding these other things to it, that you're not getting if you bought ground chicken or the chicken breast. But, this is a healthier option compared to some of the other ones that you could pick.” - Jenn Trepeck[36:34] “I live in the world of practicality vs. idea. You know, only eat green things, not that that's even an idea, but you know what, I think some people can make it feel like if you are choosing some of these pre made or prepared or frozen things that you're failing, and I think that's 100% not the case.” - Jenn Trepeck RESOURCES:Find Your Nearest CostcoBecome 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 Instagram

If you've ever lost weight only to gain it back, you are not alone! This weight re-gain is referred to as relapse and it's extraordinarily common and this is a must listen! Jenn explores the complexities of breaking the yo-yo dieting cycle, understanding relapse rates in weight management and what we can do to reduce our own relapse rate. This week, Jenn discusses the psychological and behavioral challenges of maintaining weight loss, emphasizing the importance of mindset and the tendency to revert to old habits. Drawing parallels to alcohol and smoking breaks, they highlight societal stigma and personal identity issues. The episode emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to lifestyle changes, focusing on sustainable habits and self-awareness to achieve long-term health and wellness.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [01:53] The concept of relapse rates in weight management and behavior change.[03:01] Jenn shares the recipe and tool members get this week..[07:38] The importance of mental and behavioral shifts for maintaining weight loss.[10:35] Weight management relapse rates to those in alcohol recovery.[12:16] What are some of the stigmas associated with weight loss and identity?[23:06] Why individuals regain weight, focusing on the physiological changes during weight loss.[25:05] How low blood sugar affects behavior and the tendency to revert to old habits.[26:01] The importance of quickly noticing when old behaviors resurface to minimize relapse duration and addressing the challenge of changing self-identity from being a dieter to a healthier individual.[30:14] Shifting perspective on cheat meals from frequent indulgences to occasional treats for special occasions.[37:00] What are the tools and behaviors that can help reduce our relapse rates?KEY TAKEAWAYS: Understand the importance of consistency and sustainable habits to avoid the pitfalls of repetitive weight loss and gain.Recognize the mental and behavioral hurdles that come with keeping the weight off, and develop strategies to address them.Remember what the parallels are between weight management and other behavior changes, such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption, but unlike those situations, the goal here is not a relapse rate of zero.QUOTES: “Maintenance is the least sexy thing there is, and what can happen is we accomplish this success and then we stop doing the things that got us there.” - Jenn Trepeck"When I work with my clients, it's 12 weeks to build the tool belt so you can go live the rest of your life. It's building the tool belt to handle whatever comes our way.” - Jenn Trepeck“There's a misconception of how change works. We're led to believe, and we want to believe, that we flip a switch or check the box and then onward! That's not really how it happens...at all!” - Jenn Trepeck"We end up losing the weight as water, muscle, and bone. The scale stops moving, we get frustrated, we go back to those eating habits, and we gain the weight back as fat."  - Jenn Trepeck"Our objective is not zero relapse; it's to make the relapse shorter, recognize it faster, and have a shorter, quicker path to moving forward." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanCelebrating 3 Years with the 5 fat factorsWillpower Won't PowerHow to CheatTake your foot off the gas (Reverse Dieting)A Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram

It can feel so frustrating trying to determine what will actually work when it comes to health and weight loss. Maybe you feel like you've tried everything, or you've been dieting for more than 10 years and still aren't seeing the results you want. Tune in to understand why. This week, Jenn is joined by community pharmacist Dr. Kathy Campbell to discuss how our bodies are (or aren't) adapting in this modern world. Dr. Campbell shares why people are experiencing metabolic dysfunction and what we can do to battle it, given that she calls obesity “modern-day famine.” She talks about what factors in the world are impacting our health, and what is going on at a chemical level that we may not even be aware of. Dr. Kathy Campbell shares how to identify our own health culture, and determine what tweaks we need to make to have the biggest impacts. Oh! And Jenn also asks about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy! Tune in to learn more.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [3:55] Jenn shares what members are getting this week.[5:53] Dr. Kathy Campbell shares her personal experience with weight management.[8:11] What does Dr. Campbell do as a community pharmacist?[12:16] How does metabolic dysfunction work in our bodies?[14:37] What are some of the consequences or expressions of our primitive caveman biology living in conflict with our modern world?[20:02] Dr. Campbell talks about how we are being failed and how that impacts our health. [23:25] How can you start to identify your own health culture and the tweaks you can make for big impacts?[27:55] What does culture mean to Dr. Campbell? [31:16] What does Dr. Campbell think about GLP-1's?[37:08] Rapid fire, off topic questions for Dr. Kathy Campbell. KEY TAKEAWAYS: What the body is doing is a hundred percent of the time appropriate to the environment with which it is surviving. It's not just the macro environment like the air around us, it's also the internal environment of the body, what's going on within the cellular level.You are the expert of your own body. Use yourself as a type of science experiment, try things and see if they work for you. If they don't try something else. There is a time and a place for medicine, but if you are taking pharmaceuticals and are not changing your habits and your lifestyle, you are doing your body a disservice. GLP-1's can be a tool in your tool box, but you also have to put in the work to fix your gut and focus on your overall health. QUOTES: [9:41] “The problem isn't our genetics. The problem is we've had a catastrophic environmental change for our human self and we have not evolved. I don't know that we will evolve to actually survive the current environment.” - Dr. Kathy Campbell“When people come to me, most are over-fed and under-nourished. That ends up in a place of metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, we observe it as obesity.” - Jenn Trepeck[12:54] “The critical chemistries I see in the body are nutrients, oxygen, sunlight, water, love and connection. When I speak to my peers, I call it pharmacology, food pharmacology, and the hardest one is stress pharmacology.” - Dr. Kathy Campbell[24:32] “You're the only biochemical you, you're a unique organism living in a unique life with a unique history. You have to create around you a team, and I call it a partner's in health team. You need somebody that is a coach, you need a farmer, you need a doctor, you need a physical therapist, you need a massage therapist, if you don't have a good hairdresser on there, you're missing out. They're all part of almost a mirror, because often we're the last ones to know when the function slips, but that's an honest journeying through our health.” - Dr. Kathy CampbellRESOURCES:Train Like an Olympian Nutrition NuggetOlympics vs. Everyday Athletes PodcastBecome 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 RESOURCESDr. Kathy Campbell's WebsiteDr. Kathy Campbell's InstagramGUEST BIODr. Kathy M. Campbell, the driving force behind DrKathy Health, LLC, has been a clinical community pharmacist in Oklahoma for over 30 years. Her popular TEDx University of Tulsa talk, “Obesity: The Modern Famine,” highlights her innovative approach to community health, where she combines medical insight with her personal journey with obesity.Harnessing a profound love for applied science and an empatheticapproach, Dr. Kathy has made it her mission to address patient challenges innovatively, often realizing that pivotal solutions stem from meaningful conversations. An advocate for proactive health, her expertise lies in melding the intricacies of food and stress biochemistry with traditional pharmacy. Her journey of personal health, managing obesity from a young age and losing 150 pounds, fuels her understanding and passion for proactive health management.A proud alumna of the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Kathy boasts a bachelor of science in both zoology and pharmacy and later completed her doctorate of pharmacy in 2005. Moreover, her innovative streak in the pharmacy profession has positioned her as a go-to consultant for industry giants like Designs for Health and InBody.A lifelong resident of Tulsa, OK, Dr. Kathy cherishes her 25-year bond with her supportive husband, Royce Campbell. Together, they nurture three young adults—Emma and her husband Bradly, and their youngest, Abby.

Understanding how metabolism works and all the different aspects that go into metabolic health can feel overwhelming. This week Jenn is breaking it all down into digestible pieces, so you can create metabolic flexibility. In this episode, Jenn is discussing metabolic flexibility. This is the body's ability to burn different types of fuel (sugar or fat) depending on what's available. She breaks down the different aspects that go into creating metabolic flexibility, including sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition. Jenn provides some great examples of how to implement each of these factors into your daily life, and which are most important when getting started. She takes the overwhelm out of this complex topic so that you can get started with one small thing today to create more metabolic flexibility in your life. Tune in today to learn more! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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:[3:15] Jenn tells members the recipe they are getting this week and about the quarterly live Q&A.[5:23] What is metabolic flexibility? [7:24] What is metabolism and how does it work? [8:37] What is metabolic health and what are the indicators of metabolic health? [13:45] What are the benefits of being metabolically flexible? [18:11] How does intermittent fasting and the keto diet impact metabolism and metabolic flexibility?[27:12] Does sleep impact metabolic flexibility? [31:21] Why does stress impact metabolic flexibility? [35:18] How does exercise influence metabolic flexibility? [40:00] Jenn summarizes how all these aspects come together when it comes to your health. KEY TAKEAWAYS:The ketogenic diet was originally designed to help treat seizures. If you do not experience seizures, the keto diet isn't meant to be followed for life. Sleep is one of the most accessible, effective ways to support metabolic flexibility.The key factor to ensure that we remove fat without losing as much muscle is eating quality and sufficient amounts of protein and strength training. We need all the macronutrients in order to maintain muscle mass and not turn the muscle into fuel. QUOTES: [2:29] “Metabolic flexibility is the body's ability to use different sources of fuel, depending on what's available. So essentially it's the body using sugar or glucose or fat as it's fuel. In an ideal scenario, the body's able to adapt depending on what's available and it might go back and forth.” - Jenn Trepeck[19:33] “When we're eating processed foods, higher glycemic carbohydrates, foods that look like food but are really new to nature molecules, devoid of nutrition, it sets us up for challenges with glucose and insulin and again, allowing our body to do what it's supposed to do. So whole, real foods meeting those dietary needs.” - Jenn Trepeck[34:53] “Think about all the little things that you can build into your day to help chip away at that stress whether we feel like we're stressed in that moment, so that we can start to make the shift and turn off that nervous system response that keeps us in that glucose burning state.” - Jenn Trepek[44:35] “If you are in a place where you're experiencing all of those symptoms, or signs of metabolic rigidity, let's start with a progression of working towards whole foods. Hitting our protein, fiber, quality fat. Let's work to get our blood sugar in these middle ranges. Make sure we have all the stress reduction, the sleep, the movement, all of these other elements in place, and then we can evolve into a place where we start to experiment with some of the other things.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:The Mess of Stress EpisodeNutrition 101 EpisodeSleep on it EpisodeBeyond Cardio EpisodeAutophagy Nutrition NuggetBecome 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 Instagram

Do you know how much sugar you eat in a day? The answer may come as a shock, but Jenn is here to help us understand our sugar intake and give us practical steps to eat less sugar, and still enjoy our food. Are hidden sugars sneaking into your food? Today, we're diving deep into the surprising places sugar hides and the powerful impact it can have on your body. Navigating how much sugar you're consuming can feel overwhelming, but Jenn is here to break it all down for you. Join us as we explore the many names sugar goes by, simple strategies to reduce it in your meals, and practical tips to stay on track as you transform your habits for better health. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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:[02:37] Members' Recipe for this week & quarterly live session with Jenn.[4:40] How much sugar does the average American consume? [7:43] Why do things taste sweeter? [9:54] What happens in the brain when we consume sugar?[13:48] How many different names are there for sugar?[19:40] How can you know if you need to reduce your sugar intake or if you are experiencing a different issue?[24:58] What are the best ways to ditch sugar?[28:22] What sugar swaps can you make to hit the sweet spot while avoiding processed foods?[29:50] Should you ditch sugar cold turkey or do a gradual reduction? [35:12] How should you start your day to avoid blood sugar extremes and sugar cravings?[38:35] What are the best ways to stay accountable when creating new habits? KEY TAKEAWAYS:Every blood sugar challenge or metabolic health challenge isn't necessarily because of sugar. Other factors could include: low vitamin D, gut health, poor sleep, snacking, nutrient deficiencies, emotions, and more. Do a cold turkey, 7 day sugar detox can help you see what impact sugar has on you. It also allows you to write some new rules for yourself, and look at what guidelines you want for yourself after the 7 days when it comes to sugar. Accountability can create the perfect environment for changing your habits. Whether that's a coach or a buddy, who can you connect with when the struggles come up? It will be easier than doing this on your own. RESOURCES:Debunking Detox EpisodeBecome 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 InstagramQUOTES: [5:29] “The latest research I saw was from September of 2023, in a day 34 teaspoons of sugar, which is more than 500 calories. That equates to 100 pounds of sugar per year, per person.” - Jenn Trepeck  [27:21] “My top tip when you start: Be sure you're eating sufficient protein and eat regularly enough to keep your blood sugar in sort of this middle range. We want fluctuations, just not extremes.” - Jenn Trepeck[32:34] “Red lines can help us have more willpower, it cuts the chatter in our minds. So if we can do seven days with those red lines, what I see, frankly, all of my clients in the last 17 years, seven days of red lines, eliminates a vast majority of those cravings and then our awareness of when those cravings show up and what we can use instead is infinitely easier than when we tiptoe.” - Jenn Trepeck

Jenn and her guest Kate are letting you in on a little secret today - you have the power to change your life. This episode is packed full of tips on how to stop living your life on default mode, and how to design the life you live. This week, Jenn is joined by empowerment coach Kate House. Kate shares about her quarter life crisis, and how she determined that she needed to take control of her life in order for it to change. She talks about the best ways to deal with contentment and comparison during bumpy seasons of life. Kate shares how she creates goals with her clients utilizing her framework Goals with Soul, and how to make new habits with simple tweaks in your day to create long lasting habits. Tune in to learn how to create goals with intention to fit into your life. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [6:19] We meet Kate as she shares her quarter life crisis. [12:20] What is the difference between default and design, and how do you bridge the gap between the two? [18:40] How do you deal with contentment? [20:50] What are the best ways to deal with comparison? [26:20] How can you determine what you want to focus on in the next season of life (or right now)? What is a Goal with Soul? [34:43] Kate shares an example of breaking down your goals and making them truly attainable.[39:46] How can you work through imperfect action? KEY TAKEAWAYS: A Goal with Soul starts with an intention. It is aspirational, attainable, meaningful, and seasonally appropriate.Action creates clarity and it's what moves us forward. Make the action for your goal to be as small and simple as possible, so that it's almost too easy to do it.Show up for yourself imperfectly, you will learn along the way and eventually master the skill. Action helps you create clarity and is what creates results. Life goes through seasons, and there may be times when you have more time to take action and push your life forward, and other times where you need to slow down and focus on what is in front of you while implementing joy in the little pockets you have available. QUOTES: [7:47] “I actually did have a light bulb moment because that was the moment I realized, oh my gosh, I am the only person who can change this for myself. Dennis can't do it for me, my boss can't do it for me, I have to take ownership of my life and I have to decide to pour myself into the things that feel fulfilling, that feel like I'm living by design, cause up until that point, I was kind of living by default.” - Kate House[8:36] “Nothing changes if nothing changes, and also what I'm not changing, I'm choosing.” - Kate House[13:48] “To me, living by design means hitting pause on the busyness of life and taking time to really be present with the people that I love most. The cool thing to me about living by design is that it is unique for each and every one of us.” - Kate House[41:24] “Ed Mylett had this great quote on a podcast years ago, he said imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time. I draw on it so often to inspire me to take action and to do it imperfectly, and to be ok with the fact that I can't start something new, I can't be a beginner at something and also be a master at it at the same time.” - Kate House"We're setting up the systems for the most hectic of days, not for the ideal day." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Willpower Guzzlers Podcast EpisodeThe 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 MonthsBecome 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 RESOURCESKate House's WebsiteLive by Design PodcastKate House's InstagramFree month of LBD Collective MembershipOvercoming Overwhelm MasterclassGUEST BIOI'm Kate House, your host of the Live By Design Podcast and founder of the empowerment coaching program - the Live By Design Collective!I help women who feel stuck and overwhelmed and want to move through life with confidence and clarity set and actually achieve their personal goals with soul via mindset shifts, personal growth practices, healthy habits, and guilt-free self care!You can find me living in my small town of Gettysburg, PA with my husband (and college sweetheart!), my two little boys, and two mischievous pup dogs too. As a Behavior Change Specialist, Empowerment Coach, Top 2% Globally Ranked Podcaster, and Virtual Summit Host, I'm perfectly poised to support you in living by design and not by default via my signature method: The Live By Design Blueprint. ⭐ Because YOU are the architect of your extraordinary life! ⭐

We all know that we need to eat more vegetables, but what if you just can't stand them? And what if the only way you can think of to eat them is salads? Maybe you just haven't cooked vegetables in a way that you truly enjoy. Our guest this week offers ideas and tips but, above all, encourages you to play with your food to find what you love!On this week's episode, Jenn is joined by Hollywood caterer and cookbook author, Gwen Kenneally. Gwen gives some great tips on how to make vegetables pop and become more desirable to add into your daily food. She shares some simple ways to get started when cooking vegetables, and provides tips on how to season them and experiment with new ways of serving them up on your plate. Gwen talks about the best tools to have in your kitchen, and shares some of her family favorite recipes! Tune in for some great tips and tricks to add more plants to your plate. Don't forget to grab her Plantastic Cookbook also!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:10] Gwen shares her story and what led her to focusing on plant based cooking. [8:50] What are some simple ways to cook vegetables aside from roasting and steaming? [11:28] How can someone determine the best ways to season vegetables? [13:20] What are some vegetable combination ideas?[18:59] Gwen shares recommendations on how to make vegetables that people usually stay away from such as kale, mushrooms, and cabbage. [24:33] What are some great staples to keep in the house that are versatile and easy to use?[25:58] How else can you use quinoa, beyond as a rice substitute?[27:53] How can you identify and use jackfruit?[30:32] What are the best kitchen tools to have on hand? [32:18] How can you make family favorite recipes - especially with school lunch season coming up?[33:45] Which recipes from the Plantastic Cookbook are best for nights when you are short on time? KEY TAKEAWAYS: Play around with your food, try different spices, herbs, seasonings, etc. Try cooking them in a different way, barbecuing, steamed, roasted, etc. Experimenting will open up all kinds of possibilities for you.The recommended goal is to have at least 30 types of plants in your diet per week for great gut health. Meal prepping can make a huge difference and save you time throughout the week. Do your shopping on a weekend, wash everything, cut it up, prep it, it'll save you a lot of time during the week. QUOTES: [14:09] “When chefs are like, oh no, you have to do it this way, I'm like, no, you get to play with your food. You get to have fun, and you get to create it for yourself and anybody you're cooking for.” - Gwen Kenneally“It's really about playing...if you're not so worried about how it's going to turn out...I think sometimes we take it so seriously and we're so afraid of 'what if I don't do it right?' Well, the chocolate chip cookie was invented by mistake.” - Gwen Kenneally[30:33] “A microplane is the long grater that you can put it over a pot and grate your garlic and ginger right over it. That's a great tool. A good, sharp knife. Invest a little money in a knife because if you're chopping and prepping nothing is better than a good knife.” - Gwen Kenneally [33:04] “I mean we used to get a sandwich, a carrot and an apple, but I think if you do lots more little portions of lots of different things, you'll get them to start eating and trying more and if their friends are eating it, that's the best.” - Gwen Kenneally"There's 0 evidence that 100% of people would benefit from a plant-based diet but there IS OVERWHELMING evidence that 100% of people would benefit from adding more plants to their diet. Hopefully today we made that a bit easier for you." - 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 RESOURCESBack to the Kitchen Catering WebsiteThe Plantastic Cookbook GoodreadsGwen Kenneally's InstagramGUEST BIOGwen Kenneally is a Hollywood caterer, highly acclaimed chef and food enthusiast with over 20 years of culinary experience. She is known for her innovative and sustainable approach to plant - based cuisine. Gwen is passionate about creating delicious meals that are good for both people and the planet. Her work has been featured in top culinary publications, and she continues to inspire food lovers around the world with her creative recipes.Gwen has been featured in numerous publications and TV shows, and she brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to her latest cookbook.She believes that plant - based cooking is not just a trend but a lifestyle that promotes health, ethical consciousness, and a greener planet.

We can't believe we have hit 5 years of Salad With a Side of Fries! This episode highlights audience questions from the Live podcast recording in NYC. Tune in to hear the answers to those questions that can benefit anyone on their health journey. If you're new to Salad with a Side of Fries, this is a great episode to start with.In this episode, you will hear questions that audience members asked Jenn during her Live podcast recording in NYC to celebrate 5 years of Salad With a Side of Fries. Audience members get the opportunity to ask their questions and receive live coaching from Jenn. Questions include how blood sugar works, how to manage insulin resistance, if you should drink soda, why someone may have a sudden weight gain and so much more. Whether it's your first time with us or you've been a listener for the last five years, tune in to hear questions from everyday people that you are likely wondering for yourself. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [6:15] What made Jenn start her podcast?[10:37] Jenn explains why burning fat and storing fat are related to blood sugar. [14:30] What happens when you are insulin resistant? [15:50] Why is fat important and what types should be added to your diet? [22:10] Which is worse - regular soda or diet soda?[23:35] How can you determine the first thing that you should change when it comes to your health? [25:54] How do you determine how much food you should eat? [29:14] What can cause sudden weight gain? [33:14] Where do you find the best support for your health journey (health coach, nutritionist, etc.)?[37:33] What are some things that Jenn has given up in her diet and why?[42:46] Jenn addresses intermittent fasting and how it works with the body.[47:59] If you are drinking alcohol, what's the best way to approach it? KEY TAKEAWAYS: Protein and fiber at every meal makes removing fat no big deal (and eat some quality fat too). What's one thing you want to change about your health today or prevent in the future? The answer to that question is what you should start with on your health journey. One thing at a time, one step at a time, one thing to move your health forward. Balancing blood sugar is key to removing fat. Start your meal with protein, fiber, and fat, then add in high-glycemic carbs and the dessert to keep yourself from spiking your blood sugar too high. If you start with high-glycemic carbs or sugar, your insulin spikes and then gets stored as fat. QUOTES: [10:37] “Whether you are burning fat or storing fat is a function of blood sugar.” - Jenn Trepeck[12:24] “When we eat too little, when we cut out whole food groups, when we dramatically cut calories, our body doesn't realize that there's a refrigerator full of food that we're choosing not to eat. And it says, you won't kill me, I will survive. So anything it gets, it stores as fat because fat is fuel stored to be used later.” - Jenn Trepeck[45:01] “Because we're all losing it as water, muscle, and bone, gaining it back as fat, losing it as water, muscle, and bone, gaining it back as fat. So over time, we could end up at the same number on the scale as we were before, but by our body composition, we're actually fatter at that number, which means our health is not the same.” - 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 Instagram

Have you gotten the diagnosis of IBS? Jenn and Hannah are here to talk about why IBS is BS, and what things you can do to overcome the IBS symptoms. Tune in to learn more about digestion and gut health. On this week's episode, Jenn is joined by health coach, Hannah Alyward. Hannah walks through what IBS is and why the common recommendation of elimination diets isn't a forever solution. She explains why people experience bloating and what the bloating you are experiencing could mean. She also talks about what is happening inside of our digestive system when we eat. Hannah shares some tips for things you can do right now to optimize digestion and the best ways to support gut health. She is a wealth of information; you do not want to miss this episode! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [3:40] Hannah shares about her life before becoming a health coach. [7:48] Why is an elimination diet not a long term solution?[12:37] What is IBS and why is it BS?[14:07] What is natural bloating vs. bloating indicating a bigger issue? [17:39] Why are people experiencing a lot of bloating and when do you need additional testing? [25:40] What are some things we can do right now to optimize healthy digestion? [29:05] How do you know where to start with healing digestive enzymes? [31:48] Why are gallbladder removals so common? [37:04] Hannah shares her final thoughts around supporting your gut health at home. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The first priority to set up success for digestion is to ensure that your nervous system is calm and chewing your food to applesauce consistency to make sure that you are breaking your food down efficiently.Elimination diets are not meant to be permanent, they should only be a temporary solution to reduce symptoms that you are having while finding and repairing the root cause.  Always advocate for yourself. Ask your doctors questions. If you are not comfortable with what they are recommending, seek a second opinion. If they are not listening to you and addressing your concerns or symptoms, seek a second opinion.QUOTES: [9:59] “What's so key here that I want to repeat is that the objective of the elimination diet is that we pull things out to create a healing opportunity, so that we can then add things back in and your body doesn't react the same way it once did once there's been that healing.” - Jenn Trepeck[17:47] “If you feel like this is really impacting your life and you've already made some nutrition adjustments, which are kind of like the first line of defense that people bring into play. If we take out processed foods, minimize gluten and dairy, if you've done all that and you're still feeling this way, it's time to work with someone that is an expert in this and explore some functional testing.” - Hannah Alyward[25:52] “Before food even makes it into the gut microbiome, our body is priming for digestion essentially. So if you can spend more time with your food, smelling your food, cooking your food, enjoying your food, chewing your food, these are how we set our bodies up to properly digest our food.” - Hannah Alyward[27:40] “Take six deep belly breaths before eating each meal, helping to calm and pacify the nervous system, and chewing your food into applesauce consistency, everyone can start there and it's free and it's easy.” - Hannah Alyward[36:13] “I wish everyone would dig deeper into their gut health, even if they have no digestive symptoms, because it influences fertility and skin and energy and just everything. even hair growth. All these systems are interconnected.” - Hannah AlywardRESOURCES:Birth Control Part 1 EpisodeBirth Control Part 2 Episode The Body's Daily Detox EpisodeDebunking Detox EpisodeBecome 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 RESOURCESHannah Aylward's WebsiteFree Gut Health Root Cause QuizHannah Aylward's InstagramGood Gut Formula MasterclassGUEST BIOHannah Aylward is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, gut health specialist, and the founder of HAN, her functional nutrition practice taking a root cause approach to repairing the gut for real. After struggling with her own chronic digestive issues for years, Hannah dove headfirst into the latest in gut health research, seeking answers to her bloating, food sensitivities, and pain. With her science-backed formula, Hannah has overcome her own digestive issues and helped hundreds of other women around the world do the same.

This episode covers:In this episode, we discuss the science of behavior change, the importance of making healthful choices easy, debunk the myth of motivation, and so much more.After graduating from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Jenn Trepeck founded Better Life Now LLC while working full-time in hedge funds. In 2019, she took her practice from side-hustle to full-time self-employment and launched her podcast, Salad With a Side of Fries. On the show, science-based tips and tricks for how to achieve wellness and weight loss for real life are discussed – because who wants a life without fries or dessert?! Topics tackled on the podcast include debunking fad diets, food myths, misinformation in marketing, bad science, and general nutrition. Links mentioned during this episode:Jenn's Instagram (podcast): https://www.instagram.com/saladwithasideoffriespod/Jenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenntrepeck/?hl=enJenn's Website: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/Jenn's Wellness Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/jenntrepeck/wellness-discovery-1-1Lyons' Share Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelyonsshareJoin Megan's Newsletter: www.thelyonsshare.org/newsletter

Do you ever feel like you're at the end of your rope, and you never feel truly rested? Join Jenn as she discusses how to take a step back and look at what type of rest your body needs in order to recharge. In this episode, Jenn is sharing the 7 different types of rest. She walks us through each type and shares the different ways that you can implement that type of rest into your day or busy routine. From mental rest to spiritual rest, your brain and body require some time to relax and just be. The tips you'll hear in this episode will help you determine which type of rest you need and how to approach getting it in a way that doesn't feel like another overwhelming task! Tune in to determine how you'll spend time in your “nothing box”.The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:29] Jenn shares the 7 types of rest. [7:08] What are the benefits of sleep and what types of sleep are there? [8:43] How can you prioritize mental rest? [14:14] What is social rest and what are some examples?  [17:08] Why is spiritual rest so important?[23:09] What is sensory rest and how does our everyday life impact our senses?[29:25] How can you fit more emotional rest into your life?[33:19] What are options for creative rest?[36:15] How do you determine which type of rest you need most?  KEY TAKEAWAYS: The first step of determining what type of rest you need is to ask your body what needs to be restored. Are you experiencing decision fatigue? Or do you need a walk outside to disconnect?Take a week and try each of the rest options and see what works best for you and see how you feel after each different type of rest. Honoring your need to rest allows you to show up better in all other areas of your life. If you are a parent, modeling this for your children will help them learn to prioritize their rest and wellbeing as well! QUOTES: [14:20] “Everyday social interactions for introverts, socializing can be very exhausting and draining, but even for people who wouldn't identify as introverts, social rest can be really valuable. This gives us a chance to recharge and a big piece of this is actually maintaining our boundaries.” - Jenn Trepeck [24:35] “Frankly we just live in a world of overstimulation and that over stimulation creates a lot of the exhaustion and our brain is always going because there is constant input.” - Jenn Trepeck [31:40] “Where do you feel like you're not even feeling things? Like things can be crazy around you and you're sort of like blinders on, focused, moving forward. That's a great indication that we could use a little emotional rest.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:There's not Enough Time in the Day EpisodeMeditation for Stress EpisodeSlow Down...Yeah Right? EpisodeBeyond Caffeine: Natural Ways to Improve Energy Levels EpisodePerception vs Reality EpisodeBecome 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 Instagram

Do you constantly put pressure on yourself to look a certain way, or weigh a certain weight? Are you willing to do anything just to lose weight while ignoring how your body and mind feel? What if we told you that isn't the best way to honor yourself and it isn't even the best way to reach that goal! Tune in today to understand a different perspective around your activity, self worth and the options available to you.This week Jenn is joined by CEO and Co-Founder of WeShape, Katie Bramlett. After years of having a successful company, Katie couldn't get aligned with what they were promoting, so she decided to take it in a different direction, creating WeShape. Her new business focuses on movement and self worth instead of diet culture. In this episode, she talks about what diet culture tells us about our self worth, and how someone can start finding body liberation. She discusses how to connect with your body to determine what movement is in alignment for you, and how to honor yourself along your fitness journey. Tune in to learn how to determine your individualized fitness journey. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:14] What is Katie's background and how did she get started with WeShape? [10:22] What are some indications that diet culture is influencing our thinking? [12:32] What does diet culture tell us about self worth? [17:10] How does Katie define self worth? [23:20] Where can someone find body liberation? [26:55] How can you untangle the movement from the desire to change your body?[28:29] How does self betrayal play into our typical diet culture approach to working out?[31:00] How does WeShape work through their four pillars?[36:08] Katie shares her final thoughts around self worth and movement. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Learning to understand what your body needs, what feels good in your body, and what is the right type of movement for you, is so important, as everyone is different and no one fitness routine is right for everyone. Get curious with yourself, start asking yourself hard questions to uncover what you want as an individual. Ask yourself if you are living for you or for someone else's version of what they think you should be?It has been ingrained in us that our value is based on our appearance, however that doesn't have to be your story. You can find your self worth in the ability to express your most authentic self, regardless of other people's opinions. Your weight does not equate your worth. QUOTES: [7:14] “When we look at the data and science around diets, around weight loss and weight gain, and yo yo dieting, we often see that they don't work, and people often gain the weight, if not more, back. I have a theory and belief it's because people are using that vehicle to validate their self worth, and that work is done outside of weight loss.” - Katie Bramlett“I have a theory that people are using that vehicle (weight loss and diets) to validate their self-worth.”  - Katie Bramlett“I'm not saying weight loss is bad. I'm saying when we lead with that, the fruits of that effort are often short-lived.” - Katie Bramlett“What we're really looking for is this self-worth piece and we think that that's connected to this body.” - Jenn Trepeck[17:12] “For me, I define self worth as the ability to express my most authentic self, regardless of other people's opinions.” - Katie Bramlett[36:07] “I just want to offer kindness to everybody because in a lot of ways this was normalized for all of us, and so getting more critical and more judgemental to yourself or participating in it or being in it is not going to help, so kindness can go far and we have choices.” - Katie BramlettRESOURCES:Jenn Trepeck's Episode on Weight Loss and Wellness For RealBecome 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 RESOURCESWeShape Website and 2 Week Free TrialWeShape YouTubeFeeling Lighter Pod YouTube  WeShape InstagramFeeling Lighter Podcast Instagram   The Feeling Lighter Podcast AppleWeShape TikTokWeShape FacebookGUEST BIOKatie Bramlett is the CEO and Co-Founder of WeShape and Host of The Feeling Lighter Podcast by WeShape. With a background in Psychology and excellent skills with Infrastructure and Operations, Katie concentrates on the goal that you should strive to feel better in and about your body, not focusing on how to change your body. With over twenty years of experience, Katie is passionate about social change and is leading WeShape's brand mission of bringing awareness to the toxic weight loss culture. Her entire company and product is rooted in intention, movement, community, and beliefs. She aims to help people bring self love and emotional intelligence to fitness and to create self awareness through meaningful conversations.

When you think about your health, what is it that you picture? When you push yourself to workout, what do you say to yourself? Do you exercise because you hate your body and want to change it? Do you think about how you look or how many pounds you want to lose? If you find yourself focusing on fitness because it's supposed to change your body composition, you may be missing the bigger picture of what health means.This week Jenn is talking about untying the knot of fitness and body composition. Many times, we can get stuck in a cycle of obsessing over what we look like in the mirror, and the results will determine whether we are “healthy” or not. But what if we looked at all the other factors that go into health? During this episode, Jenn discusses how psychology plays into our feelings around our fitness regime, the hierarchy of movement, and what the other parts of health include. She describes how she utilizes tracking with her clients so they can see what their habits are when they are feeling their best. Tune in to learn how to reframe your thoughts around exercise and appreciate the miracle of the body you have. The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [7:28] Why is there confusion with fitness and body composition? [12:00] How does psychology play into our feelings around our fitness routines? [20:18] How can you determine what your desired outcome actually is? [25:29] What's the first step to reframing our feelings around fitness and health? [28:35] What is the hierarchy of movement? [30:15] What are the other factors of health? [34:19] How does Jenn utilize tracking with her clients? [37:58] How can you separate movement from the way your body looks? [42:27] Jenn shares her thoughts around BMI and motivation. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Health isn't just fitness and nutrition. Expand your definition of what it means to live a healthy life to include your mental health, happiness, energy, and sleep quality.To determine what habits set you up for success, track your stress level, mood, sleep, energy, confidence and then look to see on which days you felt the best, what habits you were doing.Your body is an absolute miracle. Creating awareness and reframing your thoughts around your body and appreciating all the things it does for you, allows you to look at a new narrative. QUOTES: [27:04] “When I first start working with a client, we don't talk about the movement component in depth for about a month and it's on their radar anyway. It's almost like by not hyper focusing on it, and giving them other tools and things that we're building on each week, it inherently starts to diminish some of that importance on that activity or the intensity of that activity.” - Jenn Trepeck [28:01] “Just as we know it's not human to be sitting all day, it's also not human to sit all day and go berserk for an hour.” - Jenn Trepeck[30:04] “There isn't one thing we're going to do for our health that is going to trump or outshine or outdo the other pieces of health.” - Jenn Trepeck[40:11] “What if during our movement, we could just sort of have a moment of wonder at how amazing this human body is, and thank goodness we don't have to think about which muscles move to make a movement happen and to breathe and to make sure the heart beats, and all of these things, like the body is an absolute miracle.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:LAST CHANCE: Tickets to Salad with a Side of Fries LIVE in NYC on July 25, 2024The Ultimate BioHack EpisodeLongevity Equation EpisodeBlue Zones EpisodeBiostack over Biohack EpisodeJenn Trepeck's Episode on Weight Loss and Wellness For RealBecome 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 Instagram

Do you hit a 3pm slump every day, or need a coffee just to get you going in the morning? Did you know there are other ways to feel energized that aren't just sugar and caffeine? This episode is all about energy and how to boost it naturally. In this episode, Jenn is talking about natural ways to improve your energy levels. There are many things you can do to give your energy a boost aside from reaching for sugar or caffeine. Jenn discusses how to know if you are experiencing low energy and what is happening within your body when you feel exhausted. She discusses energy givers and energy zappers and how to put up boundaries to protect your energy. Jenn emphasizes the importance of morning light, sleep, and movement as well as the building blocks (nutrients) necessary for energy. Tune in to uncover practical strategies to naturally boost your energy and feel revitalized!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [8:43] How do you know that you are experiencing low energy?[11:49] How do your genes affect your energy? [13:14] What is happening in our body when we feel exhausted? [18:34] What are energy givers and energy zappers? [25:56] What can you do to create sustained, healthy energy? [36:50] How does sleep and lighting impact our energy?  [39:14] How does caffeine impact our energy? [42:44] What are the important building blocks necessary for energy? KEY TAKEAWAYS: How you start your day has a big impact on your energy. Starting your day with intention and including hydration, movement, and managing stress are great for managing energy. Energy is as much a biological function as breathing and blood sugar. Eating to keep your blood sugar balanced also keeps our energy balanced.You don't have to try and do everything at once, pick the easiest thing for you to work on, and then add in the next thing. One step at a time. It's a marathon, not a sprint. QUOTES: "By thinking of it as a sprint, rather than a marathon, we choose the sources of energy that are fastest which also create a crash later on." – Jenn Trepeck[17:52] “One of my mentors says the presence of oxygen is the absence of disease. So it makes the argument for the importance of making sure that our heart is pumping, that we're breathing, and that we're doing these things, we're eating foods that support oxygen in the body.” - Jenn Trepeck"Muscle mass supports energy. Muscle helps us use fuel for energy today instead of storing it for later...exercise puts oxygen back into the mix and supports the body's own production of NAD which fuels the mitochondria along with the oxygen." - Jenn Trepeck[33:16] “Most of us are so magnesium deficient that what we'll get in our food isn't enough to replete everything we need. Proper use of magnesium, like so many vitamins and minerals, requires cofactors. So if we're not eating a range of fruits and vegetables, and also supplementing with a high quality multivitamin, we may not have the other things we need for our body to use and absorb the magnesium that we do get from some of these foods.” - Jenn Trepeck  [45:46] “If somebody were to ask me, what's the one thing, I start on the food piece: low glycemic impact nutrition, sufficient protein, fiber, quality fat. If you're already doing that and feeling challenged by energy, then the next thing I would go to is your sleep and getting first morning light or your caffeine.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Supplements for Improved EnergyBecome 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 Instagram

Balancing your blood sugar can have a huge impact on your brain health. If you experience brain fog, energy crashes, mood swings, cravings, or more, this episode is for you? Tune in to learn more about balancing your blood sugar. In this week's episode, Jenn talks with health and wellness expert Megan Lyons about how blood sugar affects brain health. Megan explains how different foods impact our brain, the role of neuroinflammation, and the literal connection between the gut and the brain, known as the vagus nerve. They discuss how being in a stressed state can affect digestion and blood sugar. Megan also shares practical tips for balancing blood sugar with different eating habits. Finally, Jenn and Megan chat about what's important and what's overrated when it comes to managing blood sugar. Tune in for useful advice and simple explanations!The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [06:22] Megan shares about herself and her background.[10:55] How might someone know if they are experiencing blood sugar dysregulation?[14:15] What's the connection between brain health and food? [15:29] How does neuroinflammation happen? [18:55] What food choices can help reduce or clear inflammation in the body? [22:10] How do vitamins and minerals help with inflammation? [24:07] How can you improve the gut/brain connection and tone of the vagus nerve? [27:48] Megan shares some tips for balancing blood sugar.[31:52] What are the most underrated things we should be doing to help balance blood sugar?[34:27] What are some of the most overrated things that people are doing that aren't always necessary? KEY TAKEAWAYS: Anti-inflammatory foods, sleep, and movement are essential for brain health. Focusing on the fundamentals before any supplement or biohack is where one needs to start. Focus on digestion, sleep, stress management, nutrient-dense diet, and movement before reaching for the next quick fix. Just get started. It doesn't matter which foundation you start with because they all impact one another. Start with the one that catches your attention the most and do the small steps to improve, then move on to the next. QUOTES: [12:14] “To answer your question, what might people experience if they're having some blood sugar dysregulation, honestly it could be so many things. Most commonly I see that energy slump, that craving, I need chocolate, I need caffeine, or I need a nap a couple hours after lunch tends to be the primary one. Some extra belly fat around the middle can be related to blood sugar, brain fog is often related as well.” - Megan Lyons[23:34] “Your nervous system can get hyper-activated, it can get kind of caught in that flight or flight state, and magnesium is soothing for that. It can help us shift into that parasympathetic state. It's implicated in so many different cellular reactions that help control inflammation.” - Megan Lyons[34:51] “There is no supplement in the world that will allow you to just eat those jelly beans all day without anything else and still have good blood sugar. I encourage people to pay attention to the foundations and not necessarily get too far off track there.” - Megan Lyons[38:18] “We prioritize these hacks over the fundamentals, and you can't supplement your way out of poor nutrition, we can't cold plunge our way out of not sleeping.” - 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:The Lyons Share WebsiteFreebie: The Revitalize Health AcceleratorThe Lyons Share PinterestGUEST BIO:Megan Lyons is a sought-after health & wellness expert who is deeply passionate about inspiring others to feel their healthiest and happiest. Megan is a Harvard graduate, MBA, and former management consultant who left the business world to follow her passion for wellness by opening The Lyons' Share Wellness in 2014. Since then, she's earned a Master's degree in Holistic Nutrition, and become Double Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition and has amassed over 10,000 hours of 1-to-1 nutrition consulting with clients internationally. Megan is the author of “Start Here: 7 Easy, Diet-Free Steps to Achieve Your Ultimate Health and Happiness,” a Top 10 Amazon Bestseller in Nutrition, and she runs a top podcast on health and wellness, “Wellness Your Way with Megan Lyons.” Her Revitalize Health Accelerator is a community of health-minded individuals looking to continuously uplevel their health and wellness.

Have you been trying out the biohacks that you hear about and still not seeing the results you were hoping for? That's because you have to have the foundations nailed down first. Tune in to learn about these foundations and how you can biostack your way to optimal health. In this episode, Jenn is guiding you through the foundations of optimal health, revealing how you can biostack your way to a healthier, more vibrant life. Dive deep into the essence of each foundational area and discover how they can enhance your well-being. Jenn sheds light on why popular biohacks might fall short if you haven't mastered these essential building blocks. Plus, she shares her expert tips on maintaining these foundations even when you're on vacation or stepping out of your daily routine. Don't miss out on Jenn's personal strategies for seamlessly integrating biostacks into her everyday habits. Tune in and unlock the secrets to a healthier you! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:46] What are biohacks?[9:20] How do we know if we are healthy? [13:47] How can we biostack nutrition habits? [16:37] What are some hydration biostacks?[18:20] How can you biostack activity?[21:39] What are helpful sleep biostacks?[25:48] How can we biostack to manage stress?[26:39] What are some mindset biostacks?[28:53] How can community and connection impact our health?[33:14] How can you get all of these things each day? [36:24] Jenn walks through her own biostacks. [39:55] How do you navigate biostacks while on vacation or out of our usual routine? [44:41] Jenn's final thoughts. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Changing the words that we use changes our mindset, changes our state of mind, and changes the way we think about everything. If we look at every single day as a stack of something to support our nutrition, hydration, activity, sleep, stress, mindset, and connection, we will experience optimal health. A healthful habit starts as discipline. Take the steps that will make the biggest difference for you.Habit stacking is the idea that we add something new to something that already exists, something that's already a habit that happens already. QUOTES: [6:39] “I like to say ‘biohacks are often stepping over $100 bills to pick up pennies', cause the hundred dollar bills are these fundamentals that if we don't have those in place, we're not really going to make progress.” - Jenn Trepeck[10:09] “Optimal function means that every system is functioning well and supports the function of all the other systems in the body. From that point, your biohack could be amazing. But if we're hoping the biohack is going to allow us to eat french fries and cookie dough all the time, we sort of have a misplaced understanding of how this works.” - Jenn Trepeck[18:19] “One of my mentors said the other day, a healthy metabolism is earned. Muscle is an expensive tissue because you work for it.” - Jenn Trepeck"It's not about the same thing every day, it's about a 360 degree approach to health, 365 days a year." - Jenn Trepeck[45:10] “Biostacking is about taking the steps that will make the biggest difference for each of us. I think the habits are the shortcut. So I invite you to biostack over biohack. Stack the foundation, stack the bricks.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:The Ultimate Biohack EpisodeSleep On It Episode Morning Routine EpisodeGoing Against the Textbook EpisodeHeart Health is Sexual Health EpisodeYour New BFF: Flexibility Episode NAD Supplements Nutrition NuggetWake Up Light ClockTower Plus ProteinAnti-Aging EssentialsMultivitaminBecome 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 Instagram

Do you notice the calories on a menu? Do you have food rules for yourself? Time to release the restriction! This week Jenn and her guest Paige Harris are talking through how to navigate leaving restrictions behind and healing your relationship with food. Tune in to learn more!This week, Jenn is talking with trainer and holistic health coach, Paige Harris. After going through her own struggles of restrictive eating, binge eating, and an unhealthy relationship with food, Paige was able to learn to eat for her body and now helps others heal their relationship with food. During this episode, Paige talks about calming the chatter in your mind, uncovering the root cause of your thoughts, and how to manage expectations of ourselves as we progress. This is such a great episode with tangible tips and takeaways so you can start developing a healthier relationship with food. Tune in to learn more! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [5:16] What led Paige to become a trainer and a holistic health coach? [14:51] How can people identify if they fall into restrictive eating?[19:29] What can we be influenced by when it comes to our habits?[21:32] How can you calm the chatter in your mind and start healing food restriction? [28:00] Where can you start with unlearning the restriction habits? [32:53] How did Paige sit through the discomfort of releasing control around others cooking her food? [34:53] How do you get to the root cause of your thoughts? [37:26] How do you know if gut discomfort is a result of your digestive system or if it's anxiety around food? [40:08] What is Paige's recommendation for progress and then regress? KEY TAKEAWAYS: To come away from restriction, start by adding a little extra of the food that you typically eat so that your body can adjust and your mind can release the anxiety that comes with change.It's ok to not be perfect, you may regress to past habits, but keep going. Be consistent and remember that the next day is a new day. Be aware that you will have ups and downs on this journey. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable as you reintroduce foods. Evaluate your thoughts, ask yourself why certain things are affecting you, and take small steps! QUOTES: [16:29] “I didn't feel hungry, I didn't even like the taste of the food by the time I got to the end of it. It was just like, I needed to compulsively do that. In reality, it's because my body was starving for food and it was going to get it anyway that it needed to. I think for a lot of people, they'll see these things and then have a binge episode and go, oh my god, see, I don't have any control over myself, so I have to restrict even harder.” - Paige Harris[22:37] “Learn to sit in discomfort. It absolutely sucks because this little voice inside of me is saying I need to eat XYZ, and I'm going against that, and now I have to sit with the fact that these little voices inside my head are calling me a bad person, you don't have any willpower, how dare you do something like that to me. But really from a logical standpoint, you should have eaten that full meal of protein and carbs, fats, and veggies because you needed it.” - Paige Harris[39:29] “A lot of times when you start to reintroduce things, the gut bacteria start to come back, the digestive enzymes start to come back, and it actually is easier for you to digest the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. time than it was the first time. So counting something out the first time, probably not your best idea.” - Paige Harris"Consider if your personal rules are truly serving you and perhaps it's time to release the restriction for truly holistic health." - 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 RESOURCESImperfectly Paige Wellness WebsiteImperfectly Paige Wellness InstagramImperfectly Paige Wellness TikTokPaige Talks Wellness Podcast - SpotifyPaige Talks Wellness Podcast - AppleGUEST BIOPaige Harris is a personal trainer and holistic health coach with her Master's of Science in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine from the University of Western States.She specializes in helping women release restrictive dieting mindsets so they can optimize their health and heal their guts, hormones, and relationships with themselves and their bodies.Paige is also the host of the Paige Talks Wellness Podcast, where listeners learn how to take control of their health in a world of information overload. She digs into all things nutrition, fitness, and mindset so listeners can learn how to truly heal from digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, and more, all without obsession or restriction.

These days, there are so many eye-catching labels at the grocery store on foods claiming to be a healthier alternative to your favorite foods. Tune in to learn how to determine if they truly are a better option for you and if their taste rivals the original! On the episode this week, Jenn is talking about “healthier food swaps”. She covers different lunch/dinner, breakfast, snack, and dessert options with her past client offering the taste test verdict! Jenn walks us through the nutrition facts and ingredients to determine if each item is truly a nutritious swap or if it's better to just eat the real thing. Then, she provides examples of how to make things work for you and your needs. Tune in to learn more! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing 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: [6:10] Are the Mission Zero Net Carb Tortillas a healthy option?[9:24] What is a good pasta alternative? [10:58] Jenn shares her thoughts on the line of products Nestle is coming out with for those taking Ozempic and similar meds?[13:54] Is the Legendary Foods Protein Pastry a good alternative to Pop Tarts?[16:36] Are protein bagels a good option for breakfast?[18:40] What about Catalina Crunch? [19:44] Are Flock Chicken Chips a good snack choice?[20:43] What are some good chip/cracker alternatives?[28:05] What are some good dessert options?[35:31] Are there good candy options on the market?[37:57] What are healthy ice cream/shake type options?[47:17] Jenn shares her final thoughts around how to utilize “healthy” swaps.KEY TAKEAWAYS: There are pros and cons to choosing the “healthier” food swaps. Eating only processed foods, even if they have “better” nutrition facts, won't create balance in the long run. Make informed decisions for your needs and health. Always make sure you look at the nutrition facts and ingredients to determine if you actually just want to eat the real thing. Make the best choice for you given the information that is provided.Just because it's marketed as “healthier” doesn't mean it truly is. Do your research. QUOTES: “As we know, when they [food manufacturers] take something out, they add other things in to keep it tasting the way we want it to, so I'm cautious...it's about what they do put in there vs. what they take out." - Jenn Trepeck"Ultra processed foods are how we got to this point, among other things but it's a huge contributing factor, and so I hesitate to think that the same companies who got us here are the ones who see so clearly what the solution is." – Jenn Trepeck"Everything has its place in the bigger picture of things we're eating. You're still focusing on the protein and the vegetables and then the wrap becomes this side that helps complete the meal, the condiment that helps fill things out." - Jenn Trepeck“It's pros and cons. It's choosing between different ingredients and where you want to spend them and what your priorities are to decide if that works for you.” - Jenn Trepeck"There is a distinction between healthier and health supporting. I almost think a better word is less detrimental." - Jenn Trepeck“So I just say to everybody, proceed with caution. Pick your battles. Read the labels and decide what works for you.” - Jenn Trepeck“The piece to remember for everybody is that this is a progression in the changing of our habits and adjusting our diets. A lot of these options are incredible tools in that process.” - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Catalina Crunch Nutrition NuggetWonder Monday Cheesecakes NuggetBecome 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 Instagram