Reading food labels is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In today's society, where there is an abundance of processed and packaged foods, it is crucial to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies. It can be easy to overlook the importance of reading food labels. Many of us are guilty of grabbing items off the grocery store shelves without giving much thought to it and what many individuals fail to realize is that even foods labeled as "healthy" can contain hidden ingredients that are detrimental to our health. In this episode, we are joined by Nutrition Expert, Jen Smiley, Founder of "Wake Up and Read the Labels," a company dedicated to helping consumers understand what's actually inside of their food and revolutionize their grocery shopping. Jen's personal experience with asthma, stubborn weight, and inflammation taught her the importance of reading the back of food products. Her journey began when she realized that the seemingly healthy food products she was consuming were actually filled with ingredients she couldn't even pronounce. This wake-up call led her on a mission to find foods with real, recognizable ingredients. As Jen emphasizes, knowledge truly is power when it comes to making healthier choices. By educating ourselves about food labels and understanding the ingredients we're consuming, we can make more informed decisions. Over time, these choices become easier, and we can navigate the marketing tactics that often mislead us. Sometimes, we find ourselves on this journey towards better health and wellness in isolation, without the support of our loved ones or community. However, by sharing our knowledge and encouraging others to listen to podcasts like ours, we can ignite support and change for our loved ones. Together, we can hold each other accountable and create a community that prioritizes health and wellness! Key Takeaways: [00:01:32] Toxic ingredients in salad dressing. [00:06:47] Real food ingredients discovery. [00:08:14] Gluten-free and dairy-free diets. [00:12:26] Nut milk alternatives [00:17:03] Clean coffee options. [00:19:54] Ingredients to avoid. [00:23:11] Controversial ingredients in food. [00:28:30] Teflon and its health impacts. [00:30:41] Cooking oils and inflammation. [00:34:42] Diabetes and diet sodas. [00:40:47] Overcoming the food industry. [00:42:30] Avocado and skincare products. [00:46:30] Relationship and friendship dynamics. [00:50:19] Fresh food and healthy choices. Where To Find Our Guest Website: https://jensmiley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakeupandreadthelabels/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpAndReadTheLabels YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC20se2ZpeYBdmejTfxBllCQ Memorable Quotes "The fact that we're going to the grocery, and we are confused, and our health is declining is it correlates with the amount of choices in this consumer confusion that the food marketing is essentially created.” [00:14:49] – Jen Smiley "The beautiful thing is that you can eat the foods you love, you have to be educated on which the labels are made with real ingredients and that is how you can enjoy these foods still not feel restricted, you're not on a diet, you're actually overcoming the food industry and that's when you start to see relief in your symptoms and how you feel." [00:39:25] – Jen Smiley     RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mighty Maca Plus   To learn more about me, and to stay connected, visit the links below: Website: The Girlfriend Doctor Instagram: The Girlfriend Doctor