Optimize Paleo By Paleovalley

In a startling revelation over 90% of Americans struggle to accurately read and interpret food labels.  Understanding what goes into our bodies is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.  And food labels are more than just a list; they're a roadmap to better health, revealing the nutrients, ingredients, and potential allergens in our food that can heal or harm us.  By not comprehending these labels, we risk exposing our bodies to harmful additives, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats that can derail our health goals. Which is why in this week’s podcast with Jen Smiley, the founder and food expert of Wake Up and Read the Labels, we take a deep dive into why and (more importantly) how to read food labels. Here are some of the fun facts you’ll learn… The top 3 ingredients to avoid in processed foods The most surprising *healthy* ingredients you may want to avoid  The oils that you’ll want to avoid The problem with natural flavors (and why some may be ok!) Why you often see vitamins on processed food l

We’ve all heard cows emit more greenhouse gasses than cars and cow farts are destroying the planet, but these often-cited *facts* are simply inaccurate. Beef can be an environmentally-destructive or environmentally-friendly food depending on how it's raised. So in this week’s podcast author, attorney and rancher, Nicolette Hahn Niman, busts myths about beef and animal agriculture so you can understand the true environmental and human health consequences of the meat you eat. Here are a few of my favorite topics: The environmental consequences of factory farms Do cows emit more greenhouse gasses than cars? The human health consequences of factory farms  The banned additives used in factory farms The 2 meats almost always raised in factory farms  The bacterial infection linked to factory farms The truth about beef & methane The 3 issues with the methane argument The benefits of cows for the environment Why she gave up vegetarianism Why meat helps us age more gracefully I LOVED this conversation and hope yo

Board certified holistic nutritionist, Judy Cho, struggled with binging and purging cycles and overexercising on a plant-based diet.  At one point, her symptoms became so severe she was sent to an eating disorder facility where she was prescribed antidepressants and antipsychotics.  Nothing seemed to help until she tried an all-meat, Carnivore diet.  Since that time, Judy has experienced a full recovery and written the best-selling book, The Carnivore Cure.  She is now on a mission to teach people about the healing powers of meat, so tune into this week's podcast for her fascinating story and all the juicy details on why meat is important for physical and mental health. Here are some of the highlights… The shortcomings of current eating disorder treatments The link between vegan diets and mental health The origins of our fear around meat The dangerous compounds found in plant foods (for certain people) Why meat is healing for the brain The link between iron issues and brain health The link between dietary ch

We all know the well-demonstrated benefits of high quality food, but what you might not know is that thousands of studies have also revealed the potent, healing benefits of red light for things like… Skin conditions like eczema Collagen production Sleep Recovery Performance Hormonal health Mood And much more! Using my red light has improved my skin and sleep dramatically and you can learn all about the science behind its benefits, how to use it for best results and how to get your own red light in this week’s podcast with the co-founder of Joov, Wes Pfiffner! Here are some of my favorite takeaways: His nonnegotiable morning routine Why the San Francisco 49ers are using red light How red light is different than blue light and infrared How exactly red light reduces inflammation The link between light and disease How red light affects the microbiome The 2 ways red lights benefits the skin Why red light can improve sleep How red light helps you relax What time of day to use red light How red light benefits hor

We’ve all heard vegan diets are better for our health and the planet. But what you might not know is there are many vested interests in the “plant-based” message and vegan diets can cause serious (and sometimes irreversible) health issues, especially for kids. Which is why in this week’s podcast brilliant author and journalist, Jayne Buxton, breaks down the serious flaws with plant-based diets outlined in her groundbreaking book, The Plant-Based Con. If you are considering going vegan for your health or the planet or have friends and family who are, this podcast is a must-listen!  Here are some of my favorite takeaways: Common nutrient deficiencies in vegan diets Why anti-nutrients can be an issue for vegans The dangers of vegan diets in kids Who benefits from plant-based messaging Why the media is reluctant to talk about the danger of vegan diets The problem with the research against meat Why dietary guidelines recommend reducing red meat The real dietary culprits The truth about beef’s environmental footpr

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide affecting more than one billion people resulting in symptoms like:  Weakness Impaired cognitive function Decreased immune function Developmental issue And while many of us turn to iron supplements to raise iron levels - Morley Robbins, mineral expert, author of the Copper Cure, and today’s podcast guest, believes there is much more to the story. In fact, Morley believes iron deficiency anemia is a copper, rather than iron, issue. Tune in to this week’s podcast for a fascinating exploration of iron-related issues, the best foods and supplements for improving iron status, and these fun facts… The valuable roles of copper for health Symptoms of copper-deficiency Why copper is misunderstood The true causes of anemia The food that cures anemia How to improve copper status Why ferritin is a poor marker for iron status in pregnancy Why too much iron is harmful  The 3 best sources of whole-food copper How to properly test copper and iron statu

According to research the nutrient levels in our food are on the decline. In fact, between 1940 - 1990 - vegetables have lost… 24% magnesium 46% calcium 37% iron 76% copper  And meat has lost…. 55% copper 50% iron 29% calcium Why is this happening and what can we do about it?   You’ll have to tune into this week’s podcast with author and soil expert Dr. David Montgomery and Anne Biklé as they discuss the surprising causes and solutions for our nutrient-depleted food! Here are some of the highlights from our fascinating discussion: The major causes of land degradation Are organic foods more nutritious? The link between our soil and gut health Why soil microbes are important for human health The major problems with conventional agriculture How fertilizers create nutrient poor food The importance of phytochemicals for human health The main factor that determines a healthy farm Why what an animal eats affects its nutrient profile And so much more! Please share this important information with anyone you thin

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention stress is a leading cause of illness, accounting for about two thirds of all doctors visits and 75% of illnesses today.  What that means is even if you eat a healthy diet and exercise daily, unaddressed stress could be the reason you’re still sick and tired.  Annnnd if you’ve been alive on planet Earth in the last 3 years, it’s likely that your stress levels are higher than ever which is why I am thrilled to share this week's podcast with bestselling author and friend, Dr. Izabella Wentz, about her new book The Adrenal Transformation Protocol: A 4-Week Plan to Release Stress Symptoms and Go from Surviving to Thriving.  We talk all about symptoms of stress, how to eat to reduce stress, the best supplements for stress and how to cultivate a less-stress lifestyle. Here are some other fascinating takeaways you’ll learn about… How stress affects our health Signs your body is overstressed Tests you can use to determine how stress is affecting you Sign

Intellectually understanding which foods are health supportive is not always enough to yield sustainable dietary change.  Why? Because most of us fall victim to self sabotage.  In fact, almost 95% of those who lose weight gain it all back within one year which is why in today’s podcast Eating Psychology Expert and best-selling author, Marc David, we break down how and why we self sabotage and how to transform that tendency. Here’s what you’ll learn… The cause of self sabotage How to overcome self sabotage The simple strategy to prevent binge eating The 8 eating archetypes and how to work with them for sustainable weight loss Common toxic nutritional beliefs (and how to overcome them) The little-known cause of weight loss resistance The best way to approach weight loss Why weighing yourself daily can be an issue How can we become “embodied” and why it’s beneficial How to redefine your relationship with food How to reduce your dependency on food as a sole source of pleasure And so much more!  I completed Marc

We’ve all heard dietary saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease - but what you might not know - is that the evidence for this belief is not as foolproof as we’ve been led to believe.  And given that heart disease is still America’s #1 kill responsible for almost 700,000 deaths per year - understanding what you can do to prevent it is paramount.  In this week’s podcast with the author of Understanding The Heart: Surprising Insights Into The Evolutionary Origins Of Heart Disease - And Why It Matters, Dr. Hussey, we explore 3 little-known (and preventable) causes of heart-based issues and the common misunderstandings keep us stuck.  Dr. Hussey provides invaluable insights given his clinical experience and admitted obsession with the heart, but also because he experienced a heart attack and the shortcomings of current systems and strategies personally in 2020. This conversation was truly fascinating and I hope you walk away feeling as surprised and informed as I did. :) Here are some of my favorite take

Did you know that certain spices, particularly turmeric, have demonstrated the ability to turn off inflammation and positively impact gene expression? It sounds crazy, but spices are one of our most potent and underrated medicines.  Which is why in today’s podcast with biochemist, Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, a former professor at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and expert on cytokines, the role of inflammation in cancer, and the anti-cancer effects of spices and herbs, we take a deep dive into exactly why turmeric and other spices are so powerful.  And also why most doctors today are not talking about them.  Here are some of the fascinating highlights from our conversation: Two uses of turmeric for children Why the FDA denied his patent The viruses turmeric can kill The toxic dose of turmeric The truth about turmeric and its bioavailability The only downside to turmeric How turmeric turns off inflammation How to determine how much turmeric you need The difference between curcumin and turmeric How turm

This week’s podcast, with author and top 50 functional medicine doctor, Dr. Will Cole, is all about INTUITIVE FASTING. While it may seem counterintuitive, intuitive fasting is a powerful practice that can help you access your intuition and find a fasting rhythm that honors your health and changing circumstances. It allows you to step into the driver’s seat of your health, and it’s a gentle, gradual approach that begins with simple overnight fasts. I have been using this practice for years, but never knew quite how to articulate the concept until I read his book. Dr. Cole is brilliant and I sincerely hope this conversation is as helpful and powerful for you - as it has been for me.  Here’s what we chat about… Why some people were triggered by his book What intuitive fasting is  How fasting helps us access our intuition The benefits of fasting His favorite fasts for improving metabolic health  The difference between caloric restriction and fasting  An intuitive fasting regimen for beginners Who should not fast

Have you tried all the popular diets and weight loss strategies, but still don’t feel your best?  Many times it’s because what works for someone else - won’t always work for you.  In fact, we are all unique biochemically and our needs change from season to season, so the only way to find your perfect diet and lifestyle is to tune into your body’s feedback.  Which is why today’s podcast with Renee Belz and Lauren Sombarto (aka The Biohacker Babes) is devoted to beginner biohacking, optimizing the foundations of health (sleep, movement, food) and how to use technology to reconnect to your intuition. These two ladies are wise, fun, feisty and full of helpful tips and tricks. Here are some of the fascinating things you’ll learn:  A common mistake that reduces sleep quality The benefits of methylene blue (and what you need to know before you buy it) How to use biohacking to get in touch with your intuition What is heart rate variability (HRV) and why you should measure it The simplest way to increase HRV Tips for

Children born to moms with poorly controlled blood sugar during pregnancy have a 6-19x increased risk of diabetes or obesity. Unfortunately, our current dietary recommendations for carbohydrates during pregnancy are way too high for many individuals which can cause unstable blood sugar. Many leading organizations also claim that vegan diets are safe for pregnancy, yet, according to registered dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator and author, Lily Nichols, there are many reasons to doubt their safety. To help feel empowered rather than confused around prenatal nutrition, this week's podcast is devoted to how to eat for the healthiest pregnancy and children possible. Here are some of my favorite takeaways: Why our dietary guidelines for pregnancy are a house of cards The nutrient we should be getting 3x more of The 4 nutrients you need to avoid anemia Two little-known nutrients for bone health (according to new research!) How many carbs you actually need during pregnancy Why protein recommendations are too lo

One of the tools I’ve found most helpful for people during the holiday season is intermittent fasting (IF). IF is a powerful practice that requires you eat during certain windows of time and fast the rest of the time.  In other words, you don’t have to change what you eat - just when. And its benefits include… Fat burning Reduced heart disease risk  Improved memory  Reduced caloric intake  The best part? It’s free, flexible and simple and you can still reap the benefits even if you don’t eat perfectly.  (which is why it’s one of my favorite holiday tools!) To learn all about IF and its beautiful benefits check out this week’s podcast with nurse practitioner and international speaker, Cynthia Thurlow. Here are some of the fascinating takeaways… The benefits of intermittent fasting Cynthia’s morning routine How intermittent fasting affects hormones How to reduce your risk of reproductive cancers The morning drink that improves IF’s benefits The supplements you can take while fasting Fasting benefits for ment

The incidence of food reactions (allergies, intolerances, sensitivities) is on the rise.    But what many people don't know is that it is possible to heal certain types of food reactions.    (Celiac Disease and food allergies, being a notable exception:)   When my son was younger he reacted to several foods like wheat, corn, dairy and sometimes even chocolate.    And while the elimination diet did help us manage his symptoms - avoiding so many foods was stressful, especially as he started going to school.   Thankfully, my dear friend Steven Wright (engineer, gut expert and founder of Healthy Gut) helped me heal my son’s food sensitivities from the root.    Today, my son can essentially eat all foods except for those that contain gluten.    This change was so miraculous for our family, that I invited Steven on to the podcast this week so that he can teach you all how to heal food sensitivities from the root. Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover:    What causes food sensitivities?  The difference

Did you know that, as a woman, your cholesterol and blood sugar levels will be higher at certain times of your menstrual cycle? Which can not only affect how you feel and what you should eat, but may also affect whether or not you’re prescribed medication.   Women are also stronger, smarter and calmer during certain periods of the cycle, and should eat more carbs and avoid fasting at other times.  Sadly, because most health-based research has been based on men, most women never understand these important nuances. Which is why in today’s podcast with bestselling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional health and fasting expert, Dr. Mindy Pelz, we talk all about why women MUST approach their health differently and how to customize your diet and lifestyle to leverage your hormone-centric advantages. Here are some of the fascinating takeaways: How cholesterol levels change during your cycle Why glucose levels are higher at certain times in your cycle Is higher cholesterol dangerous for women? A little-

Twenty million Americans today suffer from chronic digestive issues. Actress Sally Pressman, (you may have seen her as “Roxy” from Army Wives or on Grey’s Anatomy, Younger, Good Girls, etc.) became one of them when she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2009.  Her doctor said medications were her only option, but after a few days of self-directed dietary change - her symptoms were gone. I met Sally when I worked at the Tracy Anderson Method. Her work ethic, kindness, and bubbly personality quickly made her one of my favorite clients and I am thrilled to share her beautiful soul and remarkable story in this week’s podcast.  We talk about all gut healing and the fitness and beauty secrets that made Sally one of Hollywood’s elite. Here are some of the highlights… The exercise method Sally (and I) are obsessed with The realities of living with an autoimmune illness Why doctors do not talk about nutrition  The diet that helped manage her autoimmune condition  A day in the life of Sally’s diet  The food Sall

Red meat is one of the most controversial foods in our modern-day diet. On one hand - it’s a food we’ve been consuming for millions of years that provides some of our most valuable nutrients. Yet, according to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease report, there is no safe level of red meat consumption. To help you wade through the controversies and find the truth we have food scientist and scientific advisor, Dr. Frédéric Leroy on the podcast this week!  Dr. Leroy has been instrumental in ensuring the science around red meat and animal products is accurately represented in publications like the Global Burden of Disease, and has some surprising updates about the legitimacy of its claims. If you’re confused about whether animal products and processed meats are healthful or harmful - you do not want to miss this show!  Here are some of the highlights…. Why Kellogg’s cereal and fake meats were created Why The Global Burden of Disease is flawed The problem with red meat research The difference between plant and anima

According to the CDC, an estimated 50 million adults (1 in 5 adults) experience chronic pain and in 2017 more than 191 million prescriptions were written for opioid pain medications that cause 17,000 overdose deaths annually.  Those who suffer from chronic pain not only have a significantly reduced quality of life, but are also 3x more likely to experience anxiety and depression and have double the risk of suicide. And while many of us believe that pain is just a natural part of the aging process, there are many common, little-known causes and simple strategies you can use to reduce chronic pain naturally. Tune into this week’s podcast with Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Certified Chiropractic BioPhysics® physician,  Dr. Ryan Wohlfert to learn about 3 main causes of chronic pain and 3 steps you can take today to start reducing chronic pain. Here are some of the highlights: The morning strategy that reduces chronic pain  How to know if you’re experiencing chronic pain  The problem with using Tyle