Optimize Paleo By Paleovalley

Today many of us understand that processed foods, excess carbohydrates, and gluten (for certain individuals) may contribute to ill health.  But what is not as well known is that omnipresent seed oils (cottonseed, corn, soy, canola, etc.) may also be playing an important role in weight gain and disease.  Seed oils are thought to be heart-healthy because they lower cholesterol, but clinical trials have also revealed that replacing saturated fats with seed oils may have deleterious health consequences.  Tune in for all the juicy details and why upgrading your cooking oils may be one of the best dietary changes you can make with expert, Tucker Goodrich! Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover: The difference between seed oils and fruit oils  What makes seed oils fragile and dangerous The 2 ways seed oils cause obesity The problem with seed oils for children and nursing moms How to tell if a seed oil has gone rancid The type of cancer you can get from frying seed oils The most fattening foods in the Ame

Approximately 1 out of 3 women of reproductive age in America are suffering from a nutrient deficiency that can lead to fatigue, immune dysfunction, rapid aging and an increased risk of disease.   And while we’re often told a plant-based diet is the best diet for health - Dr. Beal, the guest of this week’s podcast and a global nutrition researcher, found that animal foods (organ meats specifically) are actually the richest sources of nutrients that most people are deficient in.  His research also found that refined grains, which most Americans consume copious amounts of, are the least nutrient dense.  Which is clearly one reason nutrient deficiencies are rampant even in developed countries.  Tune into this week’s podcast to learn: ✔︎ The nutrients many of us are deficient in ✔︎ The prevalence, consequences and causes of nutrient deficiency  ✔︎ The most nutrient-dense foods in the world  ✔︎ Why fortified nutrients are different than whole food versions ✔︎ The problems with most nutrient density rating systems

We’ve all read the devastating headlines about climate change and global warming, but many times it’s difficult to know exactly what you can do to help.  Do you have to give up animal products?  Get solar power?  Drive an electric car? Fortunately, you do NOT have to change your entire life or give up meat to reduce your carbon footprint and become part of the solution.  In fact, in this week’s podcast with bestselling author, award-winning activist and co-founder of Project Drawdown, Paul Hawken, we talk all about his new book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation and the simple steps you can take to help regenerate the planet.  We also talk about common myths about vegan diets, plant-based burgers and the diet we need to reverse climate change. Here’s what you’ll learn… The major contributors to climate changes 3 steps you can take to reverse climate change (even if you’re a beginner!) The true cause of climate change Do we need to be vegan to reverse climate change? The role of ruminan

According to recent research, nearly 40% of older Americans are not getting enough protein. Current protein recommendations also represent a minimum rather than an ideal protein intake and the highest quality sources of protein (animal products) are often demonized. As a result, many of us are under-eating protein which can cause a number of deleterious symptoms such as cravings, overeating, weight gain and a loss of muscle mass. Tune in to this week’s podcast with protein expert, Dr. Peter Ballerstedt, to learn all about the often-ignored nuance in the protein conversation and how you can leverage protein’s superpowers to optimize your health and feel your best. Here are some of my favorite takeaways… Why the “meat is harmful” message is dangerousThe problems with our current protein recommendations How much protein you really need Crude protein vs. true protein (and why it matters for your health!)The health benefits of plant vs. animal proteinsSymptoms of protein deficiencyHow to identify a high-qual

In 2014 Dr. Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon in Tasmania, was reported to the medical board for suggesting his diabetic patients reduce their sugar intake despite sound scientific evidence and clinical experience to support his recommendations.  He was the first doctor ever silenced from talking about nutrition.  After years of litigation, Dr. Fettke was eventually exonerated but confusion regarding the role of carbohydrates and sugar in human health remains.  Tune in to this week’s podcast to hear all about Dr. Fettke’s journey, the role of carbohydrates in pain management and human health, the problems with vegetable oils and the many invisible forces driving our mainstream dietary recommendations.  If you want to make educated decisions regarding your health, you need to hear what Dr. Fettke has learned! Here are some of my favorite takeaways: Why Dr. Fettke got reported to the medical board The true effects of sugar How much sugar our body handles at one time The invisible influences inherent in medica

We’ve all heard the misguided message that meat consumption is killing us, but what you might not know is that these beliefs originated from religion, rather than good science or historical evidence. In fact, Dr. John Harvey Kellog originally created cereal as a meat alternative because he believed it would reduce sexual desires in kids. Not to mention there has never been a truly vegan culture. Which is why in this week’s podcast with researcher Belinda Fettke we delve into the surprising origins of our nation’s Dietary Guidelines and the war on meat. Belinda’s husband, Dr. Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon in Australia, was reported to the medical board in 2014 for recommending his diabetic patients reduce the sugar in their diet.  This attack prompted Belinda to dig into WHY the science on the benefits of low carbohydrate diets was being ignored.  What she found was that it wasn’t really about science at all. Tune in now to learn all about the surprising origins of our war on meat and share this podcast w

It’s often cited that 95% of those who lose weight on a diet will gain it all back within one year.  Why might this happen? Perhaps because most diets only address WHAT you are eating - but not WHY you are eating.  How can you break the vicious dieting cycle? Listen to this week’s podcast with eating psychology expert, author and founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, Marc David! Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover… What an eating psychologist eats for breakfast Why binge eating and emotional eating is on the rise Why willpower is not the issue Why we often reach for food when we are stressed  3 simple ways to reduce emotional eating Why food is not the issue Toxic nutritional beliefs and how to overcome them The antidote to binge eating Why how fast you eat matters Marc’s #1 dietary rule Three ways to start improving your relationship with food And so much more!  I completed Marc’s eating psychology training and it is one of the best things I’ve ever done! Please share this po

We’ve all heard about the controversy surrounding glyphosate, Roundup’s main ingredient.  In 2015 The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded glyphosate may possibly cause cancer in humans.  Thousands of lawsuits have also been filed against Bayer, the maker of Roundup, and in 2018 a groundskeeper, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, was awarded $289 million.  Yet, the EPA and FDA deem glyphosate safe, which is why it can still be found in our food and many paleo staples.  Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie Seneff Ph.D., a senior research scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, author, and glyphosate expert is on this week’s podcast to cut through the controversy. We discuss the research regarding glyphosate’s safety, how glyphosate exerts its toxic effects,  foods most often contaminated with glyphosate (I think this will surprise you!), and what we can do to help our body detoxify.  You do NOT want to miss this episode! Here are some of the other interesting tidbi

A recent human trial demonstrated that eating wild meat (kangaroo) caused lower levels of post-meal inflammation than eating conventionally-raised beef.  In other words, how the animal was raised may have affected the level of inflammation in the body after eating it.  When people ate wild meat they had lower levels of inflammation and when they ate meat raised in confinement, they had higher levels of inflammation.  And while we don’t yet know exactly why this happened, Dr. Fred Provenza, acclaimed author, professor and researcher believes it may have a lot to do with underrated, yet powerful nutrients called secondary compounds.  In fact, though you don’t hear much about them, secondary compounds have been shown to… Reduce inflammation Provide antioxidant protection Protect against cancer Improve mood Reduce the risk of diabetes Help control appetite And so much more! Most importantly, the levels of secondary compounds change dramatically in meat depending upon what the animal ate and how it was raised. 

Over 99% of chicken in America is produced by two companies and raised in ways that can negatively impact human and environmental health.  The worst part is, even labels like “cage free” and ‘free range” don’t actually mean what you think they do.  Which is why in this week’s podcast, with CEO of Cooks Venture and pioneering pastured chicken farmer, Matt Wadiak, we break down the major problems with the chicken industry and where you can find truly high-quality chicken. Here are the topics we cover… The main problems with the conventional chicken industry Free range vs. cage free vs. pasture-raised The #1 cause of death worldwide (and how conventional chickens contribute!) The 3 additives in the chicken industry you need to know about The problem with organic chicken The inhumane practices used in big chicken Why conventional chicken farmers suffer The company that helps verify chicken quality What chickens should actually be eating The uncommon chicken feed that regenerates the soil  The nutrients that are

Did you know that the most nutrient-dense foods in the world are not plants?  Despite what you may have heard, organ meats are gram-for-gram the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.  Which is likely why, whenever I eat them, my energy levels go through the roof! And given that most of us are deficient in at least one nutrient today (according to the USDA), organ meats are one of the most important things you can eat to ensure all of your nutrient bases are covered.  The only problem?  Most people are grossed out by the thought of eating organs or do not like the taste.  Thankfully, there are ways to benefit from organ meats even if you do not like the taste, which is what today’s fun podcast with author, speaker, health coach, and self-proclaimed muscle nerd, Ashleigh VanHouten is all about! Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen… The #1 mistake women make when trying to lose fat  5 powerful reasons to eat organ meats How to get the benefits of organs without the taste The gateway organ meat (the organ

According to the CDC, one American dies every 36 seconds from heart disease.  And though many Americans believe avoiding saturated fat will reduce heart disease risk, most people don’t know that recent research has revealed the paleo diet can reduce heart disease risk by… Improving glucose control Reducing waist circumference  Increasing weight loss Improving cholesterol levels Reducing calorie intake Improving blood pressure So if you’re ready to learn about the recent research and how to eat and live for a healthier heart check out today’s podcast with author, board-certified cardiologist and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Jack Wolfson. Here are some of the highlights… Is coffee beneficial for heart health? The best diet for heart health  The link between leaky gut & heart health The #1 strategy for heart health The best foods for heart health The worst foods for heart health Are veggie oils harming your heart? Can french fries be heart healthy? Carb cycling for heart health? Is the

There are many hotly-debated questions in nutrition today including… Is grass fed beef healthier than conventionally raised beef? Are plant-based burgers nutritionally equivalent to grass fed burgers? Does eating red meat really increase risk for disease?’ How many grams of protein do we need each day?  And while almost everyone has an opinion on the topic, in today’s podcast you can learn about ground-breaking research conducted by Dr. Stephan van Vliet, a nutrition expert and researcher from Utah State University, that provides fresh insight to these important questions.    His research chips away at dietary dogma and dangerous misconceptions that have created massive dietary confusion and I could not be more excited to share it with you! Here are some of the highlights. Is grass fed beef healthier than conventionally raised beef? How much protein do we really need each day? The importance of secondary compounds (And why they matter for human health.) Does red meat increase the risk of disease? Eggs whit

A 2010 study published in Plos One found that 5 of the 10 most violence-inducing drugs were antidepressants.  Alongside antidepressants, 6 sedatives/hypnotics and 3 medications for attentional issues were also associated with increased violence.  And while pharmaceutical therapies can work for certain individuals, they clearly cause (sometimes scary) side effects, do not work for everyone, and most importantly, do not address the root cause.  Tune in to this week’s fascinating podcast with Dr. Villanueva, Creator of the Healthy Body Restoration System and Balance your Brain Program, as we discuss the true causes of mental health issues, the limitations of conventional therapies and holistic strategies for better mental health. Here are some of the gems you’ll learn:    The limitations of mental health conventional treatments The true causes of mental health issues Commonly used meds that cause violence  The link between antidepressants and school shootings How antidepressants alter brain function Her #1 stra

A 2019 survey of over 3,000 participants noted considerable improvements in the following conditions by avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs)... Digestive issues (85.2%) Fatigue (60.4%) Overweight or obesity (54.6%) Brain fog (51.7%) Food allergies/sensitivities (50.2%) Mood issues (51.1%) Memory (48.1%) Joint pain (47.5%) Gluten sensitivities (42.2%) Insomnia (33.2%) Skin conditions 30.9% Hormonal problems (30.4%) Musculoskeletal pain (25.2%) Autoimmune disease (21.4%) Eczema (20.8%) Cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure) 19.8% And while this survey was conducted in a group that may be more sensitive to GMOs, I think it’s important to acknowledge that GMOs do have health and environmental risks. According to Jeffrey Smith, GMO advocate and this week’s podcast guest, novel developments in genetic engineering may possibly contribute to future pandemics. Listen in to learn why GMOs are dangerous, how to identify them, how to get involved in regulating their use and so much more! Here are some

Several studies have shown a spike in anxiety, depression, and insomnia within the last year. In fact, people are 3x more likely to have anxiety or depressive disorders (vs. 2019) and insomnia rates are up 37%.  And while many people turn to alcohol, drugs, or benzos to calm down, there’s an evidence-based, natural solution that comes with side benefits rather than scary side effects.  That solution is Tru Kava.  I learned about Tru Kava in March of last year, and have been using it to help me chill out and get more deep sleep ever since! It works as an alcohol replacement and sleep tonic, AND it can also improve mental clarity.  Please note: if you search “kava” in google you will most likely find that kava causes liver issues, but please know that the kava that caused liver issues was made by a pharmaceutical company and is NOT the same as Tru Kava or the kava that has been used and revered for over 3000 years in places like Vanuatu.   It makes me so sad to think that people will miss out on the incredible

Many women today experience their menstrual cycle as a burden, rather than a superpower.  (I know because that used to be me.) But the truth is, when we understand our cycle and the natural rhythm and hormonal shifts it creates, we can leverage those changes to accomplish some pretty amazing feats.  For example, there is a GREAT time of the month to eat more protein and build muscle.  There’s also an ideal time to be social and work for tips.  And there is a surprisingly perfect time to reflect and reevaluate.  When you don’t understand your cycle, these changes can seem overwhelming and unpredictable, but when you do, you can feel empowered and effective.   So if you’re ready to turn your cycle into a superpower check out this week’s podcast with the brilliant and beautiful, Dr. Stephanie Estima. Her knowledge is truly transformative.  Here are some of the fascinating tips we cover... Her favorite protein for gaining muscle mass 2 simple steps for building muscle  Why insulin is important for women The best

A recent Stanford study revealed that 80% of healthy people had blood sugar spikes.  Why does this matter?  Because blood sugar spikes are dangerous when they occur often enough or for long periods of time and can cause... Weight gain  Cravings Energy dips Mood crashes  ...and increased risk of conditions such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, reproductive issues, and cancer.  But the silver lining is there is now a way for EVERYONE to see exactly what is happening with their blood sugar in real-time using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).   Wearing a CGM allows you to identify the foods that are not working for you and find YOUR perfect diet. This is exactly what we talk about in today’s podcast with glucose expert and Lead Dietician at Nutrisense, Carlee Hayes. Here are some of the valuable insights we discuss... Signs you have a blood sugar issue What a blood sugar expert eats for breakfast How to break a fast The best time to eat carbs  The best time to eat carbs around a workout My #1

Many people today suffer from hormonal imbalance.  And while dietary change, detox, and supplements can be extremely helpful, sometimes it’s not enough.  In fact, repeated negative thoughts (and thought patterns) can release stress hormones that wreak havoc on hormonal balance no matter how many other positive changes you make.  So if you’ve done all the right things and STILL suffer from hormonal issues, then today’s podcast with certified holistic health coach, FDN practitioner, and hormone expert, Megan Blacksmith of Zesty Ginger is for you! Here are some of the topics we cover: The food sensitivity that can cause only neurological symptoms The link between your thoughts and food sensitivities  How to access your intuition One simple step for building confidence How thoughts affect neurotransmitters and hormones A 4-step process for transforming your beliefs and thought patterns The different emotional states of your cycle (and why it’s helpful to know them!) The best time of your month to slow down, be p

According to the CDC, approximately 9% of men and 10% of women between the ages of 15-44 struggle with infertility.  I was one of those people.   There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to start a family and finding out it is going to be a long road.  Fortunately, you do not have to struggle like I did and there is a lot you can do to improve the quality of your egg and sperm and increase your chances of conceiving naturally! So if you or someone you love is trying to conceive, tune in for this week’s podcast with Harvard-trained fertility expert Dr. Marc Sklar as we chat all about simple, natural baby-making strategies! Here are the fascinating topics we cover... Is fasting good for reproductive health?  The time when fasting may not be helpful  Why infertility rates are rising The best foods for fertility  Foods that interfere with fertility  The best first step for improving fertility with food His fertility smoothie recipe Does royal jelly work for fertility? The 3 big dietary mistakes he sees wom