The food industry in the U.S. is under the spotlight like never before, and for good reason. As more of us wake up to the hidden dangers in what we eat, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about where to even begin. That’s why today’s guest, Courtney Swan, is here to help us cut through the noise. As an Integrative Nutritionist, passionate food activist, and host of the popular Realfoodology podcast, Courtney is on a mission to fix America’s broken food system and empower us with the knowledge we need to make healthier choices.
Wake Up to What’s Going On In Our Food System & Simple Practices to Reclaim Your Health
In this episode, Courtney shares eye-opening insights about harmful ingredients and food practices most of us have no idea about. Without fear-mongering, she breaks down the difference between conventional and regenerative farming, highlights the effects of lax U.S. food regulations, and offers simple strategies for smarter grocery shopping. She even audits my own grocery haul, calling out ingredients to avoid, sharing what makes eggs truly humane, and spotlighting snacks and brands we can trust. This conversation is packed with practical tips to reduce the overwhelm and help you shop with confidence and intention.
Let’s arm ourselves with knowledge, shift our habits, and make choices that nourish not only our bodies but the planet as well. Tune in now – It’s time to thrive!
(00:04:20) Exposing Food Industry Secrets & the Power of Quality Nutrition
- What it was like growing up with a family who was very healthy
- The turning point when she connected the dots between health and nutrition
- The pitfalls of the food industry and what drove food industrialization
- How to fit in food prep into your schedule
- Why she recently spoke in the U.S. Senate about banned ingredients
- U.S. food regulations compared to other countries
- Which ingredients in cereal lead to stomach cancer
- A powerful example from Karena’s life about the power of food quality
(00:17:50) Unpacking Food Myths, Pesticides & Benefits of Regenerative Farming
- Why pesticides are a main concern for Courtney when it comes to our food
- How to avoid pesticides in your food
- What qualifies as organic food
- The link between glyphosate and cancer
- The benefits of regenerative farming versus conventional agriculture practices
- How regenerative agriculture helps with climate change
- The dangers of common cooking oils
- YouTube: How Is Canola Oil Made
- Busting the oat milk myth: the real environmental and health impact
- Tips for preventing blood sugar spikes in the morning
- What you need to know before buying a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
(00:34:33) Debunking Nutrition Myths & Simplifying Healthier Food Choices
- Does Courtney recommend colonics?
- Managing different microbes in your gut when you travel
- Common misconceptions about nutrition and healthy eating
- Lifting the veil of FDA corruption
- Where to find reputable resources about the food industry and nutrition
- Two simple questions you can ask yourself at the grocery store to make healthy choices
- Identifying packaged boxed food that you could buy safely
(00:43:59) Karena’s Pantry Audit: Ingredient Tips & the Truth About 'Healthy' Labels
- Courtney audits Karena’s recent grocery haul
- The ugly truth about cage free or free range eggs
- Courtney evaluates the ingredients in Karena’s usual breakfast
- Why block cheese is better than the shredded cheese
- The best quality oil spray brands
- Courtney’s point of view on vegan sources and the ethics of honey
- Why it’s important to buy organic dairy if you can and Courtney’s favorite brands
(00:56:07) Navigating Microplastics, Natural Flavors & Better Food Choices
- How to combat being infiltrated by microplastics in tea bags
- Courtney’s favorite jerky and tuna brands
- The surprising truth about what’s designated as natural flavors
- Advice for starting to make better choices for your help
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Guest Info:
- Website: realfoodology.com
- Instagram: @realfoodology
- YouTube: Realfoodology
- Spotify: Realfoodology Podcast
- Apple Podcasts: Realfoodology Podcast
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- Therapy For All: Resources for those in need
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“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.
Producer, Bobby Goldstein.
