Naturally Nourished

This week on the Naturally Nourished Podcast, we’re digging into the newly released governmental nutrition guidelines. If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know our core message has always been simple: eat real food. So imagine our surprise when these updated guidelines actually move closer to that exact philosophy, emphasizing whole foods, nutrient density, and fewer ultra-processed ingredients. It’s not perfect, but it’s a meaningful shift in the right direction, and one we never thought we’d see from official policy. In this episode, we break down what the guidelines got right, where they still miss the mark, and what this all means for real families navigating grocery stores, school lunches, and confusing nutrition messaging. We also revisit Ali’s Optimal Eating Wheel she developed back in 2014 and compare it side-by-side with today’s recommendations — and yes, she was about a decade ahead of her time. We share our top critiques from a food-as-medicine lens and unpack the potential ripple effects on schools, SNAP, and institutional food systems so you can understand how these changes may actually show up in everyday life. Also in this episode:  LIVE Food-as-Medicine Keto Reset Naturally Nourished Academy Mentorship Program starts 2/4 Naturally Nourished Episode 465 Naturally Nourished Academy Part 1 Naturally Nourished Episode 466 Naturally Nourished Academy Part 2 Naturally Nourished Episode 472 Good, Better, Best with Brenda Bennett  Our Thoughts on the New Guidelines Realfood.gov The Power of Protein Baby Led Weaning Naturally Nourished Kids use code GIVEHEALTH Naturally Nourished Food as Medicine for the Whole Family This episode is sponsored by:  This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Supplements providing: Purity, Potency, and Efficacy at a value you can’t beat! My goal with Naturally Nourished supplements is to provide you with products that will enhance and reclaim the quality of life for you and your loved ones!    We will always price formulas 2-5% below market industry standard and competitors. On top of this we offer subscription discounts at an additional 10% off, bundled discounts at an additional 12% off, and seasonal promotions to ensure quality formulas are accessible. Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off your next purchase. 

Are you intimidated by eating organs or unsure how to add more nutrient density to your diet without it feeling overwhelming? In this episode, we sit down with chef James Barry to take the “yuck” factor out of preparing and eating organ meats. We break down why organs are truly nature’s multivitamin, how sourcing and preparation make all the difference, and how simple tools—like James’s organ-based seasoning, Pluck—can make this powerful superfood an easy, delicious part of everyday meals. In this conversation, we also dive into why organ meats fell out of favor, how modern food culture has disconnected us from nutrient-dense eating, and why mindfulness around food matters just as much as what’s on your plate. James shares practical, real-life strategies for getting organs into the diet without overwhelm—from beginner-friendly swaps and family-approved recipes to the best ways to season, cook, and source organs for optimal flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re organ-curious or just looking for smarter ways to upgrade your meals, this episode is packed with approachable education and takeaways you can actually use. More about James Barry:  James Barry’s 20 years in the culinary field started as a private chef cooking for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Gerard Butler, Mariska Hargitay (of Law & Order:SVI fame), Barbra Streisand, and John Cusack. James is CEO & Founder of the organ-based, superfood seasoning, Pluck. It's the first of its kind and an amazingly easy and delicious way for people to get organ meats into their diet.   James is also a published cookbook author having co-authored the recipes in Margaret Floyd’s book Eat Naked and Dr. Alejandro Junger’s book, Clean 7. He authored the cookbook The Naked Foods Cookbook. He is the host of the podcast, Everyday Ancestral.   Also in this episode:  James’s Story Why people are intimidated by eating organs Why real food, nutrient density, and mindfulness are so important Why sourcing organs matters How to get organs into the diet Favorite organ recipes Grilled Chicken Hearts  Organ Pate and Puree Seeking Whole Health Conference (meet James and Ali here!) Where to find more:  Pluck Everyday Ancestral https://www.instagram.com/eatpluck/  https://www.instagram.com/chefjamesbarry/    This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co! 

Do you notice your mood dip, energy crash, or motivation fade as the days get shorter? Do winter colds seem harder to shake? Tune in as we unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and why seasonal changes can have a very real impact on both mental health and immune resilience. In this episode, we highlight key nutrients that support mood, stress response, and immune function, especially during fall and winter. We walk through the physiology behind seasonal mood changes—light exposure, neurotransmitters, inflammation, and circadian rhythm—and share practical food-as-medicine and supplement strategies you can actually implement. If winter tends to leave you feeling flat, foggy, or run-down, this episode offers science-backed support to help you feel more grounded and resilient through the season. Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Academy starts 2/4 - only 2 spots left!  Episode 472 Good, Better, Best with Brenda Bennett What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Who is most affected by SAD? Symptoms of SAD How Vitamin D status impacts SAD Vitamin D Blood Spot Test  Vitamin D Balanced Blend Vitamin D Balanced Blend Liquid Gloth et al., 1999, Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging Anglin et al., 2013, British Journal of Psychiatry (Meta-analysis) Force of Nature Ancestral Blends use code ALIMILLERRD Red Light Therapy LumeBox use code BECKIYOO The connection between SAD, mood and metabolism Adrenal Support Adaptogen Boost How Magnesium supports Vitamin D Status Super Greens Cube Relax and Regulate NAC, mood and immune Cellular Antiox NanoSilver Spray Vitamin C Episode 255 Vitamin C, Immune Health and Beyond Episode 262 The Keto-Immune Connection and Natural Immunity Updates Keto Reset Program Routines to support SAD Sunlighten Sauna use code ALIMILLERRD Healthyline PEMF MAT use code BECKIYOO10fs Vibrant Blue Oils   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code NATURALLY to save at fondbonebroth.com and check out their new demi glace and duck fat!   

Are you ready to feel grounded, energized, and confident in your wellness this year? Are you tired of starting January with restriction instead of nourishment? Do you want habits that actually stick and support your metabolism, hormones, and mental health? In this episode, Ali and Becki kick off the new year by sharing five foundational ways to invest in your wellness so your routines feel craveworthy, not forced. We discuss how pleasure, satisfaction, and real food are essential for sustainability, how to navigate cravings without shame, and why creating routines your body desires leads to lasting change. We also dive into supporting detox pathways, balancing blood sugar, and understanding how hormonal shifts—especially changes in estrogen—impact insulin sensitivity and metabolism as women age. Ali and Becki cover practical strategies for metabolic flexibility, the role of gratitude in nervous system and metabolic regulation, and why getting outside daily may be one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools for stress resilience and healing.  Also in this episode:  Keto Reset Masterclass: 1/7/26 at 12pm CST  10-day Detox Masterclass: 1/5/26 at 12pm CST Keto Reset Program use code RESET75 Make your wellness craveworthy Super Greens Cubes FOND Bone Broth use code ALIMILLERRD Red Light Mask LumeBox Red Light use code BECKIYOO PEMF & Red Light Mat use code BeckiYoo10fs Addressing food cravings Naturally Nourished Episode 472 Good, Better, Best with Brenda … You Glow Girl Tea Support Your Detox Pathways E3 Live Beam Minerals Cellular Antiox Balance Your Blood Sugar The Role of Estrogen in Insulin Resistance: A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Data - ScienceDirect Naturally Nourished Episode 395 Testing Women's Hormones KetoMojo Nutrisense Practice Gratitude Naturally Nourished Episode 164 Make Positivity Louder and Keto … Work with Becki use code BECKIPACK for 10% off Get Outside Naturally Nourished Episode 424 How Daily Walking Can Transform … Naturally Nourished Episode 322 Nature as Medicine | Ali Miller RD Ali & Becki’s Words for the Year Emerging Trends in the Wellness Space EMF Mitigation Aires Tech This episode is sponsored by the Naturally Nourished Food-as-Medicine Keto Reset. Our Keto Reset is a 12-week, real-food, functional medicine–based program designed to help you lower insulin, improve metabolic flexibility, and address the root causes behind stubborn weight loss, hormone imbalance, gut dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Unlike traditional keto plans, this program focuses on macronutrient strategy over calorie obsession, antioxidant density, therapeutic foods, and high-quality sourcing—while eliminating ultra-processed foods and non-caloric sweeteners. The goal isn’t restriction or perfection, but teaching your body how to burn fat efficiently while feeling nourished and supported. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to personalize your approach using sliding-scale protocols, understand how stress, hormones, and blood sugar influence metabolism, and build sustainable habits that lead to true food freedom. With weekly live classes, Q&As, and access to Ali and Becki’s combined 20+ years of functional medicine experience, the Keto Reset is designed to work with your physiology—not against it—so you can finally feel confident, clear, and in control of your health. Join us now, use code RESET75 to save  

This week on the Naturally Nourished Podcast, Ali shares highlights from her recent experience at Hack Your Health, where she presented on the main stage on Resilience in a Time of Toxicity. Tune in for an inside look at the cutting-edge biohacking and longevity tools shaping the future of health and wellness—from detoxification and metabolic resilience to nervous system regulation and performance optimization.  In this episode, discuss emerging wellness trends, what’s truly promising versus overhyped, and how functional medicine continues to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application. Hear our thoughts on fulvic and humic acid supplements, EMF mitigation tools, quantum energy, and more! Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Academy - Early Bird Pricing ends 12/31! 10 Day Detox - Free Masterclass January 5th Free Keto Reset Masterclass January 7th Episode 449 Hack your Health with Guest Robin Switzer Vendor Highlights from Hack Your Health Pluck Seasonings Masa Chips Beefys Own Tallow Chips Yeehaw Snacks (Becki’s husband Byron’s new company!) Noble Origins use code ALIMILLERRD Sea Level Shots KetoMojo Beam Minerals  Ali’s Lecture Episode 394 The Human Electrical Force Episode 385 Reducing Exposure and Impact of Glyphosate Episode 391 Microplastics New Technology at Hack Your Health PEMF Mats Aires Tech BrainTap Avacen Vibration Plates Lifewave Patches   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Toups & Co, makers of 100% natural skincare and makeup featuring ingredients like grass-finished tallow, organic botanicals, and organic cold pressed plant oils. They never use synthetic chemicals, toxins, fillers, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances. They are a family-owned brand committed to natural living and ingredient transparency--guided by the same unwavering commitment to purity and quality that has changed their own family's health for the better. Carefully selected powerful organic ingredients that nourish for your best skin health. Nourishes with essential fatty acids to balance the skin's microbiome. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save.   

Are you trying to lose body fat but feel stuck despite doing “everything right”? Are calorie tracking and restrictive diets leaving you frustrated or burnt out? Are you curious how to burn fat while supporting hormones, gut health, and long-term food freedom?  In this episode, we break down how to build a body fat burning protocol using a functional medicine approach that prioritizes macronutrient strategy over calorie obsession. We explain how lowering insulin can unlock stubborn metabolism, why metabolic flexibility is the real goal, and how a Keto Reset can be used therapeutically to reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, support gut health, and shift body composition—all while emphasizing antioxidant-rich, real food and sustainable behavior change. You’ll learn how we translate calorie ranges into macros, adjust targets when physiology demands it, and use food-as-medicine tools to help break a plateau, reduce cravings, balance hormones, and achieve true food freedom. Also in this episode: Keto Reset Program use code RESET75 for $75 off Join our Keto Reset Masterclass 1/7 at 12pm CST How this program is unique Why ketones are therapeutic Episode 412 The Power of Protein Busting common keto myths Episode 460 5 Keto Myths & Why You Need a Keto Reset  Setting up your protocol Favorite keto swap outs Twice Baked Cauliflower Mash Truffled Cauliflower Mash Cauliflower “Fried Rice” Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings” Spaghetti Squash Casserole Spaghetti Squash Bolognese  Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Zoodles with Pesto Ways to further boost body fat burn Berberine Boost L-carnitine Green Tea ACV Shooter Lemon Turmeric Shooter Bone Broth Fast   This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co! 

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Bennett, food blogger, coach, author of Good, Better, Best, recent graduate of the Naturally Nourished Academy, and long-time ambassador of the Naturally Nourished supplement line. Brenda shares her personal health journey and how ditching sugar radically changed her life and inspired her to help others do the same. We dive into the deeper layers of emotional eating, “filling the void,” and finding sustainable balance, along with practical, real-world hacks for the holidays, dining out, and staying grounded when food is everywhere. We also unpack Brenda’s experience inside the Naturally Nourished Academy—how the mentorship sharpened her clinical lens, strengthened her confidence, and helped her bridge the gap between passion and practice. If you’re a health coach, registered dietitian, medical professional, or someone deeply passionate about food as medicine and ready to take your knowledge to the next level, this episode is for you. Early Bird pricing for the next Academy cohort ends 12/31—this is your last call to join us. Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Academy - early bird pricing is on NOW through 12/31! Brenda’s Story Brenda’s Books Sugar Free Mom Naturally Keto The 30 Day Sugar Detox Good, Better, Best What is a good, better, best approach? Filling the void Hacks for holidays and dining out The 1:1:1 rule Brenda’s experience with Naturally Nourished Academy Brenda’s favorite supplements Calm and Clear GabaCalm Cellular Antiox Detox Packs Bio-C Plus  Relax and Regulate Whey Protect EPA DHA Extra Vitamin D Balanced Blend Ambassador Program Application Where to find more about Brenda sugarfreemom.com sugarfreemomtribe.com @sugarfreemom   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code NATURALLY to save at fondbonebroth.com

Want to knock out your holiday shopping and gift things that actually support wellness? Wondering what’s on our own Naturally Nourished Christmas lists this year? Tune in to this special episode where we unpack our 2025 Gift Guide and help you check off everyone on your list with ease. We’re sharing our top nontoxic beauty favorites, detox-supporting gadgets we use daily, kids’ gifts that spark creativity and real-food living, and foodie picks that make any kitchen more nourishing and fun. Plus, we round it out with Thanksgiving travel tips, holiday survival strategies, and recipe inspiration to keep you balanced through the busy season. Whether you’re spoiling your bestie, treating yourself, or sending this to your partner as a subtle hint… this episode has you covered. Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Black Friday - Shop now with code TOP5 for 20% off our Top 5 Formulas Free Detox Masterclass January 5th at 12pm CST Free Keto Masterclass January 7th at 12pm CST Naturally Nourished Academy - Early Bird Pricing ends 12/31 Naturally Nourished Gift Cards Ali and Becki’s Favorite Things Foodie Gifts Naturally Nourished Kids - Buy one, get one half off with code GIVEHEALTH FOND Bone Broth Arbequina Olive Oil Caraway MadeIn Yeehaw Snacks Brisket Chips Beauty Must Haves Toups & Co LumeBox use code BECKIYOO Boncharge Red Light Mask  Manucurist Nail Polish Vibrant Blue Essential Oils Favorite Gadgets AiresTech Sunlighten Sauna use code ALIMILLERRD Healthyline PEMF Mat Walking Pad Vibration Plate Kids Gifts Ninja Course Tree Climbing Set Pip and Pop Earrings Boden  Non-Toxic Clothing Quince Pact Clothing Mate the Label For the Dudes Gozney Pizza Oven Thanksgiving Essentials Detox Packs  Digestaid GI Lining Support Berberine Boost Anti-Anxiety Bundle Thanksgiving Menu From Naturally Nourished Kids: Acorn Squash Wedges  Brightly Roasted Brussels Swiss Chard Gratin Spatchcock Chicken 6 Ways to Reduce Toxicity While Grilling   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Toups & Co, makers of 100% natural skincare and makeup featuring ingredients like grass-finished tallow, organic botanicals, and organic cold pressed plant oils. They never use synthetic chemicals, toxins, fillers, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances. They are a family-owned brand committed to natural living and ingredient transparency--guided by the same unwavering commitment to purity and quality that has changed their own family's health for the better. Carefully selected powerful organic ingredients that nourish for your best skin health. Nourishes with essential fatty acids to balance the skin's microbiome. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save. 

SSRI prescriptions are more common than ever—but how much do we really understand about how they work, their true efficacy, and their potential downsides? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of SSRIs, breaking down their mechanism of action and why their use has skyrocketed in recent years.   We unpack the growing concern around emotional blunting, a well-documented effect that can leave individuals feeling flat, disconnected, or lacking drive. You’ll learn why the serotonin deficiency model falls short, what SSRIs actually do in the brain, and why so many people are placed on them without a root-cause approach. We also explore powerful food-as-medicine and lifestyle strategies proven to support mood: from low-glycemic eating and amino acid repletion, to gut health, micronutrients, and more. If you're looking to understand the full picture of SSRIs and discover evidence-backed alternatives for mental wellness, this episode is a must-listen.   Also in this episode:  Free Detox Webinar Naturally Nourished Black Friday Starts Now - use code SAVE10 for 10% off all supplements Naturally Nourished Academy Now Enrolling with Early Bird Pricing Through 12/31 Give the Gift of Wellness with Naturally Nourished Gift Cards Episode 160: Neurotransmitters Part 1 The Anti Anxiety Diet What is Serotonin Sleep Support Low vs. High Serotonin What are SSRIs? Fu-Ming Zhou, Yong Liang, Ramiro Salas, Lifen Zhang, Mariella De Biasi, and John A. Dani: "Corelease of Dopamine and Serotonin from Striatal Dopamine Terminals" SSRIs and Violent Crime Associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and violent crime in adolescents, young, and older adults - a Swedish register-based study - PubMed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Violent Crime: A Cohort Study | PLOS Medicine How to Naturally Boost Serotonin and Support Mood Protein Whey Protect Magnesium Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial | PLOS One Magnesium supplementation beneficially affects depression in adults with depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials Relax and Regulate MethylFolate Assessing Effects of l-Methylfolate in Depression Management: Results of a Real-World Patient Experience Trial MethylComplete Movement Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials | The BMJ Gaba GabaCalm Keto for Mental Health The use of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders - PMC Probiotics as Natures Prozac Acceptability, Tolerability, and Estimates of Putative Treatment Effects of Probiotics as Adjunctive Treatment in Patients With Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Depressive Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry Probiotic Challenge Protocol   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save at https://fondbonebroth.com/ALIMILLERRD.   

What if we told you it was possible to eliminate eczema with food as medicine? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Andra McHugh, founder of Eczema Kids and host of the Eczema Kids Podcast, to explore how food-as-medicine can transform eczema from a lifelong battle into a healing journey. Andra shares her personal story of navigating her children’s severe eczema and how it led her to uncover the powerful connections between gut health, inflammation, and the skin. Together, we discuss the functional nutrition tools and toxin-free lifestyle strategies that can help families ditch steroids and endless trial-and-error in favor of true, lasting healing. In this episode, Andra introduces her Eczema Elimination Method, a practical, family-centered approach to calming inflamed skin, improving sleep, and restoring balance from the inside out. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the root causes of eczema and the hope that with the right foods and daily habits, clear skin is absolutely possible. Whether you’re a parent feeling helpless or a practitioner looking for a functional framework, this conversation offers both the science and the encouragement to heal eczema naturally. About Andra McHugh:  Andra McHugh is the founder of Eczema Kids and host of the Eczema Kids Podcast. She helps families change the trajectory of their children’s health by eliminating eczema, restoring gut balance, and lowering inflammation — all without steroids, endless guesswork, or overwhelm.   As a mom of four, two of whom struggled with severe eczema, Andra understands both the heartbreak and the exhaustion parents face. Out of that experience, she created the Eczema Elimination Method, a step-by-step system that equips families with simple food-as-medicine strategies, toxin-free lifestyle shifts, and soothing routines that actually work.   Through her podcast, programs, and line of organic skincare, Andra gives parents the tools and confidence to restore calm skin, better sleep, and thriving health — changing not just the skin, but the future of the whole family.   Also in this episode:  Andra’s Story What are the root causes of eczema? The gut health connection My Natural C-Section GI Map Stool Test MRT Food Sensitivity Test Top Supplements for Eczema GI Immune Builder provides immunoglobulins to prime the gut in response to bacteria, virus, and aid in reducing reactivity to foods. This is our go-to especially for babies with eczema adding ½ scoop to breastmilk bottle prior to introducing solids! GI Lining Support provides l-glutamine, DGL, and licorice root to support gut lining integrity serving to seal leaky gut and reduce inflammatory gut response.  Rebuild Spectrum Probiotic this multistrain probiotic has S. Boulardi which protects against gut infection and yeast overgrowth in the body. This has been a great tool for breastfeeding mamas and can be added to a bite of food or opened into a bottle. Digestaid provides digestive enzymes to break down foods making them less inflammatory and reducing food sensitivity. Digestaid is great for breastfeeding mamas to reduce reactivity and sensitivity for baby in breastmilk.  Food triggers for eczema Conventional approaches  Advocating for Safe and Effective Disinfectants at work and schools Topical Approaches to eczema Skin Comfort Trio Food as medicine for eczema Where to find more about Andra’s approach eczemakids.com Eczema Elimination Method   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Toups & Co, makers of 100% natural skincare and makeup featuring ingredients like grass-finished tallow, organic botanicals, and organic cold pressed plant oils. They never use synthetic chemicals, toxins, fillers, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances. They are a family-owned brand committed to natural living and ingredient transparency--guided by the same unwavering commitment to purity and quality that has changed their own family's health for the better. Carefully selected powerful organic ingredients that nourish for your best skin health. Nourishes with essential fatty acids to balance the skin's microbiome. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save.