The Well Fed Neighbor

New Dietary Guidelines, Same Missing Link- Local Food Ep97

The updated Dietary Guidelines move away from fear-based nutrition, increasing protein needs, allowing whole-fat dairy, and discouraging ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and chemical additives. Yet they still overlook the most critical factor in food quality: where food comes from. Nutrient density, metabolic health, and long-term resilience begin with local, regeneratively produced food—an essential link the guidelines continue to miss.

New Dietary Guidelines, Same Missing LInk- Local Food-Ep97

The updated Dietary Guidelines move away from fear-based nutrition, increasing protein needs, allowing whole-fat dairy, and discouraging ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and chemical additives. Yet they still overlook the most critical factor in food quality: where food comes from. Nutrient density, metabolic health, and long-term resilience begin with local, regeneratively produced food—an essential link the guidelines continue to miss.

Confused About Saturated Fat? Episode 96

For decades, saturated fat was blamed for heart disease, shaping dietary guidelines and food policy. Science has mostly shown that food quality and context matter more than fat alone. This episode explores where saturated fat guidelines originated, what has changed in recent recommendations, and why local, regeneratively produced foods offer a practical solution for both human and environmental health.

USDA Regenerative Pilot: Promise and Pitfalls Episode 95

The USDA’s Regenerative Pilot Program signals growing recognition that soil health and farming systems matter. By streamlining conservation funding and encouraging whole-farm planning, it may help some farmers begin regenerative transitions. However, the program is smaller than prior climate investments, lacks clear regenerative standards, and faces major staffing and accountability gaps. Without strong definitions, technical support, and alignment with local food infrastructure, it risks becoming a rebrand.

The Seed Oil Story: From Chemistry to Chronic Illness Ep 94

Seed oils aren’t simply dietary fats—During refining, these oils generate lipid peroxides and aldehydes that integrate into cell membranes, impair mitochondrial respiration, and activate inflammatory signaling. Cell membranes become inflexible which is essential for cells to function properly. Reducing them is one of the most effective ways to restore cellular function. What should you be eating though? Go local as much as possible.

San Francisco vs Snackzilla- Episode 93

The city of San Francisco is suing Big Food for cooking up ultra-processed products that act more like addictive snacks than real nourishment. Think “Snackzilla goes to court.” With giants like Nestlé and PepsiCo on the defense, the case exposes how UPFs hijack health—and why the real solution isn’t a lawsuit, it’s going back to local, real food that never needs a lawyer. I wouldn’t wait for this one to play out to source local though.....it's going to take years!!!

Forever Chemicals: What's In Your Water- Episode 92

Federal rollbacks on PFAS rules and delayed fluoride reviews leave communities exposed to chemicals linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and neurodevelopmental risks. With weakened standards and years-long implementation gaps, Americans must rely on local testing, filtration, and informed choices to protect their health until stronger protections return. A reverse osmosis filter is a good idea whether you are on city or well water!!!

Regenerative vs Industrial: Finding Balance - Episode 90

Regenerative forestry isn’t just about trees—it’s about restoring whole ecosystems. Moonstruck land management takes that even further, weaving soil biology, water cycles, wildlife corridors, and community stewardship into one holistic vision. When we heal the land, we heal ourselves. This episode explores how regeneration becomes resilience.

Secrets in Healthcare Recap- Episode 89

Sarah and I recently attended Secrets in Healthcare, a conference once known for outside-the-box ideas that are now becoming mainstream. We recap key insights and trends shaping modern wellness—from root-cause healing and detoxification to the power of food and community—sharing what’s next for our health-conscious, well-fed neighbors. Food truly is medicine.

From Entitlement to Empowerment- Episode 88

When we talk about entitlement programs, we rarely talk about empowerment. Yet what if SNAP, WIC, and school meal dollars could actually fuel local farms, rebuild community health, and restore food sovereignty? In this episode of The Well Fed Neighbor Podcast, we explore how redirecting public food dollars into regenerative, local systems transforms dependence into resilience—one bite, one community, and one policy at a time.