Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere, and navigating them can feel overwhelming. In this follow-up episode of 1,000 Waking Minutes, Dr. Wendy Bazilian takes the conversation a step further, moving from the science to real-life strategies that make sense—and make a difference.You’ll get a fresh perspective on how to simplify the way you approach food, without falling into the trap of extreme rules or complicated plans. Using her three-step method—Reduce, Restock, and Reorganize—Dr. Wendy breaks down how small shifts in your pantry, fridge, and shopping habits can help you eat better, feel better, and still enjoy the foods you love.This episode is about making food choices that fit your life, your taste, and your time—without guilt, confusion, or overwhelm.FROM THE EPISODEHere's the truth, not all ultra-processed foods need to be banished forever or at all. Some are worth showing the door, but some of them actually that fall into this Nova classification as ‘ultra-processed’ have good quality ingredients and they just make life more convenient and you can feel proud about them.WE DISCUSS:(2:19) Brief overview of UPFs from part 1 episode(6:43) My revelation about “Reduce” vs “Rid”(12:42) How to assess UPFs—and how to identify some changes(18:34) Smart restocking - Pantry, fridge & freezer tips(33:05) Reorganizing for success—simple tweaks that make a big difference(38:31) A mindful moment: Ground yourself in 30 seconds(39:53) Recap, key takeaways, and your challenge for the weekCONNECT WITH WENDY:Follow on Instagram: @1000WakingMinutesVisit the website: wendybazilian.comEmail me: [email protected] SUPPORT:If you’re enjoying 1,000 Waking Minutes, help us grow!Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop.Rate & Review the show—your feedback helps others find the podcast.Join the conversation! Share your thoughts or questions by visiting wendybazilian.com or connecting on social media.Thank you for tuning in to 1,000 Waking Minutes and being part of this journey—together. A huge thank you to our amazing collaborators including our production and marketing teams, and Gabriela Escalante in particular. To the ultra-talented Beza for my theme music, my lifelong friend and artist Pearl Preis Photography and Design, to Danielle Ballantyne, Jen Nguyen, Joanna Powell, and of course, my family and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.HEALTH DISCLAIMER:The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individual medical or health advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medical treatment.REFERENCES:Brichacek, A., et al. (2024). Ultra-processed foods: A narrative review of the impact on the human gut microbiome and variations in classification methods. Nutrients, 16(11), 1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111738Full paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11174918/Capra, L., Hudson, M., et al. (2024). Ultra-processed food intake, gut microbiome, and glucose homeostasis in mid-life adults. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 137, 107427. https://doi.org/10.1016/cct.2024.107427Full paper:

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.