EAT Marketplace: Clean Eating Made Easy with Leah Delyte

In this episode of Wake Up and Read the Labels, host Jen Smiley dives deep into clean eating, the art of gathering around the table, and the truth about the ingredients in our food. Joining her is Leah Delyte, chef, educator, and owner of EAT Marketplace, who shares her inspiring journey of using food to foster joy, health, and connection.

Disclaimer:

The content provided by Wake Up and Read the Labels and Jen Smiley is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Jen Smiley is not a licensed nutritionist, dietitian, or health professional. All recommendations and insights are based on her personal research and experiences. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or wellness routines.

Additionally, some of the links shared may be affiliate links, meaning Wake Up and Read the Labels may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This supports our ability to bring you quality content.

Key Takeaways:

The Connection Between Food and Health: What you eat directly impacts your gut health, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Modern wheat and processed foods differ drastically from those of the past due to genetic modification, chemical use, and ultra-processing.
Tips for Eating Clean: Read labels and avoid products with more than 4-5 ingredients. Watch out for misleading "organic" claims on processed foods, and stick to whole, unprocessed ingredients.
Regenerative Farming Is the Future: Regenerative farming rebuilds soil health through practices like animal rotation, producing more nutrient-dense foods while reducing environmental harm.
Reducing Food Waste: Upcycle kitchen scraps into stocks, soups, or casseroles, and compost when possible. Simple cleaning methods like vinegar rinses make even non-organic produce safer to eat.
Family Meals Matter: Regular family meals improve self-esteem, lower risks of substance abuse among children, and foster joy, connection, and better emotional health for everyone.
Navigating Dining Out: Ask restaurants what oils they use (opt for butter, olive oil, or ghee over seed oils), stick to smaller local spots, and use tools like the Seed Oil Scout app to find seed oil-free options.
Finding Joy in Food: Cooking and sharing meals can be joyful and meaningful. Simple steps like prepping meals with music or loved ones turn a chore into an enjoyable ritual.
Leah’s Philosophy: "Vote with your dollars" by supporting ethical, sustainable brands and farms. Food is more than nourishment—it’s a way to connect, heal, and bring people together.