What if ultra-processed foods are the new tobacco?

This week on Nourished with Nora, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Gearhardt—one of the top 2% of scientists in the world and the creator of the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Her research reveals something alarming: ultra-processed foods don’t just resemble addictive substances—they are addictive, especially for kids.

In this episode, Dr. Gearhardt breaks down:

• Why ultra-processed foods hijack our brains like cigarettes

• How food giants used tobacco industry playbooks to target children

• The surprising truth about how quickly real food can improve mental health

• What parents and policymakers can do now to protect the next generation

You’ll walk away with a new lens on what’s in your grocery cart—and what we can all do to shift the system.

Please make time to hear what she has to say—and share this episode with one friend.

Listen now and subscribe for more conversations about real food, real change, and a healthier future.

In this energizing episode of Nourished with Nora, host Nora LaTorre sits down with Ryan Dewey, CEO and co-founder of Plunge, to talk about the health trend that’s sweeping the country—cold plunging—and why it’s more than just a wellness fad.

Ryan shares the story behind launching Plunge, how cold exposure transformed his daily routine, and why he believes plunging helps build what he calls “calm toughness.” The conversation spans from plunging for mental clarity and immune strength to the rising movement of “social saunas” as a new form of connection and community.

Nora and Ryan also explore how Plunge’s mission-driven culture sets it apart. Ryan gives a behind-the-scenes look at his leadership style, the company’s core values, and how giving back—like their early support of Eat Real—has been foundational to their success.

Plus: - Plunge tips for beginners (including the surprising power of the head dunk) - Why Ryan prefers high-heat saunas—and designed one you can bike in - The role of wearables and personalized data in the future of wellness - What it means to lead with curiosity (and why he always starts with a question) - The story behind Plunge's marathon team challenge (spoiler: someone's running whether they like it or not)

Whether you’re a seasoned plunger, a sauna newbie, or just curious how wellness and leadership intersect, this episode will leave you fired up and maybe a little chillier (in the best way).

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Plunge

• Eat Real www.eatreal.org 

🎙️ This is episode 3 of Nourished with Nora — don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Michael Goran, author of Sugarproof and leading nutrition researcher, joins Nora to unpack how ultra-processed foods—especially added sugars—are quietly driving serious health issues in children. From the hidden dangers of baby formula made with corn syrup to the link between sugary drinks and cognitive decline, this conversation is packed with insights every parent deserves to hear.

Listen now and learn how to sugar-proof your home, your school, and your family’s future.

In this premiere episode of Nourished with Nora, host Nora LaTorre sits down with Dr. Robert Lustig—a pediatric neuroendocrinologist, bestselling author, and leading voice in nutrition science. Together, they explore how sugar and ultra-processed foods are fueling a public health crisis, especially in children.

Dr. Lustig breaks down:

- How to recognize the 262 different names for sugar!

- Why sugar is more than just "empty calories"—it's a toxin

- How fructose disrupts metabolism, brain development, and gut health

The truth about juice, fiber, and so-called healthy snacks

- Why most grocery store items are loaded with hidden sugars

- The science behind his landmark UCSF study showing how just 10 days without added sugar can transform kids’ health

- How to recognize and avoid added or “free” sugars

- Simple ways families and individuals can make meaningful change

- This conversation is packed with actionable insights and hard-hitting truths for anyone who wants to better understand what’s really in our food—and what we can do about it.

Resources mentioned:

- https://robertlustig.com/

- UCSF's 10-Day No Sugar Study

- https://eatreal.org/

Subscribe for more expert-led conversations about food, health, and raising thriving families.