Are ultra-processed foods secretly sabotaging your blood sugar?

In this episode of Thriving Beyond Diabetes, we’re joined by Registered Dietitian Julie Ruelle, who brings over 20 years of experience in nutrition, clinical care, and healthier food innovation.

Julie is on a mission to help people cut through confusion, make informed food choices, and take control of their health, one step at a time. We explore what ultra-processed foods are doing to your body, how to read food labels without getting overwhelmed, and why progress (not perfection) is the key to lasting change.

Plus, we’ll explore the GoCoCo app, designed to help you make more informed food choices and support better blood sugar management.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

• The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods: We unpack how these foods affect blood sugar, energy levels, and long-term health and why they’re so hard to avoid.

• Food Additives & Label Reading: Julie breaks down common additives, what to watch for, and how to read food labels without getting overwhelmed or misled.

• Step-by-Step Progress: Why small, consistent changes matter more than perfection and how to build healthy habits that last.

• Inside the GoCoCo App: A look at powerful tools like the Food Scan, Real Food Tracker, and curated Food Lists, built to help you take control of your nutrition and blood sugar.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Julie Ruelle is a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience in nutrition and health. Throughout her career, she has worked with multiple "better-for-you" consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, blending her expertise in clinical nutrition with a passion for improving consumers health through accessible, healthier food choices. Currently, Julie serves as a Registered Dietitian for GoCoCo, where she helps empower consumers to make informed decisions about their food by reducing reliance on ultra-processed products. Julie focuses on practical, sustainable strategies for better eating habits and a healthier lifestyle.

Website: https://www.gococo.app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gococoapp/

Discount Code:

Here are the codes for 1 year of free Premium GoCoCo:

• For iOS, just use this link: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=THRIVING

• For Android, just use the below code - 90 days free code: THRIVING

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

In this interview, we speak with Dr. Lé Santha Naidoo, an award-winning physician, global speaker, and best-selling author, about what it takes to thrive with diabetes and optimise long-term health.

We explore much more than just blood sugar management. Dr. Naidoo explains why insulin is often the missing piece in the conversation, how focusing only on numbers can hold us back, and what daily lifestyle habits can truly move the needle. She also shares her personal journey, the mission behind “The 100 Club,” and how we can all reduce the risk of diabetes complications through an effective, more holistic approach.

If you’re struggling to manage diabetes, this episode provides practical insights to help you live well, not just manage symptoms.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

1- We break down the difference between glucose and insulin, and why understanding both is key to better health.

2- A look at why focusing only on numbers like A1C can miss the bigger picture of wellness.

3- Practical lifestyle habits that make a positive impact on blood sugar, energy, and daily wellbeing.

4- Helpful strategies to reduce the risk of complications and feel more in control of your long-term health.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Lé Santha Naidoo is an award-winning concierge physician renowned for her transformative approach to health and wellness. With triple board certifications in Family Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and Obesity Medicine, she specializes in age management and cellular health optimization.

As the founder of the Avyanna Wellness Institute, Dr. Naidoo introduced “The 100 Club,” an exclusive community emphasizing health optimization, prevention and personalized care. A best-selling author of “Fat to Fabulous,” she shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity to inspire others. Her dedication has earned her many accolades including the President’s Volunteer Service Award three times and several recognitions as a Top Doctor in America for both primary care and concierge medicine. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Naidoo is a passionate mentor and philanthropist, committed to empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. She has global reach with appearances on the TEDx stage, NASA, NASDAQ, the Banker's Club of Mexico, appearing on Podcasts on the global stage. She has had the opportunity to collaborate with Community and Religious Leaders, Beauty Queens, Astronauts, and some of the most influential people in the field of Health Optimization.

Website: https://lesantha.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561032622448

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

In this episode of Thriving Beyond Diabetes, we speak with Lori Clemmons, a wellness coach, mindfulness practitioner, and author of Rewire Your Wellness. After living with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and debilitating fatigue for over two decades, Lori found her way to full recovery using a brain-based approach called self-directed neuroplasticity.

Now she helps others do the same by teaching how to rewire the brain, calm the nervous system, and build a compassionate, healing relationship with the body. Her work is especially powerful for people living with a health condition, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions, where the emotional and mental aspects of wellness are often underestimated.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

1. What self-directed neuroplasticity is and how it rewires the brain to support physical and emotional recovery.

2. How compassionate self-coaching helps reduce inner stress and creates space for healing.

3. Why calming the nervous system is a critical but often-missed part of chronic illness recovery.

4. The connection between emotional wellness, nervous system health, and health conditions like diabetes.

5. Lori’s powerful “King and the Kingdom” story is a metaphor for reclaiming control over your inner world.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lori Clemmons is a wellness coach, mindfulness practitioner, and the author of Rewire Your Wellness. After living with chronic illness for over two decades, including autoimmune conditions and severe fatigue, Lori experienced a full recovery through a brain-based approach called self-directed neuroplasticity.

Now, she helps others rewire their own wellness by calming the nervous system, restoring balance in the body, and building a more compassionate relationship with their health. Her work is especially relevant for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, where the connection between stress, emotional well-being, and physical symptoms is often overlooked.

Lori brings personal experience and professional expertise to her work, offering practical, hope-filled tools for healing from the inside out.

Website: https://loriclemmons.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoriClemmons

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

In this interview, we talked with Chef Mark Reinfeld, an award-winning plant-based chef and founder of Vegan Fusion. With over 20 years of experience and eight cookbooks, Chef Mark shares how intentional cooking can support better health, especially for people living with diabetes.

We look into the mindset needed to succeed in a plant-based kitchen, explore his 7 essential cooking keys, and unpack how you can begin adding more healing, whole-food meals to your life today. If you're managing your blood sugar or exploring plant-based eating, this episode provides practical tips and inspiration.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

• The mindset shift that makes plant-based cooking sustainable and joyful
• His 7 Cooking Keys for creating flavourful, balanced vegan meals
• A look into his 12-part diabetes support program
• Simple, doable ways to bring more healthy plant-based meals into your everyday life

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Chef Mark Reinfeld, a pioneer in the plant-based culinary world with over two decades of experience, is the driving force behind Vegan Fusion. An accomplished chef, educator, and advocate, he's penned eight acclaimed books, including "Vegan Fusion World Cuisine," celebrated as the "Best Vegetarian Cookbook in the USA," with a foreword by Dr. Jane Goodall. Mark's culinary journey began with The Blossoming Lotus Restaurant, honored as "Best Restaurant on Kaua'i."

Chef Mark offers virtual and in-person culinary trainings internationally, including his signature 4-Week Virtual Vegan Cooking Immersion. He also currently serves as Executive Chef for the North American Vegetarian Society's Summerfest. As a trailblazer, he's been inducted into the Vegan Hall of Fame and earned the prestigious Platinum Carrot Award. His consulting services benefit major names like Google, Whole Foods, and The Humane Society, promoting the art of plant-based cuisine for health, the environment, and a more peaceful world.

Website: https://veganfusion.com

Free copy of the 7 Culinary Keys ebook: Enter 100KEYS when registering for a free copy.

https://veganfusion.com/products/the-7-culinary-keys-to-creating-amazing-plant-based-cuisine-ebook

Diabetes Reversal Program Discount: Enter CHANGE50 for 50% off when registering for 50% off.

https://veganfusion.com/products/change-plate-change-fate

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

In this episode of Thriving Beyond Diabetes, we spoke with Jeff Bailey, founder of Avita Yoga Online and author of Mobility for Life. After a serious ski accident in his 50s, Jeff discovered a new way to heal his body by focusing on joint compression and mindful movement instead of traditional stretching or intense workouts.

Now in his 60s, Jeff shares how that experience shaped his mission to help others improve joint health, build strength, and stay mobile for life.

If you're living with type 2 diabetes and struggling with joint pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, Jeff shares practical tips that can help you move with more ease, reduce discomfort, and stay independent as you age.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

1. Jeff’s Recovery Story and Mission: How a devastating ski injury led Jeff to rethink everything he knew about healing, and how that journey sparked the creation of Avita Yoga, built to restore joint health and functional movement.

2. Mobility vs Stretching: Jeff explains the difference between stretching and mobility and why focusing on stretching alone may not be effective for joint health and long-term function.

3. Joint Pressure and Healing: Discover why applying gentle, targeted pressure to the joints is more effective for healing than conventional exercise, and how this principle can be super effective for people with diabetes.

4. Joint Health and Longevity: We talk about how healthy joints impact your lifespan and quality of life, especially for people managing health conditions like type 2 diabetes.

5. Mobility as a Foundation for Independence: Jeff shares how improving mobility today can help you avoid weakness, reduce the risk of falls, and stay independent well into later life.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Jeff Bailey is a specialist in restoring joint health and bone strength, with over 13,000 teaching hours and a proven track record of helping thousands alleviate joint pain and regain active lifestyles. His innovative methods focus on using muscles to strengthen joints and bones, allowing many to avoid replacements.

After a life-changing ski accident at 50, Jeff discovered the importance of joint compression in recovery. A trained Rolfer and author of The Yoga Mind, he leads the annual Avita Yoga Teacher Training and conducts international retreats and workshops.

Now in his 60s, Jeff is dedicated to empowering individuals to live happy, mobile, and independent lives through his practical approach to yoga.

Website: https://avitayogaonline.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffbaileyyoga

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

What if your 60s could be your life's most powerful and purposeful years?

In this inspiring episode of Thriving Beyond Diabetes, I talked with Allison McCune Davis, author, traditional naturopath, and mother of five, about thriving after 60, not just surviving. Allison shares how women can take control of their health, create daily routines that energise them, and live with deep purpose, no matter their age or diagnosis.

We discussed her book, Sixty Is a Good Start, explore the Self-Perpetuating Circle of Purpose, and break down her 60-Day Challenge to reset your health habits, build consistency, and reignite your future.

If you're struggling with diabetes, this conversation is a helpful inspiration to start your health reset at 60 or any age.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

1. Allison’s Story & Mission: Watch how Allison McCune Davis transitioned from raising five kids to building a business in natural health, and why she felt called to help women over 60 rediscover their energy, purpose, and personal power through her book Sixty Is a Good Start.

2. Longevity & Diabetes: We talk about the connection between longevity and health conditions like diabetes, and how ageing doesn't have to mean decline. Allison shares a new approach on how to live vibrantly, protect your energy, and take ownership of your future, no matter your diagnosis.

3. The Self-Perpetuating Circle of Purpose: Allison introduces her powerful 3-pillar framework for living with energy and direction: how purpose, wellness, and daily action feed into each other to create lasting momentum, especially in your 60s and beyond.

4. The 60-Day Challenge: Discover the details of Allison’s 60-Day Health Challenge, a practical, focused plan to reset your habits, take control of your health, and stick to it. We discuss why 60 days is the sweet spot for real change and how to start your own challenge today.

5. Your Future Is Hidden in Your Daily Routine: We look into why your everyday choices matter more than you think. Allison explains how small daily habits compound over time, and how to make your routine work for you, not against you, especially when managing long-term conditions like diabetes.

6. Accountability to Achieve Health Goals: Why do most people fall off after starting strong? We talk about the essential role of accountability in health transformation, from building a support system to creating internal motivation, and practical ways to stay consistent when life gets busy or tough.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Allison McCune Davis is an author, Traditional Naturopath and mom of 5 who pursued entrepreneurial business in the world of natural health for the last fourteen years while raising her family. With her new book, Sixty Is a Good Start: A Powerful Body, a Purposeful Life, and a Plan to Make it Happen, she advocates for reimagining life after sixty and inspires women to embrace ageing as a time of opportunity, vitality, and purpose.

Website: https://allisonmccunedavis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison.mccune.davis/

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

In this episode of Thriving Beyond Diabetes, Elizabeth Bruckner, author of The Homesteader Mindset, breaks down the myths that keep people from living more self-sufficient, fulfilling lives.

If you think you don’t have the time, money, or knowledge to start building better habits and a more sustainable lifestyle, this conversation is for you.

Learn practical steps, mindset shifts, and helpful strategies to simplify your path to wellness, starting today.

Join The FREE 7-Day Wellness Challenge: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/wellness-challenge/

SUMMARY NOTES:

1. Elizabeth’s story & mission - How her background in acupuncture and passion for self-sufficiency and health inspired her to help people overcome chronic illness.

2. “I don’t have time” myth - Why lack of time is often a mindset issue and how to make space for what matters.

3. “I don’t have money” myth - How to begin your self-sufficiency journey without a big budget.

4. “It’s too complicated” myth - Breaking things down into simple, doable steps for positive change.

5. Focusing on the positives - The power of choosing joy and delight in the self-sufficiency process.

6. Creating new happy habits - How to build small, sustainable routines that support mental and physical wellness.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Elizabeth Bruckner is the author of The Homesteader Mindset; a book that will transform the way you view self-sufficiency and give you the tools and practical tips needed for a more meaningful life. Elizabeth’s book has quickly become a must-read for every person who dreams of creating sustainable living through traditional skills and common sense. Her book outlines mental health principles that she has used for over a decade in her acupuncture practice.

Website: http://createwellnessproject.com

HOW TO WATCH & LISTEN:

You can watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify, listen on Apple Podcasts or explore additional viewing options by visiting our website at https://www.wellnessimpact.org/podcast/

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE:

Don't miss any future episodes of Thriving with Diabetes! Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and share our podcast with friends, family, and anyone looking to make a positive impact on their health.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us at

Website: https://www.wellnessimpact.org

Diabetes Coaching: https://www.wellnessimpact.org/coaching/

Diabetes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnessimpact

Struggling to manage type 2 diabetes? Feel like it’s a life sentence?

What if you could take back control - and even work towards remission?

Welcome to Thriving Beyond Diabetes - the show created to help you reclaim your health and live life on your terms.

Join Ghamdan, founder of Wellness Impact, as he shares expert insights, science-backed strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you stabilise blood sugar, build healthier habits, and improve longevity.

Whether you're looking for practical steps, expert interviews, or motivation to transform your health, this show is for you.

Don’t just manage diabetes - take control of your health and thrive beyond it.

Follow now and start your journey today!