Introduction
In today’s complex wellness and health landscape, one often overlooked factor that can heavily influence our food choices and health is politics. Election cycles, especially in a year like this one (2024 USA Election), can shift regulations and standards that directly impact what we find in our supermarkets, from labeling practices to the types of additives allowed in our food. These changes affect not only the food on our plates but also our well-being and the environment.
To help consumers make informed choices, MBNews recently aired an impactful episode titled “How Election-Year Shapes Your Plate: What Voters Need to Know About Food Safety” featuring wellness industry leaders Troy Casey and Melissa Long. These experts shared insights into the real impacts of food policy and offered guidance on navigating a system often filled with conflicting information.
You can watch the full episode here:
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This blog will walk through key takeaways from the episode, including what the election year means for food safety, practical tips on making smarter food choices, and how to decode those often confusing food labels.
Empowering Consumers for Healthier Choices
The mission of MBNews is to bridge the gap between confusing consumer culture and actionable wellness insights.
Emilia Lujan, the show’s host, explains, “We aim to give consumers clarity amid an overwhelming food landscape—one that often prioritizes marketing tactics over genuine health benefits.”
This first episode is dedicated to demystifying election-year policies and showing how we, as informed consumers, can make choices that favor our well-being and that of our planet. Each guest, whether in functional medicine or holistic living, brings essential perspectives to help you navigate health claims, food policies, and sustainable practices, ensuring you can make informed decisions every time you shop.
Meet the Experts Behind MBNews Episode 1
Melissa Long is a holistic RN and certified health coach specializing in root-cause healing and disease prevention.
Inspired by her journey as a childhood cancer survivor, Melissa transitioned from her 12-year career as an oncology nurse to functional medicine, where she empowers families through nutrition and lifestyle change. As the founder of the popular Natural Minded Mama platform, Melissa has become a voice for low-tox living, clean beauty, and holistic wellness. She reaches thousands on Instagram with practical health insights and guidance.
You can follow her on Instagram @natural.minded.mama and learn more about her work at naturalmindedmama.net.
Troy Casey, also known as the Certified Health Nut, is a globally recognized longevity expert who helps high-achieving individuals deepen their connection with body, mind, and spirit.
Having worked with Amazonian tribes and studied nature-based wellness for over 30 years, Troy is passionate about holistic health and natural living. His work has been featured on platforms like Discovery and Netflix, and he reaches millions through his social channels and live events.
Troy’s engaging wellness content on clean eating, mindfulness, and biohacking can be found on Instagram @certifiedhealthnut, and you can access his resources at certifiedhealthnut.com.
Emilia Lujan, founder and host of MBNews, is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and conscious consumerism.
As the driving force behind MindfulBody Productions, Emilia’s mission is to empower health brands to elevate their impact by building genuine, value-driven connections with their audiences. She combines her media and marketing expertise to bridge the gap between informed consumers and the health brands that serve them.
Follow her on Instagram @emilia_lujan for insights on wellness marketing and community impact, or visit her team’s work at MBP Marketing.
The Connection Between Election-Year Policies and Food Safety
Politics and Your Plate
Election years often bring attention to health-related issues like food safety, yet the complexities can leave consumers overwhelmed and unsure of what’s best for their health. Host Emilia Lujan, founder of MindfulBody Productions, emphasized the importance of transparency in consumer culture, especially when navigating the unclear waters of food safety policies. When policies shift, so do the standards for what’s allowed in our food, how it's labeled, and what companies can claim.
During the episode, functional medicine nurse and health coach Melissa Long expressed her view on the value of integrating nutrition into healthcare to mitigate chronic diseases. According to Melissa, “[Children] today have a 54% rate of chronic disease, up from just 12% in past decades,” highlighting the need for stricter, clearer food policies. Health professionals are rallying to make nutrition education mainstream, helping us make choices that empower our well-being.
Expert Tips for Navigating Food Labels
1. The Real Meaning of Buzzwords
One of the most eye-opening topics covered was the deceptive nature of common terms like “organic,” “natural,” and “non-GMO.” Certified longevity expert Troy Casey explained, “Labels like ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ can be misleading.” For instance, the “natural” label may mean the food has no artificial additives, but it doesn’t exclude the presence of pesticides. “Non-GMO” often gives the impression of wholesomeness but doesn’t guarantee that the product is free of harmful additives or artificial ingredients.
Instead of relying on buzzwords, try to:
Prioritize whole foods: Whenever possible, opt for foods that are minimally processed, ideally with one or two recognizable ingredients.
Read the ingredient list carefully: Avoid items with a long list of additives, sugars, or unfamiliar terms. If you wouldn’t use it in your own kitchen, it’s likely best avoided.
Seek trusted certifications: USDA Organic, for example, although not perfect, still has more rigorous standards than “natural.”
These recommendations help cut through marketing noise, allowing consumers to better assess the nutritional and health value of what they’re buying.
The Power of Whole Foods
Both Melissa Long and Troy Casey highlighted that whole, unprocessed foods are the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Whole foods aren’t just free from additives; they also align with the body’s natural nutritional needs. As Troy puts it, “There’s a difference between ‘chicken soup’ and ‘chicken poop’—what we eat matters deeply to our quality of life and overall health.” Opting for whole foods reduces the risk of consuming hidden additives, preservatives, and sugars. Whole foods give our bodies what they need to thrive without the burden of breaking down artificial substances.
Decoding “Natural” vs. “Artificial” Flavors
Melissa also shared insight into the often misunderstood terms “natural flavors” and “artificial flavors.” While “artificial” may be created in labs, “natural” isn’t always a guarantee of purity. According to Melissa, even natural flavors can include “incidental additives” like preservatives and solvents not disclosed on the label. For example, a “natural apple flavor” may contain several stabilizers or artificial additives. By opting for products with fewer ingredients and prioritizing whole foods, you can avoid the hidden additives lurking behind these labels.
2. Avoiding Additives and Hidden Sugars
Both Troy and Melissa shared important advice on avoiding ingredients that might sound harmless but can contribute to health issues when consumed regularly. Additives like high-fructose corn syrup, MSG, and artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) often appear in foods labeled “low-fat” or “diet-friendly,” despite their links to weight gain, diabetes, and even cancer. These additives, Melissa shared, “are often hidden under different names to keep them in circulation.” High-fructose corn syrup, for example, is sometimes labeled as “corn syrup” or “corn sugar” to sidestep negative associations.
Consumers can combat this practice by:
Limiting processed foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that are naturally nutrient-dense.
Educating yourself on common additives: Familiarize yourself with alternative names for harmful ingredients so you can spot them on labels.
Shopping at local farmer’s markets: This supports local farmers and ensures the freshness and quality of produce.
Avoiding Harmful Additives and Their Aliases
In addition to the additives already mentioned, Melissa Long notes that misleading labels often disguise harmful ingredients under different names. High-fructose corn syrup, which is linked to obesity and diabetes, is often labeled as “corn sugar” or “glucose syrup” to avoid negative perceptions. MSG, another common additive associated with headaches and weight gain, is sometimes listed as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein” or “yeast extract.” This rebranding of ingredients is legal but highly deceptive, highlighting the importance of reading labels with a discerning eye.
Health Risks Linked to Common Food Additives and How to Avoid Them
1. Seed Oils and Industrial Fats
Troy Casey is a major advocate for avoiding industrial seed oils, which he calls “artificial food.” These oils, including canola, corn, and soybean oil, undergo heavy processing and contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which are associated with inflammation and heart disease. To avoid these harmful oils, he recommends cooking with more natural fats, like extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee.
Quick Tips:
Stick to cold-pressed oils whenever possible.
Avoid pre-packaged, highly processed snacks, which are often loaded with seed oils and added sugars.
2. Processed Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, are marketed as “diet-friendly” but are associated with metabolic disorders and an increased risk of diabetes. When in doubt, opt for whole sources of sweetness, such as fruits, honey, or dates, and avoid artificially flavored products as much as possible.
Practical Tips to Incorporate Better Food Choices into Your Lifestyle
1. Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store
Both Melissa and Troy highlighted that most fresh, whole foods are located around the outer edges of grocery stores. Here, you’ll typically find fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products that are less processed and more nutrient-dense.
2. Make Friends with Farmers
For the best quality food, consider building a relationship with local farmers. Troy advises buying produce directly from farms, which is not only often healthier but also more sustainable. He recommends supporting Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs or farmers’ markets where you can source local, fresh, and often organic produce.
Consider High-Quality, Trusted Food Sources
Troy shared practical advice on how to find high-quality food sources, especially for consumers who may not have access to a local farmer’s market. Trusted farms and services that deliver organic and biodynamic foods directly to consumers are an alternative. Options like Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), co-ops, or online food sources such as North Star Bison or Paleo Valley are great for securing trustworthy, nutrient-dense foods, even in urban settings. “In today’s food landscape, it’s either pay the farmer now or pay the doctor later,” Troy says, emphasizing the lasting benefits of investing in clean, unprocessed foods.
3. Wash and Prepare Food Properly
Melissa also mentioned that washing produce—organic or not—is essential. Using a natural cleaning solution like vinegar and water helps remove pesticide residues that may still be present.
This episode of MBNews underscores a larger mission for MindfulBody Productions (MBP). Founder Emilia Lujan emphasized MBP’s commitment to “bridging the gap between consumers seeking better health and specialists providing solutions.” In an industry where marketing can feel misaligned with true wellness values, MBP is passionate about authenticity and making a meaningful difference.
For those who attended the MBNews event, this episode was not just an educational session but also a call to action. By becoming more informed, consumers can make impactful choices and drive demand for higher food standards. MindfulBody Productions provides resources like Lead Hive and Content Curator to support health brands in sharing their truth, guiding consumers towards empowered decisions in health and wellness.
The Impact of Marketing on Health and Consumer Awareness
The conversation highlighted a powerful point: many food brands use deceptive marketing tactics to influence consumer choices, a practice that ultimately affects public health. Host Emilia notes that many of today’s food labels and claims (e.g., “natural,” “low-fat”) are designed more for consumer appeal than genuine health value. By recognizing these tactics, we, as consumers, can support brands that align with our values and well-being. Education and awareness are our most effective tools against the impact of misleading marketing on health and well-being.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Food Choices and Your Health
The insights shared by Troy and Melissa offer a clear message: we don’t have to settle for the status quo when it comes to our food. As consumers, we have the power to vote with our dollars and make choices that prioritize our health and well-being. By being aware of food policies, avoiding misleading labels, and choosing high-quality ingredients, we can take control of our health even in uncertain political climates.
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Hey, it’s Emilia here. 👋
As the founder of MBP, I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the complexities of wellness and consumer choices. That’s exactly why I created tools like Lead Hive and Content Curator—to help wellness brands cut through the noise, connect with consumers, and advocate for real change. Let’s take the guesswork out of your marketing—book a complimentary Holistic Marketing Diagnostic with me, and together, we’ll map out a growth plan tailored to your brand’s mission and values.
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