Are ‘Red Light’ Labels Coming to Your Grocery Store?

Friday, March 20, 2026

Happy Friday 💚

We were thinking…

You know how sometimes big ideas about health start rolling out, and you’re just over there trying to get dinner on the table and remember why you walked into the pantry? 😊

That’s kind of this week.

There’s talk about labeling food, and then there’s the very real conversation about pregnancy brain and what your body is actually going through.

Both matter, but only one is happening inside your home right now.

So let’s talk through what’s actually helpful (and what’s worth your energy).

But first, some quick updates:

• Our new book, 7 Skills to Lasting Health is available for preorder »
• Our Dynamic Duo Greens Powder is on sale right now (Now $12 from $19) »
• Nutritional Yeast is back in stock, grab it while it lasts
• Just Gelatin is back, too, if you’ve been waiting, now’s your moment
• Big surprise: We’re adding an amazing speaker to the conference… Click here to see who it is »

—WELLNESS TRENDS—

The Real Talk on Government Food Labels:

There’s a new idea being discussed: putting color-coded labels on food to show how processed it is.

Green for minimal.
Yellow for moderate.
Red for ultra-processed.

At first glance, it sounds helpful, and honestly, parts of it could be.
Because let’s be real, reading ingredient labels in the grocery aisle while your kids are asking for snacks isn’t always simple.

Not all processing is the same.
• Olive oil is processed  
• Cheese is processed  
• Coffee is processed  

So who decides what gets a red label?
And what happens when something helpful gets lumped in with something harmful?

Practical takeaway: Learn the ingredients in the foods you buy most often. That’s where your effort gives the biggest return.

The “Cart Shame” Factor:

Let’s talk about something no one is saying out loud.

If a food has a big red label, will people feel embarrassed about putting it in their cart?

Probably, and yes, that might quickly shift buying habits. But we don’t want fear driving your decisions.

We want wisdom.

Practical takeaway: Make choices from understanding, not pressure. You’re building a lifestyle, not performing in the grocery aisle. Also, what happens if people stop looking at ingredient lists altogether and just rely on the colors?

Could this actually help families?

There is a positive side here.

This kind of system could:

• Help kids visually understand better choices
• Encourage more whole foods
• Make shopping simpler for beginners

And most people agree; ultra-processed foods aren’t helping our health.

So overall, it may move things in a better direction.

Practical takeaway: Use simple tools as a guide, but keep your own understanding front and center.

When “Processed” Isn’t the Problem:

This is where things get nuanced.

Some foods are processed, but still incredibly helpful.

Think about:

• Whey protein
• Certain supplements
• Even some THM staples

These don’t function the same as ultra-processed junk foods.

And that distinction matters.
Practical takeaway: Ask, “How does this serve my body?” That question will take you further than any label.

—IN OUR PANTRY—

Dynamic Duo Greens Powder

Let’s be honest:

Not every day includes a big, beautiful salad.

And sometimes getting enough greens just doesn’t happen.

That’s where this comes in.

Why Customers Are Loving It:

• Packed with powerful greens like moringa and spirulina
• Supports natural detox pathways
• Helps fill the gap when veggies are low
• Rich in plant nutrients that support overall health
• A simple way to boost your daily intake

It may not be your favorite flavor, but it’s one of the easiest ways to support your body in a busy season.

Shop Dynamic Duo

—RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS—

Here are a few simple ways to get more goodness into your day:

—THE BIG QUESTION—

Pregnancy Brain – When Does It Start and What’s Really Going On?

But there’s actually a lot happening under the surface.

Pregnancy brain isn’t just forgetfulness; it’s both preparation and depletion happening simultaneously.

Your brain is adapting, and your body is giving.

What’s happening:

Your brain is:

• Letting go of less important information
• Creating new pathways for nurturing and awareness
• Preparing to focus on your baby

There’s design in it.

It’s not something going wrong.

But Nutrients Play a Role Too

At the same time, your body is giving a lot.

As your baby’s brain develops, it pulls from your stores of:

• Choline
• Omega-3s (DHA)
• Protein

And if you’re not replenishing, you will feel it.

It’s not something going wrong. There’s design in it.

Three simple ways to support your body:

1. Prioritize protein and don’t skip meals
2. Include choline-rich foods like eggs and animal protein
3. Add omega-3s from fatty fish or quality sources

—Q&A—

Are ultra-processed foods really that bad?
Most experts agree they’re not helping our health, especially when they’re a regular part of the diet. There may be debate around specific ingredients, but overall, heavily processed foods are something we want to limit and move away from over time.

Could these labels oversimplify things?
Yes… and that’s one of the biggest concerns. Not all processing is equal, and some foods that are actually helpful could end up being grouped in with things that aren’t. That’s why it’s still important to understand ingredients and not rely only on a color system.

When does pregnancy brain actually start?
It can start early for some women, but many notice it more later in pregnancy when the baby’s brain is rapidly developing and pulling more nutrients. That said, things like blood sugar swings, nausea, and overall nutrient intake can also affect how strongly you feel it.

Can you just supplement your way out of pregnancy brain?
Supplements can help support you, especially with things like choline, but they’re not the foundation. Real food matters most, and it’s hard to get everything you need from supplements alone. Think of them as support, not the main strategy.

What if I don’t eat eggs?
You can still support your body well. Focus on other sources like fish, quality animal protein, and targeted supplements if needed. Eggs are a rich source of choline, but they’re not your only option.

—CLOSING—

We hope this helps you take a deep breath this week.

There’s always going to be a new system, a new label, a new conversation happening around you.
But your power is in the simple things you do every day.

Maybe this week looks like:

• Adding a better protein source
• Getting in a little more nourishment
• Letting go of pressure and choosing steady progress

That’s enough.
It really is.
We’re cheering you on 💚

And we’d love to know: what’s one simple way you’re nourishing your body this week?

With love,