Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised major food corporations on how to sell more processed foods.
Dr. Livingston reveals how processed foods are intentionally engineered to keep consumers eating. From strategic packaging and advertising psychology to subtle flavor variations within a single bag of chips, food companies use sophisticated techniques to trigger our brain’s natural instincts for variety and reward.
The conversation also explores how marketing claims—such as “made with avocado oil” or “no artificial dyes”—can make ultra-processed foods appear healthier than they really are.
Dr. Livingston explains why processed foods create powerful cravings and why reducing them can dramatically improve eating habits. He also shares practical tools to help people regain control over their food choices and stop rationalizing unhealthy habits.
This episode offers an eye-opening look into the psychology and science behind modern processed foods—and how to break free from their grip.
Please check out our sponsors:
soulyrested.com/coffee
soulyrested.com/wholegrain
soulyrested.com/teas
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: soulyrested.com/podcast
Thanks for watching!
👉Click here to subscribe for new videos: youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: soulyrested.com/pantry
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: soulyrested.com/howto
All my favorite ingredients: soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
Popular topics on my channel include:
Real food
Pantry staple recipes
From scratch cooking
Tea blends & how to make them
Sugarmaking
The Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast
Visit soulyrested.com for more, and subscribe to my YouTube channel to get new videos from me: youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
👋Find me in all the places:
My book: amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: soulyrested.com
Instagram: instagram.com/souly.rested
Facebook: facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: pinterest.com/soulyrested
Podcast: soulyrested.com/podcast
CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised major food corporations on how to sell more processed foods.
Dr. Livingston reveals how processed foods are intentionally engineered to keep consumers eating. From strategic packaging and advertising psychology to subtle flavor variations within a single bag of chips, food companies use sophisticated techniques to trigger our brain’s natural instincts for variety and reward.
The conversation also explores how marketing claims—such as “made with avocado oil” or “no artificial dyes”—can make ultra-processed foods appear healthier than they really are.
Dr. Livingston explains why processed foods create powerful cravings and why reducing them can dramatically improve eating habits. He also shares practical tools to help people regain control over their food choices and stop rationalizing unhealthy habits.
This episode offers an eye-opening look into the psychology and science behind modern processed foods—and how to break free from their grip.
Please check out our sponsors:
soulyrested.com/coffee
soulyrested.com/wholegrain
soulyrested.com/teas
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: soulyrested.com/podcast
Thanks for watching!
👉Click here to subscribe for new videos: youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: soulyrested.com/pantry
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: soulyrested.com/howto
All my favorite ingredients: soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
Popular topics on my channel include:
Real food
Pantry staple recipes
From scratch cooking
Tea blends & how to make them
Sugarmaking
The Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast
Visit soulyrested.com for more, and subscribe to my YouTube channel to get new videos from me: youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
👋Find me in all the places:
My book: amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: soulyrested.com
Instagram: instagram.com/souly.rested
Facebook: facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: pinterest.com/soulyrested
Podcast: soulyrested.com/podcast
CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
