Refined sugar is a major source of inflammation for the body and some baking innovators are finding ways to ditch them without sacrificing the taste and comfort of baked goods. Laurel Gallucci, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweet Laurel Bakery, shares her journey of being diagnosed with an aggressive autoimmune disease and the transformation that led her to create a unique baked goods company. She shares the story of her diagnosis in her 20s, her switch to an anti-inflammatory diet that eliminated gluten, grains, dairy, refined sugar, and legumes, and her commitment to using whole, real ingredients in her baking. Laurel's dedication to clean and health-focused recipes has not only helped her manage her autoimmune disease but has also led to the creation of Sweet Laurel as a successful brand, offering grain-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and truly delicious baked goods. In this episode, Laurel talks to Jen about her journey from being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease to creating a successful bakery, the importance of using real ingredients, and Sweet Laurel's popular products.  Key Takeaways [01:44] - Laurel talks about Sweet Laurel Bakery’s s’more. [02:32] - How Laurel addressed the root causes of her autoimmune disease. [10:10] - Laurel’s view on anti-inflammatory eating for everyone. [13:18] - Ingredients used in Sweet Laurel’s products. [16:33] - Products offered by Sweet Laurel’s Bakery. [21:08] - Jen and Laurel review a Betty Crocker label. [24:47] - Jen and Laurel review a Sweet Laurel Bakery label. Quotes [04:19] - “So many things were happening to me, and I just felt like I needed to try to do better.” ~ Laurel Gallucci [11:15] - “Bread today is not what bread was 200 years ago it’s like a completely different species.” ~ Laurel Gallucci [14:40] - “That is Sweet Laurel’s approach. We use ingredients that are linked to whole foods.” ~ Laurel Gallucci Links  Laurel Gallucci Instagram Laurel Gallucci LinkedIn Sweet Laurel Bakery Sweet Laurel Bakery Instagram Belly Brands Foods Lovebird Cereal Outer Aisle Nutsola Plantable Kitchen Whole Foods Market Sprouts  Betty Crocker Food Rules Connect with our host Jen on Instagram Jen on Facebook Wake Up and Read the Labels! Schedule a 15 Min Breakthrough Chat with a WURL Food Coach! Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts