Nutrition Nugget: Your Face episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 16, 2026 · 6 MIN

Nutrition Nugget: Your Face

from Salad With a Side of Fries Nutrition, Wellness & Weight Loss

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about Your Face and how the expressions you make while working out might be completely sabotaging your fitness goals. Could clenching your jaw and squinting through that last rep actually be telling your body you're in danger and ramping up your cortisol levels? On the flip side, what if something as simple as smiling or laughing during exercise could rewire your brain to associate movement with joy and reward? Jenn explores the fascinating connection between your facial expressions and your autonomic nervous system—but is forcing a smile during a brutal workout realistic, or will it actually make a difference in how your body responds to exercise? Tune in to find out. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Happy Healthy Hub MemberJenn’s Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramKEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With A Side Of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Facial Expressions During Exercise, Exercise And Stress Relief, Autonomic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System, Fight Or Flight Response, Rest And Digest, Cortisol Levels, Exercise Fatigue, Smiling While Exercising, Dopamine Release, Endorphins, Cranial Nerve Seven, Facial Nerve, Amygdala, Mid Cingulate Cortex, Mind Body Connection, Nervous System Signals, Jaw Clenching, Exercise Struggle, Workout Recovery, Group Fitness Classes, Exercise Motivation, Finding Joy In Movement, Body Movement, Physical Activity, Workout Mindset, Exercise Psychology, Stress Response, Danger Signals To Body, Safety Signals, Brain Programming, Reward Response, Exercise Enjoyment, Running Tips, Half Marathon Training, Exercise Pace, Movement Types, Fitness Instructors, Health Coach, Wellness And Weight Loss, Nutrition And Fitness, Exercise Benefits, How Facial Expressions Affect Exercise Performance And Stress, Smiling During Workouts To Release Endorphins And Reduce Cortisol

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Nutrition Nugget: Your Face

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This episode was published on January 16, 2026.

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