If you’ve ever stood in the meat aisle squinting at labels wondering what “grass-fed”, “organic”, or “naturally raised” even mean… you are so not alone.
In this week’s episode of the SmarterWellth Podcast, I sat down with Russ Collins, creative strategist (and surprise partner) at Plainview Beef—a company that’s redefining what it means to eat clean, nutrient-dense, truly transparent beef.
And friends—this conversation was more than just meat talk. It was about our health, our habits, and the small changes that can make a big impact on our wellness over time.
Plainview Beef isn’t just grass-fed. It’s sprout-finished. That means their cattle are raised on open pasture and hand-fed nutrient-dense barley and wheatgrass sprouts—yes, the same kind you might toss in your smoothie. These animals eat better than most humans. And the result? Flavorful, high-omega, clean protein that supports everything from heart health to hormone balance.
Russ shared how their hydroponic system lets them grow fresh sprouts daily and deliver 150 pounds of them to each head of cattle, every single day. These cows roam freely with e-collars (yes, tech meets ranching!) and live a life that prioritizes movement, sunshine, and clean inputs.
It’s basically a wellness retreat… for cows.
Here’s where it gets personal. Russ didn’t grow up eating “clean.” He’s from the South, where food is comfort and flavor rules the kitchen (preach). But after his wife was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, everything changed.
They started looking at what they were putting into their bodies—and realized the healing power of food.
From there, it wasn’t just about tasty beef. It was about fueling their family well. It was about creating a legacy of health, one burger at a time.
As Russ said in the episode, “We are what we eat.” And that’s not a scare tactic. It’s an invitation to choose better where we can, one small step at a time.
One of my favorite moments in this conversation was Russ connecting the dots between food transparency and mental health. Did you know most pork in the U.S. comes from pigs that never see the sun? No vitamin D. No fresh air. Just sterile confinement.
Meanwhile, Plainview cattle graze freely, soak in sunlight, and consume living sprouts, resulting in beef that’s naturally rich in omegas and vital nutrients.
Their team even bought a processing facility just to ensure there are no preservatives like citric acid or lactic acid on your steak. No sneaky red dyes. No smoke and mirrors.
Just real food from real people who care.
This episode wasn’t a “go clean or go home” lecture. It was a permission slip to begin with one small shift.
Start by asking: Do I know where my food comes from?
And if the answer is no, that’s okay. But now you know what to look for.
Russ recommends starting with your protein. Maybe it’s your ground beef, your eggs, or the chicken in your freezer. Find a local farmer, shop smarter online (Plainview ships nationwide!), and pay attention to how your body feels when you make the switch.
And if guilt is sneaking in, let me just say this: You are not behind. You’re just beginning. And that’s a beautiful place to be.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:
The Truth About Beef: What Most Labels Won’t Tell You with Russ Collins of Plainview Beef
Watch on YouTube | [Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify]
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P.S. If you’re looking for small ways to eat better without the pressure of perfection, this episode is a great place to start. Share it with a friend who’s on a wellness journey of their own. And as always, join our SmarterWellth community newsletter to keep growing with us.
Your well-being is worth it.