From Red 40 to Yellow 5, synthetic food dyes are in everything from candy to sports drinks, and they’ve been sparking debate for decades. In this episode, Tonya and Monica are joined by Dr. Running where they dig into what dyes are actually approved in the U.S., how they’re regulated, and what the science really says about their health effects. Spoiler: the brighter the color doesn’t mean the bigger the danger. While we’re busy arguing over food coloring, we’re still falling far short on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legume, the true missing colors in our diet.

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, we’re digging into what keeps our food safe from farm to fork. We explore the responsibilities that U.S. growers and producers have in preventing contamination, how recalls are handled when things go wrong, and what systems are in place to protect consumers. Plus, we take a look across the ocean to compare how the European Union approaches food safety differently than the United States. Whether you're a curious consumer or just interested in food systems, you'll come away with a clearer understanding of what’s behind the label and who’s protecting your plate.

Ever glanced at a food label and wondered how all those ingredients got approved? In this episode, we’re talking about GRAS “Generally Recognized as Safe” a little acronym that plays a big role in what goes on your plate. From flavor enhancers to preservatives, we’ll walk through how certainsubstances earn the GRAS stamp, how the system works, and what’s being done to keep it trustworthy. It’s all about food safety, transparency, and helping you feel more confident in the choices you make at the grocery store.Fact Check: There are 2 types of antifreeze:

• Ethylene Glycol - Highly toxic to humans and animals, used in antifreeze for cars, taste sweet and can cause kidney failure, not allowed in food.
• Propylene Glycol - low toxicity, used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food, considered GRAS because it is considered safe in small amounts. Used to hold in moisture and allows foods to be shelf stable.

Sources:

FDA GRAS Overview: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras

FDA, GRAS Notification: https://www.fda.gov/food/generally-recognized-safe-gras/how-us-fdas-gras-notification-program-works FDA GRAS Notification: https://www.fda.gov/food/generally-recognized-safe-gras/about-gras-notification-program GAO Report on GRAS Oversight (2010): https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-10-246 FDA Removal of Trans Fats (2015): https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/removing-trans-fatFDA Understanding how the FDA regulates FoodAdditives and GRAS: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-and-gras-ingredients-information-consumers/understanding-how-fda-regulates-food-additives-and-gras-ingredients Is it really FDA approved? https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/it-really-fda-approved

Are seed oils really the enemy of good health, or is the fear around them overblown? In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, hosts Tonya and Monica sit down with Dr. Martha Belury, a professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University, to separate fact from fiction.
If you've ever heard that seed oils cause inflammation or that you need a perfect omega-6 to omega-3 balance, this episode will help you understand what the science actually says—without the fear-mongering. Dr. Belury breaks down the truth about seed oils and inflammation, and weighs in on the recent push to replace seed oils with beef tallow in frying.

In this episode, we’re shifting the conversation around exercise from weight loss to holistic well-being. Hosts Tonya and Monica sit down with Jen Elliott—a Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Personal Trainer—to explore the power of joyful movement.

Jen shares insights on how diet culture has conditioned us to see exercise as a punishment rather than a form of self-care, debunking common fitness myths like "no pain, no gain" and the obsession with calorie burn. We discuss how intuitive eating principles help people reconnect with movement in a way that feels good, supports mental health, and fosters self-compassion.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset with exercise or struggled to detach from weight-focused fitness habits, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to redefine movement on your terms and embrace physical activity in a way that nourishes both body and mind.

📌 Resources:

• Jen Elliott’s Therapy Website
• Jen Elliott’s Coaching Website
• Follow Jen on Instagram
• https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/the-ultimate-anti-diet-haes-intuitive-eating-resources-guide

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Are your New Year’s resolutions doing more harm than good? In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, Tonya and Monica break down the ever-popular 75 Hard Challenge—a program that promises mental toughness through extreme discipline. But is it really the path to lasting health, or just another quick fix wrapped in rigid rules?

This episode is for anyone feeling burnt out by unrealistic health goals, those tempted by "all-or-nothing" challenges, or anyone curious about the fine line between motivation and obsession. You'll learn why restriction often backfires, the risks of overtraining without rest, and why daily progress photos might hurt more than help.

Expect an honest, no-nonsense conversation with a dash of snark, backed by real nutrition science. We'll leave you with practical tips for building sustainable habits that actually support your health—without the extremes.

Are you tired of hearing about the latest food fads on social media? This episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life is for anyone who’s had enough of the most popular nutrition trends circulating online, especially those from TikTok!

By the end of the episode, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make smarter food choices and laugh at the latest TikTok trends that don't quite live up to the hype.

Cited sources include:

PMID: 30889887,

PMID: 23990623,

National Institutes of Health

Poison Control

This episode is for anyone curious about the hype surrounding metabolism trackers like the Lumen device or who’s been searching for ways to optimize weight loss and energy levels. If you’ve ever wondered whether tracking your metabolism is necessary for better health or just another gadget gimmick, this episode is for you. Join Tonya and Monica as they break down the science of

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, we’re joined by Jenna Smith, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator for University of Illinois Extension, to explore the crucial next steps in feeding your baby: introducing solid foods. If you’re a parent wondering when to start solids, what the best first foods are, or how to identify your baby’s readiness, this episode is for you! Jenna shares her expert advice, offering practical tips on creating a varied, nutritious diet for your baby without the overwhelm.

USDA WIC Infant Nutrition and Feeding guide: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/infant-feeding-guide.pdf

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, we're diving into the world of baby feeding with Rachel Mannen, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension. If you're a new parent or caregiver curious about baby-led weaning, when to start solids, or whether homemade baby food is really better than store-bought, this episode is for you! Rachel shares practical insights from her work with WIC and her latest project, Feeding My Baby, providing guidance on feeding your baby in a way that works for you and your family.