Dishing Up Nutrition

Confused by all the different calcium supplements on the shelf? You're not alone. This episode of Ask a Nutritionist explains who may benefit from a calcium supplement, how to know if you're getting enough calcium from food, and the key differences between the most common forms of calcium. Whether you're trying to prevent bone loss, support osteopenia or osteoporosis, or simply make a more informed supplement choice, this episode will help you confidently navigate the supplement aisle.

Looking for a healthy summer meal that actually keeps you full? In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Teresa Wagner shares her favorite strategies for building high-protein salads that support steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and lasting satisfaction. She explains why many salads leave people hungry an hour later, how much protein you really need at a meal, and simple ways to create delicious, nutrient-dense salads using convenient ingredients.

Feeling bloated, puffy, or uncomfortable during the summer months? You're not alone. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain why bloating and water retention often become more common during hot weather and how factors like dehydration, excess sodium, alcohol, summer treats, travel, and blood sugar swings can all contribute. They break down the difference between bloating, water retention, and actual body fat gain, while sharing practical strategies to help you feel lighter, more comfortable, and energized.

Looking for healthier snack ideas your kids will actually eat this summer? In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Alyssa Krejci shares practical, kid-friendly snack ideas that support steady energy, better moods, hydration, and growing bodies.

From pool days and sports tournaments to summer camps and busy afternoons at home, Alyssa explains how to build balanced snacks with protein, healthy fats, and real food carbohydrates while reducing reliance on sugary snacks and drinks. She also shares simple strategies for making healthy foods more visible, accessible, and appealing to kids, plus fun ways to get children involved in snack prep and kitchen confidence.

Are today's kids facing more health challenges than previous generations? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Kara Carper and Brandy Buro explore the growing impact of ultra-processed foods on children's health and why nutrition habits formed early in life can influence health for decades to come. They discuss the rise in childhood obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, digestive issues, and other chronic health concerns, while explaining how blood sugar balance, protein, healthy fats, and real food can support better energy, focus, mood, and long-term wellness. Parents will also walk away with practical, realistic strategies for helping children build healthier eating habits without perfection or pressure.

Feeling exhausted, anxious, dizzy, or noticing more hair loss than usual? Low ferritin could be the missing piece. In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt explains what ferritin is, why it matters, and why many people, especially women, can experience symptoms of iron deficiency even when their standard iron labs appear "normal."

Do you rely on caffeine, sugar, or energy drinks just to make it through the day? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explore one of the most common complaints they hear from clients: constant fatigue. They explain how blood sugar imbalances, skipping meals, too many processed carbohydrates, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and even alcohol can drain your energy and leave you stuck in a cycle of crashes and cravings.

Should you eat before a workout, after a workout, or both? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Leah and Teresa  break down how to fuel your body for better energy, performance, recovery, and long-term results. They discuss the pros and cons of fasted workouts, the importance of protein and carbohydrates, meal timing, hydration, and common mistakes that can leave you feeling exhausted, sore, or constantly hungry.