Empowered Nutrition

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Melissa McCreery, a PhD clinical psychologist, to explore the complex relationship between food, mindset, and health. Dr. McCreery shares her expertise on emotional eating, perfectionism, and the psychological factors that contribute to overeating. We dive into how hidden emotional needs, or "hidden hungers," can drive unhealthy eating patterns, and how addressing both the emotional and physiological aspects of food can lead to lasting change. Dr. McCreery also discusses the importance of shifting from a mindset of restriction to one of self-compassion and curiosity when it comes to food and weight management. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to break free from negative cycles around food and create a healthier, more balanced relationship with eating.

Episode Highlights

• The Problem with “Cheat Days”: Why constructing a relationship with food that involves cheating can lead to a cycle of guilt and overeating.
• Hidden Hungers: Emotional eating often acts as a coping mechanism for unmet emotional or psychological needs. Understanding these hidden hungers is key to breaking unhealthy food patterns.
• The Role of Physiology: Metabolic factors like insulin resistance and gut health can play a significant role in appetite regulation, complicating the emotional eating cycle.
• Weight Loss Medications: A discussion on GLP-1 medications, their benefits in the short term, and the importance of addressing the underlying psychological and emotional issues for long-term success.
• Shifting Your Mindset: Moving from a place of “I have to” to “I want to” when it comes to making healthier choices, and how this mindset shift can lead to lasting change.
• The Power of Compassion: Recognizing that making lasting change requires understanding and compassion for yourself, especially when facing challenges around food.

Resources Mentioned

• Website: TooMuchOnHerPlate.com
• Free Quiz: TooMuchOnHerPlate Quiz
• Podcast: Too Much On Her Plate Podcast
• Instagram: @TooMuchOnHerPlate
• Facebook: Too Much On Her Plate
• LinkedIn: Dr. Melissa McCreery

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Lett, a registered dietitian and certified lactation counselor who specializes in pediatric nutrition, picky eating, food allergies, and maternal health. Kerry offers a wealth of insight on feeding children, from the early stages of introducing solids to navigating picky eating in toddlers and adolescence. They dive into the important differences between feeding neurotypical and neurodivergent children, bust common myths surrounding picky eating, and discuss effective, research-backed strategies for making mealtime a less stressful experience for both parents and kids. Whether you’re a parent with a picky eater or someone interested in child feeding strategies, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives

Episode Highlights

• Kerry’s Journey into Pediatric Nutrition
  • Carrie shares her path from wanting to be a pediatrician to becoming a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric and maternal nutrition. She discusses the importance of preventing health issues before they arise, rather than just treating them once they occur, and how she focuses on supporting families through every stage of life.
• The Challenges of Feeding Kids Today
  • The conversation shifts to the common challenges parents face when it comes to feeding their children, especially with the overwhelming amount of conflicting information available online. Kerry explains how parents often feel lost or confused when it comes to starting solids and managing picky eating.
• Picky Eating: Is It Becoming More Prevalent?
  • Kerry discusses the growing trend of picky eating, pointing out that sensory issues and neurodivergence may be contributing factors. She shares insights into why picky eating seems more common today and how societal and environmental changes may be influencing this shift.
• Division of Responsibility in Feeding
  • Kerry explores the "division of responsibility" model popularized by Ellen Satter, where parents are responsible for providing healthy meals, and children are responsible for deciding whether or not to eat. She explains how this framework can be adapted for picky eaters and provides tips on balancing autonomy with structure during mealtime.
• The Role of Sensory Exploration in Feeding
  • Sensory exploration is a key part of Kerry's approach. She emphasizes the importance of letting kids explore food in a non-threatening way, from touching and smelling to playing with food before even thinking about eating it. This helps build familiarity and reduces fear around new foods.
• How to Transition from Purees to Solids
  • Kerry offers advice on introducing solids to babies, explaining that combining purees with baby-led weaning can be a successful approach. She discusses the benefits of both methods and how they can be used together to teach children to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors.
• Handling Picky Eating in Adolescents
  • The conversation wraps up with a look at picky eating in adolescence, a less commonly discussed topic. Kerry talks about the importance of setting boundaries, offering healthy snack options, and guiding teens toward more balanced food choices without controlling their autonomy.

Resources Mentioned

• Kerry Lett’s Practice:
  • Kerry is the founder of Milestones Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition, where she and her team offer personalized nutrition counseling and lactation consulting to help families thrive.
  • Website: Milestones Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition
  • Instagram: @milestonesnutrition
• Books & Approaches Referenced:
  • Ellen Satter's Division of Responsibility: Kerry references Ellen Satter’s model of feeding where parents provide the "what, when, and where" of feeding, while kids decide if and how much to eat.
  • The SOS Approach to Feeding by Dr. Kay Toomey: This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for children with sensory needs, developmental issues, or fear and aversions around food.
  • "From Yuck to Yum" Framework: Kerry shares her personalized approach to feeding based on evidence-based strategies, blending concepts from Satter’s and Toomey’s work.
• Free Resources:
  • Free E-books on Pediatric Feeding, helpful blogs, and more on Kerry's website for parents looking for support on picky eating, child nutrition, and feeding strategies.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between the nervous system, trauma, and overall gut health with psychotherapist Michelle White. We explore how understanding and addressing the root causes of chronic stress can lead to long-lasting healing. Michelle explains how embodied psychotherapy can calm the mind, emotions, and body, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of stress on gut health. She emphasizes that when stress triggers physical symptoms, traditional talk therapy alone is insufficient. Instead, Michelle shares insights on her therapeutic approach, which combines relaxation and embodied techniques with deeper self-exploration to effectively resolve symptoms and promote healing.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding the Nervous System: The importance of identifying and addressing what activates the nervous system, particularly in the context of trauma and chronic stress.
• Therapeutic Process: Michelle outlines her approach, including weekly sessions, embodied work, and the significance of homework for continued practice outside of therapy.
• Tools for Healing: Discussion on using apps and vagus nerve devices, and the necessity of addressing underlying issues rather than relying solely on technological solutions.
• Safety and Healing: The fundamental human desire for safety and how true healing involves feeling secure within oneself.

Resources Mentioned

• Podcast: Happy Inside – Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Website: happyinside.com.au – For more information on Michelle's practice and resources.
• Social Media: IG: @sohappyinside | Facebook: Happy Inside
• iPhone App: Offers gut-directed imagery and other relaxation tools for personal use.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Erin Skinner welcomes Haley Smith, a Certified Fertility Awareness Practitioner and the founder of Innate Rhythm and the Fertility Freedom Podcast. Haley's mission is clear: to empower women overlooked by the traditional healthcare system with body literacy, self-trust, and fertility awareness. Together, they discuss how women can optimize fertility through nourishment, mindfulness, and lifestyle adjustments. Haley explains how adding nutrient-dense foods, improving sleep, and managing stress can create the right environment for conception. She also shares her personal experience of how emotional and physical stress impacted her menstrual cycle and fertility. Erin and Haley dive deep into the connection between safety signals to the body and successful conception, emphasizing that fertility is about more than just biology—it's about creating space in your life for new possibilities.

Episode Highlights

• Mindful Eating for Fertility: Haley advocates for adding quality high proteins and whole foods to support fertility, rather than cutting things out. It's about sending safety signals to the body through nourishment.
• Body’s Safety Signals & Fertility: Stress, over-exercising, and emotional turmoil can signal to the body that it’s not safe to conceive. Haley shares how her own stressful breakup and calorie deficit caused her to stop ovulating for nine months.
• Fertility Awareness & Tracking: Haley highlights the importance of tracking your cycle and temperature to understand when you’re ovulating. She explains that even if you're bleeding, you may not be ovulating—something only tracking can reveal.
• Foundations of Fertility: Before diving into supplements or other interventions, it's essential to focus on the foundations of sleep, stress management, exercise, and nutrition. Haley emphasizes starting with small changes like getting sunlight in the morning and increasing protein intake.
• Tailored Health Protocols: Haley explains her approach to working with clients, which starts with gathering data through cycle charting, lab work, and health intake forms. This helps her create personalized health protocols, with a commitment to at least four months of focused change.

Resources Mentioned

• Haley’s Practice: Innate Rhythm.
  • Check out a 'Free Discovery Call'
  • Group Program: Fertility Freedom, launching later this year.
• Haley's Instagram: @fertilityfreedom.ir 
• Haley's Podcast: Fertility Freedom Podcast
• Tests mentioned: The Dutch Test for sex and adrenal hormone metabolites.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, we are joined by Lily Nichols, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and researcher known for her evidence-based approach to prenatal nutrition. Lily is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ and co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy. She has authored several bestselling books on real food nutrition that have influenced prenatal health worldwide.

In this discussion, Lily shares insights into the relationship between insulin resistance and gestational diabetes, emphasizing the importance of managing blood sugar before, during, and after pregnancy. She also provides empowering strategies to reduce long-term health risks and ensure optimal outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Episode Highlights

• Insulin Resistance Preconception: Lily explains that insulin resistance may already exist before pregnancy, contributing to the development of gestational diabetes.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study: A study discussed by Lily reveals that women who developed gestational diabetes showed higher blood sugar levels from the beginning of pregnancy, even before typical testing at 24–28 weeks.
• The Importance of Preconception Blood Sugar Management: Lily emphasizes that managing blood sugar before pregnancy, through proper diet, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes and Long-Term Health: Women who develop GD are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Lily describes GD as a "warning light" and stresses the importance of lifestyle changes post-pregnancy to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• The Role of Key Nutrients: Lily mentions the importance of nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and inositol in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
• Empowering Women: Rather than stigmatizing gestational diabetes, Lily highlights how knowledge of one's blood sugar control can be empowering, leading to proactive health decisions and better long-term outcomes.
• Gestational Diabetes Resources: Lily shares information about her professional training programs and the network she has built to ensure women have access to high-quality clinical care.

Resources Mentioned

• Lily Nichols’ Website: LilyNicholsRDN.com – A hub for free articles, blog posts, and educational content on prenatal and gestational diabetes nutrition.
• Books by Lily Nichols:
  • Real Food for Gestational Diabetes
  • Real Food for Pregnancy
  • Real Food for Fertility
• Free Video Series on Gestational Diabetes: Available on Lily's website under the "Freebies" tab.
• Women’s Health Nutrition Academy: Professional webinars on prenatal nutrition.
• Institute for Prenatal Nutrition: A clinical mentorship program for health professionals. Apply to be in the October cohort!
• Instagram: Follow Lily Nichols (@lilynicholsrdn) on Instagram for research briefs, food inspiration, and practical tips.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Erin Skinner interviews Melissa Teel, a functional dietician and autism parent, about the impact of diet on autism. They dive into a recent autism reversal study showing the benefits of gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-processed food diets on children's behavior, communication, and cognitive function. Melissa shares her personal journey with these dietary changes and offers practical advice for other families.

Episode Highlights

• Autism Reversal Study: A study found that eliminating gluten, dairy, and processed foods led to significant improvements in autism symptoms. Read the full study here.
• Implementing Dietary Changes: Tips include meal prepping, using gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, and gradually introducing new foods. Melissa also discusses the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet, which focuses on gut health.
• Professional Support: Collaborating with dietitians, occupational therapists, and other specialists can enhance the effectiveness of dietary interventions and support the transition.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, and incorporating sports are beneficial. Recommended supplements include Omega-3s, vitamin D, multivitamins, and probiotics.
• Challenges and Barriers: Financial constraints, lack of support, and the need for gradual dietary adjustments are significant challenges. Melissa stresses the importance of balancing dietary changes with professional guidance.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Reversal Study: Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
• Autism Dietitian on Instagram: @autismdietitian, a valuable resource for autism-friendly diets and tips.
• Thrive Clinics: Erin’s clinic offers telehealth services in various U.S. states and in-person services in North Carolina, focusing on nutrition for cognitive health, autism, and much more. Contact Thrive Clinics to empower your health today!

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, Erin Skinner sits down with Alexandria DeVito, a functional nutritionist specializing in fertility and preconception health. Alexandria, who is the founder and CEO of Poplin, discusses the importance of preparing your body for conception through comprehensive preconception health strategies. They delve into how factors like diet, lifestyle, and environment can impact fertility and overall health, and how a thorough understanding of one’s health baseline can lead to better outcomes for both conception and the health of the future child.

Episode Highlights

• The Importance of Preconception Health: Alexandria explains why preparing for pregnancy extends beyond just diet and involves a thorough assessment of various health markers, including blood, hormone, metabolic, nutrient, and immune status.

• Functional Nutrition Approach: Alexandria discusses the benefits of a functional nutrition approach to fertility, which includes understanding and addressing nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances that traditional tests might overlook.

• Testing and Baselines: Poplin offers extensive pre-pregnancy wellness testing, covering more than 70 biomarkers to provide a detailed picture of an individual's health. This allows for more personalized and effective fertility and preconception planning.

• Impact of Diet on Fertility: They explore how nutrient-dense diets, including healthy fats and animal products, can support reproductive health. Alexandria debunks myths around fat and cholesterol, emphasizing their role in hormone production and fertility.

• Partner Involvement and Age: Alexandria highlights the importance of both partners being involved in preconception health and how improving biological health can impact fertility, regardless of age.

• Poplin’s Offerings: Learn about Poplin’s comprehensive testing services and resources, including their app and educational support for preconception health.

Resources Mentioned

• Poplin: The first pre-pregnancy wellness company offering comprehensive testing and support. Visit Poplin's Website to learn more and use promo code ENP50 for $50 off their premium test panels.
• Alexandria DeVito’s Book: Nine Months is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-Pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby Ready Body and Build Generational Health.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

At Thrive Clinics, we use a nutrition-centric healthcare model that helps you leverage the power of food to optimize your health.

Learn how we can help you Thrive by clicking HERE!

Our Program for Healing Your Metabolism is Available as the 'Lean for Life' App!

Help yourself feel aligned using our three phase approach: Heal, Optimize , and Refine where you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website! Heal your Metabolism with the Lean for Life App. 

Are you interested in getting root cause health care covered by your insurance? Get started with booking an appointment HERE at Thrive Clinics!

Enjoying the podcast? We'd Loved to Hear Your Feedback! 

Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to [email protected] as a DM on Instagram (@thrive-clinics). Include a brief description of what you’re working on with your health and/or nutrition and I’ll send you a free custom meal plan!

Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas by email to: [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, we dive deep into the importance of the microbiome for overall health. We tackle common misconceptions about what impacts the microbiome and offer evidence-based recommendations for optimizing gut health. We also explore the factors that harm the microbiome and underscore the significance of making informed dietary choices.

Episode Highlights

1. Introduction to the Microbiome:

   • Understanding the importance of the microbiome for overall health.
   • Common misconceptions about microbiome health.

2. Connections Between Microbiome and Health:

   • The role of the microbiome in metabolic health, mood, and hormonal balance.
   • How an impaired microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation and chronic diseases.

3. Probiotics and Fiber:

   • Limitations of probiotics in changing the microbiome long-term.
   • The importance of fiber, but why it alone may not restore microbiome diversity.

4. Effective Ways to Improve Microbiome Health:

   • The significant impact of fermented foods on microbiome diversity.
   • Key findings from the Sonenberg study on fiber vs. fermented foods.
   • Benefits of prebiotics and specific polyphenols for gut health.
   • The role of berberine in improving metabolic health and the gut microbiome.

5. Harmful Factors for the Microbiome:

   • Four categories of food additives that impair gut health:
     1. Emulsifiers
     2. Artificial sweeteners
     3. Food colorings
     4. Nanoparticles

6. Practical Tips for a Healthy Microbiome:

   • Incorporating fermented foods into the diet.
   • Avoiding food additives that harm gut health.
   • Understanding the broader impact of diet on systemic inflammation and chronic diseases.

Resources Mentioned

• Study: Wastyk, H. C., Fragiadakis, G. K., Perelman, D., Dahan, D., Merrill, B. D., Yu, F. B., Topf, M., Gonzalez, C. G., Van Treuren, W., Han, S., Robinson, J. L., Elias, J. E., Sonnenburg, E. D., Gardner, C. D., & Sonnenburg, J. L. (2021). Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell, 184(16), 4137–4153.e14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019 
• Common Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.
• Prebiotics: Inulin, FOS, GOS, polyphenols from pomegranate.
• Berberine: Benefits for metabolic health and gut microbiome improvement.

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

At Thrive Clinics, we use a nutrition-centric healthcare model that helps you leverage the power of food to optimize your health.

Learn how we can help you Thrive by clicking HERE!

Our Program for Healing Your Metabolism is Available as the 'Lean for Life' App!

Help yourself feel aligned using our three phase approach: Heal, Optimize , and Refine where you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website! Heal your Metabolism with the Lean for Life App. 

Are you interested in getting root cause health care covered by your insurance? Get started with booking an appointment HERE at Thrive Clinics!

Enjoying the podcast? We'd Loved to Hear Your Feedback! 

Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to [email protected] as a DM on Instagram (@thrive-clinics). Include a brief description of what you’re working on with your health and/or nutrition and I’ll send you a free custom meal plan!

Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas by email to: [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its recurrence. Our host, with years of professional experience in treating SIBO and co-founder of the SIBO Academy, shares invaluable insights on why SIBO often returns after initial treatment and how to prevent it. We discuss the importance of addressing underlying root causes and present a comprehensive protocol to ensure SIBO does not come back. This episode is packed with practical advice for both patients and practitioners.

Episode Highlights

1. Understanding SIBO Recurrence: Explanation of why SIBO often returns after initial treatments and the importance of addressing root causes.
2. Key Components of a Post-SIBO Protocol:
   • Prokinetics: Importance of stimulating gut motility to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
   • Digestive Enzymes: Role of high-quality digestive enzymes in aiding proper digestion and absorption of food.
   • Probiotics: Use of specific types of probiotics to create an environment unfavorable to harmful bacteria.
   • Replacement Therapies: Addressing deficiencies in stomach acid, bile, and overall nutritional status.
3. Ancillary Strategies: Additional strategies to prevent SIBO recurrence, including:
   • Vagal Tone Improvement: Techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve and enhance gut motility.
   • Trauma and Stress Management: Addressing chronic stress and past trauma that can impact gut health.
   • Abdominal Adhesions: Identifying and treating adhesions that can slow down gut motility.

Resources Mentioned

• SIBO Academy: Courses and resources for practitioners to become experts in treating SIBO.
• Prokinetics:
  • Motility Activator from Integrative Therapeutics
  • Prescription options like Motegrity
• Digestive Enzymes:
  • Transformation Enzymes' Digest and DigestZyme
• Probiotics:
  • MegaSporeBiotic from Microbiome Labs
  • ProFlora 4R from Biocidin
• Bitters for Stomach Acid and Bile Flow:
  • Gaia Herbs
  • Quicksilver Scientific
• Nutritional Supplements:
  • Multivitamins
  • Protein-rich diets
• Vagal Tone Improvement:
  • True Vega Nerve Stimulation Device
• Visceral Therapy:
  • The Barral Institute Directory for Visceral Manipulation Practitioners

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Love it? Hate it? We’d love to hear your feedback!  

Empowered Nutrition is now called Thrive! A Nutrition-centric healthcare model that helps you leverage the power of food to optimize your health. Learn how we can help you Thrive: linktr.ee/realnutrition Let Thrive support you with medical weight loss:

At Thrive, we support you on your healing journey by blending our dietitian-led nutrition care with the efficacy of GLP-1 weight loss medications. Our innovative program harnesses the power of personalized nutrition guidance alongside close medical supervision, to optimize your journey towards a healthier weight. Click here to learn more!

• When needed, we use compound GLP-1 medication (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) to help our clients reduce food noise and follow their nutrition plan more successfully.
• All medical weight loss program participants are thoroughly screened and monitored for safety across their weight loss journey.
• With or without medication, all weight loss patients work with a compassionate, expert Registered Dietitian for nutrition support. This care protects muscle, reduces side effects, and avoids nutrient deficiencies. It also improves long-term success with weight maintenance.
• Unlike expensive med spas, our consults for medical weight loss are billed to your healthcare insurance plan.
• Unlike online/virtual GLP-1 companies, we ensure your safety, both through medical screening/monitoring and by using and FDA-certified safe compounding pharmacy.
• Unlike with branded GLP-1 medication, compounded medication is not impacted by shortages or delays.
• With our program, you don’t have to worry about a dangerous disconnect between your weight loss team and the rest of your healthcare team. We also serve as your primary care provider. This way, your care is more complete and safe.

Lean for Life is now in the App Store!

Heal your Metabolism with the Lean for Life app: https://empowered-nutrition.ck.page/193bb2cd67

Help yourself feel aligned using our three phase approach: Lean for Life Membership called Heal, Optimize , and Refinewhere you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website!

Want to learn more about our one-on-one Empowered Nutrition coaching? Book a free chemistry call to discuss your story and see if we're a good fit.

Enjoying the podcast?

Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to [email protected] as a DM on Instagram (@thrive-clinics). Include a brief description of what you’re working on with your health and/or nutrition and I’ll send you a free custom meal plan!

Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas by email to: [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, I share my personal and unique journey of health discovery as I uncover my diagnosis with a rare form of diabetes known as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young). Despite its rarity, this story underscores the importance of individualized care and self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Health Journey: I detail my experience from pregnancy complications to discovering my rare diabetes diagnosis.
• Healthcare System Challenges: Discussing the limitations of standardized healthcare protocols and the importance of personalized care.
• Persistence in Self-Advocacy: Encouraging listeners to persist in seeking answers and appropriate care when faced with health concerns.
• Understanding MODY Diabetes: Providing an overview of MODY diabetes, its genetic basis, and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Episode Highlights

1. Early Signs and Pregnancy Complications

   • Three pregnancies with significant complications due to large babies.
   • Initial misinterpretations of symptoms and health indicators.

2. The Journey to Diagnosis

   • Multiple tests and misdiagnoses including PCOS and iron status checks.
   • Persistent high hemoglobin A1C levels despite a healthy lifestyle.
   • Exploration of insulin resistance and the discovery of low fasting insulin levels.

3. Discovering MODY Diabetes

   • Genetic testing leading to the diagnosis of MODY 12, a very rare form of diabetes.
   • Challenges in finding appropriate treatment due to the rarity of the condition.
   • The struggle with healthcare providers reluctant to prescribe the suggested medication (glipizide).

4. Navigating the Healthcare System

   • The importance of advocating for myself in the healthcare system.
   • The need for personalized care and the limitations of generic treatment protocols.
   • Encouragement to seek second opinions and not settle for inadequate care.

Reflective Insights

• Healthcare Privilege: Acknowledging the advantages I had in navigating the healthcare system due to my background and resources.
• Encouragement for Listeners: Inspiring listeners to remain steadfast in their health journey and to advocate for themselves, recognizing their own knowledge and experience with their bodies.

Empowered Nutrition is now called Thrive! A Nutrition-centric healthcare model that helps you leverage the power of food to optimize your health. Learn how we can help you Thrive: linktr.ee/realnutrition Let Thrive support you with medical weight loss:

At Thrive, we support you on your healing journey by blending our dietitian-led nutrition care with the efficacy of GLP-1 weight loss medications. Our innovative program harnesses the power of personalized nutrition guidance alongside close medical supervision, to optimize your journey towards a healthier weight. Click here to learn more!

• When needed, we use compound GLP-1 medication (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) to help our clients reduce food noise and follow their nutrition plan more successfully.
• All medical weight loss program participants are thoroughly screened and monitored for safety across their weight loss journey.
• With or without medication, all weight loss patients work with a compassionate, expert Registered Dietitian for nutrition support. This care protects muscle, reduces side effects, and avoids nutrient deficiencies. It also improves long-term success with weight maintenance.
• Unlike expensive med spas, our consults for medical weight loss are billed to your healthcare insurance plan.
• Unlike online/virtual GLP-1 companies, we ensure your safety, both through medical screening/monitoring and by using and FDA-certified safe compounding pharmacy.
• Unlike with branded GLP-1 medication, compounded medication is not impacted by shortages or delays.
• With our program, you don’t have to worry about a dangerous disconnect between your weight loss team and the rest of your healthcare team. We also serve as your primary care provider. This way, your care is more complete and safe.

Lean for Life is now in the App Store!

Heal your Metabolism with the Lean for Life app: https://empowered-nutrition.ck.page/193bb2cd67

Help yourself feel aligned using our three phase approach: Lean for Life Membership called Heal, Optimize , and Refinewhere you will be empowered to reverse previous metabolic damage with the assistance of our team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Check out more details on our website!

Want to learn more about our one-on-one Empowered Nutrition coaching? Book a free chemistry call to discuss your story and see if we're a good fit.

Enjoying the podcast?

Please review the Empowered Nutrition Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! Then, send me a screenshot of your positive review to [email protected] as a DM on Instagram (@thrive-clinics). Include a brief description of what you’re working on with your health and/or nutrition and I’ll send you a free custom meal plan!

Do you have questions you would like answered on the Empowered Nutrition podcast? You can propose your questions/ideas by email to: [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook