Meal replacements are an excellent tool for weight management. But they aren't the same as protein shakes. 

Medical weight-loss dietitian Julia Axelbaum joins me to clear up the confusion, define the difference (they are not interchangeable), and map out exactly when to use each—on their own or alongside evidence-based tools like GLP-1s. You’ll walk away with a 3-step label checklist you can teach patients, practical strategies to curb evening cravings, and a step-by-step plan for transitioning patients back to real food without the weight regain.  

Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course! Use POD15 for 15% off!

Get 40% off Cozy Earth Sheets here. Use code EXAM at checkout.

Resources:

Episode 93: Contaminated Protein Supplements

FREEBIE: How to Choose a Protein Supplement

Connect with Julia at https://www.formhealth.co/

Got a nutrition question? Send me a voicemail. 

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Coaching Skills for Clinical Practice. Because if you want patients to actually change, you need to coach—not just prescribe.

I’m joined by Annie Wildermuth—RD, PA, PhD-trained researcher, and certified leadership & performance coach. Annie breaks down what real coaching is (and isn’t), how to spot legitimate coach training, and the exact questions that open patients up—without adding time to your visit. You’ll walk away with a pocketful of phrases to build trust, reduce defensiveness, and get to the real barrier faster. 

HERE ARE 3 TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Coaching ≠ mentoring, consulting, or therapy. Coaching is forward-looking and non-prescriptive—designed to help patients surface their own best next step (not adopt ours). 
2. Swap “why” questions for “what” or “how.” “Why” invites judgment; “what/how” lowers defenses and yields a deeper understanding in less time. 
3. Three levels of listening. Move beyond content-only listening to “complete” listening—words + tone + context + body language—so you don’t miss what the patient is saying without words. 

Want to ask me a question? Leave me a message here!

Transform obesity care in your practice and master the skills to help patients make lasting changes. Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course here. Use code POD15 for 15% off!

Connect with Annie:

 Website: First Road Leadership
LinkedIn
Instagram: @anniethePAC 

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Today’s episode will change how you think (and talk) about food. Instead of obsessing over calories or cutting carbs, what if we taught patients to focus on nutrient density?

I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, bestselling author of Nutrivore. You’ll learn how to shift the conversation from restriction to addition—and give patients permission to enjoy their food and improve their health.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to explain nutrient density in 60 seconds (using a car analogy your patients will love)
• The 5 foods to focus on first—without overwhelming your patients
• What to say when a patient claims healthy eating is “too expensive” or “not for them”
• Why “eat less, move more” can actually backfire—and how to reframe weight conversations
• One tiny habit that can radically improve a patient’s nutrient intake 

Resources:

Connect with Dr Sarah

Buy the book: Nutrivore

Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course - use code POD15 at checkout!

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

What if your “noncompliant” patient isn’t failing… but the plan is?

In this final episode of Sneak Peek Week, RD and behavior change expert Jeannie Boyer shares how to reframe plateaus, shift focus beyond the scale, and help patients set goals that actually matter.

Plus, get a preview of our Special Populations modules—covering bariatric surgery and PCOS—and how to support these patients with nutrition guidance that’s clear, compassionate, and evidence-based.

Ready to join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course?

Get 15% off with code POD15 at examroomnutrition.com/course

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Obesity medications can be powerful—but side effects often get in the way.

In this episode of Sneak Peek Week, dietitian and weight loss expert Melissa Mitri shares practical, food-first strategies to help your patients manage nausea, stay on track, and get better results—without feeling miserable.

Ready to join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course?
Use code POD15 to get 15% off the full  at examroomnutrition.com/course

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Tired of giving advice that doesn’t stick?

In this episode of Sneak Peek Week, you’ll hear from behavior change expert and registered dietitian Laura Kohler, who shares the one question every clinician should be asking when a patient feels stuck—and why more handouts aren’t the answer.

Get ready to stop playing advice-ping-pong and start creating real momentum.

Ready to join The Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course?
Use code POD15 to get 15% off the full course at examroomnutrition.com/course

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
Instagram
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Most clinicians were trained to track BMI—but when it comes to motivating real change, that number only tells part of the story.

In this sneak peek from the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course, dietitian and health psychologist Dr. Nina Crowley shares how to use body composition data to guide smarter goals—and how to talk about it with patients in a way that actually motivates change.

Grab the full course and Nina's module on Beyond BMI at examroomnutrition.com/course
 

Use code POD15 for 15% off—future you (and your patients) will thank you.

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

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Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

Join The Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course! Enter code POD15 at checkout for 15% off!

Anti-obesity medications are everywhere—but they also come with new challenges. From rapid weight loss and side effects to TikTok-fueled supplement questions, patients on weight management medications need more than generic nutrition advice.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Mitri, a seasoned weight loss dietitian and health writer, to dig into exactly how to support patients on their weight loss journey. We cover everything from protein and fiber strategies to what to do when patients aren’t eating enough.

Whether you’re brand-new to weight loss meds or prescribing them weekly, this conversation will help you walk into your next visit with more clarity and confidence.

Grab The Patient Motivation Playbook for 12 questions to help move the conversation forward.

Listen to Episode 27: Weight Loss Secrets

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn

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Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

If your patient tells you they're avoiding fruit “because it has too much sugar,” this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

From viral posts claiming sugar is poison to influencers suggesting chocolate is healthier than grapes, nutrition misinformation is everywhere—and your patients are soaking it in.

In this conversation, Colleen sits down with dietitian and public health researcher Dustin Moore to break down the myths, the nuance, and the science behind sugar. What does it mean to say something is a “poison”? Is sugar addictive? And how can busy clinicians explain the risks of added sugar without shaming patients or demonizing food?

Whether you’re tired of fear-mongering or just want better ways to counsel patients on sweetened beverages, this episode will sharpen your message—and your confidence.

Resources:

Episode 117: The Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol 

Read Dustin's Substack : Public Health Dad

Dietary Guidelines

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

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Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

That “picky eater” might not grow out of it. And that patient obsessed with “clean eating”? It might be something deeper.

Today, we’re joined by eating disorder dietitian Johnna to challenge everything you thought you knew about disordered eating. 

You’ll learn:

• The subtle red flags of disordered eating you might be overlooking during routine visits
• How to ask better questions to uncover what's really going on with your patient’s eating habits
• A crash course on ARFID—how it differs from picky eating and why it’s often misdiagnosed
• What eating disorder treatment actually looks like after the referral—and why full recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all
• How to reframe “healthy eating” in a way that helps instead of harms
• Where to find dietitians who specialize in eating disorders 

If you’ve ever thought “something just feels off” with a patient’s nutrition or weight trajectory—this episode will give you the language, tools, and confidence to intervene earlier and refer smarter.

Listen to Episode 41: Silent Battles next

Resources mentioned:

NEDA

Healthprofs.com

Eating Recovery Center

Connect with Johnna

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.