Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

Injured Athletes Still Need Fuel.

When an athlete gets injured, the instinct is often to eat less. But according to sports dietitian Emily Barnhart, recovery still requires fuel.

In this episode, we talk about how nutrition needs change after injury, surgery, ACL repair, stress fractures, and periods of immobilization. Emily explains why under-fueling can delay healing, how to think about protein during rehab, and what clinicians should know before recommending supplements for injury recovery.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why injured athletes still need enough calories, even when activity drops
• How surgery and injury can increase energy needs during recovery
• Why protein timing matters for muscle protein synthesis
• How much protein may be appropriate during injury rehab
• The role of omega-3s, creatine, leucine, whey protein, and BCAAs
• Why collagen gummies and peptides deserve more skepticism
• Red flags that an athlete may be under-fueling
• Better questions to ask instead of “How’s your nutrition?”
• How to support athletes who are worried about weight gain, muscle loss, or body changes

Connect with Emily

Sports Nutrition Cheat Sheet 

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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. 

“I’m doing everything right, but nothing’s working.” 

I bet you've heard that before!  In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Devin Breedon to talk about the hidden barriers that impact weight loss, blood sugar, and overall health.

We also pull back the curtain on what registered dietitians actually do during a patient session, why behavior change matters more than meal plans, and how medical providers can make stronger, more effective referrals to dietitians.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why patients may struggle with weight loss even when they’re “eating healthy”
• The surprising role structure, routines, and stress play in nutrition success
• Why meal plans often fail 
• Simple nutrition frameworks you can use with patients
• What clinicians should say when referring to a dietitian
• Practical advice for dietitians trying to build referral relationships with medical providers

For more training and patient resources on behavior change, grab the Behavior Change Toolkit!

Connect with Devin on LinkedIn

The VitalRD

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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. 

3 Mistakes We Make When Talking About Nutrition

I spoke at 2 different conferences, 4 lectures in total, this weekend and all of them had a similar thread: HOW we communicate our recommendations matter.

Enjoy this quickie episode summarizing one of my presentations at the American Association of Physician Associates in New Orleans. 

Shoot me a DM @examroomnutrition and vote:

T/F: When you Know Better, You Do Better.

What do you think??

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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. 

Weight loss doesn’t fail overnight.

It usually happens slowly… through all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic expectations, and patients feeling like they have to “start over” every Monday.

In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Sam Barone for a conversation about sustainable weight loss, behavior change, and why the best “diet” might not be a diet at all. We unpack the real reason patients struggle to maintain weight loss, how to shift away from perfectionism, and why focusing only on the scale often backfires long term.

If you work with patients trying to lose weight, struggling with emotional eating, or feeling frustrated after “falling off track,” this episode will give you practical ways to reframe the conversation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why patients don’t ONLY want the number on the scale
• How perfectionism sabotages sustainable weight loss
• The role of identity and self-talk in long-term behavior change
• How clinicians can help patients stop “starting over”

This episode is packed with relatable insights and realistic strategies for helping patients build healthier habits that last, without guilt, shame, or extremes.

Resources mentioned:

Behavior Change Toolkit

Sam's Podcast More Than a Number 

Episode 5:  Bariatric Nutrition Basics

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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. 

Social Media Is Confusing Your Patients. 

In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinology PA Emily Stevens to discuss diabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control and help you explain it in a way your patients will actually understand. 

If your patients are asking about glucose spikes, CGMs, keto, or supplements like berberine, this episode will give you clear, practical answers you can use in clinic this week.

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why "glucose spikes" are normal and how to explain this to patients without causing fear 
•  The truth about low-carb, keto, and intermittent fasting for diabetes management 
•  Why telling patients to “cut carbs” or “avoid fruit” is wrong advice
•  How to use the Diabetes Plate Method for quick, effective nutrition counseling 
•  Why pairing protein + carbohydrates improves glycemic control (and how to teach it fast) 
•  What the evidence says about berberine, magnesium, and supplements
•  When lifestyle changes are enough vs when medication is necessary
•  Who actually benefits from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) (and who doesn’t) 

Key Takeaways for the Exam Room:

• Blood sugar isn’t meant to be flat. Help patients expect “rolling hills,” not a straight line. 
• Carbs aren’t the problem. Focus on quality, pairing, and portions. 
• Start with beverages. It’s often the fastest win for improving glycemic control. 
• Don’t demonize fruit. You’ll create fear instead of sustainable change. 
• Meet patients where they are. “Cut it in half” works better than “cut it out.” 
• You can’t out-supplement a poor diet. Food first, always. 
• Use visuals, not numbers. The plate method > gram counting for most patients.

Connect with Emily

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. 

Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel.

What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room.

In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it. From skipped breakfasts to overhyped protein powders, we unpack the real drivers of performance, growth, and recovery in this population.

We also get into the practical side: what to ask in clinic, how to spot red flags early, and how to guide families who are trying to do the right thing… but missing the mark.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why teen athletes need more carbs, not more protein
• The most common red flags that a young athlete isn’t eating enough
• How to assess intake more accurately 
• What realistic pre- and post-workout fueling looks like for busy teens
• When sports drinks and electrolytes actually make sense
• The truth about creatine, protein powders, and pre-workouts in adolescents
• How to approach weight and body composition without causing harm
• Simple, high-yield questions to improve your nutrition history in under 2 minutes

Grab your free companion guide 

Connect with Maria 

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Connect with Colleen:
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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. 

 Why Patients Overeat and Feel Out of Control 

What’s really driving overeating: hunger, habit, or emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Johnston, a physician assistant turned eating habits and weight loss coach, to unpack why patients eat past fullness, why nighttime eating feels so out of control, and how to quickly uncover what’s actually going on beneath the behavior. 

Here’s what you’ll learn:

•  The difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full, and why that distinction matters in patient counseling 
•  Simple questions clinicians can ask to figure out whether a patient is eating from hunger, distraction, routine, or emotion 
•  Why patients who “eat perfectly” all day often feel out of control at night 
•  Practical strategies to help patients build awareness, slow down, and stop overeating without shame or rigid food rules 

If you’ve ever had a patient say, “I’m doing everything right, but I lose control at night,” this episode will help you understand why, and give you better ways to respond. 

Resources mentioned:

FREEBIE! 10 Sentences to Start Nutrition Conversations

Episode 33: End Emotional Eating

Connect with Kate

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Connect with Colleen:
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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. 

 When Weight Loss Hides Something Deeper 

In this episode, I’m joined by Shawna Melbourn, a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience in eating disorder care, to unpack whether the most celebrated effects of GLP-1 medications, appetite suppression, is actually masking something deeper 

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why appetite suppression isn’t always a win (and how it can reinforce restriction)
• The difference between “quieting food noise” and actually healing a patient’s relationship with food
• 3 simple, high-yield questions you can use to screen for disordered eating
• Subtle red flags that suggest a GLP-1 may be worsening disordered eating behaviors

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a more critical lens, better questions, and the confidence to navigate these conversations with care.

Resources:

Listen to this episode next: Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens

Curious about Food Noise? 

Connect with Shawna 

EDforRDs

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Connect with Colleen:
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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. 

Daily Habits Your Patients Need For Brain Health. 

If your patients are asking how to protect their brain, and you’re defaulting to “eat better and exercise more”, this episode will challenge that in the best way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Collett, a brain health expert, to unpack a more practical, real-world approach to cognitive health.

We cover everything from how food fuels the brain at a cellular level to why movement throughout the day may matter more than a single gym session. And toward the end, we get into one of the most overlooked (and honestly, most helpful) concepts: how to counterbalance stress in a way that works in real life. 

What You’ll Learn:

•  What counts as “ultra-processed” (and how to talk about it with nuance) 
•  Key nutrients for cognitive health (B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, choline) 
•  Why most patients fail to change and how to bridge the gap between advice and action 
•  “Exercise snacks”: the easiest way to improve metabolic and brain health without the gym 
•  The concept of stress counterbalance (and how to teach it to patients) 
•  A powerful tool called “scheduled worry” to reduce anxiety and improve sleep 
•  Why social connection and shared meals are underrated tools for brain health 

Connect with Eric

Listen to this episode next: Ultra-Processed Foods Explained 

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

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Connect with Colleen:
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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. 

"It’s not just what children are eating. It’s how they’re experiencing food that shapes their habits."

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Eaton, a behavior change therapist and author, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids struggle with food. Because it’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the environment, the language, and the emotional experience surrounding it.

What We Talk About:

• Why phrases like “just try one bite” can increase anxiety around food
• How early feeding experiences shape adult eating behaviors
• The difference between typical selective eating and ARFID
• Why sensory exposure (not just tasting) is key to expanding food variety
• Practical strategies to reduce mealtime pressure and build food confidence
• How to guide parents toward long-term progress

If you’ve ever had a parent say, “I just want them to eat the broccoli,” this episode will completely reframe how you approach that conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Read my article: How the 5 senses shape a child's appetite

Check out Alicia's book: Mind What Your Kids Eat

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.