In this week’s episode we’re sharing bite-sized answers to the nutrition questions your patients love to throw at you—often at the very end of the visit. My guest, Nina, is a registered dietitian who specializes in weight management, and she’s here to help you deliver fast, practical advice your patients will actually use.

You’ll learn:

•  The 3 no-cook meals Nina recommends to the “I hate cooking” crowd
•  How to teach quick label-reading skills in under 30 seconds
•  What to say when a patient asks about eating before bed (hint: it's not about the clock)
•  The truth about electrolytes—who needs them, who doesn’t, and when
•  The foods and micronutrients that actually impact sleep quality

Whether your patient skips meals, lives on frozen entrees, or wants to swap soda for something healthier, this episode is packed with quick wins you can use this week in clinic.

Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course—a clinician training designed for both providers and dietitians. Click here to sign up!  

Connect with Nina

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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.

You’ve probably said it a hundred times: HDL is the "good" cholesterol, LDL is the "bad" cholesterol.

But what if that explanation is oversimplified—and leading patients (and providers) to miss hidden risks?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josh Wageman—a Clinical Lipid Specialist, PhD researcher, and author of The Home Security System and the Lipid Neighborhood—to break down why the old-school lipid model isn’t enough anymore, what a standard panel won’t tell you, and how you can explain heart disease risk in a way that actually sticks with patients.

If you’ve ever felt shaky explaining lipid panels, cardiovascular risk, or how diet ties in, this episode will give you a clearer framework—and practical tools you can use immediately with your patients.

Resources:

Buy the Book The Home Security System and the Lipid Neighborhood

Connect with Josh 

Episode 38 | Love Your Heart

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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.

You’ve probably heard it: “I love food too much,” or “I just can’t stick with anything.” These aren’t just excuses—they’re clues. And when we learn to spot them, we can uncover the deeper mindset blocks that keep patients from making progress.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Emily, a registered dietitian and mindset coach, to unpack one of the most overlooked barriers to health behavior change: limiting beliefs. We explore how subtle, internal narratives shape your patients' motivation, consistency, and results—and how you can help shift the story they’re telling themselves.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What limiting beliefs are—and how to spot them in conversation
• The BTFAR method to reverse-engineer your patient’s habits
• How to reframe a patient’s “I can’t” into a belief they can build on
• A simple ChatGPT trick to help patients rewire their self-talk

If you’re tired of repeating the same nutrition advice without seeing results, this episode will give you a mindset-first approach that helps patients feel capable, not defeated.

Resources:

Episode 45 | A Mindset Shift for Overcoming Dieting Failures

Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course

Connect with Emily

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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.

If you’ve ever told a patient to “choose chicken instead of pork,” this episode might surprise you.

Kristen Hicks-Roof, PhD, RDN, joins us to unpack the nutritional profile of pork — including which cuts meet heart-healthy criteria, how it compares to chicken, beef, and plant-based proteins, and the evidence behind its role in a balanced diet.

We also dive into pork’s potential as a flavor vehicle — helping patients enjoy more vegetables and fiber-rich foods. (Think: Brussels sprouts with a little bacon) 

In this episode, we cover:

• Lean vs. processed pork: what the data shows
• The most common myths clinicians believe about pork
• Nutrient density, affordability, and sustainability in practice
• How pork can enhance flavor and make healthy meals more appealing 

Whether you're counseling cardiac patients, working with selective eaters, or simply want clearer talking points, this episode will help you guide patients with confidence.

Listen to my first conversation with Kristen unpacking everything you need to know about what a Registered Dietitian does and how you can refer your patients to one on Episode 50!

Resources:

• Join the Pork and Partners Community 
• Access the FREE Pork and Partners Resources
• Comparison of Lean Ground Products
• Pork Cares Sustainability Report

Kristen complied a ton of research. Check it out in this Google Doc.

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.

Confused about what to tell parents when they ask, “Is oat milk okay?” or “How much juice is too much?” You’re not alone—it's confusing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Lott, MPH, RDN, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research. Megan walks us through the first-ever unified beverage guidelines for kids—developed by leading organizations like the AAP, AND, and AHA.

We cover what to encourage, what to limit, and what to avoid based on the latest research.

What to Drink:

• Daily water intake by age (and why thirst isn’t a reliable guide)
• When and how much milk is recommended—and which plant-based alternatives come close

What to Limit:

• Portion limits for 100% juice and flavored milk
• Why sports drinks aren’t necessary for most kids
• How to help families cut back without resistance

What to Avoid:

• The surprising oral health danger of seltzers
• The latest on non-nutritive sweeteners
• The impact of caffeine on sleep, blood pressure, and mental health in kids

Whether you're in pediatrics, family med, or are a parent, this conversation will give you clear guidance on what to drink!

Resources:

Beverage Recommendations Provider Toolkit

Ages 5-18 Beverage Recommendations

Episode 71 | Sports Nutrition Hot Topics: Sugar, Sports Drinks and Fueling for Performance

Episode 65 | Does Coffee Stunt Growth?

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.

Have you ever had a patient say, “I saw this thing on TikTok…”—and suddenly you’re on the spot, trying to weigh in on a wellness trend you’ve never even heard of?

You’re not alone. And you’re not unqualified just because you don’t have an instant answer.

In this episode, I'm joined by Leah McGrath, a seasoned supermarket and public health dietitian with a passion for busting nutrition myths and helping patients (and providers!) think critically about what they see online. 

What You’ll Learn:

• The red flags of supplement marketing—and what to say when patients bring it up
• How to buy time when you’re caught off-guard by a trend
• Why this one thing (you might be saying) might be doing more harm than good
• How to frame functional foods and gut health claims in a science-based way
• 6 emerging nutrition trends every clinician should be aware of (and what they mean for your patients)

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re one TikTok behind, this episode will leave you more confident, more credible, and way more prepared.

Resources:

Episode 80 | The Mind Diet

Episode 75 | Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements?

Connect with Leah

Build Up Dietitians

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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.

Ever had a patient come in clutching a bottle of "detox tea," asking for your advice? Or heard, “I need to reset after a bad weekend—what detox should I do?” If you're nodding along, this episode is exactly what you need.

Today, I’m joined by Leonila Campos, a bilingual registered dietitian, to bust the biggest detox myths—and show you how to reframe the conversation into something far more powerful (and evidence-based).

In this episode, we’ll cover: 

• How the body already detoxes itself—and why it doesn’t need expensive teas or juice cleanses
• Red flags to watch for when a patient mentions doing a “liquid detox”
• How to shift the conversation toward gut health, fiber, hydration, and sustainable habits
• The hidden dangers detox diets pose for patients with diabetes or a history of disordered eating
• Simple, effective ways to help patients reduce added sugar without overwhelming them
• Why true detox might have more to do with stress, sleep, and screen time than celery juice

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to ditch the detox drama—and guide your patients toward real, sustainable health resets they’ll thank you for.

Resources:

The Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course Waitlist

Protein and Fiber Freebie

Connect with Leonila

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.

Ever felt unsure how to support patients chasing the marathon dream—or maybe you're even training for one yourself? Whether they're seasoned runners or beginners just lacing up, this episode might be the inspiration (and information!) you've been waiting for. 

I'm joined by Starla, a registered dietitian and accomplished marathoner who breaks down the nutrition essentials for marathon runners, from training to race day and recovery.

You'll walk away with:

• Clear guidelines on carbohydrate intake at each stage of marathon training
• Why training for a marathon while simultaneously aiming for weight loss can be counterproductive
• Strategies for timing meals and snacks to maximize performance and minimize GI issues
• Hydration essentials—including when (and when not) to use electrolyte replacements 
• Common nutrition mistakes runners make—and how to help your patients avoid them

By the end, you'll have practical, actionable advice to support your marathon-running patients every step of the way. Whether they're seasoned athletes or brand-new runners, you'll be equipped to help them cross the finish line strong.

Connect with Starla

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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.

Ever wonder why we're quick to admire a Great Dane or a Chihuahua for their unique sizes, but struggle to extend that same appreciation to ourselves and our patients? Today, we're unraveling this curious contradiction.

In this episode, I'm talking with Tiffany Godwin, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, about why accepting body diversity in humans is just as natural—and important—as it is in our furry friends. 

Here's what you'll learn:

• Why comparing body diversity in humans to dog breeds can shift your entire perspective on patient care.
• How diet culture sneaks into well-meaning medical advice (and what to say instead).
• Practical strategies for discussing weight and body image without triggering shame or reinforcing unhealthy relationships with food.
• Real-life examples of how curiosity and compassion can transform your patient conversations.

By the end of this episode, you'll walk away ready to reshape your language around weight and body image, boosting your confidence to support healthier, happier patients.

Resources:

Episode 41 | Silent Battles: The Secret Struggle of Eating Disorder

Connect with Tiffany

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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.

Are oxalates quietly damaging our health? Could common foods like spinach, almonds, and berries be the real culprits behind everything from kidney stones to joint pain and brain fog? That’s the claim in Toxic Superfoods by Sally Norton—a book that has sparked concern among patients and providers alike.

To separate fact from fiction, I brought in kidney stone expert and dietitian Melanie Betz to break down the science behind oxalates. She’s done a deep dive into the book’s claims, the research it cites (or misrepresents), and the real impact of oxalates on health.

Key Takeaways:

• What oxalates are and how the body processes them
• Who actually needs to limit oxalates—and who doesn’t
• The real risks of extreme dietary restrictions based on misinformation
• How misleading research and anecdotal evidence fuel nutrition myths
• How to spot nutrition misinformation online

Before patients cut out half their diet, let’s take a closer look at the science.

Feel confident tackling the latest nutrition controversy with your patients.

Resources:

Listen to Episode 9 | Kidney Stone Prevention

Read Melanie's deep dive here.

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.