Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/298

This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Activia. Dr. Hannah Holscher is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.

Gut health and the gut microbiome play an important role in overall wellbeing, including digestion and immunity. This episode explores the latest research and practical strategies for promoting gut health through nutrient-rich dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and the inclusion of probiotic and fermented foods.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• · why the gut is such an important foundation for overall health
• · what the gut microbiome is and how diet shapes it
• · key roles of the digestive tract and how the microbiome factors in
• · how long it takes for the microbiome to respond to dietary changes
• · research on how diet quality and variety impact the gut microbiome
• · how plant-based foods and fermented foods impact microbial diversity
• · definitions of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics
• · strain-specific probiotic effects
• · lifestyle factors that impact gut health
• · practical steps to support gut health
• · how dietitians can simplify the science for clients
• · resources for health professionals and the public

This episode (Support Gut Health and Holistic Wellbeing with Science-Based Strategies) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program. Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/298 to access the CPEU activity.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/297

We know that there is not one single treatment approach that works for every person with obesity, however there is one type of approach we can use when discussing weight with every person: trauma-informed care (TIC). TIC is an approach that recognizes the possibility that many people may have a history of trauma exposure, and how this past or ongoing trauma such as abuse, neglect or food insecurity can shape a person's relationship with food, body and health behaviors.

Data show that 64% of adults in the U.S. reported they had experienced at least one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE) before age 18 and nearly one in six adults reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs. Compared to women with 0 ACEs, women with 4+ ACEs are 62% more likely to have obesity, 41% more likely to report a hypertension diagnosis, and 36% more likely to report a diabetes diagnosis.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

1. · why TIC is so important
2. · how TIC is different from motivational interviewing
3. · benefits of TIC to patients and practitioners
4. · the obesity-trauma connection
5. · weight stigma and diabetes distress
6. · adverse childhood experiences
7. · shared decision making
8. · resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/296

Are processed foods truly undermining our health, or are they an essential part of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply? Should the way we classify foods based on processing outweigh decades of national dietary guidelines—or are these systems flawed from the start? And what happens to public health policy when decisions hinge on classifications that may not be scientifically sound?

Tune in to this episode to learn more about:

· how UPFs are defined

· the NOVA classification system

· how much of our diet is UPF

· benefits of UPFs in the diet

· how and why the current public discourse on UPFs is "superficial"

· growing global distrust of science

· how the food industry is responding to criticisms around UPFs

· actions the food industry has taken to improve products

· how the food industry gains insights into consumer preferences

· the roles and responsibilities of food companies to educate and inform consumers

· collaboration between the food industry and policymakers

· what the future of UPFs might look like

· resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/295

In this episode, we explore the FoodMinds Conscious Consumption Index, revealing insights into consumer sentiment on healthy and sustainable food systems. Despite growing familiarity with the topic, less than half of consumers report purchasing healthy, sustainable options regularly. What's driving this gap between awareness and action? Join us as we explore how people are thinking about healthy, sustainable foods. We'll discuss how definitions of sustainable foods are evolving, the generational differences in engagement, and the main drivers and barriers to purchasing. Discover why price, taste, and skepticism about marketing claims are significant obstacles, and learn how stakeholders—from companies to individuals—can help transform our food systems.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/294

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is a public health-oriented slogan and initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges facing Americans led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Scientists, medical professionals and public health officials have criticized the movement, citing concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s past remarks and views regarding vaccines and public health.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● a nutrition and public health expert's reflection on the first 6 months of MAHA

● funding cuts to various nutrition programs, research and landmark trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program

● the administration's focus on food dyes, seed oils and the FoodPyramid

● how health professional societies are responding so far

● opportunities for meaningful changes in public health nutrition

● what the new DGAs might look like

● resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/293

Food ethnographer Lucy Woods has spent the last several years diving deep into the evolving landscape of protein consumption. Lucy's expertise lies in uncovering the "why" behind the ways people eat, with a specific focus on protein – from red meat and poultry to plant-based options and protein-packed snacks. Her recent research revealed that 61% of Americans increased their protein intake in 2024, compared to just 48% in 2019. She's been on the ground, listening to consumers share their motivations, from wellness and fitness goals to convenience and indulgence.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● new ethnographic research on protein consumption trends

● shifts in identifying as flexitarian, omnivore or carnivore

● 3 key trends identified in this research

● different motivations for eating protein

● why people are including and/or increasing protein intake

● the types of protein people are seeking

● which types of protein rank highest for flavor, nutrition, convenience

● what people look for on protein food labels

● social micro cultures and their impact on protein trends

● snacking insights and product innovations

● how consumers are navigating higher grocery prices

● how to access the full report

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/292

The Forgotten Vitamin: K2's Role in Cardiovascular and Skeletal Health

Vitamin K2 might not be the first nutrient you think of when it comes to heart health or bone health – but it should definitely be on your list of important nutrients. This episode explores the science behind vitamin K2, how it differs from K1, and its role alongside other nutrients in supporting cardiovascular and skeletal health.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● the differences between vitamin K1 and K2

● why K2 matters for heart and bone health

● food sources and if they are common in the diet

● how much vitamin K2 is recommended

● other nutrients that work with vitamin K2 to support heart and bone health

● research on vitamin K2's role in heart and bone health including the AVADEC Trial

● what to look for in supplements

● ways to assess the quality of supplements

● updated vitamin D recommendations

● preventing deficiency vs. optimal amounts of nutrients

● resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/291

Belief-Based Research: The Power of Shared Values

Public trust has shifted. Once, experts like scientists were the go-to voices for credible information, earning trust through their ability to solve major societal challenges. Today, "someone like me" is considered just as trustworthy, while social media influencers and opinion-driven podcasts often reach larger audiences than traditional news outlets. Consumers are now "choosing their own adventure" when deciding what information about food and nutrition they believe.

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking findings from The Center for Food Integrity's research study, The Evolution of Truth. By uncovering the core values, beliefs, and fears shaping consumer behavior around food, this research offers powerful insights to help listeners navigate a polarized world where truth is increasingly defined by perception rather than science.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● how truth is a social construct and what that means

● the power of shared values in building trust

● 5 different consumer personalities and how to better connect with them

● what different types of consumers think about MAHA

● the inherent opportunities borne out of MAHA

● nutrition misinformation and consumer behavior

● social media influence vs. facts

● truth in food and nutrition

● building trust vs. defending an interest

● how to build trust in science

● the role of science in building trust

Parents are bombarded with and overwhelmed by complex cultural, environmental, economic and political issues that impact their parenting skills, choices and confidence. By approaching various parenting challenges and questions from a science and social justice lens and parenting based on values, we can be more aware of the systemic forces that harm kids, differentiate what we can and cannot control, and build more fulfilling relationships with our children.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● the connection between science and justice

● science curiosity vs. science literacy

● values-based parenting

● food-related topics including:

o infant formula

o clean eating

o MSG

o PFAS/forever chemicals

o Fat phobia

● Hazard vs risk

● The origins of and history behind BMI

● Resources and related episodes

Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/290

Unbottled Potential: From Sober Curious to Sober Serious

As the sober curious movement gains traction, more people are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and changing their habits. Challenging societal myths around alcohol's role in relaxation, celebration and socializing can result in mindset shifts to begin exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle and discover how sobriety can impact core areas of life and enhance both personal and professional success.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● the sober curious movement

● how sobriety impacts life pillars

● why alcohol can be a barrier to success

● perceived norms about alcohol

● alcohol, sobriety and weight

● how drinking impacts women in particular

● how to address shame in a healthy way

● a quiz to assess your feelings about drinking

● tips for embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle

● common challenges and how to stay on track

● information on moderation, portion sizes, ABV and more

Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/289