The Pea PodCast: Demystifying Wellness, One Headline at a Time

The New Year brings the "New Year, New Me" phenomenon: packed gyms, extreme cleanses, and a collective rush for quick fixes. But why do 90% of these resolutions fail by March?

Host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD breaks down the science and psychology behind the all-or-nothing approach. Starting with an inspiring five-year transformation story that proves slow change works, Alicia reveals why quick fixes are inherently unsustainable.

What You Will Learn and Why You Should Listen:

• The Psychological Trap: Why setting huge, restrictive goals relies on unsustainable willpower, leading to guilt, shame, and eventual relapse (the "What the Hell Effect").
• The Science of Yo-Yo Dieting: We dig into the dangerous physical toll of rapid weight loss and regain (weight cycling), including its negative effects on metabolism, muscle mass, and long-term risks for cardiovascular disease and visceral fat storage.
• Why Quick Fixes Don't Work: Crash diets only address the symptom (weight) and fail to address the underlying system (habits, stress, and routine).
• The Sustainable Solution: Learn how to create lasting change by embracing the power of one small goal at a time (like walking 15 minutes daily) and choosing consistency over intensity.

Stop failing your resolutions by February! Tune in to learn how to build the healthiest version of yourself—one slow, steady step at a time.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your social media feed is full of bright green powders, brain-boosting nootropics, and sea moss gel, you’ve witnessed the Functional Food Frenzy. But are these expensive trends really the key to gut health and endless energy?

Host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD dives into the science to separate the marketing hype from real health benefits.

What You Will Learn and Why You Should Listen:

• Greens Myth Busted: We expose why a scoop of greens powder is not a substitute for whole vegetables (it's missing fiber!) and discuss the risk of heavy metal contamination.
• The Adaptogen Deception: Learn how cortisol and the gut-brain axis truly work, and why proprietary blends in trendy drinks often contain only trace, non-therapeutic doses of ingredients like Ashwagandha.
• Sea Moss Caution: Find out why this mineral-rich algae poses a risk for Iodine overdose and heavy metal absorption.
• The Inexpensive Secret: We reveal how common, everyday, and affordable foods like spinach, beans, and tea offer the same or superior nutritional profiles—including fiber and synergy—as the expensive "superfoods."

Stop paying for hype! Tune in to discover how to achieve true functional health using the basics found right in your own kitchen.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're tracking your sleep, glucose, or recovery score, you know the allure of Hyper-Personalized Wellness. Wearable tech promises to cut through generic health advice and hand you the blueprint to your perfect self. But what happens when that blueprint turns into a demanding master?

Host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, a self-confessed data enthusiast, dives into the promises and the profound perils of self-monitoring.

What You Will Learn and Why You Must Listen:

• The Promise and the Pitfall: We analyze the true benefits of tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and smart rings for optimizing performance and recovery.
• The Clinical Confusion: We expose why many metrics used by wearables, like GMI (on CGMs) and "Cardio Load" (on smart rings), are proprietary scores with no clinical equivalent—meaning they mean nothing to your doctor.
• The Orthorexia Trap: Learn how the drive for data perfection can quickly slide into dangerous patterns of Orthorexia Nervosa and classic eating disorders.
• The "Almond Mom" Connection: We break down why the trending "Almond Mom" fixation on purity and control is essentially Orthorexia, and how to spot these warning signs in yourself or a loved one.
• The Responsible User: We provide critical guidelines on how to use wearables healthily—including why you must prioritize intuitive body cues over a single daily score, and why you must consult a specialized Registered Dietitian to interpret complex CGM data responsibly.

Don't let your tech be your tyrant. Tune in now to learn how to make your data a tool for wellness, not a weapon for obsession.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep has become the latest trend to optimize, leading to "Sleepy Girl Mocktails," expensive wearables, and pressure to achieve a "perfect" score. But for those suffering from chronic insomnia, like host Alicia C. Simpson, this hype can feel like another source of stress.

Drawing on her nearly two decades of personal struggle with insomnia, Alicia cuts through the noise to deliver the essential truths about sleep health.

What You Will Learn and Why You Should Listen:

• The Non-Negotiable Science: We dive into the profound benefits of sleep—from memory consolidation (the glymphatic system) to hormonal balance (ghrelin/leptin) and immune function—and the severe health risks of chronic sleep deprivation.
• Fact vs. Fiction: We break down popular trends like the Sleepy Girl Mocktail (Magnesium and Tart Cherry) and wearable sleep trackers, explaining their limited scientific basis and potential to cause orthosomnia (anxiety about sleep performance).
• The Foundation of Sleep Hygiene: Learn the critical, free steps (strict schedule, light and temperature management) that form the only true basis for consistent rest.
• The Hard Truth About Chronic Insomnia: Alicia shares her experience with everything from hypnosis to medication and explains why, if hygiene fails, the solution is not an over-the-counter fix.

The Essential Takeaway: When should you stop buying expensive gadgets and reach out to a specialist? We discuss the need for a professional team, including a Psychiatrist, Neuro-Psychiatrist, Sleep Clinic, and specialized CBT-I Therapist to diagnose and treat underlying sleep disorders.

Stop chasing the quick fix. Tune in to find the evidence-based path to lasting rest.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you or a loved one manages Crohn's disease or Colitis, you've likely been bombarded with promises that a specific supplement—be it a high-dose probiotic, L-Glutamine, or Curcumin—will "heal your gut" and lead to a cure.

In this crucial episode, host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD exposes the Supplement Snake Oil targeting IBD patients. We draw a clear, evidence-based line: No single pill, herb, or powder can cure this chronic autoimmune disease.

What You Will Learn and Why You Should Listen:

• The Cure vs. Control Myth: We explain why Crohn's is an immune condition that supplements cannot simply "turn off," freeing you from the guilt of thinking your diet is the root cause.
• Myth Busting the Big Three: We break down the science of Probiotics, L-Glutamine, and Curcumin (Turmeric), revealing why they often fail to cure and when they might be marginally supportive.
• The Hidden Danger: Learn about the serious risk of heavy metal contamination in botanical supplements like turmeric and why purity is paramount for IBD patients.
• Essential Supplements: We pivot to the only scientifically proven role of supplements in IBD: correcting dangerous deficiencies (like Iron, B12, and Vitamin D) caused by malabsorption and blood loss.
• Your Empowering Takeaway: Understand the importance of working with a specialist team (Gastroenterologist and Dietitian) to get personalized care, ensuring you stop wasting money on unproven fixes and start investing in your true, foundational health.
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Stop chasing cures and start finding clarity. Tune in now to protect your health and your wallet!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Thanksgiving Special!)

You’ve had the Thanksgiving meal, the plates are cleared, and now the couch is calling. Everyone blames the turkey and its tryptophan—but is that really the reason you’re slipping into a food coma?

Host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD busts one of the most persistent holiday myths! We dive into the true physiological culprits behind that irresistible post-meal fatigue.

What You Will Learn and Why You Should Listen:

• The Tryptophan Truth: We explain why the amount of tryptophan in turkey is actually a red herring, and why the "competition problem" means very little of it normally reaches your brain.
• The Real Culprit is Hiding in the Sides: Discover how the massive load of simple carbohydrates (hello, mashed potatoes and pie!) triggers a huge insulin spike that is the true mastermind behind your drowsiness.
• The Hormone Storm: Learn how insulin clears the way for tryptophan to finally enter the brain and how the Vagus nerve diverts blood flow to the gut, putting your body into "rest and digest" mode.
• Surviving the Coma: Get practical, science-backed tips on how to eat mindfully, structure your meal, and incorporate light movement to avoid the debilitating post-Thanksgiving crash.

Stop blaming the turkey! Tune in to understand the science behind the food coma and reclaim your energy this holiday season.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this critical episode, host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD, IBCLC, LD dives deep into the medical management of chronic metabolic diseases, primarily focusing on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). We challenge the common belief that prescription drugs are a "cure," drawing a clear line between medically controlling a condition and curing it.

Key Takeaways You Will Learn:

• Control vs. Cure: The vast majority of medications for chronic disease (like Metformin, GLP-1s, and hypertension drugs) are designed for lifelong control, not cure. We discuss the few exceptions where drugs provide a true cure (e.g., antibiotics).
• The Pre-Diabetes Paradox: Learn why prescribing medication for pre-diabetes is often a contraindication. This critical alert phase is the opportunity for lifestyle reversal, and medication can mistakenly remove the incentive for necessary change.
• Drug Mechanisms & The Downward Spiral: We break down how medications like Metformin and GLP-1s work, discuss common side effects, and explain how relying on drugs alone prevents patients from addressing the root cause. This behavioral paradox often allows the underlying disease (like insulin resistance) to silently worsen over time, requiring more and stronger medications later.
• The Empowering Truth: T2D is not a permanent condition. We emphasize that the only way to truly reverse the disease, improve glucose tolerance, and potentially achieve remission is through strategic, consistent lifestyle changes (nutrition, movement, stress management).

Listen to this episode to understand why your power to get better is not in the prescription pad, but in the daily choices you make.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of restrictive diets and constant tracking? We explore a revolutionary, non-diet approach to managing Type 2 Diabetes, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes, reducing shame, and finding true metabolic health outside of crash dieting.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript and References From Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 STOP SCROLLING: Is There LEAD In Your Protein Shake? 🚨

Recent headlines about heavy metals in popular protein powders are alarming, but this episode goes deeper. Host Alicia Simpson breaks down the dangers of lead exposure, reveals the shocking truth about how much protein Americans actually need (spoiler: it's not much!), and exposes the paradox of why we rely on expensive, potentially contaminated supplements instead of whole foods. If you use protein powder, this is a must-listen wake-up call to protect your health and choose safety over the supplement craze.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're tackling a crucial topic in women's health. Did you know that breastfeeding is one of the most powerful, natural forms of breast cancer prevention available to mothers?

Join Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD and expert Cailin Berry as they dive into the compelling science. Learn how nursing physically changes breast tissue to lower risk, the optimal duration for maximum protection, and why this maternal health benefit is so often overlooked.

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript and References From Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.