In this engaging conversation, Rich and Alex speak with Jennifer Stack, MS, RDN, CDE, and explore the multifaceted relationship between food, health, and emotions.

In addition to Jennifer's expert nutrition credentials, experience, and education, she is also a graduate with honors and a full-time Professor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, the premier culinary college in the world!

Alex, Rich, and Jennifer discuss the importance of flavor in healthy eating, the psychological aspects of food consumption, and the impact of portion sizes on eating habits. Jennifer emphasizes the need for food to be both nutritious, a source of fuel for the body (like the gasoline you put in your car), and delicious, advocating for a mindful approach to eating that engages all of your senses.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of food insecurity and the therapeutic potential of cooking as a means to address emotional issues related to food. Overall, the conversation offers valuable insights into how individuals can transform their relationship with food to achieve better health and well-being.

Jennifer's website is at https://jstackchefrd.com/

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In this conversation, Rich and Alex interview Dr. Marion Nestle, the country's leading expert in food politics and nutrition. They discuss the complexities of the food industry, the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, and the importance of understanding caloric intake for weight management.

Dr. Nestle emphasizes the need for critical thinking in the face of misinformation, the role of marketing in shaping food choices, and the challenges posed by government policies on public health.

The discussion also touches on the future of dietary guidelines and the importance of advocacy at the local level.

Visit Marion Nestle's Blog at https://www.foodpolitics.com/ where you can sign up for her daily blog post as well as learn more about her research and books.

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In this episode of the Transformation Weight Control Podcast, Alex and Rich, along with TWC participant and guest Marc G, discuss the complexities of weight loss, the role of medication, and the importance of lifestyle changes. Marc shares his personal journey of struggling with obesity, the impact of food noise, and how medication has transformed his relationship with food. The conversation emphasizes the significance of exercise, the challenges of societal biases regarding weight, and the importance of community support in achieving lasting change.

Marc participates in the TWC Weight Loss Medication Support Group, the only one in the country. For more information, you can click here: https://transformationweightcontrol.com/12-week-weight-loss-medication-support-group/ or email Rich Weil, TWC Director, at [email protected]

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In this episode of the Transformation Weight Control Podcast, Rich and Alex talk to TWC's very own registered dietitian/nutritionist, Casey Flowers. They discuss the importance of nutrition, behavior change, and support in weight management. They explore the role of GLP-1 medications in weight loss, the significance of body composition, and the impact of diet on health. The conversation emphasizes the value of support groups in fostering community and resilience among individuals on their weight loss journeys.

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In this episode, Rich and Alex talk to Anna and discuss the complexities of weight control, the psychological impacts of obesity, and the role of medication in managing weight. They explore the societal biases surrounding weight, the importance of support groups, and the personal journey of Anna as she navigates her struggles with weight loss. The conversation emphasizes that weight management involves neurobiology and psychological factors. Anna shares her transformative experience with weight loss medication and the profound changes it has brought to her life.

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In this episode of the Transformation Weight Control Podcast, hosts Rich and Alex discuss various aspects of weight loss, including the importance of muscle mass, understanding set points, and the role of exercise in maintaining weight loss. They also preview upcoming guests who will share their personal weight loss journeys and insights. The conversation emphasizes the significance of body composition over mere weight and the health implications of visceral fat. In this conversation, the guys delve into the complexities of weight management, focusing on the reliability of scales, the psychological impacts of perfectionism, and the importance of resilience in achieving fitness goals. 

They also delve into the intricacies of fitness performance metrics, the significance of periodization in training, and the essential role of recovery in muscle growth. They discuss the normalcy of weight fluctuations and the importance of viewing them through a scientific lens. The dialogue highlights the importance of language in goal setting and the delicate balance between tracking food intake and intuitive eating. They also touch on the upcoming insights on sleep and nutrition, highlighting the interconnectedness of these elements in achieving overall health and wellness.

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Episode 03: Mindfulness, Weight Loss, and Preventing Regain

In this episode, Alex and Rich engage with Dr. Megan Pietrucha to explore the intersection of mindfulness, weight loss, and mental health. They discuss the definition of mindfulness, its application in sports and everyday life, and the importance of self-compassion in overcoming judgment and shame. The conversation also delves into practical mindfulness techniques and how they can enhance performance and emotional regulation. 

In this conversation, we explore the intricate relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional eating. They discuss the challenges of adopting a kinder approach to oneself, particularly in the context of food and exercise. The discussion delves into the neuroscience behind mindfulness practices, emphasizing the importance of letting go of rigid rules and fostering trust in one's decisions. The raisin exercise is highlighted as a practical tool for enhancing mindfulness in eating, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience and improved relationships with food and body image.

The 4-Week Mindfulness Workshop:
https://transformationweightcontrol.com/our-webinars-exercise-classes/

Eating Mindfully by Susan Alberts, Lilian Cheung, Dsc RD

Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink

A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Ellis, Robert A. Harper, and Melvin Powers

Megan’s website:  https://www.drpietrucha.com/

Rich Weil: [email protected]
www.transformationweightcontrol.com

For the video version of this podcast, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformationWeightControl/videos

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In this episode, Rich discusses the significance of small movements in burning calories and how they can contribute to weight loss over time. He shares various studies that highlight the impact of everyday activities on caloric expenditure and introduces a simple walking program to help individuals incorporate more movement into their daily lives. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in achieving behavior change and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Episode 02: The Science of Calories Burned During Exercise and Consumed for Losing Weight

In this episode of the Transformation Weight Control Podcast, hosts Rich Weil, M.Ed., CDE, Founder and Director of Transformation Weight Control, and Alex Tushinsky, welcome Dr. Russell Rising, a nutrition and exercise physiologist.

They discuss the importance of understanding caloric needs, metabolism, and the science behind weight loss. Dr. Rising explains the function of room calorimeters, the difference between fat and carbohydrate energy storage, and the significance of resting metabolic rate. The conversation emphasizes the need for accurate measurements in metabolic testing and the common misconceptions surrounding weight fluctuations.

The speakers discuss methods for estimating caloric needs at home, focusing on the Mifflin equation and its reliability. They explore the concept of resting energy expenditure and how to calculate total daily energy expenditure for effective weight management. The discussion also covers the importance of understanding caloric content in food, the inaccuracies of food labels, and the role of bomb calorimetry in measuring calories. Finally, they emphasize the need for personalized approaches to weight loss and the significance of monitoring body weight to assess caloric intake accuracy.

Rich and Russell also discuss various aspects of weight loss, including the common misconceptions about caloric estimation, the importance of consulting registered dietitians, and the myths surrounding exercise and fat burning. They emphasize the significance of enjoyable physical activities and the basics of diet and exercise for sustainable weight loss.

The discussion also touches on the role of GLP-1 medications and the importance of lifestyle changes in achieving long-term health goals. Rich and Russell also discuss the success of lifestyle change programs, emphasizing the importance of community support and individualized approaches to weight loss. They explore the challenges of chronic diseases and the need for ongoing support, as well as the impact of misinformation in health. The discussion highlights the value of experience in clinical practice and the significance of communication in dietary changes, particularly in relationships where dietary preferences may differ.

BMR Calculator: https://www.calculator.net/bmr-calculator.html

Slides: https://transformationweightcontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ep-02-Russell-Rising.pdf

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In this episode of the Transformation Weight Control podcast, hosts Rich Weil and Alex Tushinsky discuss the complexities of weight loss management, emphasizing that obesity is a chronic disease rather than a personal failing. 

Rich shares his extensive background in exercise physiology and diabetes education, highlighting the importance of community support and scientific understanding in achieving sustainable weight control. 

The conversation also touches on the role of medications in weight management, the significance of mindfulness, and the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness. The podcast aims to empower listeners with knowledge and support as they navigate their weight loss journeys. 

The guys discuss the transformative journey of personal growth, emphasizing the importance of recovery in fitness, resilience, and self-compassion in weight management. They explore how integrating scientific insights into everyday health practices can lead to long-term success. The conversation also highlights the significance of community engagement and the commitment to providing ongoing support for individuals seeking to improve their health.

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