Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

This episode is part of our four-part Avocados in Practice mini-series, sponsored by Avocados – Love One Today®. Today, we're exploring practical family nutrition strategies from first foods to family meals. Helping families eat well isn't about creating the perfect meal, it's about finding realistic strategies that work through every stage of childhood. In this final episode of our mini-series, Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, and I discuss common nutrition gaps, first foods, picky eating, and practical approaches to building family meals that support healthy eating without becoming short-order cooks, including simple ways versatile foods like avocados can fit across ages and stages. We Cover Nutrients children and families commonly fall short on What we know about maternal nutrition and infant outcomes Characteristics of a nutritious first food Practical strategies for navigating picky eating How to build family meals that work for every age and stage Resources Mentioned: Healthy Beginnings (Toolkit) The Role of Lutein in Child Development: From Prenatal to Early Childhood Avocado Consumption During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Child Food Allergy Risk: Prospective KuBiCo Study How to Freeze Avocados for Smoothies Don't miss the rest of the series: Episode 1: Why Feeling Full Matters for Weight Loss Episode 2: Rethinking Cholesterol Counseling Episode 3: The Bigger Picture of Blood Sugar About Today's Sponsor Avocados – Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. Backed by science, Love One Today provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for health professionals to stay on top of the latest research and confidently recommend fresh avocados to patients. Embracing the diversity of Latin flavors and traditions while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Aguacates - Love One Today® also offers culturally inspired recipes, tips, and educational handouts para Latinos. Visit LoveOneToday.com for free evidence-based resources, recipes and patient education materials. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

This episode is part of our four-part Avocados in Practice mini-series, sponsored by Avocados – Love One Today®. Today, we're asking whether we're focusing on the right things when it comes to diabetes nutrition. When someone is diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, nutrition conversations often become all about sugar and carbohydrates. But are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, joins me to discuss glycemic load, diet quality, and why overall eating patterns deserve just as much attention as individual nutrients when supporting healthy blood sugar management and type 2 diabetes risk reduction. What You’ll Learn How to shift the conversation from restriction toward overall diet quality The difference between glycemic index and glycemic load Nutrients to consider beyond total carbohydrates, such as unsaturated fats and fiber Research exploring avocados, diet quality, blood sugar management, and diabetes risk Practical ways patients can incorporate avocados into balanced meals Resources Mentioned: The Role of Avocados in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Know the Difference: Natural Sugars vs. Added Sugars (Handout) The Effect of Including One Avocado Daily in a Habitual Diet on the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load in Free-living Adults with Overweight/Obesity Associations Between Avocado Intake and Measures of Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis in Hispanic Individuals With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Associations Between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Adults with Hispanic/Latino Ancestry Avocado Banana Dairy-Free Ice Cream (Recipe) Don't miss the rest of the series: Episode 1: Why Feeling Full Matters for Weight Loss Episode 2: Rethinking Cholesterol Counseling About Today's Sponsor Avocados – Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. Backed by science, Love One Today provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for health professionals to stay on top of the latest research and confidently recommend fresh avocados to patients. Embracing the diversity of Latin flavors and traditions while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Aguacates - Love One Today® also offers culturally inspired recipes, tips, and educational handouts para Latinos. Visit LoveOneToday.com for free evidence-based resources, recipes and patient education materials. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

This episode is part of our four-part Avocados in Practice mini-series, sponsored by Avocados – Love One Today®. Today, we're tackling one of the most common nutrition conversations in practice: cholesterol. Nutrition counseling often focuses on what patients should stop eating, but what should we encourage them to eat more of? Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, joins me to discuss the types of food substitutions that can impact cholesterol, how current heart health guidelines support a food-first approach, and what the latest research tells us about improving cholesterol through practical, sustainable nutrition changes such as swapping foods with saturated fat for avocado We Cover Why restriction alone often isn't enough for cholesterol counseling The science behind swapping saturated fat with unsaturated fats The types of food swaps that may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels Nutrients that support cholesterol management and overall heart health, including fiber and unsaturated fats Creative ways patients can incorporate avocados to get more unsaturated fats and fiber beyond avocado toast Resources Mentioned: Avocados and Cholesterol Reduce Saturated Fat Intake With Fresh Avocados Avocados and Plant Sterols Avocados, Cholesterol and You (Handout) Effects of Replacing Solid Fats and Added Sugars with Avocado in Adults with Elevated Cardiometabolic Risk: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Feeding, Crossover Trial Don't miss the rest of the series: Episode 1: Why Feeling Full Matters for Weight Loss About Today's Sponsor Avocados – Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. Backed by science, Love One Today provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for health professionals to stay on top of the latest research and confidently recommend fresh avocados to patients. Embracing the diversity of Latin flavors and traditions while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Aguacates - Love One Today® also offers culturally inspired recipes, tips, and educational handouts para Latinos. Visit LoveOneToday.com for free evidence-based resources, recipes and patient education materials. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Many patients believe that feeling hungry is simply part of losing weight, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of our Avocados in Practice mini-series, sponsored by Avocados - Love One Today®, Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, joins me to discuss why satiety matters, what the research says about fullness and foods and nutrients that influence it, and how clinicians can help patients build meals that are both satisfying and nutrient-dense. We also explore common misconceptions about higher-fat foods, practical nutrition strategies for patients taking GLP-1 medications, and simple ways to incorporate avocados into everyday meals to support fullness and satisfaction. What You’ll Learn Why hunger is one of the biggest barriers to sustainable weight loss The role of satiety and meal satisfaction in weight management What research tells us about avocados, weight, and body composition Why fiber and unsaturated fats matter alongside protein, especially for patients eating less overall Practical ways to incorporate avocados for satisfying meals and snacks Resources Mentioned Avocados, GLP-1 and Weight Loss Medications: Making Every Bite Count Avocados and Satiety: A Deep Dive Into Fullness and Weight Management Effect of Incorporating 1 Avocado Per Day Versus Habitual Diet on Visceral Adiposity: A Randomized Trial Using the Avocado to Test the Satiety Effects of a Fat-Fiber Combination in Place of Carbohydrate Energy in a Breakfast Meal in Overweight and Obese Men and Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial About Today's Sponsor Avocados – Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. Backed by science, Love One Today provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for health professionals to stay on top of the latest research and confidently recommend fresh avocados to patients. Embracing the diversity of Latin flavors and traditions while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Aguacates - Love One Today® also offers culturally inspired recipes, tips, and educational handouts para Latinos. Visit LoveOneToday.com for free evidence-based resources, recipes and patient education materials. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Apricot Kernels, Amino Acid Diet & Fasting in Cancer Care. In this episode, I’m joined by oncology dietitian Ginger Hultin to break down some of the biggest cancer nutrition myths circulating online and explain what clinicians should actually be telling patients. We discuss: Whether sugar really “feeds” cancer and what the Warburg effect actually means The truth about soy, phytoestrogens, and hormone-sensitive cancers Processed meat, red meat, and which foods are actually linked to cancer risk Aspartame, artificial sweeteners, and what “possibly carcinogenic” really means Alcohol and cancer risk—and why there seems to be some discrepancy Whether fasting during chemotherapy improves treatment outcomes Emerging research on restricting amino acids to slow cancer growth Apricot kernels and the serious risks behind viral “natural cancer cure” claims Supplements during cancer treatment, including potential interactions, over-supplementation, and when supplements may actually be helpful How clinicians can address cancer nutrition misinformation without dismissing or shaming patients Nutrition absolutely matters in cancer care. But restrictive “anti-cancer diets” and viral food cures can distract patients from what may help most: adequate protein, maintaining nutrition status, eating more fiber-rich plant foods, managing treatment side effects, and getting individualized support. Resources Mentioned: Episode 57: Cancer Survivorship and Nutrition Episode 75: Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements? Connect with Ginger The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

CGMs, Carb Counting and GLP-1s in Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes care has changed a lot. From earlier screening and diabetes staging to diabetes technology, clinicians have more tools than ever, but also more to keep up with. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hormachea, RDN, CDCES, to break down what clinicians need to know about modern type 1 diabetes management. Key takeaways: Who should be screened for type 1 diabetes and what autoantibodies to look for The difference between stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 type 1 diabetes Why diabetes technology is changing how we teach carbohydrate counting How to interpret CGM data without making patients fear every glucose spike Where low- and non-nutritive sweeteners fit into diabetes care Why weight management is different for patients with type 1 diabetes What clinicians should know about GLP-1 medications in type 1 diabetes If it’s been a while since you reviewed type 1 diabetes, this episode will get you caught up on what’s changing and what matters most in clinical practice. Peas and Hoppy Meal Guide - use EXAMROOM for 20% off. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Sarah ADA Guide to Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes 4th Edition Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

We Were Taught Eating Disorders Wrong A patient can be purging, restricting, hiding food, or obsessing over their body and still have a “normal” weight and normal labs. That’s exactly why eating disorders are so easy to miss. In this episode, I sit down with eating disorder expert and dietitian Jessica Setnick for a conversation that completely challenges the way many of us were trained to recognize disordered eating. We talk about the stereotypes that keep patients from getting diagnosed, the well-intended things adults say and do around food that can backfire, and the subtle signs clinicians should be paying attention to long before the weight or labs change. Key takeaways: Why weight is not a reliable screening tool for eating disorders Why restricting sweets, controlling portions, or labeling foods can make certain foods even more desirable What you need to ask when a parent says their child "sneaks food" Simple screening questions clinicians can use during a well visit What to say when a patient discloses purging, restriction, or body image concerns Connect with Jessica Resources Mentioned: Episode 41: Silent Battles Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Fiber, Fermentation, and the Gut Microbiome Healthcare practitioners can request free samples of NeuroFiber here We’re all guilty of telling patients to “eat more fiber,” but that recommendation is often too basic. Fiber type, diversity, tolerance, and the patient’s specific health goal all matter. In this sponsored episode, with support from NeuroFiber , you’ll learn why relying on one isolated fiber may not provide the same benefits as eating a variety of fiber-rich foods and how to give patients more practical, targeted guidance. Key takeaways: A better way to classify different types of fiber How viscosity and fermentability affect what fiber does in the body Why fiber diversity may help support microbiome diversity How to make fiber recommendations more specific and practical When a convenient fiber product can help bridge the gap This episode was sponsored by NeuroFiber, a bar that provides 11 grams of fiber from 14 prebiotic and whole-food fiber sources, including a five-fiber prebiotic blend. NeuroFiber bars are gluten-free and made with real, whole food ingredients. Their formula was developed to support digestive health, microbiome diversity, and the gut-brain axis while offering a convenient option for patients who struggle to consistently meet their fiber needs through food alone. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Nutrition, supplements, and what the evidence says In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsey Hoffmann, PA-C, RDN, who specializes in pain medicine at Mayo Clinic, to break down where nutrition fits into chronic pain management and how to evaluate supplements without overpromising results. We cover: Why a Mediterranean-style diet should come before supplements for pain Supplements with evidence for neuropathic pain vs. musculoskeletal pain What we know about alpha-lipoic acid, turmeric/curcumin, glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D, and PEA Chelsey's algorithm for experimenting with supplements How to define whether a supplement is actually “working” Medication interactions and patient populations that require extra caution When nutrient deficiencies should be investigated before adding another supplement Resources mentioned: Episode 75: Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements and Don’t Even Know It? Episode 73: Is That Supplement Worth It? Connect with Chelsey Hoffmann on LinkedIn Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Fertility Care for Both Partners Infertility affects both partners, yet fertility evaluations and lifestyle advice often focus primarily on women. In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with infertility PA Jessica Boone about taking a more complete, compassionate approach to fertility care. They discuss why both partners should be evaluated, what may be missing from a standard infertility workup, and how nutrition, sleep, movement, hydration, and environmental exposures can support overall reproductive health. Jessica also shares practical questions clinicians can ask to better understand a couple’s history, family-building goals, and next steps. Resources mentioned: Episode 47: Nutrition and Infertility- Is Your Diagnosis Wrong? Connect with Jessica Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Foods to support focus, memory, and long-term brain health In this Summer School replay, I talk with Dr. Jenna Stedman, a cognitive performance dietitian, about the connection between nutrition and cognitive health across the lifespan. You’ll learn: Which nutrients matter most for cognitive health Whether blending fruit changes its nutrition or blood sugar impact How to build a simple Brain Power Plate Specific foods that promote brain health Resources Mentioned: Episode 150: How to reduce dementia risk with daily habits Dr. Stedman’s Brain Power Plate breakdown Blog: 9 Questions to Ask About Cognitive Health Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Nutrition To Support Post-Operative Healing In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with Erin Scherer, a surgical PA and registered dietitian, about the role nutrition plays in tissue repair, infection prevention, and recovery. They discuss which patients may need additional nutrition support, the key nutrients clinicians should prioritize, and simple opportunities to bring nutrition into the conversation. Grab the FREE Post-Surgical Nutrition Guide Here You’ll learn: Why protein needs increase after surgery or injury The roles of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fats How hydration supports the healing process When supplements may be helpful Practical strategies for nausea, constipation, and low appetite during recovery Resources Mentioned Episode 75 | Are you patients taking too many supplements? PA Foundation Handouts https://youtu.be/mIsnrEh84LA - Nutrition to Improve Recovery after Surgery https://youtu.be/lY53LwjS_X4 - Nutrition to support Wound Healing Skip navigation Create Nutrition to Support Wound Healing Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Food Triggers, Hydration, and Supplements Welcome to Summer School! In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with Kelly, a registered dietitian specializing in migraine nutrition, about the complicated relationship between food and migraines. They discuss why there is no universal list of “migraine trigger foods,” how hydration and caffeine may influence symptoms, and why overly restrictive elimination diets can create more confusion than relief. You’ll learn: How to help patients identify their individual migraine triggers Why balanced meals and consistent eating may support migraine management Practical nutrition strategies for nausea, pain, and low appetite How hydration, caffeine, and blood sugar fluctuations may affect symptoms Which supplements are commonly considered for migraine prevention Why a food and symptom journal may be more useful than a long avoidance list Connect with Kelli Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

You Are Not Your Struggle So many women are trying to eat better, lose weight, meal plan, feed their families, manage busy schedules, and somehow not feel guilty about every food choice along the way. In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Wickenhauser, PA, homeschooling mom of four, Christian health coach, and founder of Kingdom Fit Moms, for a conversation about what it really looks like to pursue health in the middle of real life. Key Takeaways: Why shame keeps so many women stuck in the diet cycle How to help patients separate their identity from emotional eating or weight struggles Why “real food” messaging should not demonize frozen meals, packaged foods, or convenience options How to shift patients from an “I have to” mindset to an “I get to care for my body” mindset How accountability and community can support consistency Practical meal planning strategies for busy moms and families Simple lunch and snack ideas for summer when kids are home How faith, values, and identity can shape a woman’s health journey Resources Mentioned: Episode 157: I Hate Meal Plans Connect with Kelsey Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

CKD Food Rules That Need an Update Kidney nutrition has a reputation for being restrictive, confusing, and honestly… a little intimidating. But for many patients with chronic kidney disease, the biggest problem isn’t that they’re eating a banana or adding tomatoes to dinner. It’s that they’ve been handed outdated food rules that leave them scared to eat. In this episode, I’m joined by renal dietitian Lauren Budd Levy, MS, RDN, CSR , to talk about what clinicians need to know about kidney nutrition, especially if you don’t work in nephrology. We cover the CKD diet rules that need an update, including potassium restriction, phosphorus additives, protein needs, sodium, hydration, electrolyte powders, and how to help patients enjoy summer cookouts, travel, and real life without feeling like their kidney diagnosis means they have to avoid everything. Key Takeaways: Why “avoid bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, and avocados” is often too simplistic The easy label-reading tip patients can use to spot phosphorus additives How to talk about protein needs in CKD without fueling confusion from high-protein diet culture Why sodium reduction does not mean a no-salt, flavorless diet What to tell patients about electrolyte powders, hydration, cookouts, and kidney-friendly travel snacks If your patient with CKD has ever asked, “Can I eat tomatoes?” “Do I need to avoid phosphorus?” or “Are electrolyte drinks safe for me?” this episode will help you answer with more confidence, nuance, and compassion. Resources Mentioned: Episode 43 | Nutrition and Kidney Disease: What's a Renal Diet? Episode 32 | How to Read a Nutrition Facts Label - with a Focus on Kidney Health Connect with Lauren Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Give Nutrition Advice Without Making Patients Feel Punished Have you ever asked, “Do you have any other questions?” at the end of a visit and immediately regretted it? Same. Because of course they have more questions. Important questions. Questions that probably should have been asked 15 minutes ago, except now you’re already behind, the next patient is waiting, and you’re trying to be compassionate without completely derailing the visit. In this episode, I’m talking with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN , registered dietitian, author of Eating From Our Roots , and founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, about the art of inviting patients into treatment instead of simply telling them what to do. We talk about cultural humility, implicit bias, why foods like rice, tortillas, noodles, plantains, and traditional starches get unfairly blamed for chronic disease, and how clinicians can help patients improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids without stripping away the foods that feel like home. Maya also shares a brilliant framework for setting the agenda with patients, asking permission, and keeping the visit patient-centered without losing control of the clock. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “healthy” food is often viewed through an Anglo-American lens, and how that can unintentionally shame patients’ cultural foods How to be curious before corrective when talking about nutrition, weight, chronic disease, and food traditions How to use the plate method more flexibly What to say when patients want to improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or inflammation without giving up familiar foods Why frozen meals, canned foods, jarred foods, dried beans, frozen vegetables, and center-aisle foods absolutely belong in realistic nutrition counseling How to help patients reduce added sugar without making it feel like punishment Maya’s strategy for “sugar interactions” and helping patients create a beginning, middle, and end around sweets How to start the visit by asking what is on the patient’s mind, while still addressing your clinical priorities Resources Mentioned: Episode 146: When Culture is Erased from Guidelines Connect with Maya Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

What Really Happens Inside an Obesity Clinic GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now. Patients are asking about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, compounded medications, muscle loss, “Ozempic face,” insurance denials, and what happens when the weight loss slows down. But what does obesity medicine actually look like inside the clinic? In this episode, I’m joined by Joseph Zucchi, PA-C , clinical supervisor and physician associate at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, New Hampshire. This is not your typical GLP-1 conversation. We’re going beyond protein goals, nausea tips, and constipation management to talk about what clinicians are really facing in practice: how to dose these medications, when to switch, and how to support patients when insurance coverage disappears. In this episode, you’ll learn: What to assess when a patient hits a weight loss plateau beyond simply increasing the dose How to talk with patients about GLP-1 concerns like muscle loss, thyroid cancer warnings, GI side effects, and “Ozempic face” Why obesity medications are tools, not “cheating,” and how to address weight stigma in the exam room What clinicians should know about compounded GLP-1 medications and why FDA-approval matters How to document for prior authorizations and what insurance companies are often looking for What happens when patients lose GLP-1 coverage and how to discuss alternative medication options What Joe is most excited about in the future of obesity medicine, including new medications and expanding coverage If you prescribe GLP-1 medications, counsel patients on weight management, or feel overwhelmed by the insurance and documentation side of obesity medicine, this episode will give you a practical, behind-the-scenes look at what comprehensive obesity care can look like. Connect with Joe Resources mentioned: Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (with a 2026 medication update) Use code POD15 for 15% off! 155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Los s 151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders? Obesity Medication Infographic Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

Nutrition Advice Needs More Nuance. Your patients are hearing a lot online: fix your gut, avoid processed foods, buy organic, take a probiotic, and eat the “right” foods if you want to be healthy. But nutrition is rarely that simple. In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian Manju Karkare to talk about how clinicians can respond to common nutrition questions with more nuance, less fear, and advice that actually fits the patient’s life. We cover gut health, probiotics, processed foods, organic produce, cultural food traditions, food access, and where integrative and functional nutrition can be helpful without overcomplicating care. What You’ll Learn: The simple gut health framework Manju uses: fiber, fluid, and movement Why probiotic supplements may have a place, but are not a replacement for feeding the gut microbiome well How to explain processed and ultra-processed foods without creating more fear or food shame How to talk about organic produce in a way that is evidence-based, realistic, and budget-conscious Why asking “Where do you shop?” can completely change the nutrition advice you give How cultural humility helps clinicians give better, more personalized nutrition recommendations Why “Tell me more” might be one of the most powerful questions you can ask in a patient visit Connect with Manju on Instagram Join the Obesity Medicine Course and get 16% off with code SWEET16 here Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

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 Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.

“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 Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn 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.