Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition
Exam Room Nutrition is a podcast hosted by Colleen Sloan, a physician assistant and registered dietitian with over a decade of experience. It provides busy clinicians with clear, actionable strategies to answer common nutrition questions from patients, such as dietary advice for diabetes, weight loss, and picky eating. The podcast addresses the gap in nutrition education in medical training, offering practical guidance to help healthcare professionals confidently discuss nutrition with their patients.
Episodes
162 | Stop Banning Bananas: Kidney Diet Rules We Need to Rethink
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 It’s that they’ve been handed outdated food rules that leave them scared to eat.In this episode, I’m joined by renal dietiti
161 | The Art of Inviting Patients Into Treatment
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 compassionat
160 | Inside an Obesity Clinic: GLP-1 Dosing, Plateaus, and Prior Auths
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 supervi
159 | What Social Media Gets Wrong About Nutrition
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
158 | The Nutrition Mistake Every Injured Athlete Makes
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 du
157 | I Hate Meal Plans: What Dietitians Do Instead
“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
156 | LIVE From Today's Dietitian: 3 Nutrition Counseling Mistakes and What to Say Instead
3 Mistakes We Make When Talking About NutritionI spoke at 2 different conferences, 4 lectures in total, this weekend and all of them had a similar thread: HOW we communicate our recommendations matter.Enjoy this quickie episode summarizing one of my presentations at the American Association of Physician Associates in New Orleans. Shoot me a DM @examroomnutrition and vote:T/F: When you Know Better,
155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss
Weight loss doesn’t fail overnight.It usually happens slowly… through all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic expectations, and patients feeling like they have to “start over” every Monday.In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Sam Barone for a conversation about sustainable weight loss, behavior change, and why the best “diet” might not be a diet at all. We unpack the real reason patien
154 | Diabetes in the Age of Social Media: Are Glucose Spikes Really the Problem?
Social Media Is Confusing Your Patients. In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinology PA Emily Stevens to discuss diabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control and help you explain it in a way your patients will actually understand. If your patients are asking about glucose spikes, CGMs, keto, or supplements like berberine, this episode will give you clear, practical answers you can use in
153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work
Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel.What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room.In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it
152 | Overeating Explained: Hunger, Habits, or Emotions?
Why Patients Overeat and Feel Out of Control What’s really driving overeating: hunger, habit, or emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Johnston, a physician assistant turned eating habits and weight loss coach, to unpack why patients eat past fullness, why nighttime eating feels so out of control, and how to quickly uncover what’s actually going on beneath the behavior. Here’s what you’ll
151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders?
When Weight Loss Hides Something Deeper In this episode, I’m joined by Shawna Melbourn, a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience in eating disorder care, to unpack whether the most celebrated effects of GLP-1 medications, appetite suppression, is actually masking something deeper Here’s what you’ll learn:Why appetite suppression isn’t always a win (and how it can reinforce restrict
150 | How to Reduce Dementia Risk with Daily Habits
Daily Habits Your Patients Need For Brain Health. If your patients are asking how to protect their brain, and you’re defaulting to “eat better and exercise more”, this episode will challenge that in the best way.In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Collett, a brain health expert, to unpack a more practical, real-world approach to cognitive health.We cover everything from how food fuels the brain at
149 | Why Kids Feel Anxious Around Food and How to Help
"It’s not just what children are eating. It’s how they’re experiencing food that shapes their habits."In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Eaton, a behavior change therapist and author, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids struggle with food. Because it’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the environment, the language, and the emotional experience
148 | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained: Science vs. Social Media
Processed Food “Kills”. That message is everywhere right now. Social media posts, viral headlines, even Super Bowl commercials warning that processed foods are dangerous.But what do we actually mean when we say “ultra-processed food”?In this episode, I sit down with nutrition researcher Dr. Mandy Willig to unpack the science behind ultra-processed foods, the NOVA classification system, and why the
147 | GLP-1s vs Bariatric Surgery: How to Choose the Right Treatment
How To Decide Between Bariatric Surgery and Obesity MedicationsI’m joined by Kate Fuss, PA-C to unpack how GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery actually work together, when each option makes sense, and what primary care clinicians should understand when caring for patients before or after bariatric surgery.We also dive into the psychological side of weight loss, because hitting a number on the
146 | When Culture Is Erased from Nutrition Guidelines
Did the Dietary Guidelines ignore culture?In this special roundtable episode, I’m joined by four registered dietitians from Indian, Mexican, Filipino, and Nicaraguan backgrounds to unpack a major concern in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans: the absence of explicit cultural inclusivity.Because food isn’t just carbs and protein. It’s identity, tradition, and community. And when guidelines
145 | A Nutrition Framework for Depression & Anxiety
Mental Health Nutrition Starts Here. When a patient opens up about their mood, we think therapy. We think medication. But do we ever pause and ask… are they eating enough to support their brain?In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Jennifer Hanes, who specializes in nutrition and mental health. We unpack how food impacts mood, why under-eating can worsen anxiety and depression, and h
144 | Pediatric Obesity Care: Protecting Kids in a Body-Obsessed Culture
Discuss Pediatric Weight Gain Without Triggering ShameWhat would you say if a parent asked, “Can you tell my son he needs to lose weight?”That question sits at the center of one of the hardest conversations in pediatrics.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Beck, clinical psychologist and expert in teen mental health and weight stigma, to unpack how we address pediatric obesity without causing u
143 | Analyze Nutrition Studies Like a Scientist
Randomized controlled trials. Cohort studies. Abstracts. Methods sections.If your brain starts spinning just hearing those words, you’re not alone.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carlene Starck, a protein biochemist and nutrition scientist, to help clinicians who aren’t researchers learn how to spot high-quality research in a world full of misinformation.Together, we walk through how a research
142 | Marathon Nutrition After 35: Preventing Injury Through Fueling
If you’ve ever had a patient training for a marathon (or you are that patient) this episode will change how you think about fueling, injury risk, and longevity in running. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why runners over 35 are uniquely vulnerable to injury, even when they "eat healthy"Why so many runners under-consume carbohydrates (and how to explain carbs without triggering fear)How ina
141 | 6 Reasons Patients Struggle to Lose Weight
Patient-Centered Weight Management | Dr. Robert Kushner on the Six-Factor Questionnaire, GLP-1s, and Lifestyle Counseling “Eat less, move more” might be the fastest way to lose your patient’s trust, according my my guest Dr. Robert Kushner, a passionate doctor, educator, and researcher who has spent more than four decades improving care for people living with overweight and obesity.Dr. Kushner sha
140 | Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens
What’s missing in obesity care? It’s not another diet plan or more willpower. In this episode Colleen is joined by Dr. Robyn Pashby, clinical health psychologist and co-author of The New Food Fight, to unpack the mental and emotional side of obesity care (the part most clinicians were never trained to address)Together, they break down why shame, stigma, and oversimplified “just eat less and move
139 | The New Food Pyramid: Experts React to the Dietary Guidelines
The 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans just dropped and the new upside-down food pyramid caused quite the chatter online this week. In this special Nutrition Newsroom roundtable, Colleen Sloan, PA, RDN, brings together nine nutrition experts to break down what the new guidelines actually are (and what they’re not), what stayed the same, what changed, and what’s missing. You’ll hear respectful d
138 | 8 Lessons Every Clinician Should Bring Into 2026
Today’s episode is a mashup of my favorite moments, quotes, and “clinic gems” from the year. These are the tools that made conversations easier, built more trust, and helped patients actually follow through… and I’m bringing all eight of them with me into 2026.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:The simple mindset shift that instantly reduces clinician burnoutThe question that uncovers barriers fast
137 | Cholesterol in the Brain: Connecting Heart Health and Alzheimer’s
"What’s good for the heart is good for the brain." Can better cholesterol management in midlife actually lower your patient’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Josh Wageman, PhD, PA-C, a clinical lipid specialist who studied cholesterol disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we unpack how cholesterol, APOB, APOE4, insulin resistance, an
136 | Pork’s Role in Modern Obesity Treatment
GLP-1 medications are changing the game in obesity care. Patients are losing weight, feeling full faster… and often eating less overall. But less food can also mean less muscle, unless we guide them toward the right nutrition. In today’s episode, we unpack how clinicians can better counsel patients using anti-obesity meds, and how nutrient-dense, affordable options like pork can support satiety,
135 | Nutrition for Menopause: Weight, Hormones & GLP-1s
Menopause nutrition and weight management aren’t as simple as “eat less, move more.” In this episode, menopause expert and RD Dr. Su-Nui Escobar breaks down what’s really driving midlife weight changes and what clinicians should focus on instead. What You’ll Learn:How fluctuating estrogen affects fat distribution, metabolism, inflammation, and cardiometabolic riskWhy traditional weight-loss advice
134 | Weight Doesn’t Equal Worth, But It Still Impacts Health. Here’s How to Talk About It.
How To Address Weight In A Body Positive CultureIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tzvi Doron, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician and lipidology expert, to unpack the middle ground between body neutrality and evidence-based obesity care.We talk about how to approach weight without shame, how weight loss impacts lipids and cardiometabolic risk, and why protecting lean mass sh
133 | Creatine Isn’t Just for Athletes: The Evidence for Brain, Bone, and Muscle Health
Creatine isn’t just for athletes. In this episode, Dr. Scott Forbes joins Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, to unpack the latest research on creatine safety, dosing, timing, and real-world use. Plus who should (and shouldn’t) take it. This one supplement can support muscle, bone, and brain health and has over 600 clinical trials backing its safety. Too good to be true? Nope. That’s creatine.Dr. Forbes sha
132 | It’s Not Your Job to Make Patients Change
It’s not your job to make patients change. Your job is to create the environment where change feels possible. In this conversation, I sit down with Staci Belcher, RDN, an Internal Family Systems–informed dietitian, to unpack how to use curiosity, compassion, and counseling techniques to unlock motivation. You’ll learn practical ways to apply behavior change psychology and motivational interviewing
131 | AI Won’t Take Your Job (If You Learn to Use It)
AI is everywhere. Is it coming for our jobs… or just taking mundane tasks off your plate? If you’ve felt equal parts curious and cautious, this conversation will calm the noise and show you some brilliant ways AI makes your life easier, both professionally and personally.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Raul Palacios, Registered Dietitian, educator, and AI-in-healthcare tinkerer who’s my go-to AI
130 | A Slightly Spicy Heart-Health Debate: Real Talk Between a PA & RD
What happens when a dietitian and a PA sit down to talk about heart disease—from both sides of the exam room?In this episode, Colleen brings together two heart health experts: Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, a cardiovascular dietitian known for her evidence-based prevention strategies, and Josh Wageman, PA-C, PhD, a clinical lipid specialist who’s spent his career studying cholesterol distur
129 | 3 Patients, 1 Goal: How an Obesity Specialist Personalizes Care
What happens when a woman in menopause, a man considering bariatric surgery, and a young adult on a GLP-1 all walk into clinic?In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Leslie Golden, a dual board-certified physician in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine and founder of Weight in Gold Wellness. She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work—helping patients heal their relationship w
128 | Silencing Food Noise By Finding Your Food Voice. Helping Patients Escape Diet Culture.
In this episode, I sit down with Julie Duffy Dillon, RDN, therapist, and author of Find Your Food Voice, to help clinicians replace diet-culture with practical, patient-centered coaching. We dig into what a “food voice” is, why so many people get disconnected from it, and how you can guide patients back to hunger/fullness cues without meal plans, shame, or quick fixes.You’ll leave with language yo
127 | Top 5 Nutrients for Pregnancy—and Why Prenatals Still Matter
If your prenatal visit keeps getting hijacked by TikTok misinformation (hello, “folic acid causes autism”), this is the episode you’ll want in your back pocket. In this epsiode, I sit down with women’s health dietitian Jane Leverich to map out exactly what to cover from preconception through postpartum: realistic calorie needs, how to talk about weight gain without harm, what prenatals actually do
126 | Introducing Allergens: A Step-by-Step Guide to Early Allergen Introduction in Infants
For years, parents were told to delay introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs. Now, the advice is the complete opposite—and your families are confused, anxious, and looking to you for answers.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carina Venter—one of the world’s leading experts in pediatric food allergies. Together, we unpack the science, the guidelines, and the practical “how-to” steps cl
125 | Protein Shakes vs. Meal Replacements: Strategies for Obesity Care
Meal replacements are an excellent tool for weight management. But they aren't the same as protein shakes. Medical weight-loss dietitian Julia Axelbaum joins me to clear up the confusion, define the difference (they are not interchangeable), and map out exactly when to use each—on their own or alongside evidence-based tools like GLP-1s. You’ll walk away with a 3-step label checklist you can t
124 | Coaching vs. Advice: Simple Skills That Transform Your Practice
Coaching Skills for Clinical Practice. Because if you want patients to actually change, you need to coach—not just prescribe.I’m joined by Annie Wildermuth—RD, PA, PhD-trained researcher, and certified leadership & performance coach. Annie breaks down what real coaching is (and isn’t), how to spot legitimate coach training, and the exact questions that open patients up—without adding time to y
123 | Carnivore. Omnivore… Nutrivore? How To Shift from Calorie Counting to Nutrient Density
Today’s episode will change how you think (and talk) about food. Instead of obsessing over calories or cutting carbs, what if we taught patients to focus on nutrient density?I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, bestselling author of Nutrivore. You’ll learn how to shift the conversation from restriction to addition—and give patients permission to enjoy their food and improve their health.What You’ll
Inside the Course | How to Reframe “Failure” in Obesity Care
What if your “noncompliant” patient isn’t failing… but the plan is?In this final episode of Sneak Peek Week, RD and behavior change expert Jeannie Boyer shares how to reframe plateaus, shift focus beyond the scale, and help patients set goals that actually matter.Plus, get a preview of our Special Populations modules—covering bariatric surgery and PCOS—and how to support these patients with nutri
Inside the Course | How to Manage Side Effects from Obesity Meds
Obesity medications can be powerful—but side effects often get in the way.In this episode of Sneak Peek Week, dietitian and weight loss expert Melissa Mitri shares practical, food-first strategies to help your patients manage nausea, stay on track, and get better results—without feeling miserable.Ready to join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course?Use code POD15 to get 15% off the full at examroo
Inside the Course | Behavior Change That Actually Works
Tired of giving advice that doesn’t stick?In this episode of Sneak Peek Week, you’ll hear from behavior change expert and registered dietitian Laura Kohler, who shares the one question every clinician should be asking when a patient feels stuck—and why more handouts aren’t the answer.Get ready to stop playing advice-ping-pong and start creating real momentum.Ready to join The Obesity Medicine Nutr
Inside the Course | How to Talk About Body Composition
Most clinicians were trained to track BMI—but when it comes to motivating real change, that number only tells part of the story.In this sneak peek from the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course, dietitian and health psychologist Dr. Nina Crowley shares how to use body composition data to guide smarter goals—and how to talk about it with patients in a way that actually motivates change.Grab the full co
122 | How to Support Patients on Obesity Medications: A Short Course on Side Effects, Satiety & Supplements
Join The Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course! Enter code POD15 at checkout for 15% off!Anti-obesity medications are everywhere—but they also come with new challenges. From rapid weight loss and side effects to TikTok-fueled supplement questions, patients on weight management medications need more than generic nutrition advice.In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Mitri, a seasoned weight loss dieti
121 | Move Over, Tobacco—Sugar’s the New Villain in Town
If your patient tells you they're avoiding fruit “because it has too much sugar,” this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.From viral posts claiming sugar is poison to influencers suggesting chocolate is healthier than grapes, nutrition misinformation is everywhere—and your patients are soaking it in.In this conversation, Colleen sits down with dietitian and public health researcher Dustin
120 | How ‘Healthy Eating’ Messaging Backfires—And What to Say Instead
That “picky eater” might not grow out of it. And that patient obsessed with “clean eating”? It might be something deeper.Today, we’re joined by eating disorder dietitian Johnna to challenge everything you thought you knew about disordered eating. You’ll learn:The subtle red flags of disordered eating you might be overlooking during routine visitsHow to ask better questions to uncover what's r
119 | When the Visit’s Over… But the Nutrition Questions Keep Coming
You’re walking out the door, wrapping up your visit, and then it happens— “...Oh, by the way, what do you think about ... ?” Sound familiar?In this episode, I’m joined by Alexandria Hardy, MS, RD, LDN, to tackle the rapid-fire nutrition questions patients love to drop at the end of an appointment—when there’s zero time left to answer them well.From weight loss and metabolism to carbs, supplements,
118 | Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula: The Science Behind This Clinically Backed Option
When formula shelves went empty in 2022, clinicians scrambled. Desperate parents, unfamiliar brands, and European imports raised more questions than answers. Since January 2024, one name kept coming up: Kabrita.Is goat milk-based formula just a trend—or is it a clinically sound option you can recommend with confidence?In this episode, sponsored by Kabrita, I’m joined by Dr. Ari Brown, board-certif
117 | What’s the Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol?
Your patient says, “My neighbor’s on the carnivore diet and looks amazing. Should I try it?” Cue the internal panic. What do you actually say next?In this episode, Clinical Lipid Specialist Dr. Josh Wageman returns to unpack the dietary chaos surrounding lipids, low-carb diets, saturated fat, and the ever-elusive “best diet.” Whether your patient wants to reverse metabolic syndrome or just “get th
116 | Total Gastrectomy at 31: Lessons from a Dietitian Who’s Been There
Ilana Kersch was 31, healthy, and working as a dietitian—then she was diagnosed with hereditary stomach cancer and told she needed a total gastrectomy.In this powerful episode, Ilana shares what it’s really like to live without a stomach—from managing dumping syndrome and rapid weight loss to navigating survivorship and identity after cancer. As both a clinician and a patient, her insights will ch
115| Why RFK’s Med School Nutrition Mandate Sounds Good… But Isn’t
RFK Jr. wants to mandate nutrition education in every U.S. medical school—or else schools risk losing federal funding. On the surface, it sounds like a smart move. But as a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian, I’m here to tell you: it’s not that simple.In this special Nutrition Newsroom episode, I break down what RFK got right, what he missed, and why nutrition education alone won’t fix o
114 | Seed Oils 101: The Evidence Behind the Claims
If your patients are going through the social media rabbit holes about seed oils, you’re not alone. Claims like “pro-inflammatory” and “unhealthy,” are gaining traction—and showing up in the exam room. In this episode we tackle the seed oil confusion head-on. I’m joined by registered dietitian Charlotte Martin, spokesperson for the Soy Connection, to break down the science behind the most common c
113 | Percentages Aren’t That Bad: How to Make Food Labels Less Confusing
Ever skip the food label convo because it feels too complicated—or let’s be honest, you’re short on time? In this episode, I’m sharing a few clips from this month’s Nutrition Grand Rounds that’ll help you decode the label and teach it in a way your patients actually understand. We’ll cover what patients are really looking at, how to explain percent daily value, and why front-of-package claims like
112 | Quick Nutrition Answers for the “One More Question” Patient
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” cr
111 | HDL = Good, LDL = Bad? It’s Not That Simple.
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
110 | Is it a lack of willpower—or a limiting belief?
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:
109 | Is Pork More Nutritious Than You Think?
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 —
108 | What Kids Should Drink (and What to Skip): New Guidelines
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 encourag
107 | “I Saw It on TikTok…” A Guide to Nutrition Trends
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
106 | Is That Detox Safe? Rethinking Detox Advice
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 f
105 | Eating for Endurance: Guide Your Patients to Race Day Success
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 ma
104 | Why We Accept Body Diversity in Dogs but Not People
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
103 | Toxic Superfoods: Are They Really Poisoning Us?
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 bre
102 | Blood Sugar Hacks: The Truth About Resistant Starch, Glycemic Index & The Glucose Goddess
Can freezing rice make it healthier? Are cold potatoes better for blood sugar? And do viral blood sugar hacks actually work?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mindy Patterson, a registered dietitian and researcher, to break down the science behind resistant starch, glycemic index, and continuous glucose monitoring—and what actually matters for your patients.What You’ll Learn:✅ What resistant sta
101 | “I’m Barely Eating—Why Can’t I Lose Weight?” The Hidden Factors at Play
It’s a struggle every clinician has heard: “I barely eat, but I can’t lose weight.” So, what’s really going on? In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian Sarah Allison, RDN to unpack the hidden factors behind why patients feel this way—and why simply “eating less” isn’t the answer.We explore:✅ The metabolic slowdown that happens with chronic dieting✅ How underreporting calories and for
100 | From RD to PA to Podcaster: My Story + 10 Nutrition Lessons
When I started this podcast, I had no background in podcasting, editing, or marketing—just a passion for helping clinicians give better nutrition advice. 100 episodes later, here we are.In this special milestone episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my journey. I’ll share the story behind my career as a dietitian-turned-PA, why I started this podcast, and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along
99 | Brain Food 101: What to Eat for Mental Clarity & Focus
If you’ve ever had a patient complain about brain fog, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue, you’re not alone. Cognitive health isn’t just a concern for aging patients—it affects everyone, from kids in school to busy professionals juggling a million tasks.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jenna Stedman, a Cognitive Performance Dietitian, who breaks down the science of brain health and what we can d
98 | Functional Medicine: Legit Science or Expensive Hype?
Have you ever had a patient do everything right—take the meds, follow your nutrition advice—yet they’re still struggling with symptoms? Chronic issues like reflux, IBS, and fatigue aren’t always solved with a prescription. So what’s missing?In this episode, I sit down with Shefaly Ravula, PA-C, founder of Precision Gut Health, to bridge the gap between conventional and functional medicine. We brea
97 | Toxic Food? The Truth Behind Nutrition’s Biggest Buzzwords
Patients are overwhelmed with nutrition misinformation—“toxic foods", hormone imbalances, and glucose spikes. In this episode, I sit down with Barbie Boules, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in brain health and metabolic wellness, to bust the biggest myths your patients are hearing—and what you can say to set the record straight. Here's what you'll learn:Why “toxic” and “chem
96 | The Nutrition Newsroom: FDA Bans Red 3, New Food Labels & a Shocking Cholesterol Case
Welcome to The Nutrition Newsroom - a monthly update on the latest nutrition headlines, breaking down what's trending, why it matters, and how to explain it to your patients.This week, we're covering three hot topics:FDA Band Red 3 - What's the real risk? Should your patients be concerned?The FDA's New Proposed Food Label - Will this front-of-package label actually help consume
95 | Secrets from Nutrition Grand Rounds: Nutrition Strategies for Stronger Bones
Step into the world of Nutrition Grand Rounds with this exclusive sneak peek! In this episode, I’m sharing handpicked clips from our latest presentation on bone health, featuring two dietitians, Grace Rivers and Stephanie Turkel. With over 30 years of experience, they’re sharing actionable tips and eye-opening insights to help you guide your patients toward stronger, healthier bones.If you think y
94 | Two Patients, Two Approaches: How to Personalize Weight Loss and Get Results
Ever feel overwhelmed when a patient asks for weight loss advice? Whether it’s helping a perimenopausal mom with a packed schedule or guiding a retired man managing type 2 diabetes, personalized strategies make all the difference.In this episode, Colleen is joined by Whittany, Co-Founder of Alterra Health and a Registered Dietitian specializing in bariatric care and medical weight loss. Together,
93 | Contaminated Protein Supplements!? An Expert Weighs In on the Truth
Have you seen the headlines about disturbing levels of heavy metals in protein powders? If you're panicking about whether your shake is safe, take a breath. In this episode, we tackle the fear head-on and uncover what’s fact, what’s hype, and how to make informed decisions about your supplements.What We Covered:Understanding supplement regulation: Learn how the FDA and third-party testing act
92 | Cycle Syncing: A New Way to Connect With Your Body
I’m the first one to call out "trendy" wellness approaches, so when I heard about cycle syncing, I was hesitant to say the least. Today's episode explores cycle syncing - a practice of aligning lifestyle habits with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach helps women adjust their diet, exercise, and social activities in alignment with the four phases of the menstr
91 | Picky Eating or Feeding Disorder? The 6-Question Tool Every Provider Needs
Colleen sits down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to break down the essential 6-question screening tool designed to help providers confidently assess feeding challenges in minutes. You'll learn how to spot red flags early, make informed referrals, and better support families while they wait for specialized care.What You’ll Learn: ✅ The 4 Domains of PFD and why they matter in cli
90 | New Year, New Goals: A Framework for Goal-Setting That Sticks
Happy New Year! In this episode, we dive into the science of the Fresh Start Effect and why now is the BEST time to reset and refocus. Plus, I’m sharing my personal strategy for making 2025 a year to remember: reflect, plan, add, and subtract. What You’ll Learn:How to use the Fresh Start Effect to motivate lasting changeA framework for goal-setting strategies to inspire your patientsMy exciting 20
89 | The Best of 2024: Nutrition Tips You Can’t Miss
It’s the final episode of 2024, and I couldn’t resist putting together a little something special for you—a mashup of the year’s best nutrition moments! From decoding BMI and tackling picky eaters to breaking down lipid panels, the truth about eggs, and understanding infant formulas, this episode is packed with golden tips you can use right away.Click to listen to the full episode here:31 | Beyond
88 | 10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Guilt-Free
Congratulations to LaTasha Berk for winning 1 FREE year of Nutrition Grand Rounds! Thanks for playing Deficiency Detective.In this episode, I share 10 tips for navigating the holidays without derailing your health goals.Any Questions? Send Me a MessageSupport the showConnect with Colleen:InstagramLinkedInSign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.Discla
87 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of Cystic Fibrosis and Loss of Balance
Welcome to Deficiency Detective!A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December.Today's episode solves the case of Josh, a 12-year-old with cystic fibrosis, muscle weakness, absent reflexes and poor coordination who is not very good at taking his vitamins. Let’s see if you can crack the
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