In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, we’re joined by Jenna Smith, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator for University of Illinois Extension, to explore the crucial next steps in feeding your baby: introducing solid foods. If you’re a parent wondering when to start solids, what the best first foods are, or how to identify your baby’s readiness, this episode is for you! Jenna shares her expert advice, offering practical tips on creating a varied, nutritious diet for your...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, we're diving into the world of baby feeding with Rachel Mannen, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension. If you're a new parent or caregiver curious about baby-led weaning, when to start solids, or whether homemade baby food is really better than store-bought, this episode is for you! Rachel shares practical insights from her work with WIC and her latest project, Feeding My Baby, providing guidance...

Join Tonya and Monica on this episode of "Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life" as they dive into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of IV vitamin therapy. Discover the history of this treatment, originally developed in the late 60s and 70s, and explore its current popularity in wellness spas. Tonya shares her recent visit to an integrative health clinic, while Monica discusses the potential benefits and risks. From hydration and nutrient absorption issues to the dangers of...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, Tonya and Monica delve into the world of hydration packets, examining whether these trendy wellness products truly offer superior hydration benefits. Perfect for athletes, health enthusiasts, and concerned parents, this episode sheds light on the role of sodium and other electrolytes in maintaining fluid balance, the science behind hydration, and the potential overuse of these products. Listeners will gain practical insights on how to stay...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we shine a spotlight on the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program, a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity. Funded by SNAP-ed, this program delivers vital nutrition education directly to communities in need. Whether you're a community leader, educator, or advocate passionate about combating food insecurity, this episode is tailored for you. Expect to uncover the innovative strategies employed by the program, the impact it has on...

Tune in to our latest episode where we delve deep into the contentious topic of weight loss medications. Designed for individuals navigating the complex landscape of weight management, this episode provides crucial insights into the question: Should people use weight loss medications to manage weight? Whether you're someone considering these medications or simply curious about their efficacy and safety, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration. Expect evidence-based discussions, expert...

With the prevalence of GMOs in our food supply and the ongoing debates surrounding their safety, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. By listening, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the scientific consensus, the regulatory landscape, and the broader impacts of GMO technology. Expect practical takeaways that empower you to make informed decisions about GMOs and their role in our food system. Resources: https://ag.purdue.edu/gmos/index.html

In this episode, we delve into a hotly debated topic: Can pesticides be used on organic produce? Tailored for those navigating the maze of organic food choices, we provide expert insights and evidence-based analysis to shed light on this complex issue. Join us as we explore the nuances of organic farming, deciphering what truly qualifies as "organic" and unraveling the myths surrounding pesticide usage. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your food choices impact your health and the...

In this episode, we uncork the mysteries surrounding the relationship between wine and health, posing the question: Is wine truly good for your health? Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of antioxidants, moderation, and the impact of wine on various aspects of health. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or someone exploring the intersections of lifestyle and health, this episode promises a fascinating exploration of the age-old question: Can a glass of wine a day truly keep...

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked relationship between grief and nutrition. If you're navigating the challenging journey of loss, this episode is for you. Discover the profound impact of grief on our bodies and how thoughtful nutritional choices can support emotional well-being. Join us for a compassionate discussion, offering practical tips and insights into the intricate connection between nourishment and the healing process.

The new year evokes a sense of renewal and fresh starts. As many as 2/3rd of Americans set New Year's resolutions. Across time the most frequent resolutions have been to "eat better" and "loose weight." While these seem like worthy goals, we challenge you to examine your true motivation behind those resolutions and dig down to find out what you really what to achieve. Wellness wheel resources:  https://www.unh.edu/health/wellbeing-wheel 

Join us in this episode to explore if continuous blood glucose monitoring is necessary, unravel the secrets of how your body reacts to the food it consumes, and discover the pivotal role played by blood glucose in your overall health. If you've ever had concerns about your blood glucose levels, this episode is a must-listen, providing valuable insights and answers to your questions.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of this modern dietary dilemma and uncover the hidden truths behind the foods that dominate our supermarket shelves. We begin by defining what ultra-processed foods are and how they differ from minimally processed or whole foods and explore their varying degrees of health impact, from obesity and diabetes to their influence on eating behaviors. Throughout the episode, we scrutinize the notion that all ultra-processed foods are created equal. We discuss...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of plant-based eating, shedding light on the misconception that it's synonymous with going completely meat-free. Tune in as we unravel the nuanced aspects of a plant-based diet and reveal creative ways to seamlessly infuse more nourishing plant foods into your daily meals. Get ready to explore a balanced and vibrant approach to nutrition that embraces a plant-based eating style.

In this episode, we delve into the critical link between nutrition and exercise, providing valuable insights and evidence-based information for your overall fitness journey. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone just starting on the path to a healthier lifestyle, understanding how nutrition affects your performance and recovery is essential. Listeners can expect expert advice from exercise physiologist and dietitians, empowering them to make informed dietary...

Do you wonder how the timing of your meals can affect your workout results? In this episode, we break down complex concepts into easily understandable terms, providing you with practical tips and insights that can make a real difference in your health journey. Tune in to learn how to align your exercise routine with your body's natural rhythms and gain a deeper understanding of the science behind exercise timing. Get ready to take your physical activity routine to the next level with...

Men’s Health Month is an annual campaign that occurs in June that encourages men to take stock of their health choices and become aware of their health risks. Guys, it's time to take charge of your health, men live sicker and die younger. Did you know that men are more likely to skip their health checkups than women? This episode we discuss ways to help break the trend and make men’s health a priority and encourage regular checkups. Referenced Resources: ...

Soy is everywhere, is this a good thing? Listen to this episode to find out if foods containing soy raise your risk of breast cancer. Abbi and Monica breakdown the research on soy and if it is beneficial to include in a healthy diet.  Sources: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2019.04.011

If you are frustrated with nutrition myths, you are in the right place! Listen in to this episode as we dissect the top myths ranked by experts and uncover which have merit and which are completely unfounded. 1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157517300418 2. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdf/S1550-4131(19)30248-7.pdf 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7884895/ 4. https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f5001 5....

Are you frustrated with the idea that weight defines your health? If so, listen to this episode to learn how research shows our current medical approaches are   not improving out health. We will talk about the new position statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics and filter through the research about weight loss impact on health. e2022060640  DOI: 10.1177/2158244018772888

February is American Heart Month. On todays episode we break down the not so fun statistics of heart disease. Discuss the steps to ensure a heart healthy   future, don't worry, no drastic measures need to be taken.  Resources for this episode:  heart.org Eatright.org National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month

It's the New Year and everyone wants to sell you a new diet. Saying here are 3 signs you need this diet. Well were here to share 3 signs you don't need that cleanse or diet. Hint; our bodies can do it on their own!

Food allergies, food sensitivities, food intolerance. They're not quite the same and it's important to understand the difference. Listen in to learn more.

Join Monica in this episode for an exploration of 2 very popular diet trends Keto and Carnivore. Find out why eating low or no carb isn't the only solution to   weight loss and why some people think plants are toxic!