Diet culture emphasize thinness over health and equates weight loss and thinness as superior - both physically and morally - which leads people to spend time, money and mental effort towards achieving the “ideal body.” A healthy relationship with food on the other hand is free from diet rules about what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat and allows you to eat all foods in a way that feels good for your body. This balanced and flexible approach to food fits perfectly in the flexitarian...

Part 1 of 3: The Flexitarian Diet is a Lifestyle, Not a “Diet”   The average American diet is low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy, and high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, which is a significant public health issue. Switching to a flexitarian eating pattern, which contains both plant-based and animal-based foods in a balanced approach, can help encourage a healthy lifestyle, and with possible benefits to the planet, too. This 3-part series discusses the benefits of flexitarian...

Today’s episode is about menopause and this important transition in midlife – both physically and mentally. We discuss some of the research and recommendations for navigating this journey as healthfully and joyfully as possible.   Tune into this episode to learn about: ·       Estrogen’s role in muscle health and bone health ·       Exercise recommendations during menopause ·       Strength training and “inefficient” exercise ·       Training to train ·       How to reevaluate...

During adolescence the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and developmental changes happening are the background for whatever else is going on in the teenager’s life, including their eating habits and behaviors. From skipping meals, to snacking to disordered eating, teens are often experimenting, seeking independence and taking risks. How can parents and caregivers best support their child and set them up for success during this time of growth, development and transition? Tune into this...

Rethinking buzzwords like clean eating, superfoods and vegan, Terry Walters shares her life’s work through her newest cookbook and inspires others to explore and embrace plant-based cooking. “Try one plant-based recipe a week. Focus on the foods, tastes and colors that you're not getting in your diet now, add something fermented, and if there's any way at all, share the journey with somebody else.” – Terry Walters Tune into this episode to learn about: ·       How and why Terry became...

Certain populations find it difficult to gain weight and keep it on – especially in a healthful way. In particular, teen athletes may struggle to add muscle mass in hopes of improving their sports performance and think they need to consume large quantities of protein and supplements.  Tune into this episode with sports nutrition expert Nancy Clark to learn about: ·       Different types of people who struggle with gaining weight ·       Common questions and myths about healthy weight...

Lean, fresh pork is a source of eleven key nutrients and pork is the most consumed protein worldwide, making it an important part of many different cultures and eating patterns around the world. Yet, some health professionals and consumers remain unfamiliar with many of its health benefits, cultural applicability, culinary versatility and environmental sustainability. Tune into this episode with registered dietitian Kara Behlke-Ungerman to learn about: ·       Kara’s background growing up...

Greater understanding of how a wide variety of carbohydrate foods impact nutrition and health within the context of culturally inclusive diets is imperative to create dietary guidance that is relevant to all Americans. Recognition of these foods, especially as our population continues to diversify, is part of the appeal and utility of a new scoring system that helps define high-quality carbohydrate-containing foods.  While there are many ways to define carbohydrate quality, none of the...

Change Your Relationship with Fitness by Exercising Your “Enough-ness” Muscle Oversimplified messages and stigmatizing language about food and fitness often lead to shame instead of empowerment and sustainable behavior changes. Tune into this episode with guest JC Lippold to learn about: ·       consumer insights about what people think and tell themselves about fitness goals/failures ·       how fitness goals and failures can turn into a cycle of shame ·       sources of shame...

Despite decades of cholesterol research, consumers are still confused about dietary cholesterol and recommendations. In addition, many physicians are not aware of the latest guidance on cholesterol, including recommendations on egg consumption for different populations. Tune into this episode with guest Dr. Mickey Rubin, PhD, to learn about: ·       the history of cholesterol research and recommendations ·       common and persistent misconceptions about cholesterol in the diet ...

Food Science: Creating Safe, Affordable, Accessible and Nutritious Food   Tune into this episode with regulatory/food law specialist and science communicator Anna Rosales, RD, MJ to learn about: the role of food science in food and nutrition security how and why food processing is an essential part of the solution for sustainable, healthy diets processed foods, food waste and food packaging the White House Conference on hunger, nutrition and health resources for professionals and the...

Tune in for a quick update on upcoming topics and my free Do M.O.R.E. with Dinner Resource Kit as well as other news and the announcement of the winner of the Amazon Gift Card. https://soundbitesrd.com 

Nine out of ten Americans are not getting enough fruits and vegetables, and despite recommendations to eat seafood at least two times a week, many people are falling short of that goal. In fact, according to a recent study in BMJ 68% of adults and 95% of children do not consume enough omega-3s to reach the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations. Aquaponics is an innovative sustainable food production system that combines hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil) and...

Convenience stores serve many communities and can often be a key source of food for families. Consumer insights show that shoppers are looking for foods that taste great and are also convenient and affordable. By leveraging nutrition experts in strategy, policy, innovations and communications, C-stores can make a positive impact on the food environment. Offering a variety of choices that include healthier options while keeping flavor as a priority is one key strategy that is generating...

School-age children, including adolescents, fall short on consuming essential nutrients to support learning, activity and development. In fact, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlights how many children and adolescents aren’t getting enough high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and vitamins B6 and B12. These nutrient deficiencies are especially alarming given the significant growth and development that happens during this life stage. When you consider this and the additional...

Digestive or “gut” health is a hot topic today and understandably so. The National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 60-70 million people are affected by digestive diseases. Additionally, the science surrounding the microbiome and how our digestion can potentially affect other aspects of our health and wellbeing continues to grow steadily. While proper diagnosis is important to determine the best care plan for those suffering from a specific digestive disease, we do know there...

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is the most common type of dysautonomia – a dysfunction of the nerves that regulate nonvoluntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and sweating. POTS is characterized by symptoms in multiple organ systems and an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing. Because POTS affects multiple organ systems, patients report a wide range of symptoms with approximately 90% reporting gastrointestinal distress. Front line management of...

The topic of food packaging is broad and complex, ranging from materials, functionality and sustainability to innovations, labeling and health claims. Tune into this episode with global R&D leader Dr. David Smith to learn about: Challenges and opportunities in food packaging The pros and cons of different food packaging materials The role of packaging in shelf life, decreasing food waste and other functions Packaging design to minimize waste, reducing “overpackaging” How packaging...

By the time dinnertime arrives, most of us are already experiencing a long day’s worth of decision fatigue. And if you’re like me, you’re always looking for that simple, yummy and healthy “go-to” recipe that will satisfy every family member and yet not require too much time in the kitchen or too many dishes to wash. Look no further because my friend, registered dietitian and author Jen Haugen, has solved the dinnertime dilemma for good with her new book “Dinner, Done!” I like to call this a...

It’s no secret that body image and self esteem are closely related and that many women (and men) feel dissatisfied with their body shape, size and/or weight. A person’s relationship with their body and with food can have a significant impact on quality of life. Body image disorders, eating disorders and disordered eating are too often the result of body dissatisfaction and chronic dieting. Tune in to this episode with guest Ilene Leshinsky, MSW, to learn about: the history and trends in...

Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread globally, and not just in low- and middle-income countries. This is especially the case in population groups with increased needs and where diets are often inadequate in iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin B12. Current research is focusing on understanding the density of these micronutrients and their bioavailability across diverse foods. Tune in to this episode to learn about: how micronutrient deficiencies exist in every country...

We often hear that dietary fat is bad for us, that there are good fats and bad fats, and that the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fats in our diets is important. However, current research on the topic is more complex and nuanced. This episode addresses questions regarding how much fat Americans are consuming, what fat intake requirements and recommendations are and the current research on omega 6 polyunsaturated fats and health outcomes. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Omega 3 vs...

Tune in to this episode to learn about: the many factors contributing to rising food prices trends in shopping habits tips for shopping healthy on a budget what consumers and retailers can do to decrease food waste meal planning and preparation resources how retailers are responding to consumer interest in health and wellness the role of the dietitian in the grocery store setting Full shownotes and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/217

The consumer mindset around health and wellness has shifted and expanded with consumers focusing more on preventative measures instead of reactionary approaches to support overall well-being. These changes in attitudes and behaviors provide an opportunity to explore the concept of satisfaction from eating, including the role of satiety and our emotional responses, as well as the impact on one’s relationship with food, body and overall health.  Tune in to this episode with guest Andrea...

Through the Protein PACT, the North American Meat Institute and partners across the supply chain are uniting in the largest-ever effort to strengthen animal protein’s contributions to the people, animals and climate of tomorrow. Committed to improving the sustainability of meat and poultry (including sustainable animal feed, corn and soy), the PACT has five focus areas: environment, health and wellness, animal welfare, labor and human rights, and food safety. Tune in to this episode to learn...