Sound Bites With Melissa Joy Dobbins

The physiological impacts of eating carbohydrate-containing foods are much more complex and individualized compared to dietary protein and fat; yet, there is still no globally accepted way to define ‘carbohydrate quality’. While some researchers often rely on the Glycemic Index as a leading marker for the quality of carbohydrate-containing foods, the research does not align with this approach. In fact, published studies continue to question the variability, reliability, and utility of the Glycemic Index, especially among the general population.    During this episode, you will hear from cardiovascular physiologist Sid Angadi, PhD, FACSM, and food and nutrition scientist Julie Miller Jones, PhD, CNS, CFS, as they take a deep dive into the latest science and recommendations surrounding carbohydrate-containing foods. Tune in to learn about the limitations with using glycemic index as a marker of carbohydrate quality and get up-to-speed on the research that’s currently underway to develop a new definition for qua

Feeding America estimates that 45 million people (1 in 7), including 15 million children (1 in 5), may have experienced food insecurity in 2020. Increasing rates of food insecurity pose additional challenges for people living with special dietary needs such as food allergies and intolerances because of poor access to suitable foods. Tune in to this episode to learn about: the difference between “hunger” and “food insecurity” the meaning behind “food related quality of life” food insecurity in the covid era how the pandemic has impacted the way food pantries provide services the #EndHungerPain Initiative recommended foods to donate to pantries for people with special dietary needs specific steps you can take to help make a difference Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/201   

The Science & Story Behind Kefir Kefir originated in the Caucasus Mountains region where Julie Smolyansky’s ancestors lived. When her family left the Soviet Union in 1976 they were refugees and immigrated to Chicago. A couple of years later, Julie’s mother opened the first Russian deli in Rogers Park. In 1985 while attending a trade show in Germany, Julie’s father bought some kefir and realized that the delicious dairy beverage was not available in the United States. The rest is history! Tune in to this episode with Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky to learn about: Lifeway Kefir’s story – from the basement to NASDAQ What is kefir and what products are available in store Key physical and health benefits associated with kefir A variety of ways to incorporate kefir into sweet or savory recipes The Kefir Cookbook Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/200  

After a series of avocado-centric podcasts with Love One Today® dietitian spokespersons, we are talking with Dr. Nikki Ford to discuss her role as Senior Director of Nutrition at the Avocado Nutrition Center. This episode covers Dr. Ford’s work directing the world’s only independent resource for comprehensive avocado nutrition research, provides updates on published and pending peer-reviewed research and highlights the steps that go into growing the body of evidence supporting the many ways fresh avocados may promote human health. Tune in to this podcast with guest Dr. Nikki Ford to learn about: Nutrition research initiatives and study designs being used to increase the scientific understanding of avocado consumption on human health, especially in relationship to cardiovascular health, weight management, type 2 diabetes and healthy living at all ages Translating novel research on avocados into meaningful evidence-based guidance in practice Practical and actionable ways to incorporate fresh avocados into a ba

Processed foods and beverages appear in almost every aisle of the supermarket and are a part of our daily eating occasions. A survey conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) showed that while a majority of Americans had purchased processed foods or beverages and were likely to continue purchasing processed food items, they were also split on the level of concern they had for processed foods and beverages. This is an area that has been met with uncertainty and skepticism, but also presents an opportunity for health care professionals to help consumers gain a better understanding of the role that processing plays in our food supply chain and the food that we eat. Tune in to this episode with guests Dr. Bruce Hamaker and Dr. Tahnia Gonzalez to learn about: The definition of processed food and the many different types of processing The history of and benefits of processing How processing impacts nutrient quality, ingredients lists, shelf life Insights from a new survey about what RDNs and c

In this episode we take a deep dive into the Latino culture, getting a better understanding of the Latino community’s values, traditional foods, and meals. We also explore culturally driven ideologies about weight and strategies to help clients successfully manage their blood sugar. We discuss building nourishing, satisfying meals using traditional Latin ingredients with a focus on overall wellness that is inclusive of a healthy weight while also supportive of a positive body image. Tune in to this podcast episode with guest Krista Linares, MPH, RDN, to learn about: Integrating current research about fresh avocados to inform evidence-based guidance in practice. Practical and actionable ways to incorporate fresh avocados into culturally appropriate meals and snacks that support a balanced dietary pattern. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, including risk factors for these chronic diseases, specific to Hispanic/Latino Americans. Strategies to effectively counsel Latino patients and clients to impro

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Obesity, Pre-Obesity, Health Disparities and the Importance of Early Treatment An unmet medical need exists in obesity and pre-obesity (overweight). While 80% of healthcare professionals recognize obesity as a “disease” only 65% of patients with obesity recognize its seriousness and only 38% of people with obesity reported discussing a weight loss plan with their healthcare provider within the past six months. Likewise, clinicians report a reluctancy to initiate conversations about weight management due to lack of time during visits and other health issues to address. The truth is this: if weight bias in healthcare, health disparities and access to treatment are addressed there are many credible treatment options available that can help the more than 70% of U.S. adults with overweight and obesity. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Why obesity is a “disease” and how both healthcare professionals and patients need to recognize this in order to maximize treatment Pre-obesity and why language matters in co

The nutritional complexities of infant formula are overwhelming to parents and deeply tied to feelings of guilt, shame and disappointment. The Centers for Disease Control report that seventy five percent of new parents will turn to formula within the first year of their newborn’s life. Yet two thirds of parents using formula report feeling guilty about that. In addition, there is a growing number of parents who are buying European formulas despite the fact it’s technically illegal to import them into the U.S. Healthcare professionals who work with parents and newborns have a responsibility to help parents feel confident in their choices and their baby’s unique feeding journey. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Statistics on breastfeeding and infant formula The guilt and shame factor associated with infant formula Survey insights about parents not being honest about their feeding choice The science and regulations behind infant formula The breakdown of macronutrients and micronutrients in infant formula

Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population is not meeting the daily recommended intake for vegetables which is approximately 2-3 cups per day for most adults. Microgreens are young vegetable greens which generally contain greater amounts of health-promoting micronutrients than their mature counterparts. Although they are small, microgreens have delicate textures, distinctive flavors and various nutrients from vitamin A to zinc. Smart gardens are vegetable or herb gardens that are typically small, indoor units controlled by computer and/or manage their own lighting. ingarden is a simple indoor hydroponic smart garden for growing microgreens. Tune in to this episode with guest Natalie Paterson, food science graduate student and co-founder of ingarden, to learn about: what is “hidden hunger” micronutrient requirements and gaps what are microgreens and what nutrients do they provide how microgreens can help fill micronutrient gaps the story and innovation behind ingarden how ingarden works and what makes it unique

Pediatricians are faced with many challenges when it comes to educating families about food and nutrition. They have high patient loads and limited time during visits which are often packed with a multitude of questions and concerns from parents and families. In addition, there may be limited options for referring patients to dietitians – especially in rural communities - and some patients aren’t interested in visiting with a dietitian or have limited resources such as time and insurance coverage. Tune in to this episode with guest Dr. Nicole Keller, a pediatrician married to a farmer, to learn about: what pediatricians are taught about nutrition during medical school what Nicole learned about food and farming when she met her husband, a 5th generation family farmer questions and concerns about food, nutrition and farming that Nicole gets from her patients where Nicole gets information about nutrition to share with her patients what information and resources the American Academy of Pediatrics provides member

Good nutrition is essential for dancers to achieve desired body composition, ensure adequate energy to support growth, and optimize training. Successful dancers learn to view food as fuel, avoid dieting, and have sustained energy to power through class and performance. Dancers tend to under-eat and neglect long-term health, which compromises performance and contributes to injury. Pursuing a successful dance profession should not inflict chronic pain, perpetual stress, or diet confusion. Quality nutrition improves every aspect of dance training and performance, including physical strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, mental clarity and memory, emotional stability, and self-confidence. Nutrition needs are very individualized, so it is important that dancers seek specific dietary advice from a Registered Dietitian for dancers regarding calorie and protein needs. Tune in to this episode to learn about: the unique nutritional needs of dancers and other performance athletes guidelines on macronutrients, mi

Science continues to show that avocados are a heart-healthy fruit, and their 5 grams of monounsaturated fats per serving may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can lower the risk for heart disease and stroke. In this episode we continue to build on the knowledge that avocados are heart healthy and share strategies for people to put this science to action, specifically how fresh avocados can be part of a nutrient-dense snacking strategy that may support heart health. Tune in to this podcast with guest Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN to learn about: the latest research demonstrating the role of fresh avocados to support heart health practical and actionable ways to incorporate heart healthy avocados into nutrient dense snacks how to pick, prepare and safely store fresh avocados RDNs, DTRs, and CDCESs can earn 1.0 FREE CEU for listening to this podcast episode. This episode is sponsored by Fresh Avocados – Love One Today®  For more information and resources visit: LoveOneToday.com

The Biological Imperative to Regain Weight When it comes to losing weight we often hear: “You just need to eat less and move more!” This advice dates back as far as Hippocrates in the fourth century BC, and not much has changed since. Diets are based on this very foundation and despite their different approaches, they are all essentially the same. They set a caloric restriction and develop a set of arbitrary rules to create a fear of, or restriction of, certain foods to ensure you consume less. But whenever you restrict the number of calories you eat, powerful biological forces come into play to fight the resulting weight loss that causes you to regain the weight you lost, plus a little extra. Despite the hype associated with diets, very few people succeed on their weight loss journey long-term. Tune in to this episode with obesity researcher and clinician Dr. Nick Fuller to learn about: Key drivers of the obesity epidemic The reasons we fail on our dieting attempts The effect of weight loss on an individual

Overconsumption of added sugars continues to be a major concern in health maintenance and chronic disease prevention among Americans. The average American currently consumes 270 calories or the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of added sugars per day. Can low- and no-calorie sweeteners provide a safe and effective option to help people reduce their consumption of added sugars? Tune in to this episode to learn about: Current added sugars intake and recommendations Top sources of added sugars Americans consume Common myths associated with low- and no-calorie sweeteners Recent science on hot button topics related to low- and no-calorie sweeteners, such as weight control, glucose management and gut health The definition of Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), how it is used in research and to assess safe consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners Insights regarding study design and methodology, confounding factors and reverse causality in research on low- and no-calorie sweeteners Differences between foods and beverages

Beyond the Headlines, Stereotypes & Dogma: Meat Intake & Recommendations The public health mantra is often “cut back on beef for health” yet most Americans view beef as “nutritious” when part of a balanced diet. Media headlines often stereotype beef as huge steaks and gooey cheeseburgers – but is that portrayal accurate when it comes to the cuts of meat at the grocery store and the most common ways people consume meat on a regular basis? As the plant-based trend continues to grow, are consumers looking to replace meat in the diet with plant proteins or can meat and plants coexist in a healthful way on our plates?  Tune into this podcast episode to learn about: How much meat Americans are actually eating Consumer insights on beef and health Media stereotypes vs. ways that people are really eating beef Plant-based diets and plant-based burgers What research shows about beef in a Mediterranean Diet What the 2020 Dietary Guidelines says about beef intake for specific life stages and populations Sustaina

Every day the scientific community is learning more about the important connections between brain health, mental health, mood and the food we eat. Our brains function best when they get the right fuel – and that fuel comes from eating a healthy diet filled with nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts and seafood. Tune into this podcast episode with guests Dr. Mickey Rubin and dietitian Kitty Broihier to learn about: Why brain health is important at any age How diet is related to brain health What’s good for the heart is good for the brain What the MIND Diet is and what foods are encouraged What the research shows about wild blueberries and brain health What the research shows about eggs and cognition Tips for grocery shopping and stocking up on foods that support brain health Tips for cooking and incorporating foods that support brain health into your diet The difference between wild and cultivated blueberries Other lifestyle strategies beyond diet for brain health How to get the free Cognit

In the post-Covid era, three things have emerged as top priorities for American’s wellness: sleep, stress and immunity. Each one is affected by and affects the other. A recent survey conducted by Nature Made that explored Americans’ health and wellness needs, goals and concerns found that sleeping better is a top mental health goal for 2021 for half (50%) of Americans; 60% of Americans have felt stressed on a daily basis over the past year; and half of Americans report that stress has negatively impacted their physical health (50%) and their physical appearance (49%). Consumers are now looking for solutions to better manage these aspects of their health. Tune into this podcast episode to learn about: Tips for better sleep and stress management The impact nutrition can have on immune health The role of supplements to fill nutrient gaps The role of diet, exercise and supplements in sleep, stress and immunity This episode is sponsored by Nature Made. Full shownotes and resources at: www.SoundBitesRD.com/186

Fight Diabetes, Heart Disease & More with Peanuts People have enjoyed the delicious crunch of peanuts throughout history, and today, research surrounding peanut nutrition continues to point to its health benefits. Tune into this podcast episode with guest Dr. Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and the Research Director for The Peanut Institute with expertise in the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.   In the episode we discuss: the latest research on peanuts/peanut butter consumption and diabetes/cardiovascular disease what nutrients and components in peanuts and peanut products are beneficial to health and why the role of plant sterols, bioactives, protein, amino acids, fiber and fat in peanuts/peanut products practical and fun tips and ideas for incorporating peanuts and peanut products into your diet facts about the added sugar and fats in peanut butter how peanuts/peanut butter fit into the plant-based eating trend the role of peanuts in cognition/m

Gut health and immune health are emerging as top priorities for overall health and wellbeing. With our immune system tied directly to our gut health, it is critical to ensure we are doing everything we can to support it. Most people have heard of probiotics, and perhaps even prebiotics, but there’s a “new biotic” on the scene - POSTbiotics. Tune into this episode with guests Dr. Justin Green and registered dietitian nutritionist Keri Gans to learn about: the definition of and science supporting postbiotics the benefits of postbiotics including how postbiotics support gut health and therefore immunity how post, pro and prebiotics are different from each other how to best incorporate postbiotics into a healthy, balanced diet   what to look for on product labels to make sure products feature postbiotics the interesting story of how EpiCor® Postbiotics were inspired   Full shownotes and resources at: www.SoundBitesRD.com/184