Dishing Up Nutrition

Most of us have been taught that to lose weight, we need to cut back on calories. As it turns outs, this old outdated theory of “calories in/calories out” really doesn’t work for most people. In this show, we’ll share some real life stories of folks who’ve successfully lost weight, not by counting calories, but by eating real food rather than processed foods and by decreasing insulin resistance.

Today we are excited to share some key information about how eating avocados can help control blood sugar and reduce cravings for sugar and processed carbs. Being mindful of monitoring and managing blood sugar levels, especially for those who are diabetic or have been cautioned by their doctor of being prediabetic, is really important and can be great data for making changes to your health plan. It is always fun to do a show about how eating REAL FOOD, especially a real fat like avocados, can support long-term health by having a positive effect on blood sugar control. We’ll also give examples of ways to incorporate avocados into your meals and snacks!

Today we are going to address a concern many parents have and that is sitting down to the dinner table with a picky eater. If you have a picky eater at your table, you are not alone because about 20% of children today are picky eaters. Therapists who specialize in picky eating behavior often suggest having a calm eating environment, desensitize food textures and taste. But the question we ask as dietitians is why did a picky eater become one in the first place? We look deeper at some possible causes and today we have several possible reasons a child or an adult may become a picky eater.

Do you find it hard to quit eating sugar? Most of us know that sugar is not good for us, but sometimes it feels like our cravings get the best of us! In this show, we’ll discuss the biological drivers of food cravings and what triggers the brain’s alarm system that leads to hunger and cravings. From a nutritionist and dietitian standpoint, we’ll cover compelling reasons to not eat sugar, share the lifestyle and eating habits that support sugar sobriety, and help you prepare your brain and body to not crave sugar.

Food companies have a product to sell and will use clever marketing to get their products sold. But will these foods support your long-term health? Tune in today to learn about which foods might be causing harm to you and your health goals based off of research findings and clinical experience. Our dietitians will share what to look out for and ways to incorporate better options.

There are many common symptoms to perimenopause and menopause, one of them being weight gain. The first step in achieving a healthy weight during menopause is to get rid of that diet mentality and replace it with eating to nourish your metabolism, energy, and well-being. Many women come into menopause already nutrient deficient, with low energy, hormone imbalances, and extra weight, so tune in to find out what numbers to pay attention to (hint: not the ones on the scale!) and what steps to take to nourish the body as you experience this stage of life.

If you’ve listened to Dishing Up Nutrition before, you know our message is a simple one: eat real food for better health. It’s a simple message that gets amazing results. Today we have two very special guests who experienced these amazing results by following the Weight & Wellness way. Tune in to hear how they have not only experienced long-term weight loss, but better health, energy, vitality, and mindset toward food and health. TJ & Anita share why they continue to return to the real food message and the Nutritional Weight & Wellness resources and community.

One half of the adult population struggles with cardiovascular disease and today we’ll touch on how cholesterol plays a role in heart health. We’ll discuss the damaging effects of inflammation as well as cover foods that cause that harmful inflammation and the foods that reduce inflammation. We help clients maintain a normal cholesterol range by choosing the beneficial foods and by eliminating the harmful ones, so if you’re struggling in this area, tune in!

The time of year is upon us where folks like to make resolutions, goals, or intentions for the coming year. It feels like a fresh slate and a new beginning. Deciding to make lifestyle changes especially in your food choices is never easy and sticking to new health habits for the long haul can be challenging. In this show we’ll share education and some ideas for support, personal data to pay attention to, and ways to set actionable health goals that will create real change in your life. Join dietitians Teresa and Kristi, with culinary nutrition educator Marianne, to hear lots of inspiration for 2022.

Acne can be an issue that spans many age groups, but is a challenging struggle no matter when in your life you experience it. Since there are foods that can increase acne break outs and foods that can calm the skin, we will dive into the nutritional connection to different types of acne, how hormones and inflammatory foods can affect skin health, and dietary solutions you can use starting today to help yourself, your teen, or anyone else who wants to add more glow to their complexion.

We all know for the next 4 weeks there will be an abundance of treats at family gatherings, at work, at neighborhood get-togethers and at shopping centers. There are so many more temptations and it is more challenging to avoid those treats and weight gain than during other times of the year. Today we will share how to get through the holiday season without gaining weight with habits for controlling cravings and providing an understanding of the biochemistry of weight loss and energy. Tune in to meet one of our new dietitians, Jolene Carlson, as she shares her own personal success story of maintaining weight loss, even through the holidays!

If you have been experiencing more anxiety over the past 20 months than you ever have in the past, you are not alone, because according to a new study by the CDC (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention) about 42% of U.S. adults reported having symptoms of anxiety and depression during this COVID-19 pandemic. That is almost half of the adult population! So what can you do personally to relieve some of your anxiety and depression? Today, as dietitians and nutritionists, we want to focus specifically on the anxiety piece to share at least three biochemical reasons your food choices have a major impact on your mental health.

Are you diabetic or at risk of becoming prediabetic? You might be feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to eat, but we are here to give you some ideas about foods that may increase blood sugar (like processed convenience foods) as well as foods that may help manage blood sugar (like fresh avocados). There is evidence that type 2 diabetes is controllable with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. This show is sponsored by Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. As a science-based resource, Love One Today® provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for consumers as well as health professionals to stay on top of the latest research related to avocados.

Today we want to provide our listeners with some ideas about what foods will help them keep their brain and memory working smoothly and slowing down any cognitive decline. If you are concerned about your own memory or if one of your parents or grandparents struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, you may wonder if it possible to lower brain inflammation and oxidative stress while keeping the mind sharp and focused. As dietitians and nutritionists, we are always looking at research and have found the findings of a diet that shows some promising results. If you want to prevent dementia or slow down cognitive decline, choosing the right foods is one of the most important habits you can practice and, in this show, we’ll share the details of what to eat and what to avoid.

The past 20 months have been packed with stress and for many people turning to food, especially sugar and processed carbs, has been one way to cope. We all know that the pandemic has increased stress, but did you know that the sales of pre-packaged ultra-processed foods have also increased? The average diet in the U.S. has shifted from eating real food toward a processed food diet. If the COVID-19 pandemic has got you back on eating sweets, tune in to hear how sugar and processed carbs are also stress-producing and pick up some tips on how to reach for real food to help reduce stress.

Nutrition is involved in making every part of our body, including our bones. Today we are going to discuss what foods support strong and flexible bones and also the foods that can cause weak fragile bones. 15 to 20 million people in the U.S. suffer from osteoporosis and according to the Natural Osteoporosis Foundation while 44 million Americans have low bone density. A study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research from the Mayo Clinic found that in the last 30 years, forearm fractures have increased by 32 percent in boys and 56% in girls. If you are concerned about the bone health of you or a family member, we have a bone-building plan for you! We believe your bones will be stronger and you will not have to endure a fracture as you age or when partaking in your favorite types of physical movement. Listen in for what to eat and what to avoid!

Tune in as two nutritionists discuss ways to deal with chronic pain.

Our dietitians today will focus the discussion on how nutrition helps to develop a strong immune function. We have had many shows about the immune system, but we decided to take this show in a different direction with a little more science than some of our other shows and podcasts. Today we want to share some of the research findings about how you can support your immune system, particularly now during this seemingly endless COVID-19 pandemic. The flu and cold season is almost upon us, so we will share and recommend some valuable action steps you may want to start using now to begin strengthening your immune system.

Listen in as two nutritionist talk about digestions issues and how to treat them.

There are over 6,000 women in the U.S. who go into menopause each and every day, which means about 27 million women are menopausal. Many of the women we are seeing in clinic lately have menopause symptoms starting as early as age 35 and lasting into their late 60’s or early 70’s. Chances are you or someone you love has, is, or will go through menopause and we are on a mission to educate women (and those who love them), starting today. Finding a hormonal solution takes a well-thought-out nutrition, lifestyle education, and support plan, so the topic of this show is all about natural ways to get relief from menopause symptoms.

80% of Americans have acne at some point in their lives. It is the most common skin condition in the U.S. with 50 to 60 million Americans having a problem with acne. Is having acne a serious health problem? Perhaps not, but it can lead to a serious health problem and can be a source of stress for those who struggle with it. As dietitians, we want to look at the foods that can cause acne for many people, tips to help promote healthy skin, and key supplements to support you from the inside out.

As many of our young people head back to school, they may be looking for ways to perform better in whatever sport or activity they have signed up for. If an athlete’s nutrition does not support their energy needs, while practicing and conditioning, then they are not going to perform at their best during a game, a match, a meet or an event. In the past, for long-term energy and optimal athletic performance, loading up on carbohydrates or “carb loading” was recommended. But is this advice still the best way to go? Does research back up this recommendation? As dietitians, we want to focus our attention on the foods young people should eat to help them compete in whatever sport or activity they want to excel at, so tune in for ideas on what to eat, how much to eat, and ways to make it happen with busy schedules.

On many Dishing Up Nutrition shows, we have discussed how sugar and processed carbs make body fat, how nutrition or lack of nutrition affects your brain, how food affects menopause symptoms and digestion. Today, the question is what should I eat to maintain or make muscle? This is an important topic for whatever life stage you are in, but especially as we age. Carolyn and Melanie share research that reports eating sufficient amounts of protein is critical to prevent muscle loss and to promote muscle gain. Tune in for ideas and tricks that we have found to add more protein into your diet for more fat loss and less muscle loss.

High sugar or glucose levels in your blood can cause problems in many parts of your body, including your heart, your eyes, your brain and your kidneys. Did you know that nearly ½ of the U.S. adult population has a blood sugar problem? If you or a family member have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and are puzzled over what to eat, this show will give you some ideas about foods that increase blood sugar and foods that help lower blood sugar. There is clear evidence that diabetes is controllable and even reversible with nutritional and lifestyle support and we want to help!

In today’s world of processed foods, it is not always easy to start and stick with a real food eating plan. As parents and grandparents, we often know the connection between our mental health and our food, but how do we personally put it into practice? And how do we help our teens, young adults, or grandchildren follow a plan to do reduce anxiety and depression? Today, we introduce you to a new nutritionist on Dishing Up Nutrition who shares her personal story as a teen and offers wisdom to help the teens in your life.

What goes in our gut may affect what goes on in our brain. Research has found that people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also have increased rates of depression. So if you or someone you love are experiencing anxiety, depression, low moods, chronic stress, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or other digestive or mental health issues this show is for you! Join Dar and Leah as they discuss the gut/brain connection and what you can do about.

Approximately 1 in 4 Americans experience arthritis. If you are one of the 55 million who have arthritis or if you are someone who experienced pain and inflammation frequently, you have to ask yourself, “what am I eating that is causing my pain?” In this show, we cover four food groups to avoid and eight anti-inflammatory food that would be beneficial to add in.

If you have anxiety or trouble sleeping, it may be related to your diet. Anxiety can be traced back to gluten and caffeine. It is also estimated that half of the country has a magnesium deficiency. Avocados and almonds are among the many foods in which you can increase your magnesium intake and get better sleep. In this episode, our nutritional specialists will provide tips and suggestions on what you can do nutritionally to avoid anxiety and sleep deprivation.

The National Cancer Institute predicts that almost 40% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. With that statistic in mind, what can you do? What nutritional practices will help reduce your risk of getting cancer? In this show, we’ll cover facts about sugar, how it relates to cancer, and what you can do to decrease your risk.

Heard the buzz about buying local and shopping at farmer’s markets in the summer for your produce? Join us as two nutritionists and a culinary educator chef tackle the topic of how to shop the market and what to do with all those delicious veggies once you get them home.

Are you currently struggling with an autoimmune disease or do you know someone close to you who is? Almost 24 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease and there are actually over 100 different autoimmune diseases out there! In this show, we’ll share how the health of your gut microbiome is connected to these diseases, how to nourish your intestinal health, and what to limit to improve how you feel.

In today’s show, we are going to do an old-fashioned book review on the information-packed book The Dental Diet, written by Dr. Steven Lin, a board-accredited dentist and an author who practices dentistry in Australia. We’ll cover information on Dr. Lin’s findings about our teeth, our gums, our jaw structure and how they are connected to what we eat – our nutrition! We’ll share what role food and nutrition play in tooth decay, crooked teeth, and what nutrients are needed for strong healthy gums and teeth.

By 2030 it is predicted that Alzheimer’s cases will double if we continue to follow an unhealthy lifestyle and diet that studies have shown lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In this show, we’ll take a look at lifestyle habits that may be a health risk for developing memory issues and we’ll give you a prevention plan to protect your brain, memory, and quality of life through all your years.

Listen in to two nutritionists talk about men's health and how their diet effects certain aspects of their health.

What is a thyroid? What does a thyroid do? How can I support my thyroid? Listen in as two nutritionists talk about the function of the thyroid in our bodies and what you can do to take care of it. You'll also hear from a chef who has some great recipe ideas that support your thyroid function.

Have you ever had a foot cramp that was so painful you found yourself jumping out of bed trying to ease the cramp and reduce the pain? Are you on your feet for hours throughout the day? Are you a runner or do you have athletes in your house playing all the sports? Perhaps you’re looking forward to being outside this summer in your sandal gear! You’ll want to tune in to this show to learn what to eat and what to avoid to support your foot health and decrease leg and foot pain.

Women and men of all ages struggle with hormonal issues, such as hot flashes, night sweats, incontinence, sleep problems, bouts of anxiety and prostate problems. What most don’t know is that what they are eating is often times the cause of these hormonal problems. Listen in as two nutritionists share what to cut out for less anxiety, hot flashes, bladder control and the list goes on.

1 in 3 adolescents between the ages of 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder and the rate is increasing. If you’re a parent and wondering what you can do to prevent this from happening to your children, listen in. Two nutritionists (one a mom of three preteens herself) are chatting all about teen health, from weight issues and wanting that perfect body; about energy; about excelling in sports; and about all of the stress of missing school and their friends. Listen in, this hour is not to be missed

If you are concerned about your cholesterol numbers, a blood vessel blockage wondering why cardiovascular disease is still the #1 killer of Americans, listen in. We have Dr. Steven Masley, author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, joining us and explaining the myth about cholesterol and why Statin medications may not be the best answer for your heart health.

Two nutritionists explore why we have junk food cravings; why we give in to them, even when we know they are not good for us; and how we can stop these junk food cravings.

Listen in to learn what’s behind common signs of poor gut health and suggest simple health habits and foods to relieve the gas, bloating and pain. Even if you don’t struggle with those issues, did you know that having good gut health plays an important role in every part of your health, from your mood to your immune function and pretty much everything in between? Listen in!

Adults and teens are struggling with anxiety and mental health. Period. On this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition we don’t just want to look at the problem; we want to offer some possible solutions with how nutrition affects mental health, without a doubt. Special guest Dr. Korn often says “Change your mood with your food.” Listen in to learn how.

Two dietitians answer, does your weight affect your cholesterol or is that just a myth? It does seem that every health problem is blamed on a person’s weight but today we’re aiming to help listeners understand that the cholesterol in eggs does not affect the cholesterol in your blood. The real culprit is the sugar you are eating that makes cholesterol. Listen in to learn more.

Today’s show is less about physical health; instead it is more about social and emotional health at every weight. Listen in as two dietitians explore what health has to do with weight and how health really means much more than just a number on the scale. Listen in to learn more.

Are you dealing with unwanted pain and inflammation? Listen in as two nutritionists talk about way you can manage your pain and inflammation with a healthy lifestyle.

We’re breaking down common nutrient deficiencies directly related to cravings. For example, trouble sleeping or muscle cramps (like Charlie horses) are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency which often manifests in cravings for chocolate. If you crave salt, it is a good chance you are dehydrated. Listen in for more cues your body is sending … and you may be missing entirely!

Two nutritionists are sharing their first (and second, third and on!) steps to combat hot flashes, weight gain (especially weight around the middle), sleep issues, anxiety and the list goes on. You can find relief, start with step one – reduce foods containing carbs. Listen in for more steps and the why behind them.

Anxiety is something everyone from children to adults deal with. Did you know you can relieve your anxiety by making sure your body is getting the proper nutrients it needs? Listen in as two nutritionists discuss natural ways to treat anxiety without medication.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 28% of adults in the U.S. are experiencing symptoms of depression compared to 8.5% before the pandemic. Listen in as two nutritionists focus on how our food choices affect our mental health, for better or worse. In a time when so much is out of our control, learning how to feed your body and mind with healing foods is something you can control. Listen in!

Is the bitter winter cold drying out or irritating your skin? Join two nutritionists as they discuss ways to prevent dry skin.