Sound Bites With Melissa Joy Dobbins

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

It’s no secret that whole grains are good for us. Dietary guidance tells us to “make half our grains whole,” cereal boxes and bread bags tout their whole grain goodness, and news headlines repeat the message. But what about “the other half,” refined grains? Thanks to a misleading mix of media coverage, research, and dietary guidance, you’ve probably heard that they are something to completely avoid, or at least severely limit, in a healthy diet. However, an in-depth review of recent published research on both whole and refined grains highlights the importance of including - and risks of excluding – enriched refined grains as part of a healthy diet. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumers should be careful NOT to take current “make-half-your-grains-whole” dietary guidance to mean that their six daily servings of grain foods should not include refined or enriched grain foods. In this episode, study co-authors Dayle Hayes, an award-winning child nutrition expert, and Dr. Glenn Gaesser, a leader in nutriti

“From superfoods to clean eating, we are seduced by marketing pitches that inevitably fail to deliver lasting results.” – Jack A. Bobo Jack Bobo is the author of the book ‘Why smart people make bad food choices – the invisible influences that guide our thinking.’ He is also the CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company that advises companies, foundations and governments on emerging food trends and consumer attitudes and behaviors related to the future of food. Tune into this episode to learn about: The mindscape and the foodscape Why we fear the food we eat How decision fatigue gets in our way The dirty dozen’s dirty secret The snob effect Thinking (and eating) fast and slow Transforming the foodscape Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/182   

Cultural Competency is recognizing and forming ones attitudes, believes, skills, values and levels of awareness to provide culturally-appropriate, respectful and relevant care and education – Campinha-Bacote Model This episode explores the concepts and communication strategies within the context of, and beyond, cultural competency including cultural humility, health literacy, health beliefs, acculturation, assimilation and the globalization of food. Culturally specific communication tools for healthcare professionals are discussed to help elicit patient’s health beliefs/perceptions and collect essential food and health behaviors and information.  Guest Lorena Drago MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES, specializes in providing culturally competent care and develops educational learning tools for individuals with restricted health literacy. Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/181 

Vandana Sheth is a nationally recognized and award winning registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and author of the cookbook My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The influences and inspiration that led Vandana to the field of nutrition and vegetarian lifestyle Insights into Indian culture and cuisine Key ingredients for stocking your Indian kitchen Plant-based meals and snacks in 30 minutes or less Suggestions for success when incorporating Indian ingredients or recipes Tips for flavorful light meals Easy meal formulas for plant-based eating Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/180

This is the first time since the 1985 edition that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide recommendations by stage of life, from birth to older adulthood, including pregnancy and lactation. It includes guidance based upon more age-specific needs, and the call to action, “Make Every Bite Count”, emphasizes focusing on nutrient-dense foods and beverages while staying within your calorie limit. Tune in to this podcast with guest Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, LDN, CPT to learn about: Key takeaways regarding the recently updated DGAs, focusing on maternal, infant and early childhood nutrition The term “nutrient-dense” and its application to maternal, infant and early childhood life stages The potential role of avocados in healthy eating patterns across the lifespan and specific attributes of avocados that are beneficial for maternal, infant and early childhood nutrition Practical and actionable ways to incorporate nutrient-dense foods, like avocados, as part of an age- and life stage-appropriate diet RDNs,

This two-part podcast series addresses the science and social science of obesity with a goal of changing how we see, prevent and treat obesity by helping people with obesity see their weight and weight management differently, and helping physicians and other healthcare professionals gain a more robust understanding of obesity and talk with their patients about obesity differently.   Tune in to this episode to learn about: The brain’s role in appetite control and regulating food intake The different drivers of why people eat including homeostatic eating, hedonic eating and executive function Hormones involved in signaling the brain about hunger and satiety How there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for losing weight Why physicians and other healthcare professionals need to talk to patients about obesity differently The reality that people with obesity do not have to manage this on their own and there is hope and personalized strategies to manage weight that go beyond diet and exercise Even just a 5-15% weig

Despite understanding the complexities of obesity and efforts to curb obesity, rates continue to rise. Our current approach is inadequate with a siloed and mechanistic healthcare system, polarized perspectives on body acceptance and diet culture, and a lack of knowledge or access to treatment options and improved outcomes. This two-part podcast series addresses the science and social science of obesity with a goal of changing how we see, prevent and treat obesity by helping people with obesity see their weight and weight management differently, and helping physicians and other healthcare professionals gain a more robust understanding of obesity and talk with their patients about obesity differently.   Tune in to this episode to learn about: How semiotics – the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation – can inform the obesity conversation The impact of dominant and normalized images of obesity in today’s culture The influence of Implicit and explicit values The many factors contributing to t

According to sports nutritionist Nancy Clark: Food is fuel. Food is health. As humans, we are SUPPOSED to eat. Too many people try to "stay away" from food (especially "carbs") in their efforts to lose body fat. People need to know that food "works"; that what and when and how they eat matters in terms of enjoying high energy, feeling good, and performing well, whether you are an athlete, fitness exerciser or "just" a busy person. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The physiology of hunger Why and how to “listen to your body” The connection between weight and exercise (weight loss, weight maintenance, weight gain, disordered eating) How COVID-19 has impacted weight and exercise How menopause impacts weight and exercise Fueling your body for fitness, daily activities, and “performance” Why the fear of “carbs” could be interfering with exercise and weight management The four food “buckets” and protein “pacing” The importance of rest when it comes to exercise and weight The truth about “resting cardio” Com

Avocados are a good source of dietary fiber and provide monounsaturated fatty acids, nutrients that have been independently connected to metabolic health benefits and the gastrointestinal microbiota. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition evaluated the impact of avocado consumption on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites and explored the relationship between the fecal microbiota, fecal metabolites and health markers. Tune into this episode with guest Marisa Moore MBA, RDN to learn about:  How fresh avocados, which are a good source of fiber, may play a beneficial role in gut health for adults with overweight or obesity How gut bacteria support nutrient absorption and why dietary fiber is the fuel your gut bacteria needs to flourish Why fiber is included as a “nutrient of concern” in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Actionable tips for boosting fiber in snacks, helpful ingredient swaps and easy-to-make recipes your gut and your taste buds will enjoy Valuable resources to discover mor

There’s no evidence that withholding any allergen prevents food allergies, and the newly revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans reinforce that in order to reduce the risk of food allergies babies should be fed infant-safe potentially allergenic foods once they’ve eaten a few other complementary foods successfully – starting at around 6-months of age. This recommendation is particularly important when it comes to helping prevent peanut allergies.   Despite current research, recommendations and expert consensus, many families are still apprehensive. Yet, research shows that parents and caregivers are 47 percent more likely to introduce peanut products to their infant if it is recommended by their pediatrician or family doctor. Dietitians and other healthcare professionals have an opportunity to spread awareness of new evidence-based research in this area and help reduce parental stress around early infant feeding so that people are more likely to feed their babies in such a way that the likelihood of food al

This bonus episode is part of a series of Cookbook Conversations. These bonus episodes are shorter than the usual episodes and the discussion is focused solely on the cookbook, recipes and tips straight from the author. Today we are “in the kitchen” with Luis Gonzalez talking about the 30-Minute DASH Diet Cookbook: Fast and Easy Recipes to Lose Weight and Reverse High Blood Pressure Luis Gonzalez, MS, RD is an Account Coordinator at Eat Well Global where he uses evidence-based information to empower global change agents in food and nutrition. He is also the creator behind @nutritionbyphoto and enjoys creating delicious food photography for social media. Luis Gonzalez – Website | Instagram Do M.O.R.E. with Dinner Free Resource Kit For more information visit: www.SoundBitesRD.com/CC2 

The science behind anti-inflammation foods and diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, is strong. But there are some common misperceptions and other barriers that might be preventing people from embracing this healthy diet and lifestyle. Research shows that inflammation is the root driver of many chronic conditions. An anti-inflammatory eating approach can provide important benefits for people, regardless of health status, age, or condition. Tune in to this episode to learn about: what inflammation is and what causes it signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation associated diseases or ailments the relationship between food and inflammation the top anti-inflammatory foods common misperceptions about the Mediterranean Diet healthy kitchen hacks and tips to start making changes today Full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/173

As a registered dietitian, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and author, Clancy Harrison challenges the way food insecurity is approached in the US. Her mission to demolish the stigma around healthy food access places her on the cutting edge of advocacy. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Clancy’s personal story of how she woke up to her own food elitism as a registered dietitian Melissa’s personal story about being on food stamps as a young child the enlightening definitions of “hunger” and “food insecurity” the different faces of food insecurity - even in your own community how food is viewed differently depending on a person’s level of food security/insecurity what is food injustice how stigma and shame play a powerful role and how to challenge and change this why and how language matters how using positive curiosity helps you learn more about opinions you disagree with and break down misconceptions within the realm of food insecurity  what the Food Dignity® Project is and how you can make a diffe

This bonus episode is part of a series of Cookbook Conversations. These bonus episodes are shorter than the usual episodes and the discussion is focused solely on the cookbook, recipes and tips straight from the author. Today we are “in the kitchen” with Toby Amidor talking about  The Best 3-Ingredient Cookbook: 100 Fast and Easy Recipes for Everyone Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND is an award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling cookbook author of seven cookbooks. For the past 11 years, she has been the nutrition expert at FoodNetwork.com and has her own "Ask the Expert" column in Today's Dietitian Magazine. A few recipes from the book: Thyme Poached Halibut Peanut Butter Cherry Smoothie Cashew Date Bars with Chocolate Drizzle Baby Greens and Mushroom Salad Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding Toby Amidor Nutrition – Website Do M.O.R.E. with Dinner Free Resource Kit For more information visit: www.SoundBitesRD.com/CC1

The health benefits of seafood are well researched - eating more seafood can reduce the risks of chronic disease affecting many Americans today. The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage people to eat seafood at least twice a week, and includes first-time recommendations for babies and toddlers under two years old. While eating seafood is a good choice from a nutritional point of view, it is also a good choice from an environmental point of view: seafood is one of the most environmentally efficient ways to produce animal protein. Local seafood has lost its place at the table - more than 80% of the seafood consumed in the United States is produced abroad, and of that amount, about half is farmed seafood. Tune in to this episode with Paul Doremus, PhD, from NOAA Fisheries and Linda Cornish, MBA, from Seafood Nutrition Partnership to learn about: Seafood myths and barriers to consumption How the pandemic has impacted seafood consumption The many nutrients and health benefits seafood provide