Podcast
Nutrition Diva
Hosted by QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel · EN
Every week, Monica Reinagel peels back the layers of nutrition news and research, answers listener questions, and helps you feel more confident about your food and nutrition choices.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The new food pyramid: progress or paradox?
1w ago00:16:05Tap to summarize865. The USDA unveiled the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the "Inverted Pyramid" has been sparking a lot of discussion. After a decade of MyPlate, why is the government returning to a pyramid visual—and why is it upside down?In this episode, Monica breaks down the major shifts in the new US guidance, including:The protein pivot: Why protein is taking center stage and what it means for your health.The plant-based omission: Why beans and legumes were left out of the new visuals despite the scientific evidence.The global gap: How the new US pyramid compares to the UK’s Eatwell Guide and Canada’s food plate.AHA vs. USDA: Why the American Heart Association is issuing its own "course correction" on salt and saturated fat.This episode will help you navigate these changes without losing sight of common-sense nutrition.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comFind Monica at wellnessworkshere.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Everything you need to know about mineral absorption
2w ago00:09:31Tap to summarize864.Does putting spinach in your smoothie cancel out the calcium? Will your morning cup of tea prevent you from absorbing iron? In this episode, Monica looks into the science of mineral absorption and explores the truth behind "anti-nutrients" like oxalates, tannins, and fiber.While certain compounds in food can bind to minerals—like the oxalates in spinach or tannins in tea—the body has built-in buffers to keep you healthy. In this episode, we discuss:The Spinach paradox: Why the calcium in greens isn't always bioavailable.Iron inhibitors: How coffee and tea affect iron levels (and how Vitamin C can help).The fiber myth: Why a high-fiber diet won't lead to mineral deficiencies.Fortified foods vs. supplements: Is calcium-fortified orange juice or soymilk better than a pill?The good news is the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) already accounts for these interactions. Tune in to learn why a varied diet is your best defense and why you probably don't need to micromanage your meals to get the minerals you need.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comFind Monica at wellnessworkshere.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Can resveratrol prevent bone loss? What the research really shows
3w ago00:11:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Monica breaks down the latest research on resveratrol and bone loss prevention. While the 2020 RESHAW study in Australia showed promising results for postmenopausal women, a more recent meta-analysis tells a different story. We separate the supplement hype from the evidence-based nutrition strategies that actually protect your skeleton as you age.Key Takeaways:The RESHAW Breakdown: Why 150 mg of resveratrol led to modest gains in hip and spine density—and why you’d need a lot of wine to replicate it.10-Year Fracture Risk: How to use the FRAX calculator to estimate your likelihood of a major fracture as part of your longevity strategy.The Meta-Analysis Reality Check: Why mashing up 10 human trials suggests resveratrol might not be the "magic pill" for bone density.The "Healthspan" Levers: Why protein timing, Fibermaxxing, and Vitamin K remain the gold standards for sarcopenia prevention and bone strength.Resources:FRAX Calculator: 10-year fracture risk toolEpisode 734: Closing the calcium gap safely.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comFind Monica at wellnessworkshere.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →What science has to say about your sweet tooth
4w ago00:12:46Tap to summarize862. Can you actually "reset" your taste buds by cutting out sugar? You’ve heard that a 30-day sugar detox will make your cravings disappear, but a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests our preference for sweetness is more permanent than we thought. This week, Monica debunks the "palate reset" myth and explores a more effective way to manage a sweet tooth.Key Takeaways:The myth of the palate reset: Why "The Sweet Tooth Trial" found that cutting sugar for 6 months didn't change taste preferences.The first 1,000 days: How early life exposure sets your biological "sweetness" baseline.Behavior over biology: Why addressing emotional triggers is more effective than a 30-day cleanse.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Can your diet reverse hair loss? (Reissue)
Apr 2900:10:19Tap to summarize689. Is your hair falling out? Nutrient deficiencies may be to blame. Reversing it starts with finding the cause.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Bread first or last? Does food order affect blood sugar?
Apr 2200:11:18Tap to summarize861. Can the order in which you eat your food "flatten the curve" of your blood sugar? From social media influencers to clinical research, a lot of people are talking about meal sequencing. This week, Monica breaks down whether saving your carbs for last actually improves insulin response, prevents Type 2 diabetes, or if it’s just another "hack" that doesn't hold up for everyone.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Cook or compost? What to do with carrot tops, avocado pits and peanut shells
Apr 1500:11:49Tap to summarize860. Are you throwing away the most nutritious parts of your groceries? From blending avocado pits into smoothies to snacking on peanut shells, social media is full of "zero-waste" food hacks—but are they actually safe?This week, Monica digs into the compost bin to separate the "hidden treasures" from the literal trash. We go over which veggie scraps are nutritional powerhouses (hello, beet greens!) and which ones—like rhubarb leaves and apple seeds—could actually be toxic. Plus, the truth about whether eating corn cobs and peanut shells is "fiber" or just a recipe for a digestive disaster.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →What’s with the pickle juice shot trend?
Apr 800:13:37Tap to summarize859. Does pickle juice really work, or are we all just falling for a briny trend?From the sidelines of the Philadelphia Eagles to the "wellness shots" at your local grocery checkout, pickle juice has officially gone viral. But while influencers claim it’s a cure-all for everything from hangovers to gut health, the actual science is a bit more surprising.In this episode, Monica digs into the research to separate the "sour" myths from the "salty" truths. You’ll discover:The "Neurological Reset": Why pickle juice stops muscle cramps in 90 seconds (and no, it’s not the electrolytes).Vinegar vs. Fermentation: How to tell if your pickles actually contain probiotics or if they’ve been pasteurized into "sterile" snacks.Metabolic Nudges: The truth about acetic acid, blood sugar spikes, and how pickle juice compares to GLP-1 effects.The Hangover Myth: Can a shot of brine really undo a night of drinking?The Sodium Catch: Why your daily "wellness shot" might be delivering more salt than your heart wants.Whether you're an endurance athlete or just curious about the #pickle trend on TikTok, learn when to reach for the jar and when to pour it down the drain.Related Episodes:Episode 769 on the real causes of muscle cramps.Episode 794 on hangover prevention products.Episode 412 on apple cider vinegar and metabolism.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The science (and sales appeal) of low net carb candies
Apr 100:12:41Tap to summarize858. Are "low net carb" candies actually a healthy alternative, or just clever chemistry? In this episode, Monica breaks down the science of net carbs and the marketing behind some brands.We dive deep into the ingredient list to explain how sugar alcohols (like erythritol and isomalt) and functional fibers (like polydextrose and soluble corn fiber) affect your body. If you’ve ever wondered why low-sugar treats cause bloating or gas, or if those 26 grams of fiber actually "count," this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:How to calculate net carbs: The math manufacturers use to subtract fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates.The GI Impact: Why high-fiber candies can lead to digestive discomfort and "functional fiber" warnings.Blood Sugar vs. Calories: How keto-friendly sweets compare to traditional treats like Swedish Fish.Food Psychology: Why labeling food as "Shameless" or "Guilt-Free" can harm our relationship with eating.Stop viewing your snack choices as a moral scorecard. Listen to learn how to read nutrition facts labels with a critical eye and choose the treats that actually make your body feel good.Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Are you "killing" the nutrients in your food? InstantPots, microwaves, and leftovers…and my only cardinal rule
Mar 2500:10:30Tap to summarizeDoes your food lose its nutritional value as soon as it hits the heat? This week on Nutrition Diva, Monica answers a listener's question about how different cooking methods—specifically the Instant Pot versus the stovetop—impact the vitamins and minerals in your meals.We look into the science of nutrient retention, debunking "urban legends" about microwaving, and explaining why frozen vegetables might actually be more nutritious than the "fresh" ones sitting on your counter.The "New Car" Analogy: Does nutrient value drop immediately, or is it a gradual decline?Pressure Cooking vs. Boiling: Why the Instant Pot often beats the stove for preserving fragile vitamins.The Leftover Equation: How many nutrients are actually left in your 3-day-old chili?The Cardinal Rule: The one thing you should never do when reheating food (hint: it’s not about the nutrients, it's about microplastics).The Kale Chip Lesson: Why the "most nutritious" way to cook is the one that actually gets eaten.Related Episodes:Episode #654: Is Raw Food Better Than Cooked?Episode #592: Are Frozen Vegetables Healthy?If you’re listening on Spotify, check the poll: Do you prefer your veggies raw, roasted, or steamed? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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