Podcast
Sound Bites A Nutrition Podcast
Hosted by Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE · EN
Hosted by award-winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Melissa Joy Dobbins, the Guilt-Free RD - "because food shouldn't make you feel bad!" Join Melissa's conversations with a variety of experts on topics ranging from fad diets to farming and gain credible information to help you make your own, well-informed food decisions based on facts, not fear. For more information visit www.SoundBitesRD.com.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
315: Burnout and Brain Health: Why Nutrition & Resilience Matter
1w ago00:54:27Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/315 From Burnout to Resilience: Science-Backed Strategies for Brain Health What is burnout, and how is it different from stress or depression? Learn how burnout affects the brain, why it impacts memory, focus, mood, and decision-making, and what the science says about nutrition, lifestyle, and practical strategies to build resilience and support recovery from burnout as well as supporting brain health in general. Tune in to this episode to learn about: definition and signs of burnout impact of burnout on brain structure and function nutrition and lifestyle strategies for brain health the 3S framework: Self-align, Signals, Systems research gaps and future directions in burnout science practical tips for managing stress and supporting resilience
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314: Restorative Treats: The Science of Feeling Good Through Food – Kevin Ryan
3w ago00:59:32Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/314 Resetting the Rules of Indulgence We often think of food choices as an all-or-nothing equation: healthy eating requires effort and discipline, while treats feel like guilty pleasures or even cheating. But what if treating yourself could actually support your health goals? Today we're talking with food anthropologist Kevin Ryan about restorative treats and the rise of functional foods that go beyond indulgence. We'll explore how new rituals can help us reset habits, rethink the way we define treats, and discover that feeling good may not come from permission to indulge – it may come from giving ourselves the fuel to feel better.
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313: Stopping GLP-1 Meds: What It Takes to Keep the Weight Off – Dr. Holly Wyatt
Jun 2501:03:47Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/313 Many individuals are turning to GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but what happens when they stop? In this episode, we delve into the complexities of maintaining weight loss once these medications are discontinued. Dr. Holly Wyatt, an expert in obesity medicine, shares her insights on why understanding metabolic flexibility is crucial for long-term weight management. This episode will empower you with actionable strategies to redefine success in weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tune in to this Sound Bites® Podcast episode with Dr. Holly Wyatt to learn about: · understanding weight loss vs. maintenance · metabolic flexibility vs. adaptation · insights from the National Weight Control Registry · the connection between behavior and biology · challenges of discontinuing GLP-1 medications · the book: Losing the Weight Loss Meds · biological changes after stopping GLP-1s · food noise and its impact on weight management · the role of exercise in weight loss maintenance · behavior change strategies for sustainable weight management · mindstate shifts and their impact on weight maintenance · identifying weight gain profiles · planning for weight loss maintenance
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312: Public Health Misinformation & Communication: How to Build Trust for Behavior Change – Dr. Jessica Steier
Jun 1000:48:55Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/312 We're surrounded by headlines, health advice and hot takes that can make it feel like science changes every week. Public health recommendations can seem confusing, and social media often turns nuanced science into click-worthy certainty. So how do we make sense of it all? How do we separate evolving evidence from exaggerated headlines, skepticism from cynicism, and facts from fear? Today we're diving into the world of public health, trust, and science communication with an expert who helps us understand not just what we hear about health and nutrition—but how we should think about it. Tune in to this Sound Bites® Podcast episode with Dr. Jessica Steier to learn about: · public health and science communication · the origins and evolution of Unbiased Science · trust and the Deficit Model in public health · nuance in science communication · understanding the attraction of conspiracy theories · the shift from paternalism to empathy · crisis communications: running into the burning building · embracing the challenges of public health · navigating misinformation in science communication · the importance of science communication as a discipline · building trust in science communication pre-bunking vs. debunking resources for health professionals and the public
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311: Food Noise, Appetite Regulation & Calorie Intake: What Really Influences How We Eat? – Dr. Rick Mattes
May 2700:58:18Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/311 We hear a lot of bold claims about food and eating behavior: certain foods are "addictive," ultraprocessed foods are driving obesity, and eating something sweet only makes you crave more sweets. We're also told we can retrain our taste buds for things like salt and sugar, but is that really true? With the rise of GLP-1 medications and growing conversations around "food noise," it's becoming clear that appetite, cravings, and weight regulation are far more complex than many people realize. So what's really driving our eating behaviors? How much is shaped by biology versus our environment or psychology? And what factors influence hunger, fullness, food preferences, and ultimately—how much we eat? Tune in to this Sound Bites® Podcast episode with Dr. Rick Mattes to learn about: the concept of palatability and hyperpalatability the truth about "addictive" foods the role of appetite in GLP-1 medication effects the importance and generality of hedonic shifts various aspects of appetite regulation sensory science, taste function, texture and food form food noise vs. food cue reactivity brand new research on protein and satiety
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310: Healthy Convenience: How to Select Nutrient-Rich Frozen Foods – Maya Feller
May 1300:46:34Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/310 Convenience without Compromise: What Really Matters When Choosing Frozen & Processed Foods? Are convenience foods a problem, or could they actually be part of the solution? When it comes to frozen meals and processed foods… are we asking the wrong questions? Let's take a look at how frozen and convenience foods can fit into a balanced, plant-forward way of eating – without compromising on nutrition. Because healthy eating doesn't happen in a perfect world – it happens on busy weeknights, with tight schedules, and in real-life routines. Tune in to this Sound Bites® Podcast episode with Food & Nutrition Expert Maya Feller to learn about: Common perceptions and misperceptions about frozen foods The moral hierarchy around food What to consider when choosing frozen and convenience foods What to look for in meals compared to other types of products How frozen foods can help people get more plants in their diet How to limit fat, saturated fat, sodium and sugar content in your frozen food choices How to increase fiber, protein and other nutrients in your frozen food choices resources for health professionals and the public This episode is NOT sponsored. Maya Feller is a paid consultant to Amy's Kitchen.
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309: The Dietitian Coach Approach, Insurance Changes & New Opportunities – Jenny Westerkamp
Apr 2800:50:29Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/309 Access to dietitian services is evolving, and so is the way we think about nutrition care. In this episode, we're diving into how and why more people can (and should) work with a registered dietitian, especially when the focus goes beyond food advice to meaningful behavior change. We'll unpack what's shifting in the RD landscape, from referrals to insurance coverage, and what that means for both the public and nutrition professionals. If you've ever wondered how to actually access dietitian services, make the most of your benefits, or why this field is often misunderstood and underutilized, this conversation will connect the dots and offer practical, real-world insights. Tune in to this episode to learn about: how and why the field of dietetics is undervalued and underutilized how the dietitian services landscape has changed over the past few years that many insurance companies are covering preventive nutrition services how to increase referrals to dietitian services what makes the dietitian "coach" approach different from the "expert" approach how to get beyond the meal plan requests and really make a difference how dietitians can get support to start their own practice pros/cons to telehealth challenges and opportunities facing the field of dietetics how personal stories can inspire more people to become dietitians resources for health professionals and the public
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308: Social Media, Food Science & the Food Industry: Getting from Fear to Facts – Hydroxide
Apr 1501:03:52Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/308 From viral reels warning about 'chemicals in your food' to influencers claiming the food industry is hiding the truth, social media is full of strong opinions about what we eat. But how much of this messaging is grounded in real science, and how much is driven by fear, confusion, or misinformation? In this episode, we're diving into how food, food science, and the food industry are portrayed online and hearing from an expert who's working to bring clarity, context, and credibility back to the conversation. Tune in to this episode to learn about: the raw milk recall from Ballerina Farm the David Bar controversy how some companies are profiting off your fears of the food industry how and why misinformation spreads on social media how credible experts can address misinformation online how to approach mythbusting without amplifying myths promoting evidence-based, accurate info in a clear and relatable manner handling haters effectively on social media short form vs. long form online content what changes in the food industry may improve food science communications resources for health professionals and the public
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307: GLP-1 Weight Loss: Microdosing, Mental Load & the Maintenance Phase - Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Mar 2501:05:51Tap to summarizeGain Valuable Insights from a GLP-1 Expert and User Cozy Earth coupon code, full shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/307 In this episode, we explore GLP-1 weight loss medications, including emerging conversations around microdosing, the "mental load" of weight management, and what it really takes to maintain weight loss long term. Hear expert insights on how these medications work, what happens after weight loss, and practical strategies to support sustainable results. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications, currently using them, or supporting patients or clients, this evidence-based conversation helps cut through hype, misinformation, and confusion. Tune in to this episode to learn about: personal insights from a GLP-1 user who is also a dietitian how GLP-1 medications work new meds in the pipeline including oral versions scams and frauds – meds that don't work from patches to certain pills pros and cons of compounded meds the difference between "food noise" and "mental load" the microdosing trend – what is it, does it work, what's the controversy GLP-1 foods – what are they and where are they key mistakes to avoid how to emphasize protein, fiber and fluids when feeling full weird side effects and unexpected benefits potential nutrient deficiencies and recommended supplements considerations for long-term weight loss maintenance the evolving role of the dietitian in patient care how increased access is often hand in hand with decreased care resources for health professionals and the public
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306: Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Why EVOO is Best & How to Use It - Dr. Mary Flynn & Leandro Ravetti
Mar 1100:50:57Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript, resources and free CEU here: https://soundbitesrd.com/306 Commercial Support has been provided by Cobram Estate This podcast episode discusses the nutritional differences between extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and other grades of olive oil and how those differences impact health outcomes. Listeners will learn how olives are harvested, how EVOO is made, and what the science says about EVOO and the Mediterranean Diet. Questions such as what to look for on the label, if smoke point is something to consider when cooking and how much to consume per day are answered. Whether you're looking to debunk common myths, understand the latest research, or get practical tips for recommending healthy fats, this episode delivers evidence-based insights and real-world tips that will transform your approach to dietary oils. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The important differences between extra virgin and other olive oil Specific polyphenols (or "biophenols") unique to EVOO what to look for when choosing the highest quality EVOO the research on the Mediterranean Diet and EVOO chronic disease risk factors that may be improved with olive oil the new DGA recommendations related to olive oil and other fats if smoke point is something to worry about or not how to store olive oil to maximize health attributes the minimum daily amount of olive oil recommended to realize health benefits and how long it takes to see results practical and delicious ways to incorporate EVOO into your daily diet resources for health professionals and the public Click here to earn 1.0 FREE CEU for listening to this podcast episode. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Why EVOO is Best & How to Use It - Dr. Mary Flynn & Leandro Ravetti awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.
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