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.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
310: Healthy Convenience: How to Select Nutrient-Rich Frozen Foods – Maya Feller
3w ago00:46:34Tap 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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305: What's in Your Freezer? The Science, Myths & Benefits of Frozen Foods – Jennie Norka
Feb 2500:53:15Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/305 Frozen foods are having a moment – and the science, policy, and nutrition research behind them is more nuanced than most people realize. In this episode, we take a fresh (and frozen) look at how freezing works, why it matters for nutrition, and how frozen foods fit into today's evolving dietary guidance and food systems. From debunking persistent myths to exploring how frozen fruits and vegetables can support healthier eating patterns, reduce food waste, and improve access to nutrient-dense foods, this conversation connects the dots between research, real-world eating habits, and public health programs. We also dive into emerging policy efforts and pilot programs that recognize frozen produce as a powerful tool for improving food security and diet quality—especially for communities using SNAP and nutrition incentive programs. If you're curious about how frozen foods stack up nutritionally, practically, and sustainably, this episode offers a timely, evidence-based perspective. Tune in to this episode to learn about: the science behind the freezing process how and why foods are frozen the benefits of frozen foods common myths about frozen foods what drives shoppers to purchase frozen foods how frozen foods fit in the context of evolving nutrition science and dietary guidelines nutritional equivalency of frozen foods compared to fresh or home prepared foods innovative ways to include frozen foods into a healthy diet how frozen produce can improve fruit and vegetable consumption how the frozen food industry supports food waste reduction GusNIP pilot to integrate frozen produce into the nutrition incentive program for SNAP participants SHOPP Act legislation that ensures frozen produce is represented in the Produce Prescription Program resources for health professionals and the public
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304: SNAP, School Meals, New DGAs: What's Changing & Why It Matters – Dr. Sara Bleich
Feb 400:41:38Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/304 Federal nutrition programs impact the lives of tens of millions of Americans each year, yet they are often misunderstood, politicized, or reduced to headlines without context. This episode unpacks what federal nutrition assistance programs actually do, why they matter, and how recent policy shifts are reshaping the nutrition safety net. This conversation cuts through myths and confusion to explore how nutrition policy plays out in real life, for real people. We dig into the science, the policy decisions, and the downstream health implications, along with what health professionals and the public can do moving forward. Tune in to this episode to learn about: An overview of federal nutrition assistance programs and who they serve The evolution from "food insecurity" to the broader concept of "nutrition security" The steepest rollback of nutrition assistance in decades Common myths about SNAP—and what the evidence actually shows The elimination of SNAP-Ed and why nutrition education matters The Thrifty Food Plan and how it determines benefit levels The role of school meals, including how many children rely on them and why they are critical How the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans shape federal nutrition programs What comes next: the public health implications of current policy changes Practical calls to action for registered dietitians, nutrition professionals, and the general public Resources for health professionals and the public
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303: New DGAs: The Good, The Bad & The Upside Down – Alex Turnbull
Jan 2000:52:15Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/303 The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7, 2026 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. These new guidelines state that they had concerns with the DGAC report because it framed it's analysis through a health equity lens and therefore disregarded most of the report instead relying on their own independent report. Tune in to this episode to learn about: · An overview of the new DGAs · The new upside down pyramid that replaces MyPlate · What has changed from the previous version and what has not changed · Hits, misses and inconsistencies · What the DGAs mean for people/families at home · What the DGAs mean for federal nutrition programs like school meals · What health professional organizations have to say about the new DGAs · Practical takeaways and tips for the public and health professionals · Resources for more information
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302: Alcohol & Damp January: The Research on Moderate Drinking – Jennifer Tujague
Dec 2900:46:29Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302 The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry January" challenge toward more of a "Damp January" trend. While the role of alcohol in health-related outcomes is complex and nuanced, a new meta-analysis of 23 major studies from 2000 to 2024 found that light-to-moderate drinking carries the same – or in some cases lower – risk of death compared to abstaining, while lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role in outcomes. Likewise, a new report published in September sheds light on alcohol and health including WHO data showing reductions in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality with many countries on track to meet targets for reducing harmful drinking. Tune in to this episode with guest Jennifer Tujague, MPH, to learn about: · the different and conflicting reports on alcohol intake and recommendations · the research on alcohol consumption and health · how moderation is defined · different drinking patterns and associated risks · combined effects of obesity and alcohol · alcohol and weight · GLP-1s and alcohol · Non-alcoholic beverages · The Damp January trend · resources for health professionals and the public
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301: Hidden Hunger: Closing the Gap for Healthy Growth in Children – Dr. Caree Cotwright
Dec 1700:39:40Tap to summarizeFull shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/301 This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Danimals. Dr. Caree Cotwright is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted. Many kids don't consume the proper amount of nutrients that are vital for healthy growth, chronic disease prevention, and overall health. This episode examines hidden hunger - when children consume enough calories but not enough essential nutrients for growth and development. Listeners will explore the nutrient gaps most common in U.S. children, the role of picky eating and access in shaping dietary patterns and practical ways to help families close nutrient gaps with affordable, nutrient-dense foods. Tune in to this episode with guest Dr. Caree Cotwright, PhD to learn about: · the prevalence and main drivers of hidden hunger · myths about hidden hunger and who is at risk · common nutrient gaps in children's diets · how 'picky eating' and food preferences impact nutrient intake · how issues of equity and nutrition security impact hunger · real-world ways hidden hunger shows up in schools and communities · challenges parents/families face and how health professionals can support them · practical strategies parents can employ even when resources are tight · the important role that 'nutrition resilience' plays · the power of collaboration between healthcare professionals, teachers and families · addressing the view that "eating healthy is too expensive" · resources for health professionals and the public This episode (Hidden Hunger: Closing the Gap for Healthy Growth in Children) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program. Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/301 to access the CPEU activity.
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