Full 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

Full 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

Full 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.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/300

This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & OIKOS. Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.

This episode explores strategies for maintaining weight loss and overall wellness following the use of GLP-1 medications. Listeners will learn how behavioral, nutritional and clinical approaches can help patients sustain progress and build long-term healthy habits with shifts to their dosage or after discontinuing treatment.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• · the STEP and SURMOUNT 4 trial findings
• · the chronic pathological state of obesity
• · how GLP-1 meds curb food noise and disordered eating
• · how GLP-1 meds are intended to be used for weight loss
• · the crucial role of behavior change
• · statistics about how and why people plan to stay on or go off the meds
• · key behavior changes that GLP-1 users can adopt to maximize their success
• · the importance of structured exercise
• · how "clock genes" play a role in metabolic function
• · the power of fiber, protein and fluids in dietary habits
• · the three pillars: protein, portions and patterns
• · various reasons that people stop taking GLP-1s
• · what happens when people stop taking GLP-1s
• · stigma and bias with weight loss medications
• · the many challenges in maintaining weight loss
• · how dietitians are an essential part of the care team
• · the importance of communicating with patients about side effects
• · how to support patients who are pausing, cycling or microdosing their GLP-1s
• · resources for health professionals and the public

This episode (GLP-1 Meds and Then What? Turning Weight Loss into Lifelong Wellness) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.

Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/300 to access the CPEU activity.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/299

This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Light + Fit. Constance Brown-Riggs is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.

This episode explores how culturally relevant, patient-centered nutrition strategies can support Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) risk reduction. Through an evidence-based lens, it highlights the role of flexible eating patterns and nutrient-dense foods in promoting sustainable dietary change across diverse populations.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• · why culturally relevant care matters
• · what can happen when nutrition guidance doesn't align with cultural foodways
• · what the science says about flexible eating patterns in T2DM
• · what the science says about the role of yogurt in supporting T2DM risk reduction
• · the qualified health claim regarding yogurt and T2DM
• · how RDNs can help patients navigate barriers to change
• · the role of patient centered care and communication
• · tips for empowering patients to adopt flexible eating patterns
• · how to emphasize achievable and enjoyable habits vs. restriction
• · building trust and supporting sustainable changes
• · how to approach culturally relevant conversations more confidently
• · resources for health professionals and the public

This episode (Food, Culture, and Care: Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduction & Management) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program. Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/299 to access the CPEU activity.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/298

This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Activia. Dr. Hannah Holscher is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.

Gut health and the gut microbiome play an important role in overall wellbeing, including digestion and immunity. This episode explores the latest research and practical strategies for promoting gut health through nutrient-rich dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and the inclusion of probiotic and fermented foods.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• · why the gut is such an important foundation for overall health
• · what the gut microbiome is and how diet shapes it
• · key roles of the digestive tract and how the microbiome factors in
• · how long it takes for the microbiome to respond to dietary changes
• · research on how diet quality and variety impact the gut microbiome
• · how plant-based foods and fermented foods impact microbial diversity
• · definitions of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics
• · strain-specific probiotic effects
• · lifestyle factors that impact gut health
• · practical steps to support gut health
• · how dietitians can simplify the science for clients
• · resources for health professionals and the public

This episode (Support Gut Health and Holistic Wellbeing with Science-Based Strategies) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program. Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/298 to access the CPEU activity.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/297

We know that there is not one single treatment approach that works for every person with obesity, however there is one type of approach we can use when discussing weight with every person: trauma-informed care (TIC). TIC is an approach that recognizes the possibility that many people may have a history of trauma exposure, and how this past or ongoing trauma such as abuse, neglect or food insecurity can shape a person's relationship with food, body and health behaviors.

Data show that 64% of adults in the U.S. reported they had experienced at least one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE) before age 18 and nearly one in six adults reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs. Compared to women with 0 ACEs, women with 4+ ACEs are 62% more likely to have obesity, 41% more likely to report a hypertension diagnosis, and 36% more likely to report a diabetes diagnosis.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

1. · why TIC is so important
2. · how TIC is different from motivational interviewing
3. · benefits of TIC to patients and practitioners
4. · the obesity-trauma connection
5. · weight stigma and diabetes distress
6. · adverse childhood experiences
7. · shared decision making
8. · resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/296

Are processed foods truly undermining our health, or are they an essential part of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply? Should the way we classify foods based on processing outweigh decades of national dietary guidelines—or are these systems flawed from the start? And what happens to public health policy when decisions hinge on classifications that may not be scientifically sound?

Tune in to this episode to learn more about:

· how UPFs are defined

· the NOVA classification system

· how much of our diet is UPF

· benefits of UPFs in the diet

· how and why the current public discourse on UPFs is "superficial"

· growing global distrust of science

· how the food industry is responding to criticisms around UPFs

· actions the food industry has taken to improve products

· how the food industry gains insights into consumer preferences

· the roles and responsibilities of food companies to educate and inform consumers

· collaboration between the food industry and policymakers

· what the future of UPFs might look like

· resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/295

In this episode, we explore the FoodMinds Conscious Consumption Index, revealing insights into consumer sentiment on healthy and sustainable food systems. Despite growing familiarity with the topic, less than half of consumers report purchasing healthy, sustainable options regularly. What's driving this gap between awareness and action? Join us as we explore how people are thinking about healthy, sustainable foods. We'll discuss how definitions of sustainable foods are evolving, the generational differences in engagement, and the main drivers and barriers to purchasing. Discover why price, taste, and skepticism about marketing claims are significant obstacles, and learn how stakeholders—from companies to individuals—can help transform our food systems.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/294

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is a public health-oriented slogan and initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges facing Americans led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Scientists, medical professionals and public health officials have criticized the movement, citing concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s past remarks and views regarding vaccines and public health.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● a nutrition and public health expert's reflection on the first 6 months of MAHA

● funding cuts to various nutrition programs, research and landmark trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program

● the administration's focus on food dyes, seed oils and the FoodPyramid

● how health professional societies are responding so far

● opportunities for meaningful changes in public health nutrition

● what the new DGAs might look like

● resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/293

Food ethnographer Lucy Woods has spent the last several years diving deep into the evolving landscape of protein consumption. Lucy's expertise lies in uncovering the "why" behind the ways people eat, with a specific focus on protein – from red meat and poultry to plant-based options and protein-packed snacks. Her recent research revealed that 61% of Americans increased their protein intake in 2024, compared to just 48% in 2019. She's been on the ground, listening to consumers share their motivations, from wellness and fitness goals to convenience and indulgence.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

● new ethnographic research on protein consumption trends

● shifts in identifying as flexitarian, omnivore or carnivore

● 3 key trends identified in this research

● different motivations for eating protein

● why people are including and/or increasing protein intake

● the types of protein people are seeking

● which types of protein rank highest for flavor, nutrition, convenience

● what people look for on protein food labels

● social micro cultures and their impact on protein trends

● snacking insights and product innovations

● how consumers are navigating higher grocery prices

● how to access the full report