Full 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

Full 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

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.