What do our kids actually eat — and is it as healthy as we think?

This week on The Nutrition Couch, we unpack brand new research showing that 81% of snacks marketed to children are ultra-processed, raising major concerns about how packaging, peer pressure, and manipulative marketing are shaping kids’ diets. Leanne and Susie share practical advice for parents, including the best snack brands that pass the dietitian test.

Then — the creatine gummy scandal you need to know about. A wave of independent testing reveals that most popular gummy brands contain only a fraction of the creatine they claim, with some delivering as little as 16%. We break down why it’s happening, why the science matters, and what to look for in a legitimate creatine supplement.

We also dive into the surprisingly heated debate over broccoli stalks (do you eat them or snap them off?), and Susie shares her thoughts on a new product she’s loving: Riverina Dairy’s high-protein feta, which delivers 12g of protein per serve with a clean ingredient list.

And in our listener question of the week: “I’ve just been diagnosed with osteopenia — what should I do next?” We explore the key nutrients, lifestyle changes, and exercise strategies to help strengthen your bones and reduce future risk.

Whether you’re a parent, a supplement user, or just someone trying to eat better without the overwhelm — this episode will leave you informed and empowered.

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Are 6am HIIT classes in winter actually doing more harm than good?

In today’s episode of The Nutrition Couch, dietitians Leanne Ward and Susie Burrell unpack the rising chatter around early morning workouts, metabolic health, and whether you’re better off staying in bed (especially if you’re freezing, exhausted, or juggling toddlers).

Also this week:

• A surprising new study suggests a low-fat vegan diet might beat the Mediterranean diet for weight loss and inflammation. But does it hold up in real life — or just in research labs?
• Our product spotlight reveals why Woolworths’ budget Potato Minis might be a smarter choice than you think (yes, even if you’re trying to lose weight).
• We break down the best supermarket pre-made meals for nutrition, convenience, and value — including Coles Perform, Strength Meals Co, and good old roast chooks.

It’s a jam-packed episode full of science, straight talk and a few laughs — plus some practical wins for your next grocery shop.

Tune in now for smart, no-fluff nutrition advice that actually fits into your life.

Brought to you by Designed by Dietitians — real supplements for real life. Explore the range at designedbydietitians.com

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South Australia is rolling out a new policy banning junk food advertising on public transport — but the headlines are causing quite a bit of confusion.

Are rice cakes, soy milk, and ham sandwiches really on the banned advertising list?

In this episode of The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie break down the facts behind the ad ban, explain why it’s causing so much confusion for parents, and weigh in on whether the government has taken the right approach — or missed the mark entirely.

You’ll learn:

• What South Australia’s new ad ban really targets — and why it’s not a food ban

• Why lunchbox staples like soy milk and ham are caught in the confusion

• Susie’s take on processed meats — and when restrictions make sense

• A simple Friday strategy that makes Sunday meal prep (finally) work

Also in this episode:

• Frozen chip face-off: peri-peri vs. potato gems

• Is farmed salmon safe? Susie shares her insider view

PLUS:

✨ We preview what’s coming next to DesignedByDietitians.com: premium collagen and magnesium blends, formulated by expert dietitians to support women’s sleep, energy, and strength.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by food rules, conflicting health advice, or just want smarter strategies to make your week easier — this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play now and feel more in control by the end of your walk.

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Struggling with winter cravings but don’t want to blow your health goals? Wondering if that expensive gut health supplement is even doing anything? In this week’s episode of The Nutrition Couch, dietitians Susie Burrell and Leanne Ward unpack the real nutrition strategies that actually work — no gimmicks, no fads.

On today’s show:

• Why some gut health supplements (yes, even probiotics and greens powders) may be a waste of money — and what’s actually worth it.
• Our no-guilt winter comfort food guide: practical tips to enjoy pies, pastas, lasagnas, and hearty meals without blowing your calorie budget.
• The frozen “protein pasta” supermarket trend: are products like FroPro Protein Pots a smart choice or just ultra-processed hype?
• Listener question: Are sugary kids’ cereals really that bad — and what do two dietitians actually feed their own children?

This is a warm, practical, no-nonsense episode packed with real-life food tips and evidence-based advice to help you stay on track all winter long.

Check out our scientifically formulated protein and creatine blends, designed by dietitians: designedbydietitians.com

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If you’ve ever felt like food is constantly on your mind — even after eating — you’re not imagining it. This week, we unpack the growing phenomenon of food noise and why it’s more than just willpower.

Inside this jam-packed episode of The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie dive into:

• What food noise really is — and why it’s affecting more women than ever
• The link between GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic) and reduced food chatter
• Meal timing, circadian rhythm, and how eating earlier may improve fatigue and metabolism
• A product review of Greens Protein Pancake Mix — is it worth it?
• The 5 supplements worth considering in peri and menopause (and what to avoid)

Plus, we share practical advice to help you feel more in control of your hunger, energy, and body — without falling for overpriced gimmicks or restrictive plans.

🎧 Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, thinking about medication options, or just tired of the mental gymnastics around food… this one’s for you.

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👉 Want a science-backed protein, hot chocolate or creatine designed for women’s health? Explore our range at designedbydietitians.com

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You’ve been told to cut cake, ban wine, and throw out the chips… But what if your favourite soul food is the secret to actually sticking to your weight loss goals?

In this episode of The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie unpack:

🎂 Why eating cake (yes, really) may improve weight loss outcomes

New research shows that planned indulgences help reduce cravings, increase satisfaction, and prevent rebound bingeing. Learn how to choose your “soul foods” — and why not all treats are worth the calories.

🧪 The cookware in your kitchen could be disrupting your hormones

From non-stick pans to plastic utensils, we break down the evidence on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including PFAS, BPA, black plastics and silicone bakeware — and what to use instead for safer everyday cooking.

🛒 Supermarket find: Aldi’s Immune Vitality wellness shots

They’re viral on TikTok and popping up in trolleys everywhere — but are they worth the $6.99 price tag? We analyse the ingredients, sugar content and when they might actually be useful.

🫒 Cooking oils decoded: what to use when olive oil’s too expensive

We get real about extra virgin olive oil, budget-friendly oil swaps, and why canola might not be the villain the internet says it is.

Whether you’re rethinking your cookware or finally want to ditch food guilt for good, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based guidance with zero fearmongering.

👩‍🍳 Plus, hear how Leanne swapped out her entire kitchen setup — and which oil Susie still swears by when budgets are tight.

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Rice is a pantry staple — but should you be worried about what’s really hiding inside it?

In today’s episode of The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie unpack some eye-opening new data on arsenic levels in Australian rice and rice-based snacks. From lunchbox favourites to your sushi roll, we break down the facts, risks, and simple swaps to help you make safer, smarter choices — especially if you’ve got little ones.

Also in this episode:

• Early puberty in girls: Could diet quality matter more than weight?
• Breakfast timing: Should you eat if you’re not hungry in the morning?
• Product review: Cauliflower gnocchi — the low-carb swap worth trying?

Whether you’re a health-conscious parent, navigating hormone changes, or just curious about your breakfast habits — this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice you can act on straight away.

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Are you paying $90 for "influencer-approved" collagen or magnesium blends (that cost just cents to make)?

In this explosive episode of The Nutrition Couch, dietitians Leanne Ward and Susie Burrell expose the truth behind overpriced wellness supplements — including why some $90 “hot chocolates” and $5-per-serve hydration drinks are nothing more than marketing spin.

Then, they unpack new research that’s a game-changer for women’s health: a study just published in The Journal of Nutrition shows that PMS symptoms can be reduced by up to 41% — simply by adding more nuts, seeds, and legumes into your diet. Meanwhile, giving in to PMS sugar cravings might make symptoms 33% worse.

Also in this episode:

• Aldi soup review: The $2.99 pantry staple that punches above its weight

• High-protein milk drinks: convenient or ultra-processed minefield?

• The supplement ingredients you should never overpay for

• Why Designed by Dietitians keeps ingredient sourcing and clinical doses transparent — unlike many trending brands

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the supplement aisle or frustrated by the health promises plastered across social media, this is your no-BS guide to smarter, evidence-based choices.

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