Protein is trending, but most people still aren’t eating enough of it, especially at breakfast. In this episode, registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share the sneaky signs you’re low in protein and simple ways to start getting more real-food protein into your day.

This episode was originally broadcast on 12-23-2024. After trying to lose weight in the past without much success, Cheryl joined our Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Foundations program, took the ongoing support classes, participated in our cooking classes, and worked with our dietitians. Two years later, she’s joining us on our podcast with her dietitian Teresa to share her story of achieving AND maintaining significant weight loss… and even better… finding peace with food, feeling good, and improving her health markers. Tune in to this episode to hear Cheryl and Teresa talk about the before, what she did to lose the weight, and what she’s doing now to enjoy and keep her health for the long haul.

If a nutritionist were setting your 2026 health goals, where would they tell you to start? In this episode, registered dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner share the foundational habits they recommend most often, including simple nutrition priorities, realistic goal setting, and small changes that actually stick. It’s a refreshingly doable approach to starting the new year feeling supported, not overwhelmed.

Cortisol gets a lot of blame when it comes to weight gain, especially around the midsection - but what does this stress hormone actually do? In this Ask a Nutritionist replay, registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains how cortisol works in the body, how stress, sleep, food, and blood sugar influence it, and why managing daily stressors is crucial.

If you’ve heard you should “eat more protein” but aren’t sure why or how it applies to menopause, this episode is for you. Dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain what’s happening in the body during this phase of life and why protein is foundational for feeling strong, steady, and nourished.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, registered dietitian Amy Crum shares how to bring party food and mocktails that actually support steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and feeling good during the holidays, without being boring or complicated. If you’re tired of defaulting to the veggie tray (or feeling “off” after parties), this episode will give you practical, dietitian-approved guidance to help you show up nourished and confident, no recipe hunting required.

The holidays are full of food, treats, parties, and pressure-and even nutritionists have to navigate it all. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro share what they actually do to feel good through the holiday season without missing out. This is a realistic, no-guilt conversation about eating real food, staying nourished, and enjoying the holidays in a way that supports your health and your happiness.

Confused about which cooking oils are actually healthy, and which ones turn harmful once they hit the pan? This episode breaks down the oils we trust in our kitchens and why. You’ll learn the difference between extra virgin, cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, refined, “light,” and more… plus which oils hold up to high heat and which should stay at low temps or off the stove entirely. If you’ve ever wondered whether olive oil is safe for roasting or what to use for high-heat cooking, this episode gives you a simple, real-food guide to choosing the right oil every time.   This episode originally aired August 17, 2023 with the title "Good Oils"

Struggling with mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent break down the root causes of brain fog and how simple nutrition shifts can help clear the mental haze. They discuss blood sugar balance, inflammation, gluten sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, hydration, and the surprising foods that can either fuel or drain your brain. Learn what to eat (and what to avoid), how to build brain-boosting meals, and the lifestyle habits that support clearer thinking, steadier moods, and better long-term brain health.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Brandy Buro walks you through the key labs she likes to see at an annual physical, including vitamin D, fasting glucose, insulin, A1C, liver enzymes, and a full cholesterol panel. She also explains advanced heart-health markers, when tests like ferritin or thyroid panels are helpful, and how “optimal” ranges differ from standard “normal” lab ranges. You’ll learn how to prepare for bloodwork, what to ask your doctor for, and how to use your results as a roadmap for better energy, mood, metabolism, and long-term health.

Looking for gifts that actually support health, not clutter the house?In this festive episode, Britni and Brandy share their handpicked wellness gift guide for 2025, featuring real-food kitchen staples, nourishing snack ideas, high-quality supplements, movement-friendly favorites, and thoughtful self-care gifts. From Dutch ovens and sharp chef’s knives to collagen, omega-3s, and cozy blankets, you’ll find practical, meaningful ideas for everyone on your list. If you want to give gifts that truly make people feel better--inside and out--this episode has all the inspiration you need.

In this episode, Mel and Kara break down the simple, real-food strategies that help you enjoy the season without the blood sugar crashes, cravings, or cardiometabolic backslide. Learn how holiday habits impact triglycerides, HDL, and insulin sensitivity--and how small changes (like eating before an event, building balanced meals, and the 50% movement rule) can keep you energized, steady, and feeling your best. If you want to stay healthy without missing out on the fun, this episode gives you a practical plan you can actually follow.

If your belly feels flat in the morning but looks and feels like a “food baby” by afternoon, this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition is for you. Nutritionist Kara Carper and dietitian Brandy Buro break down the real reasons you’re still bloated after eating--from common triggers like dairy, gluten, sugar alcohols, carbonated drinks, and food additives to deeper issues like gut bacteria imbalances, low stomach acid, and SIBO. They’ll help you spot your personal triggers, explain when probiotics and digestive enzymes actually help (and when they don’t), and walk you through what a bloat-friendly, real-food day of eating can look like.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, dietitian Amy Crum breaks down the most affordable real foods to buy— and the “healthy” items that just aren’t worth your money. You’ll hear smart ways to plan meals, shop intentionally, stretch your protein budget, and stock your kitchen with nutrient-dense foods that won’t go bad before you use them. Amy also covers how to reduce food waste, make the most of frozen produce, buy meat more affordably, and build simple budget-friendly meals that keep you full and energized.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner and feel good afterward. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt and our resident chef Marianne walk you through how to build a delicious, real-food Thanksgiving -- from a balanced plate strategy to upgraded sides, smarter potatoes, veggie-packed salads, better-for-you desserts, and even what to do with the turkey so it actually turns out juicy and flavorful. You’ll hear practical ideas for gluten- and dairy-free guests, simple make-ahead breakfasts, and festive drinks without the sugar crash.

Not sure if you need a probiotic, a prebiotic, or both? In this episode, dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains what each one does, how they work together to support digestion, immunity, and mood, and how to know which is right for you. She breaks down real-food sources, when supplements can help, and what to expect as your gut adjusts.

Feeling wired-but-tired, anxious, or stuck in fight-or-flight? Dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner explain how food choices directly shape your nervous system, and how to feel calmer, clearer, and more focused with real food. Learn the blood-sugar/cortisol connection, what to eat at breakfast (and why it matters), and the key nutrients that support healthy nerves. Simple swaps, steady meals, and a few smart supplements - no extremes required.

Collagen isn’t just a beauty trend - it’s a key building block for your skin, joints, bones, and gut. In this episode, dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt breaks down what collagen really does, the difference between types I, II, and III, and how to choose a supplement that actually works.

Are your headaches trying to tell you something? Dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent unpack the surprising food and lifestyle triggers behind those frustrating headaches and migraines. Learn how blood sugar swings, dehydration, caffeine, histamine-rich foods, and additives like MSG or aspartame can set them off, and how balanced, real-food meals can bring relief.

High cholesterol no matter what you eat? You could have familial hypercholesterolemia - a genetic condition that causes very high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels even with a healthy lifestyle. In this episode, dietitian Teresa Wagner explains what familial hypercholesterolemia (or FH) is, why it happens, and what you can do to protect your heart.