The Keri Report Podcast

Nutritionist, yoga teacher, and author of The Small Change Diet Keri Gans delivers her no-nonsense, straightforward and sometimes controversial approach to what’s current in the health and nutrition world. Her fun and engaging personality will leave you with a wealth of information on need-to-know hot topics for your overall well-being.

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Welcome to the first ever release of the Keri Report podcast. In this brief episode 00, I dive into who I am, what my core values are as a registered dietitian nutritionist, and why I decided to create this podcast to begin with. I’ll give you a glimpse into the many fun topics to look forward to, such as crazy fad diets, nutrition facts versus myths, and healthy eating tips that are actually doable.

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Episode #84 – Yoga mindset: on AND off the mat! –

So, you think yoga isn’t for you? Well, maybe you’re right! But, also maybe you’re wrong. Perhaps, you just never tried the right class – for you. There may be barriers to getting started, but this episode includes great tips to get over the initial hurdle AND the many reasons why you might want to. 

 My guest, Chrissy Carter, left Wall Street to pursue yoga 20 years ago, and is now a yoga educator, founder of the lifestyle brand H(OM)E, and creative multi-hyphenate. We chat about common misconceptions around yoga and the yogic lifestyle, how a yoga mindset can help you throughout your life, and more – stay tuned!

 

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Episode #83 – Eating disorders and disordered eating: identifying problems with the way we eat

There’s lots of judgements that get made based on people’s size – if someone is “too thin” they get told to eat more; if someone is “too big” they get told they should be eating less. There’s this concept that you can tell if someone suffers from disordered eating based solely on the way they look. But what really matters is whether or not problems exist when someone eats – not their size, or any societal judgments like ordering dressing on the side or a scooped bagel.

Registered dietitian Jessica Setnik is one of the most recognized experts on the topic of eating disorders – and my guest for this discussion. We talk about problems with eating that are more and less acceptable in society, shame and judgment around eating, which labels and definitions are not helpful in navigating disordered eating, is weight loss okay, and more. Stay tuned!

 

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Episode #82 – The best and worst fad diets

Each year, the experts at US News evaluate all the latest diet trends – so, what did they find this year? We talk about the best – and the worst – of the fad diet list, and discuss which diets might be worth trying…and which ones DESERVE their place at the bottom of the list!

My guest for this episode, Toby Amidor, is a 20-year veteran of the food and nutrition industry and is a spokesperson, media expert, and award-winning author of 10 cookbooks – yes, you read that right, 10! We talk about the top and bottom of the diet trends list, and what is being done well versus what is a red flag in the Mediterranean, Raw, DASH, Mind, and Slim Fast diets – and more. Stay tuned! 

 

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Episode #81 – Time for your New Year’s Resolution Check-in

How’s your New Year’s resolution going? Well, if you’re like two-thirds of the typical population, you’ve probably already given up: only 36% of resolutions on average make it past January…and only about 9% get carried out for an entire year. Why are we so bad at keeping our resolutions? How can you make sticking to a resolution for better health and nutrition easier and more compatible with long-term success?

 Returning guest Bonnie Taub-Dix (BTD and “roomie” as she’s affectionately known by me!) is a registered dietitian/nutritionist, celebrated media personality, and the award-winning author of Read It Before You Eat It: How to Decode Food Labels and Make the Healthiest Choice Every Time and the founder of betterthandieting.com. We talk about how to make attainable, realistic weight and health resolutions – or, rather, real solutions – and how we’ve managed to succeed at our own “resolutions”. All this and more – stay tuned!

 

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Episode #80 – Diet & nutrition trends that are in and out for 2024

It’s a brand new year, so it’s the perfect time to look back at the hottest diet and nutrition trends from 2023 and discuss which ones were great, which ones were not-so-good, and which ones we hope fade into the abyss of last year…plus, what will be the new “it” thing for 2024?

One of my bestie RD friends, and returning guest, Samantha Cassetty, a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert, joins me to talk about intermittent fasting, keto, plant-based eating, the Mediterranean diet, Ozempic and Wegovy (I just can’t stay away from this topic!), hydration, and so much more. Stay tuned!

 

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Episode #79 – Is a “weight loss plateau” real?

I love talking about all the schools of thought about weight loss – but I love it even more when I get to talk to someone who is no bullshit, shares the same ideas as me, and loves a good cocktail!

Caroline Susie, award-winning registered licensed dietitian, joins me to talk about what exactly a weight loss plateau is, what causes it, whether set-point theory is a real thing, and some methods of tackling the frustration. All this and more in this episode!

 

CarolineSusieRD.com

 

 

 

 

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Episode #78 – Headlines: 5 “health” habits, the scoop on scooped bagels, and banning brominated vegetable oil

In this episode, I tackle 3 news headlines I’ve been interviewed for by the media lately: whether 5 top health trends are actually more harmful than healthy; what the heck is a scooped bagel, and is it actually healthier than a non-scooped bagel; and what is brominated vegetable oil (BVO), and why might it be banned in the USA soon? Tune in for my take on these topics while I dispel myth from fact!

 

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Episode #77 – What IS the difference between plant-based, plant-forward and vegan?

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked over the years to explain the difference between plant-based, planet-forward and vegan diets – and to explain how you can follow any of these diets and still get enough protein. So, here it is: the DEFINITIVE conversation to answer these questions!

I’m joined by Jackie Newgent, plant-forward Registered Dietician/Nutritionist and author of The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook. She also happens to be my fellow co-founder at Peterra Kitchen. We discuss the difference between plant-based, plant-forward, vegetarian, and vegan diets, how to ensure you’re getting enough protein from any of the above (spoiler – it’s easier than you think, but like most diets it also depends on YOUR body and meal planning!), as well as the other benefits of plant-forward diets.

 

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Episode Rebroadcast – Changing Your Relationship with Sugar

With Halloween right around the corner, I figured it might be time for a little refresher on our relationships with sugar (especially if you’re as psyched about it as my grandkids are!) On average, Americans eat 70% more sugar than their recommended daily requirements. So when it comes to reducing sugar in our diets, where do we even start?

In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian and co-author of Sugar Shock, Samantha Cassetty. We discuss the impacts of overeating sugar, the types of sugar to avoid, sugar and habit-forming behaviors, managing cravings, and training your tastebuds.

 

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Episode #76 – Catching up on, Mostly Ridiculous, Nutrition Headlines

I’ve been asked to speak about several headline-grabbing nutrition topics in the last couple weeks by various media outlets – and most of them have ranged from somewhat  ridiculous, to VERY ridiculous. I dive into four of the top ones:

  1. Whether morning workouts are really superior for weight loss. 

  2. Is psyllium husk the  “the poor man’s ozempic”? (Listen to earlier episodes on ozempic fro, December AND June of last season!)

  3. One of the latest TikTok trends includes #lemoncoffee for weight loss. (And you know how much I love TikTok!)

  4. And, sadly, the deadly case of a teenager who passed away after participating in the “One Chip Challenge”.

Take a listen as I try my best to make sense of it all.

 

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Episode #75 – The Real Story: Registered Dietitians & Food Brand Partnerships

The Washington Post recently published an inflammatory article titled: “The food industry pays ‘influencer’ dietitians to shape your eating habits: Registered dietitians are being paid to post videos that promote diet soda, sugar and supplements on Instagram and TikTok”. The thing that this article ignores is that so much of RDs’ work is based on conclusive scientific research and we are out there sharing the facts, not fear.

I’m joined by Amy Gorin, a registered dietitian and Founder & CEO of Master the Media, where she teaches health professionals how to be featured in the media and partner with brands they love in an ethical way. We discuss these partnerships, the work that goes into being a responsible registered dietitian and influencer, what proper disclosure looks like, and why we can most definitely be trusted as a profession. Stay tuned!

 

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Episode #74 – Diving Deep Into the Alcohol Discussion

Welcome to the premier of Season 4 of the Keri Report! To kick off this season, I dive deep into a topic that concerns a lot of us – especially me! – by looking at the latest news on alcohol that has caused quite a ruckus in the nutrition community.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Eric Rimm, a Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition and Director of the Program in cardiovascular epidemiology in the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. He’s internationally recognized for his extensive work in the study of the health effects of light to moderate alcohol consumption. We go over the latest studies, what exactly moderate drinking is by the numbers, and whether the research on drinking actually has changed at all. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Episode #73 – Turns out I have MORE to say about Ozempic!

Welcome to the last episode of Season 3 of the Keri Report! It’s not very often that I revisit a topic twice in the same season (if you want a refresher, listen to Ep 62 Ozempic, The Celebrity Weight Loss Drug: Should We Be Concerned?) but I just can’t seem to get away from Ozempic. It is STILL making waves in the media thanks to celebrity use (and MISUSE) and I have SO much to say. I thought this time I’d bring in backup to dig more into how this drug is affecting individuals with eating disorders, and why overall its continued popularity is such a problem.

In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Laura Pimello, an eating disorder specialist and somatic and trauma-informed practitioner with a private practice in New York City. We discuss how long this drug can be effective for, the problems that may come along with abusing this family of drugs, and what worries us as dietitians who are seeing people taking Ozempic, or Wegovy, without understanding the potential risks. All this and more – stay tuned!

And be sure to subscribe to The Keri Report so that you can be the first to listen to Season 4 debuting early September! 

 

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Episode #72 – Hot Topics: Berberine & Coffee

The first time I was asked about Berberine was back in February, and thanks to our favorite app (TikTok, of course) it’s going viral again as “nature’s Ozempic” (if you need a crash course on that, check out my episode from last year about it.) But what is Berberine? Does it actually work for weight-loss? What are the side effects – and is it safe?

The other hot topic from this week is – believe it or not – coffee. The debate about coffee has been raging for decades now, and I’m pretty confident in my stance…BUT it doesn’t hurt to review the most up-to-date science, which is exactly what I did. All this and more – stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

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Episode #71 – What happens when a Registered Dietitian tries the viral 30-Day McDonald’s Challenge?!

One of the TikTok trends that’s been making the rounds lately is a fad where people eat at a particular fast food restaurant (hint: it’s the one with the golden arches!) every day for anywhere from a month, to 100 days – and the reason it’s going viral is because shockingly, people are saying they are LOSING weight doing it! When I heard that one of my fellow dietitians was giving this trend a try, I knew I needed to talk to her and find out how it went.

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Rodriguez, an award-winning dietitian /nutritionist based in the New York Metro area and the co-founder of Step Bite Step. I talk to her about how exactly she did her 30-day McDonald’s challenge, whether it’s possible to eat fast food in a health conscious way, and if she can still stand McDonald’s after a MONTH of eating it every day. All this and more – stay tuned!

 

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Episode #70 – What’s the deal with #GreenPowder?

Videos of green drinks are all the rage on TikTok right now (insert eye roll here as you all know how I feel about TikTok) and these clips often come with some pretty incredible health claims. In this episode, I talk about what exactly green powder is, the validity of some of the claims the Internet is making about green powders, and potential risks that you might be missing in the small print on these products.

 

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Episode #69 – Keeping Your Mouth Shut in Regards to Other People’s Health & Body

I’ve been thinking a lot about when and how to help the people around you when it comes to their health and diet – and when you should just keep your mouth shut (even for family!) I share my top 5 tips on how and where to suggest people get helpful information if they really want it. Along those same lines, I was asked for a comment to Buzzfeed in response to Ariana Grande’ recent statement asking people to stop commenting on her body. Bottom line: if you haven’t been asked, they don’t need your two cents…because you never know how comments will impact people. All this and more – stay tuned!

 

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Episode #68 Hey, Weight Watchers: What the **** is Sequence?!

Last month, it was announced that WW (formerly Weight Watchers) was set to acquire Sequence, a subscription telehealth platform “offering access to healthcare providers specializing in chronic weight management”. Since that announcement, there’s been some pushback – but we know on this podcast that mainstream media doesn’t always get it 100% right. So, I decided to go straight to the source so I can make up my mind for myself!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Cardel, a registered dietitian and obesity and nutrition scientist who oversees WW’s academic research partnerships and clinical trials, nutrition portfolio, and science communication. We discuss what Sequence is, why WW is pursuing this acquisition, and what it means for the future of WW. All this and more – stay tuned!.

 

Read press release here.

 

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Episode #50 Rebroadcast: Debunking the Dirty Dozen

Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases the Dirty Dozen, a list of conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues. And every year, this list generates unnecessary consumer concern – it did when this episode first aired in 2022, and no surprise, it’s still doing the same in 2023.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tamika Sims, Ph.D., the Senior Director of Food Technology Communications for the International Food Information Council. We talk about the difference between organic and conventional farming, natural and synthetic pesticides, and how consumers shouldn’t be worried about the Dirty Dozen.

 

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Episode #67 – This One is for the “Chocoholics”

On Valentine’s Day this year, I saw that Forbes put out an article titled, “Reframing the Relationship between Women and Chocolate”. When I looked at the byline, I realized it was penned by one of my esteemed colleagues, Jess Cording, and knew I had to have her on the show to talk about it.

Jess Cording is a registered dietitian and health coach. She is the author of The Little Book Of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety and The Farewell Tour. She is also the host of the Drama-Free Healthy Living With Jess Cording Podcast. In this episode, we discuss all things chocolate: reports on how much heavy metal is too much in dark chocolate, what the actual health benefits of chocolate are, and whether or not women crave chocolate more than men. All this and more – stay tuned!……

 

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Episode #66 – In the News Part 2

Once again, I tackle some hot nutrition topics in the news recently – this time, looking at whether weight loss patches actually work, if there’s such a thing as too much fiber, and whether putting milk in your coffee can actually affect inflammation. Stay tuned……

 

 

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Episode #65 – In the News

There’s been a whole new batch of fad diets and nutrition topics in the news recently, so I decided that in this solo episode I would tackle three of them: The Warrior Diet, The Low Oxalate Diet, and whether or not MSG is actually bad for you. Sometimes, as we know, media headlines don’t tell the whole story, and especially the science behind them. Stay tuned for the facts and much more…

 

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Episode #63 – In or Out… Food & HealthTrends for 2023
Every new year is a time to reflect on the trends and fads from the year behind us – and to look ahead to what might be on the horizon. Whether it’s plant-based diets, wearable tech, weight-loss no longer being a dirty word, healthier charcuterie boards (I want to believe it WON’T be butter boards again) or even just good old mushrooms, there’s always something new that we should be keeping an eye on.

Joining me in this episode is returning guest Bonnie Taub-Dix. Bonnie is a registered dietitian/nutritionist, media personality & trainer, spokesperson, motivational speaker, journalist, and corporate and brand consultant. She takes me through the difference between a fad and a trend, her list of in and out predictions for 2023, and what we hope to see (and not see) in the coming year.

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Episode #62 – Ozempic, The Celebrity Weight Loss Drug: Should We Be Concerned?
The drug Ozempic is a trending topic lately. Originally designed to help control diabetes, it’s been picked up by the media as the latest and greatest off-label fix for weight loss. In fact, my own husband tried this drug – and he’s not even a celebrity! So, I wanted to find out: what is this drug, what exactly does it do, and does it actually help people lose weight?

Joining me for this conversation is Lauren Harris-Pincus, a nutrition communication specialist, speaker, spokesperson, and registered dietitian in the New York/New Jersey area for 25 years. With Lauren’s help, we explore the molecular nitty gritty of what semaglutide (aka the active ingredient in Ozempic) does in the body, whether the drug Hollywood is infatuated with is actually Ozempic or Wegovy, and overall the world of problems associated with glorifying weight loss drugs as a “silver bullet”. All this and more – stay tuned!

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Episode #61 – The Scoop on Bloating: Why “Flat Belly Foods” is an Oxymoron
Bloat is a puffed up topic in the media these days, but there’s a lot of misconceptions out there – so I decided to let some of the air out of this issue and get to the bottom of whether or not “flat belly foods” actually exist.

For this episode, I’m excited for Tamara Duker Freuman to join me to dive deep into the discussion of belly bloat. Tamara is a New York City-based registered dietitian with 12 years of experience in clinical gastroenterology practice settings specializing in dietary management of digestive symptoms and diseases. She’s also the author of The Bloated Belly Whisperer, and her next book, Regular, is now available for pre-order ahead of its April 2023 release.

We discuss why knowing the cause of your bloating is the key to fixing the problem rather than searching for a one-size-fits-all solution (because frankly, it doesn’t exist), whether or not “flat belly foods” are actually effective (I mean if you think about it, does adding more food to an already full system really make sense??), and the number one fiber-related reason the majority of people are probably feeling bloated (or should I say, number 2). All this and more in this episode!

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Episode #60 – Reheating a Misconception: Why Does Frozen Food Still Get a Bad Rap?
For my diehard fans, you might remember that I covered frozen food once already way back in Episode 29 (Should you spend more time in the frozen food aisle?) but I think it’s so important – and misunderstood – that I’m throwing this discussion back into the microwave for a reheat.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Rosen, the Emmy and James Beard Award nominated host of “Potluck with Ali Rosen” on New York City Life. She is the author of cookbooks Modern Freezer Meals, and Bring It, and has been featured on shows like The Today Show and Food Network Kitchen. She also has a new fiction novel, Recipe for Second Chances, arriving in September 2023 (can’t wait to read it!) Hailing from Charleston North Carolina, she now lives in New York with her husband and 3 kids. Ali is the perfect guest for this discussion about whether frozen foods are less healthy than fresh (spoiler: they are NOT!), as well as how food and freezing technology has come a long way from your grandma’s fridge, the biggest mistake you probably don’t know you’re making (hint: it’s got something to do with serving size) and the benefits that you could be reaping from opting for certain easy picks in the frozen aisle at the grocery store.

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Episode #59 – Getting a Jumpstart on the Holidays
It’s fast approaching that time of the year that brings colder weather, warm gatherings with family and friends – and for some, a lot of anxiety about how to stay on track with healthy eating, despite the holidays. While I advocate for eating what you want on the day of, I know that advice doesn’t work for everyone. You see, for many people it’s not just a single day, or two, of celebration that there’s pressure to over-indulge…it may be the full six weeks from Thanksgiving to New Years. So, in that spirit, I have 10 healthy tips that you can put into practice now – before the season officially kicks off – to help you feel better and maintain some balance as we approach 2023.
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Episode #58- There’s More Than One Way to Eat an Unhealthy Diet
SO many people try one diet or another in the pursuit of eating healthier, but are they succeeding? In this episode I am joined by Dr. Zach Conrad, a nutritional epidemiologist, who has recently published a study titled “Quality of popular diet patterns in the United States: evaluating the effect of substitutions for foods high in added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and refined grains.” It might be a long title, but it barely scratches the surface of how interesting their findings are. For example, 50% of the US population has tried some kind of popular (or as I would say, fad) diet in the past year (many of them more than one!). And according to the study’s findings, the general population diet is scoring around 57% out of 100%, with many of the other diets falling close behind. Dr. Zach discusses some of the study’s other surprising results, why he himself is an advocate of small changes for healthy eating, and why step number one in getting our diets healthier might just be getting rid of labeling them to begin with… All this and more in this episode – check it out!
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Episode #57- SDoes Anti-Diet Have to Mean Anti-Weight Loss?
Registered dietitian Jackie London is back for another round! You might remember Jackie, author of Dressing on the Side: and Other Diet Myths Debunked, and podcast host of On the Side with Jackie London, from all the way back to episode 5 of The Keri Report when we discussed whether weight loss and body acceptance can co-exist. I was prompted to bring Jackie back on by an Instagram post she made about why she’s anti-diet, but NOT anti-weight loss! We talk about: the benefits of normalizing compassionate healthy eating for weight loss; the conflation of personal experience with expertise; Jackie’s top 5 tips for weight loss; why “diet” seems to have become another 4-letter word (but why weight loss shouldn’t be) – and more!
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Episode #56- Summer Recap: TikTok Diet Trends
Welcome back to the Season 3 premiere of the Keri Report! I’m catching up on some of the pros and cons behind the hottest popular social media trends from over the summer – so, yes, I did hop on the dreaded TikTok. I give my two cents on the chia seed cleanse (AKA the “internal shower”, and no, I’m not making that up), the effects of a plant-based diet to treat psoriasis (beyond just the study of one Kim Kardashian), and the case for hypnosis for weight loss (and why the discussion around it made me say a third “but” this episode.)
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Episode #55- Healthy Coke, Anyone? : Trending Nutrition Topics – Season Finale!
This episode is season 2’s finale–but before I send you on your way for the summer, I wanted to talk to you about some hot nutrition topics that are trending on social media. These include: the “Healthy Coke” trend, the GOLO Diet, and Hailey Bieber’s smoothie for glowing skin. I debunk some of these trends–but I also talk about ways in which they may have merit, and how you can do some DIY at home.
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Episode #54- Things You Should Know About Intermittent Fasting
I’ll be honest–from the get-go, I have been pretty negative about intermittent fasting, for many reasons. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Stephens, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports nutrition. Amy and I talk all about the different types of intermittent fasting, there are many, who would and wouldn’t benefit from this diet, and how it relates to athletic performance. Who knows, I might be slightly changing my opinion.
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Episode #53- Is the Noom Diet a diet?
There is no shortage of diets out there and many unfortunately are not great for your overall health. In this episode, I walk you through the process of starting the popular Noom diet – including the types of questions you’re asked from the beginning, their traffic-light food system, and the calorie amounts given. Some of the diet may be a little confusing, at least to me; however, the biggest question is whether or not Noom is in denial about their plan being an actual diet.

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Episode #52- Pre, Pro & Postbiotics: What’s the difference & how can they benefit your health?
You’ve probably heard of prebiotics and probiotics–but have you heard of postbiotics? And do you know how they can help your gut microbiome? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Justin Green, the Director of Scientific Affairs at Cargill Health Technologies. Justin and I talk about the difference between pre, pro and postbiotics, how each of them are helpful for you, and how to find what works for you.
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Episode #51- Plant vs. Animal Diets – Can They Co-Exist in a Sustainable World?
In this episode, I’m revisiting a topic I covered waaay back in Episode 11: “How Does Beef Fit Into Our Diet and a Healthy Planet”. To me, this topic is still confusing since many experts seem to have differing opinions and approaches. Enter registered dietitian extraordinaire Kate Geagan, the Co-Founder of Food and Planet. Kate and I talk about how current food systems are not sustainable, the environmental impacts of plant vs. animal diets, and is it even possible to eat beef without feeling guilty about its impact on our planet?

P.S. Both Kate and I confess to being beef eaters!


https://foodandplanet.org/downloads/
Kate’s Website: kategeagan.com 
Kate’s Twitter: @greeneating

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Episode #50 – Debunking the Dirty Dozen

Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases the Dirty Dozen, a list of conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues. And every year, this list generates unnecessary consumer concern.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tamika Sims, Ph.D., the Senior Director of Food Technology Communications for the International Food Information Council. We talk about the difference between organic and conventional farming, natural and synthetic pesticides, and how consumers shouldn’t be worried about the Dirty Dozen.


Foodinsight.org

safefruitsandveggies.com

IFIC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @foodinsight

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Episode #49 -Clearing Up Skincare Confusion

Just like the world of health and nutrition, the world of skincare and beauty can be very confusing. So in this episode, I’m joined by skincare expert and esthetician, Renée Rouleau. We dive deep into what’s important for your skincare routine and maintaining healthy skin. From choosing the right cleanser, serum, acid, and moisturizer, to what not to spend money on – we’ve got you covered.
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Episode #48 -Buying Sustainable Seafood

Thanks to my marine biologist niece, I’ve recently been questioning my seafood-buying practices. What should I be looking to buy, and what’s considered sustainable when it comes to seafood? In this episode, I’m joined by expert Scott Nichols, the founder and principal of Food’s Future, LLC. I talk with Scott about farmed vs. wild, types of aquaculture, organic practices, safety and what it means to have a hopeful food future.
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Episode #47 -Fueling To Run Across America

For most people, the idea of running across the country is the stuff of movies. But not for professional runner and Guiness World Record holder Michael Wardian, who is preparing to do just that. In this episode, I talk with Mike about how exactly he is navigating this amazing journey. We discuss his training schedule, diet and fueling requirements, and why he’s doing this in the first place at all.
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Episode #46 -Are the Watermelon and Optavia Diets Worth the Hype??

With every year comes new diets; some good, some… not so good. And then there are the diets that you think would have faded long ago. In this episode, I’m going to talk about two fad diets: the Watermelon Diet from Netflix’s Cheer, and the Optavia Diet. Should you try these diets? Tune in to find out..
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Episode #45 – Is CBD Actually Good for You?

CBD, a chemical in the cannabis plant, seems to be everywhere these days. It’s in everything from drinks to pet products to gummies–and it comes with a whole bunch of health claims. But can CBD really help with things like anxiety, pain and autism? In this episode, I’m joined by Janice Bissex, a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, and the founder of Jannabis Wellness. Janice and I define a lot of terms (for ex: cannabis vs. hemp, full spectrum vs. broad spectrum), and talk about proper dosages, how to tell if a product is safe, possible side effects, and how exactly CBD can help.
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Episode #44 – Myth-Busting: Weight Loss Tips

Everyone wants an easy way to lose weight–and the internet does not disappoint in providing infinite weight loss tips. But do any of them actually work? In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, and the founder of Middleberg Nutrition. Stephanie and I myth-bust some of the most popular weight loss tips out there, such as lemon water, apple cider vinegar, and green tea, while surprisingly also giving examples of how some of these tips might actually help.
@smiddleberg_rd
@middlebergnutrition
www.middlebergnutrition.com
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Episode #43 – Why The Keto Diet Isn’t For You

The Keto diet may be one of the most popular diets around–but that doesn’t mean you should be doing it. In this episode I’m joined by Ilisa Nussbaum, MPH, RDN and the Ketogenic Diet Clinic Coordinator at the Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. We discuss who the diet is actually intended for, some of its dangerous side effects, and why choosing it for weight loss is outright crazy.

The Ketogenic Diet Program at Yale

Recipes, nutrition and cooking lesson plans from Ilisa

Instagram @in_nutritionrd

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Episode #42 – New Year, No Resolutions

The Keto diet may be one of the most popular diets around–but that doesn’t mean you should be doing it. In this episode I’m joined by Ilisa Nussbaum, MPH, RDN and the Ketogenic Diet Clinic Coordinator at the Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. We discuss who the diet is actually intended for, some of its dangerous side effects, and why choosing it for weight loss is outright crazy.

The Ketogenic Diet Program at Yale 

Recipes, nutrition and cooking lesson plans from Ilisa

Instagram @in_nutritionrd

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Episode #41- True or False: Holiday Edition

As we are dead into the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to play a little holiday-themed game. I will give a popular holiday eating tip, and then you can decide if it is True or False. Trust me, some of the answers will be a little shocking!

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Episode #40 – Is There a Relationship Between Social Media and Eating Disorders?

I’m not very fond of social media for a number of reasons—but in this episode, we’re going to explore one of its more dangerous elements – its possible relationship to eating disorders.

I am thrilled to be joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Dr. Melissa Freizinger. Dr. Freizinger is the Associate Director of the Eating Disorder Program in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital.

We chat about who is most susceptible to developing a negative body image from social media, what platforms have the biggest impact, and honestly, how it may affect each and every one of us in different ways.

Project Heal: https://www.theprojectheal.org/
Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association: https://www.medainc.org/
National Eating Disorder Association: https://nedic.ca/
Harvard STRIPED: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/
MeetCircle: https://meetcircle.com

Social Media Sites:
Twitter: @HarvardSTRIPED, @DigitalWellLab, @mediatrician
Facebook: @STRIPED.Harvard,@digitalwellnesslab
Instagram: @harvardstriped, @digitalwellnesslab, @alliancefored, @recoverwithmedia, @projectheal
TikTok: @Harvardstriped1

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Episode #39 – Improving Your Immune Health

Since the pandemic began, many consumers have been stocking up on supplements in an effort to “boost” their immune system. But do any of these supplements make a difference? What really is the best way to support our immune health?

In this episode, Mia Syn, registered dietitian and host of Good Food Friday on ABC Charleston, and I discuss taking a food first approach. Mia also gives us her top 5 nutrients for immune health and other proven strategies to maintain our immunity.

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Episode #38 – How to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Let’s face it —getting a good night’s sleep can be hard. There’s so much information online about how to catch those zzzzzzs, but it can feel overwhelming to wade through it all.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Christopher Mohr, co-creator of the sleep course: Make Healthy a Habit: 21 Days to Better Sleep. We discuss many strategies for improved sleep, including which, if any, herbs help, how diet, alcohol and exercise play a role, and the amount of sleep we really need.

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Episode #37 – Changing Your Relationship with Sugar

I already did one episode on sugar, but there is still so much to cover. On average, Americans eat 70% more sugar than their recommended daily requirements. So when it comes to reducing sugar in our diets, where do we even start?

In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian and co-author of Sugar Shock, Samantha Cassetty. We discuss the impacts of overeating sugar, the types of sugar to avoid, sugar and habit-forming behaviors, managing cravings, and training your tastebuds.

www.samanthacassetty.com

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Episode #36 –
Protein Powder, Is It Worth It?

Protein powder has been a major player in recent popular food trends. But are these trends using protein powder properly? And at the end of the day, do you even need protein powder? In this episode, I’m joined by Sports Registered Dietitian and Greenletes podcast host, Natalie Rizzo. We discuss the many types of protein powders that exist, what to look for to ensure you’re actually getting what it says on the bottle, and whether you really need protein powder at all.

https://greenletes.com

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Episode #35 –
A Deep Dive into the FODMAP Diet

The FODMAP diet is a popular diet that isn’t about weight loss. So what exactly is it? And who is it really for? In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian, Kate Scarlata, author of The Low-FODMAP Diet Step By Step. We take an in-depth look at the low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome — the science behind it, its benefits for certain populations, and how to properly do it.

The Monash Food App: https://www.monashfodmap.com/ibs-central/i-have-ibs/get-the-app/

More FODMAP resources on Kate’s website: https://www.katescarlata.com

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Episode #34 –
Summer Recap: TikTok Food Trends

I have a complicated relationship with TikTok, and it isn’t necessarily helped by some of the popular food trends that come out of it. In my Season 2 premiere episode, I take you through three food and beverage trends that dominated TikTok this summer: proffee, fruit dipped in protein powder, and frozen honey. Is there any benefit to these “hacks”? You might be surprised by my conclusions.
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Episode #33 –
What is the Truth Behind the Mayr Method? – Episode 33 Season Finale

When Rebel Wilson revealed she had lost around over 60 pounds last year, everyone was wondering what diet she was on and how to do the same. In this episode, my season finale, I’m taking a hard look at the Mayr Method diet – what it entails, what’s the science to support it, and whether or not you should actually give it a try.
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Episode #32 –
Plant Versus Animal Based Diets – Is One Better Than the Other? – Episode 32

For years there’s been a great debate between plant-based diets and animal-based diets. Recently there was a new study to come out comparing a low-fat plant-based diet and a low-carb animal-based diet, aimed at getting to some sort of answer. In this episode, I break it all down to see if there’s any conclusion as to whether one is actually better than the other.
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Episode #31 –
Enhancing Your Fitness Routine with Caffeine and Creatine – Episode 31

I’m constantly being asked by the media what I’d recommend to enhance someone’s workout performance. For the average, gym-going Joe or Josephine, supplements can get really confusing.

In this episode I’m joined by Tara Gidus Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, ACE-PT, to talk about two very popular supplements – caffeine and creatine – and how they may help you to make the most out of your exercise routine.

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Episode #30 –
Clearing Up Confusion in Your Supermarket Aisles – Episode 30

For a lot of people, the trip to the grocery store can be overwhelming, not just because of all the options but because it’s hard to know what’s really good for you. Terms like “all natural”, “reduced sodium”, “certified organic”, and “100% whole grain” can be confusing, so what does it all mean?
In this episode I’m joined by Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, and author of the incredible book “Read It Before You Eat It” to talk all things food labels and how to make the most out of your trip to the supermarket.
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Episode #29 –
Should you spend more time in the frozen food aisle?

Frozen dinners haven’t necessarily been a number one choice for many people because there are a lot of preconceived ideas about them. Some say there’s too much sodium and not enough vitamins, and after days in the freezer, is the flavor there?

In this episode, my friend Dr. Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, LDN, FAND, joins me as we discuss the benefits of frozen fruit and vegetables, the legacy of “TV Dinners”, and debunk the many myths surrounding frozen microwavable meals.

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Episode #28 –
Understanding Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size®

What does it mean to eat intuitively?

In this episode I’m joined by Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS and author of the book “Unapologetic Eating” to discuss the Health at Every Size® movement and its relationship to our health and diet culture today.

We unpack whether intuitive eating is yet another fad diet, or something totally unique and what it might mean to be healthy and happy.

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Episode #27

For years, Monosodium Glutamate, aka MSG, has had a bad reputation with people faulting it for causing lots of side effects, including headaches, and containing too much sodium. But, is there any research to back up those claims?
In this episode Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Sammi Brondo joins me to separate the myths from the facts. We explore its history, the science behind it, and best of all, the tastiest ways to use it!
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Episode #26

A lot of people worry about the amount of sugar they’re consuming on average, but should you?
In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian, Abby Langer, who authored the book “Good Food, Bad Diet”. We take a look at sugar and why you don’t need to “quit” it. Together, we debunk some outlandish theories about fruit, uncover hidden added sugar and lend some tips to help you keep your sugar consumption balanced.

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Episode #25

It seems like every month there’s a new “listicle” that talks about the “top 10 superfoods” that you should be eating. As an RDN, I can’t help but cringe because often these lists are limited, expensive and quite frankly, pointless.
In this episode, DJ Blatner, RDN, CSSD and Author of The Superfood Swap, joins me to take a hard look at what makes a superfood and where they fit into a balanced diet. Is there any difference between “superfoods” and foods that are just plain good for you?
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Episode #24

The idea of reducing food waste isn’t a new concept. I remember my parents reminding me as a kid to eat every last bite of food on my plate because “children were starving”. So, has anything changed since then?
This week, Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, joins me on the podcast to talk about limiting our food waste in our daily routines, the resources that you might have never heard of, and why it all matters anyway.

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Episode #23

We’re a month into the new year and at this point many people are typically feeling a sense of guilt for having abandoned a diet they started on January 1st. But should they?
In this episode I’m looking at diet culture and its effect on my work, my clients and the world we live in. Can the word(s) “diet” and “weight loss” be used for good?

Follow some of these RDs for healthy weight loss on Instagram:

  • @bonnietaubdix
  • @nutritionistsam
  • @laurenpincusrd
  • @carolinesusierd
  • @perimenopauseweightloss
  • @theweightloss.dietitian
  • @caitlynhunter.nutrition

 

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Episode #22

At the end of every year I do a round-up of the top 10 diets that have been Googled that year for U.S. News. Today, you get it in podcast form!
Which diets do I wish would simply disappear, and which actually have some merit? I break it all down in this episode.

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Episode #21

2020 gave us lots of reasons perhaps to drink too much. But now that we’re out of the holiday season and into a new year, it’s might be time to revisit our relationship with alcohol.
In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Kathleen Zelman to discuss what a responsible drinking habit looks like, the differences between men and women’s alcohol intake, and if my daily martini really has a role in a healthy diet (fingers crossed).

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Happy Holidays!

In this quick episode, I’m jumping in to simply to give you my advice on how to handle holiday meals and forth-coming resolutions.
AND mostly, I just want to wish you all a very Happy Holidays.
See you in 2021!

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Episode #20

Lately I’ve had all sorts of people telling me that it feels like they’re lacking in energy. Maybe it’s the time of year or the fact that we’re still in a global pandemic, but so many of us are desperate for an extra boost. So what can we do? In this episode break I down why certain foods can add a little more “oomph” to your day, but more importantly how they fit into the big picture.
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Episode #19

Buying eggs these days, even for the most avid egg-lover like myself, can seem daunting! Is there a nutritional difference between brown and white eggs or organic vs. conventional? And what about pasture-raised vs. cage free; what does it really mean for the chickens? In this episode I’ve invited Katie Hayes, RDN and Director of Nutrition Communications at the Egg Nutrition Center, to crack into everything you need to know about eggs.

 

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Episode #18

The concept of GMOs can make a lot of people uncomfortable and question if they’re safe to eat and sustainable for the environment. But is there any merit to those concerns? This week, globally recognized public health dietitian Chris Vogilano, joins me on the podcast to chat about everything GMO and help make sense of this very controversial topic.

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Episode #17

Why is a diet that’s been around for almost 10 years suddenly getting popular all over again? In this episode, I break down the Whole 30 Diet, what it is, who created it and if it’s really worth giving it a try. If you’ve listened to my show before you’ll know that I’m not typically a big fan of fad diets, and the Whole 30 is no exception. But for something that’s been so popular for so long, could this program actually have any merit?
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Episode #16

If this is the first time you’ve heard about Irish Moss, it’s yet another food to get popular because of its “superfood” health claims. But what is it actually, and can the claims even be substantiated?

In this episode, I lay out the science behind this unique ingredient, and the studies (or lack thereof) that you should know about.

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Episode #15

It seems like we get a new zero-calorie sweetner hitting our grocery isles every month, and this week I’m breaking down Monk Fruit.

Okay, maybe no one in the Western world really actually eats Monk Fruit, so what is this sugar-like powder that we get from it? Is it safe? What are the health claims, and how do you use it?

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Episode #14

Many of you have likely heard about the F Factor Diet, even if only recently due to the headlines surrounding it. I wanted to take this episode as an opportunity to weigh in on this diet that’s been around for 20 years.

I will talk about the importance of fiber for our health and how best to consume it, whether or not it is okay to want to lose weight, and the role food intolerances may play in our choice of products.

Lastly, I will touch on how I am disheartened by the way social media is sometimes used as a battleground.

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Episode #13

Coconut oil has surfaced over the last couple of years, with claims that it can heal and prevent all sorts of things, from Alzheimers to cancer. These are big claims that in a society obsessed with “natural medicine”, many of us can only hope to be true.

In this episode I discuss numerous studies that tackle these claims to see if they really have any credibility.

So, is coconut oil a healthy oil alternative, or is there more to it – because believing claims versus reality can sometimes be a VERY slippery slope!

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Episode #12

Everyone knows that staying hydrated is the key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle, after all our bodies are 60% water!

But today, I’m tackling the topic of “enhanced” waters, specifically Alkaline Water and Ginger Water, to find out if they’re really anything to write home about. Certain waters and “elixirs’ claim to provide amazing benefits, like more energy and preventing bone loss, so I’m here to find out the truth.

Does a specific PH balance really make a difference?

Do certain types of water really have magical properties?

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Episode #11

Beef has earned a bad reputation with many health advocates around the world, but is the concern justified?

In this episode I’m joined by registered dietitian Melissa Joy Dobbins to get to the nitty gritty about beef; a well-loved summer-time staple. Personally I love a good burger, but I am often asked about its health effects, especially with high grilling temperatures.

We also dive into the impact of cattle farms on our environment; how harmful is or isn’t it? This episode is a juicy one!

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Episode #10

Over these months of lockdown, I’ve seen healthy habits become a trend only to be thrown to the wayside all together.

In this episode I invited nutritionist and dear friend Samantha Cassetty on the podcast to take a hard look at the ways that many of us are dealing with quarantine living.

Have our exercising habits changed?
Are we eating healthy and/or snacking too much?
What about those happy hours, are we drinking perhaps a little more than usual?

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Episode #09

In this episode I’m breaking down the Keto diet, from how it works and IF it works, to the studies and science behind it. Is the Keto diet the magic weight loss solution so many people claim it to be? What types of side effects, if any, does it have?

If you’ve been considering “going Keto”, or have been curious about it, you need to listen to this episode!

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Episode #08

From nut milk to oat milk, and even banana milk, there are plenty of milk alternatives out there to choose from. But what really makes some better than others?

In this episode I lay out the most popular milk alternatives and tell you everything you need to know in order to understand which one is right for you. For example, which one is the best in terms of delivering protein, fiber, vitamin D and/or calcium? Everyone has favorites, let me help you find yours!

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Episode #07

Dairy commercials rave about its health benefits, so why are so many people still freaked out by milk?

In this episode I’m joined by Lauren Twigge, aka “The Dairy Dietitian”, to help understand the facts about the milk industry, including hormone and antibiotic usage.

Should we be concerned about our milk and dairy consumption? What’s the real difference between conventional and organic milk? How about those cows?

Find out everything you need to know so you don’t have to avoid the dairy aisle.

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Episode #06

For many years, low calorie sweeteners, like Splenda, have taken some serious heat from the public.

I’ve invited Dr. Ali Webster from IFIC Foundation to join me to break down everything you need to know about low calorie sweeteners. What’s the difference between man-made and natural? How does something get FDA approved? Do they cause cancer? We tackle the myths and face the facts so you can make the best choice for yourself on whether or not you choose to consume them.

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Episode #05

In today’s diet culture, is it okay to WANT to lose weight?

In this episode I’m joined by my first guest, registered dietitian Jackie London, to breakdown whether or not someone can love their body yet want to lose weight. Jackie is the Head of Nutrition and Wellness at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and the author of Dressing on the Side: and Other Diet Myths Debunked – needless to say she’s the perfect person to discuss this nuanced topic with.

Are weight loss and body positivity mutually exclusive or can there be common ground?

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Episode #04

As far as most people know, collagen is something that prevents wrinkles. But what is it really and does it actually have health benefits? In this episode, I break down the science of collagen so you can make the right choice when it comes to supplements.

And speaking of science, what about all those ingredients you can’t pronounce on your food items? Are these food additives safe and why are they even there to begin with?

Finally, breakfast: we’ve all be trained to think that it’s the most important meal of the day. I dissect whether the power of breakfast is fact or fiction.

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Episode #03

Over the last few years, gluten has earned itself a bad reputation. Sure, your friends might say they feel better on a gluten-free diet, but is it really necessary for you? In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest diet trends I’ve seen and why gluten-free is NOT for everyone.

A new diet fad has also hit the media, the Sirtfood Diet. This diet was recently made popular by Adele after her massive weight-loss this year, so I explain what exactly it is along with its health claims? And then there is allulose – have you heard of it? I walk you through this new-found sugar alternative and discuss whether or not it is safe to try.

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Episode #02

Keri tackles three topics in nutrition that keep coming up over and over again: intermittent fasting, coffee detoxs and vegan cookies. These three fads have claimed benefits when in comes to wellness and weigh-loss, but let’s look at the science.

Does intermittent fasting have fact-based results, and what are they? Do you NEED coffee to function, or should you avoid it all together? Vegan cookies: are they “good for you”, or should you stick to an old-fashioned chocolate chip?
All these questions answered, and more in this episode of the Keri Report.

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Episode #01

Long before this global pandemic, I was seeing “magic” supplements circling around the internet as the ultimate cure for the common cold and flu. Unfortunately, I now see them more than ever.

In this episode, I dissect the scientific studies on how effective the four most talked about supplements are. I also get real about the annual Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group. What does it mean to call a fruit or vegetable “clean” or “dirty”, and should we even be worried about pesticides in our produce to begin with? And lastly a question on everyone’s mind: what exactly is a a plant-based or plant-forward diet?

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