New dietary guidelines were released on January 7, 2026, introducing an upside-down food pyramid and sparking a lot of chatter on social media. But before we get into nutrients, controversy, and hot takes, let’s start with the basics. First, …
That’s the energy the new Dietary Guidelines are bringing in 2026. And honestly? I’m not mad about the increased protein targets. This better reflects what the scientific literature has been showing for years, especially around muscle h…
Immediately after I just told a new mom it was time to introduce peanut to her baby, she fearfully looked up and said, “Are you serious… now? He’s only five months.” You’ve probably had that same moment in clinic. The…
As a pediatric provider, you’ve likely heard it all: “She says it smells weird.”“He spits it out before it even touches his tongue.”“They won’t eat anything unless it’s beige.” We often blame t…
Disease Spotlight | Dyslipidemia As we all know, elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It's a battle we fight daily in our clinics, and while medication plays a crucial role, we also recognize the power of…
When I was in PA school, we learned to spot a classic eating disorder patient. The clinical scenarios typically described a Caucasian, teen girl with a ballet bun and a BMI below 17. But what about the 9-year-old labeled as a “picky eater&rd…
It’s one of the most common—and most frustrating—moments providers face. You’re done with the visit. You’ve reviewed the labs, updated the med list, and walked the patient through their primary concerns. You’re s…
"What’s the Best Diet for Lipids?" It’s one of the most common — and controversial — questions we get as providers. But if you’ve ever tried to give a one-size-fits-all answer, you know it’s not that simple. Tha…
When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he wants to require nutrition education in every U.S. medical school—or else they’ll lose federal funding—you could almost hear the collective "Finally!" from the wellness world. On the sur…
You’ve probably heard it before — or maybe even felt it yourself. A patient returns from vacation feeling sluggish after a week of indulgent eating, one too many drinks, and not enough sleep. They’re feeling guilty and looking for…
Whether these end up in your clinic conversations or your own pantry, here are 6 nutrition trends to keep an eye on, straight from my latest podcast with supermarket dietitian and nutrition myth-buster Leah McGrath. 1. 🍵 Tea is Having a Moment We&…
I skimmed the chart before walking into the exam room.Chief complaint: “Won’t eat anything.” I took a deep breath. My clinic schedule was already packed.I was running 30 minutes behind. And now...A 5-year-old who won’t eat a…
Cramps. Cravings. Fatigue. For many, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) brings physical and emotional symptoms that disrupt daily life. The most common signs tend to appear toward the end of the luteal phase, in the days leading up to menstruation. The a…
Pop quiz time…Which nutrient goes by the name B9? A) BiotinB) NiacinC) RiboflavinD) Folate If you guessed Folate, you're RIGHT! Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is one of the eight micronutrients that makes up the B-complex family of vita…
This article was written and submitted by Dietetic Intern, Christine Beckel. Reviewed by Colleen Sloan Protein is the macronutrient largely associated with muscle growth and maintenance, and rightly so. There is no denying that amino acids (the end…
Researchers at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston used ChatGPT-4o to scan over 17,000 outpatient notes from providers treating adults with asthma and obesity between 2020 and 2023. The prompts were simple: Is asthma being discussed? …
Don't waste your time writing meal plans (like I did)! We’ve all had patients ask for a meal plan. But let’s be real—how many actually follow it? Spoiler alert: NONE! (okay maybe 2%) Meal plans fail because they assum…
What You Need to Know Big news in the world of obesity medicine: The Lancet Commission just released a groundbreaking report redefining obesity—not just as excess weight, but as a condition characterized by excess adiposity, w…
The words we choose can either build trust and collaboration or shut down dialogue. A recent paper published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings caught my eye because it highlights the power of language—and the harm of certain “never-wo…
The Hims & Hers Super Bowl ad made some bold claims—about weight loss, Big Pharma, and a healthcare system designed to keep us "sick & stuck." But how much of it is true, and how much is just smart marketing? Let’s break it down…
Did you know that plant-based foods require less land, water, and energy to produce? In fact, producing 1 pound of beef requires 1,800 gallons of water, while growing 1 pound of veggies only takes around 39 gallons! In addition to benefiting the env…
The landscape of alcohol consumption guidance is shifting significantly. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has just released a groundbreaking advisory highlighting the direct connection between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, urging a warni…
We've all been there: a fun night out that ends with a less-than-fun morning. While there's no magical hangover cure, there are definitely foods and drinks that can help your patients rehydrate, replenish electrolytes, and get them feeling better fa…
I love the holidays, but there’s one thing I could do without: the dreaded “What do you do?” question at parties. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud to be a dietitian, and I could happily talk about food all day! But holiday…