Episodes

Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode of Exam Room Nutrition, we discuss infant feeding challenges that many clinicians encounter in practice. Pediatric providers frequently hear concerns from parents about bottle-feeding, nipple confusion, and difficulties at the breast—and we’ve got you covered with expert insights. Today, we’re joined by infant feeding specialist Mallory, who shares actionable advice on how to support families struggling with bottle and breast-feeding. Grab the free Gr...

Send Colleen a Text Message Can you confidently answer your patient when they ask if that greens powder or multivitamin they’re taking is worth it? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. We didn’t learn about supplements in school That’s why I’m so excited to have Dr. Douglas Kalman on the show today. He’s a Registered Dietitian and a leading expert in supplement science and regulation. We’ll break down what every clinician needs to know to confidently recommend—or steer clear of—certain p...

Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode, we unpack adult sports nutrition with my friend Erik Bustillo, a leading sports dietitian and performance coach. Having known Erik since our undergrad days at FIU in Miami, it’s exciting to bring his expertise to our listeners. Since we’ve recently covered sports nutrition for teens and young athletes, today’s focus is on adults looking to optimize their fitness journey. Grab the FREE Sports Nutrition Cheat Sheet In This Episode, You'll Learn: Macro...

Send Colleen a Text Message Ready to level up your teen athletes’ game? In this episode, we’re busting some of the biggest sports nutrition myths that could make or break their performance. If you caught Part 1, you know how vital carbs, protein, and fats are for fueling young athletes. This time, we’re diving into the burning questions parents and athletes have been asking—and we’re giving you the straight answers you need. Don't forget to snag your free download: The 4 P's to Picking a Protei...

Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode of the Exam Room Nutrition Podcast, I sit down with Amy, a leading sports dietitian and host of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, to unpack the essentials of sports nutrition. You'll learn the essential aspects of nutrition before, during, and after exercise, strategies for kids with low appetite, hydration tips, and simple snack ideas. Plus, you'll also hear Amy's take on what advice clinicians should never give to young athletes, and why carbohydrates ...

Send Colleen a Text Message Did the title of this episode hurt a little? Are you guilty of telling your patients to just eat less and move more to lose weight? Don’t feel bad, we all are. Register for the free Motivational Interviewing workshop In this episode of the Exam Room Nutrition podcast, Colleen welcomes Dr. Michelle May, a former family physician and expert in mindful eating. They discuss the importance of shifting away from the diet mentality and embracing weight neutral and weight i...

Send Colleen a Text Message Do you feel awkward talking about a patients weight? You know you should talk about it, but aren’t really sure when and how? And you definitely don’t want to offend or shame the patient, but you know they really need to make some changes to their health. In this episode of the Exam Room Nutrition podcast, I team up with Nina, a registered dietitian and PhD health psychologist to explore how to discuss a patient's weight in a compassionate yet effective manner. Balanci...

Send Colleen a Text Message Ever feel like you're just spinning your wheels with certain patients? You dish out all the right advice, but somehow the change just doesn’t stick? I've got some tough love for you: more information doesn't equal better results. Maybe that patient who just won't seem to change isn't noncompliant, they're just struggling with something. Behavior change is so complicated because it requires a person to disrupt a current habit while simultaneously fostering a new, unfa...

Send Colleen a Text Message Whether patients ask or not, they may be wondering if there are any ways to make alcoholic beverages healthy? While alcohol is no superfood, enjoying a drink in moderation with good company can be part of a balanced lifestyle. In this episode, I unpack the nutritional content of popular alcoholic drinks, call out the worst choices, offer better options and provide some alcohol-free and mocktail considerations. Resources: Book a Nutrition Check-Up with me at thenutr...

Send Colleen a Text Message Does coffee stunt growth? This common misconception may have come from some clever advertising in the 1900s or from decades old research linking caffeine to osteoporosis. Whatever the source, many people are curious whether coffee is safe for kids. In under 15 minutes you'll learn the science behind caffeine and growth, the health benefits and harms of caffeine, and safe limits for children so you can adequately guide your patients. Resources: What is Proffee? by Co...

Send Colleen a Text Message What’s the deal with eggs? Are they good? Bad? Do they impact my cholesterol levels? How many can I eat? Welcome to Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Fill out this form to have your question featured on a future episode. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen is unpacking Eggs: a breakfast staple. We've all heard the co...

Send Colleen a Text Message Should I take a protein supplement? Which one do you recommend? Welcome to Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen is teaching you a simple framework for helping your patients choose the best protein supplement. The four P's of picking a protein supplement : purpose, profile, preference, a...

Send Colleen a Text Message Colostrum supplements are gaining popularity, but are they worth it? Welcome to Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen unpacks the science behind bovine colostrum supplements and explores: The potential benefits for adults (including gut health and immune function) The current research ...

Send Colleen a Text Message Welcome to the first episode of Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen unpacks the science behind a summertime staple - deli meat! Is deli meat bad for me? We'll dive into the research on processed meats and cancer risk, explore the nitrate debate, and most importantly, equip you with pra...

Send Colleen a Text Message The impact of nutrition on wound healing cannot be overstated. The outcomes of a surgery are directly related to your patient's nutrition status prior to and after surgery. My guest and fellow Dietitian and PA, Erin Sherer, helps us understand the crucial role of nutrition and how we can help our patients on their road to recovery. Key Takeaways: Focus on these wound healing nutrients: Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc Amino Acids and Collagen Exploring specific n...

Send Colleen a Text Message Get the FREE guide to interpreting Growth Charts here: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of pediatric growth charts with Kat, the Failure to Thrive Dietitian. We explore how to effectively use growth charts, identify red flags, and provide sensitive and practical advice to families dealing with underweight and overweight children. Key Takeaways: Understanding Growth Trends:Focus on trends over time rather than single data points. Significant changes in p...

Send Colleen a Text Message Have you ever been in the formula room in your clinic? Do you ever feel like it's a sea of names and, if you're being honest, you have no idea what you're looking at? I completely understand. When I first started in pediatrics, I felt the same way. On today's episode, we are simplifying the world of infant formulas. You'll understand the science behind standard infant formula, why there are so many different types, and how to choose a formula that's best for your pat...

Send Colleen a Text Message This is part 2 of Ask the Dietitian: Cancer Nutrition. Today we welcome back Oncology PA, Dane Thomas and oncology Dietitian, Julie Lanford who continue the conversation about the crucial role of nutrition in cancer treatment and survivorship. As more individuals live beyond a cancer diagnosis, the importance of dietary interventions to prevent cancer recurrence is on everyone's mind. And patient's are asking: "what diet should I follow that will prevent my cancer f...

Send Colleen a Text Message Welcome to a new format that I'll be bringing to the podcast occasionally. I call it, Ask the Dietitian, where I feature 2 guests. One is a medical professional with nutrition questions and the other is a Registered Dietitian ready to provide answers. Today's conversation is between Oncology PA Dane Thomas and oncology Dietitian Julie Lanford who discuss the crucial role of nutrition in cancer treatment and survivorship. They explore various dietary considerations and...

Send Colleen a Text Message A gluten-free diet is the definitive treatment for patients with celiac disease, but it's not so easy to follow. Patients might ask you, "What foods can I eat?", "What can't I eat?", "Will a breadcrumb harm me?", "Do I have to eat like this forever?", "Should I take any vitamins?" Today I'm joined by Selena Devries, a Registered Dietitian specializing in celiac disease, to help us understand the gluten-free diet, the importance of preventing cross-contamination, and t...

Send Colleen a Text Message "My baby spits up a lot!" What the mom is actually saying to you as the clinician: "I'm really worried! Is something wrong with her?" and what the dad is saying, "Please, make it stop. I'm sick of being covered in vomit." Infant reflux is one of the most common concerns during routine well checks. Today I'm joined by Registered Dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert Kristen Gooch to help us navigate infant reflux. Key Takeaways: Understanding Reflux: Learn about th...

Send Colleen a Text Message Let's be real - getting a meal on the table after a long work day is so tough. Juggling an infant and a wiggly picky toddler makes the mealtime experience exhausting. But yet, study after study proves family meals are crucial to children's mental, physical and emotional heath. In today's episode, we're joined by Registered Dietitian Sarah Schlichter to explore practical tips for transforming family meals from stressful events into joyful experiences. Key Takeaways: I...

Send Colleen a Text Message Do you think carbohydrates or dietary fat affect the liver more? Are there any liver superfoods that support liver function? Should patients do a liver cleanse? These are real questions patients ask when diagnosed with fatty liver. I'm joined by fellow PA/RD, Cassidy Mccandless, to breakdown the nutrition facts for fatty liver disease management. Key Takeaways: Focus on carbohydrates: Emphasize reducing added sugars and refined carbohydrates, while encouraging consum...

Send Colleen a Text Message Dealing with unmotivated patients can be one of the most challenging aspects of our work as healthcare providers. For today’s episode, I’m going to challenge this thought: are our patients unmotivated or are they just having a hard time getting started? Changing habits is HARD. Change takes time, patience, and persistence. It’s easy for patient's to become overwhelmed when faced with a difficult task or one they think will be unpleasant. It’s human nature to want to a...