Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition - podcast cover

Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDNexamroomnutrition.buzzsprout.com

As a clinician, your patients are asking: 

“What should I eat for diabetes?” “How do I lose weight?” “My child is so picky. What do I do?” But here’s the problem—you probably didn’t learn much about nutrition in school. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 hours of nutrition education for med students. Most of us? We got maybe 5.  


Enter Exam Room Nutrition. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, a PA and RD with over a decade of experience, this podcast gives you clear, actionable strategies to tackle those tough nutrition questions with confidence—even when you’re pressed for time. From picky eaters to diabetes management, I’ll renew how you approach nutrition.  

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Episodes

120 | How ‘Healthy Eating’ Messaging Backfires—And What to Say Instead

That “picky eater” might not grow out of it. And that patient obsessed with “clean eating”? It might be something deeper. Today, we’re joined by eating disorder dietitian Johnna to challenge everything you thought you knew about disordered eating. You’ll learn: The subtle red flags of disordered eating you might be overlooking during routine visits How to ask better questions to uncover what's really going on with your patient’s eating habits A crash course on ARFID—how it differs from picky eat...

Jul 09, 202532 minEp. 120

119 | When the Visit’s Over… But the Nutrition Questions Keep Coming

You’re walking out the door, wrapping up your visit, and then it happens— “...Oh, by the way, what do you think about ... ?” Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m joined by Alexandria Hardy, MS, RD, LDN, to tackle the rapid-fire nutrition questions patients love to drop at the end of an appointment—when there’s zero time left to answer them well. From weight loss and metabolism to carbs, supplements, and snacking habits, Alexandria shares how she answers these questions in a way that’s practical,...

Jul 02, 202540 minEp. 119

118 | Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula: The Science Behind This Clinically Backed Option

When formula shelves went empty in 2022, clinicians scrambled. Desperate parents, unfamiliar brands, and European imports raised more questions than answers. Since January 2024, one name kept coming up: Kabrita. Is goat milk-based formula just a trend—or is it a clinically sound option you can recommend with confidence? In this episode, sponsored by Kabrita, I’m joined by Dr. Ari Brown, board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author of the Baby 411 series, and Kabrita’s Chief Medical Advisor. ...

Jun 25, 202532 minEp. 116

117 | What’s the Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol?

Your patient says, “My neighbor’s on the carnivore diet and looks amazing. Should I try it?” Cue the internal panic. What do you actually say next? In this episode, Clinical Lipid Specialist Dr. Josh Wageman returns to unpack the dietary chaos surrounding lipids, low-carb diets, saturated fat, and the ever-elusive “best diet.” Whether your patient wants to reverse metabolic syndrome or just “get their cholesterol down,” this conversation will help you separate hype from evidence—and teach you ho...

Jun 18, 202537 minEp. 117

116 | Total Gastrectomy at 31: Lessons from a Dietitian Who’s Been There

Ilana Kersch was 31, healthy, and working as a dietitian—then she was diagnosed with hereditary stomach cancer and told she needed a total gastrectomy. In this powerful episode, Ilana shares what it’s really like to live without a stomach—from managing dumping syndrome and rapid weight loss to navigating survivorship and identity after cancer. As both a clinician and a patient, her insights will change how you counsel your own. Whether you work in GI or not, this one will stay with you. Resource...

Jun 11, 202532 minEp. 115

115| Why RFK’s Med School Nutrition Mandate Sounds Good… But Isn’t

RFK Jr. wants to mandate nutrition education in every U.S. medical school—or else schools risk losing federal funding. On the surface, it sounds like a smart move. But as a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian, I’m here to tell you: it’s not that simple. In this special Nutrition Newsroom episode, I break down what RFK got right, what he missed, and why nutrition education alone won’t fix our broken system. I also share why dietitians are essential to the solution—and how we can better s...

Jun 10, 202512 min

114 | Seed Oils 101: The Evidence Behind the Claims

If your patients are going through the social media rabbit holes about seed oils, you’re not alone. Claims like “pro-inflammatory” and “unhealthy,” are gaining traction—and showing up in the exam room. In this episode we tackle the seed oil confusion head-on. I’m joined by registered dietitian Charlotte Martin, spokesperson for the Soy Connection, to break down the science behind the most common claims. What You’ll Learn: What exactly is a “seed oil” The processing seed oils undergo and what sci...

Jun 04, 202530 minEp. 114

113 | Percentages Aren’t That Bad: How to Make Food Labels Less Confusing

Ever skip the food label convo because it feels too complicated—or let’s be honest, you’re short on time? In this episode, I’m sharing a few clips from this month’s Nutrition Grand Rounds that’ll help you decode the label and teach it in a way your patients actually understand. We’ll cover what patients are really looking at, how to explain percent daily value, and why front-of-package claims like “multi-grain” or “no added sugar” can be totally misleading. Join Nutrition Grand Rounds here Maste...

May 28, 202518 minEp. 113

112 | Quick Nutrition Answers for the “One More Question” Patient

In this week’s episode we’re sharing bite-sized answers to the nutrition questions your patients love to throw at you—often at the very end of the visit. My guest, Nina, is a registered dietitian who specializes in weight management, and she’s here to help you deliver fast, practical advice your patients will actually use. You’ll learn: The 3 no-cook meals Nina recommends to the “I hate cooking” crowd How to teach quick label-reading skills in under 30 seconds What to say when a patient asks abo...

May 21, 202528 minEp. 112

111 | HDL = Good, LDL = Bad? It’s Not That Simple.

You’ve probably said it a hundred times: HDL is the "good" cholesterol, LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. But what if that explanation is oversimplified—and leading patients (and providers) to miss hidden risks? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josh Wageman—a Clinical Lipid Specialist, PhD researcher, and author of The Home Security System and the Lipid Neighborhood —to break down why the old-school lipid model isn’t enough anymore, what a standard panel won’t tell you, and how you can explain h...

May 14, 202533 minEp. 111

110 | Is it a lack of willpower—or a limiting belief?

You’ve probably heard it: “I love food too much,” or “I just can’t stick with anything.” These aren’t just excuses—they’re clues. And when we learn to spot them, we can uncover the deeper mindset blocks that keep patients from making progress. In today’s episode, I sit down with Emily, a registered dietitian and mindset coach, to unpack one of the most overlooked barriers to health behavior change: limiting beliefs. We explore how subtle, internal narratives shape your patients' motivation, cons...

May 07, 202532 min

109 | Is Pork More Nutritious Than You Think?

If you’ve ever told a patient to “choose chicken instead of pork,” this episode might surprise you. Kristen Hicks-Roof, PhD, RDN, joins us to unpack the nutritional profile of pork — including which cuts meet heart-healthy criteria, how it compares to chicken, beef, and plant-based proteins, and the evidence behind its role in a balanced diet. We also dive into pork’s potential as a flavor vehicle — helping patients enjoy more vegetables and fiber-rich foods. (Think: Brussels sprouts with a litt...

Apr 30, 202533 minEp. 109

108 | What Kids Should Drink (and What to Skip): New Guidelines

Confused about what to tell parents when they ask, “Is oat milk okay?” or “How much juice is too much?” You’re not alone—it's confusing. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Lott, MPH, RDN, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research. Megan walks us through the first-ever unified beverage guidelines for kids—developed by leading organizations like the AAP, AND, and AHA. We cover what to encourage, what to limit, and what to avoid based on the latest research. What to Drink: Daily water intake by ...

Apr 23, 202542 minEp. 108

107 | “I Saw It on TikTok…” A Guide to Nutrition Trends

Have you ever had a patient say, “I saw this thing on TikTok…”—and suddenly you’re on the spot, trying to weigh in on a wellness trend you’ve never even heard of? You’re not alone. And you’re not unqualified just because you don’t have an instant answer. In this episode, I'm joined by Leah McGrath, a seasoned supermarket and public health dietitian with a passion for busting nutrition myths and helping patients (and providers!) think critically about what they see online. What You’ll Learn: The ...

Apr 16, 202536 minEp. 107

106 | Is That Detox Safe? Rethinking Detox Advice

Ever had a patient come in clutching a bottle of "detox tea," asking for your advice? Or heard, “I need to reset after a bad weekend—what detox should I do?” If you're nodding along, this episode is exactly what you need. Today, I’m joined by Leonila Campos, a bilingual registered dietitian, to bust the biggest detox myths—and show you how to reframe the conversation into something far more powerful (and evidence-based). In this episode, we’ll cover: How the body already detoxes itself—and why i...

Apr 09, 202534 minEp. 106

105 | Eating for Endurance: Guide Your Patients to Race Day Success

Ever felt unsure how to support patients chasing the marathon dream—or maybe you're even training for one yourself? Whether they're seasoned runners or beginners just lacing up, this episode might be the inspiration (and information!) you've been waiting for. I'm joined by Starla, a registered dietitian and accomplished marathoner who breaks down the nutrition essentials for marathon runners, from training to race day and recovery. You'll walk away with: Clear guidelines on carbohydrate intake a...

Apr 02, 202537 minEp. 105

104 | Why We Accept Body Diversity in Dogs but Not People

Ever wonder why we're quick to admire a Great Dane or a Chihuahua for their unique sizes, but struggle to extend that same appreciation to ourselves and our patients? Today, we're unraveling this curious contradiction. In this episode, I'm talking with Tiffany Godwin, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, about why accepting body diversity in humans is just as natural—and important—as it is in our furry friends. Here's what you'll learn: Why comparing body diversity in...

Mar 26, 202535 minEp. 104

103 | Toxic Superfoods: Are They Really Poisoning Us?

Are oxalates quietly damaging our health? Could common foods like spinach, almonds, and berries be the real culprits behind everything from kidney stones to joint pain and brain fog? That’s the claim in Toxic Superfoods by Sally Norton—a book that has sparked concern among patients and providers alike. To separate fact from fiction, I brought in kidney stone expert and dietitian Melanie Betz to break down the science behind oxalates. She’s done a deep dive into the book’s claims, the research it...

Mar 19, 202535 minEp. 103

102 | Blood Sugar Hacks: The Truth About Resistant Starch, Glycemic Index & The Glucose Goddess

Can freezing rice make it healthier? Are cold potatoes better for blood sugar? And do viral blood sugar hacks actually work? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mindy Patterson, a registered dietitian and researcher, to break down the science behind resistant starch, glycemic index, and continuous glucose monitoring—and what actually matters for your patients. What You’ll Learn: ✅ What resistant starch is and how it affects blood sugar ✅ Why glycemic index might be outdated (and what to use ins...

Mar 12, 202533 minEp. 102

101 | “I’m Barely Eating—Why Can’t I Lose Weight?” The Hidden Factors at Play

It’s a struggle every clinician has heard: “I barely eat, but I can’t lose weight.” So, what’s really going on? In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian Sarah Allison, RDN to unpack the hidden factors behind why patients feel this way—and why simply “eating less” isn’t the answer. We explore: ✅ The metabolic slowdown that happens with chronic dieting ✅ How underreporting calories and forgotten foods affect weight loss ✅ The impact of sleep, stress, and exercise on metabolism ✅ Why m...

Mar 05, 202531 minEp. 101

100 | From RD to PA to Podcaster: My Story + 10 Nutrition Lessons

When I started this podcast, I had no background in podcasting, editing, or marketing—just a passion for helping clinicians give better nutrition advice. 100 episodes later, here we are. In this special milestone episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my journey. I’ll share the story behind my career as a dietitian-turned-PA, why I started this podcast, and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. Plus, I’m revealing 10 of my go-to nutrition tips—the ones I use with patients every singl...

Feb 26, 202520 min

99 | Brain Food 101: What to Eat for Mental Clarity & Focus

If you’ve ever had a patient complain about brain fog, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue, you’re not alone. Cognitive health isn’t just a concern for aging patients—it affects everyone, from kids in school to busy professionals juggling a million tasks. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jenna Stedman, a Cognitive Performance Dietitian, who breaks down the science of brain health and what we can do to support it—starting with food. What You’ll Learn: The top nutrients that support memory, focus...

Feb 19, 202532 minEp. 99

98 | Functional Medicine: Legit Science or Expensive Hype?

Have you ever had a patient do everything right —take the meds, follow your nutrition advice—yet they’re still struggling with symptoms? Chronic issues like reflux, IBS, and fatigue aren’t always solved with a prescription. So what’s missing? In this episode, I sit down with Shefaly Ravula, PA-C , founder of Precision Gut Health, to bridge the gap between conventional and functional medicine. We break down what’s science-backed, what’s pseudoscience, and how busy clinicians can incorporate funct...

Feb 12, 202533 minEp. 98

97 | Toxic Food? The Truth Behind Nutrition’s Biggest Buzzwords

Patients are overwhelmed with nutrition misinformation—“toxic foods", hormone imbalances, and glucose spikes. In this episode, I sit down with Barbie Boules, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in brain health and metabolic wellness, to bust the biggest myths your patients are hearing—and what you can say to set the record straight. Here's what you'll learn: Why “toxic” and “chemical” food fears are misleading The truth about hormones and weight loss Whether CGMs are useful for patients witho...

Feb 05, 202537 minEp. 97

96 | The Nutrition Newsroom: FDA Bans Red 3, New Food Labels & a Shocking Cholesterol Case

Welcome to The Nutrition Newsroom - a monthly update on the latest nutrition headlines, breaking down what's trending, why it matters, and how to explain it to your patients. This week, we're covering three hot topics: FDA Band Red 3 - What's the real risk? Should your patients be concerned? The FDA's New Proposed Food Label - Will this front-of-package label actually help consumers make better choices? The Most insane cholesterol case ever - A man's carnivore diet sent his cholesterol skyrocket...

Jan 30, 202517 minEp. 96

95 | Secrets from Nutrition Grand Rounds: Nutrition Strategies for Stronger Bones

Step into the world of Nutrition Grand Rounds with this exclusive sneak peek! In this episode, I’m sharing handpicked clips from our latest presentation on bone health, featuring two dietitians, Grace Rivers and Stephanie Turkel. With over 30 years of experience, they’re sharing actionable tips and eye-opening insights to help you guide your patients toward stronger, healthier bones. If you think you’re already covering all the bases with your patients’ bone health, think again. From the surpris...

Jan 29, 202513 minEp. 95

94 | Two Patients, Two Approaches: How to Personalize Weight Loss and Get Results

Ever feel overwhelmed when a patient asks for weight loss advice? Whether it’s helping a perimenopausal mom with a packed schedule or guiding a retired man managing type 2 diabetes, personalized strategies make all the difference. In this episode, Colleen is joined by Whittany, Co-Founder of Alterra Health and a Registered Dietitian specializing in bariatric care and medical weight loss. Together, they tackle two real-life patient scenarios to illustrate how clincians can deliver personalized, e...

Jan 22, 202537 minEp. 94

93 | Contaminated Protein Supplements!? An Expert Weighs In on the Truth

Have you seen the headlines about disturbing levels of heavy metals in protein powders? If you're panicking about whether your shake is safe, take a breath. In this episode, we tackle the fear head-on and uncover what’s fact, what’s hype, and how to make informed decisions about your supplements. What We Covered: Understanding supplement regulation: Learn how the FDA and third-party testing actually work, and why regulation might be better than you think. Heavy metals in context: Why chocolate a...

Jan 17, 202538 min

92 | Cycle Syncing: A New Way to Connect With Your Body

I’m the first one to call out "trendy" wellness approaches, so when I heard about cycle syncing, I was hesitant to say the least. Today's episode explores cycle syncing - a practice of aligning lifestyle habits with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach helps women adjust their diet, exercise, and social activities in alignment with the four phases of the menstrual cycle can significantly improve women's health. Whether you're managing your own hormonal challenges or working...

Jan 15, 202527 minEp. 92

91 | Picky Eating or Feeding Disorder? The 6-Question Tool Every Provider Needs

Colleen sits down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to break down the essential 6-question screening tool designed to help providers confidently assess feeding challenges in minutes. You'll learn how to spot red flags early, make informed referrals, and better support families while they wait for specialized care. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The 4 Domains of PFD and why they matter in clinical care ✅ Red Flags that indicate when “picky eating” is more than a phase ✅ The 6-Question Screening...

Jan 08, 202532 minEp. 91
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