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

90 | New Year, New Goals: A Framework for Goal-Setting That Sticks

Happy New Year! In this episode, we dive into the science of the Fresh Start Effect and why now is the BEST time to reset and refocus. Plus, I’m sharing my personal strategy for making 2025 a year to remember: reflect, plan, add, and subtract. What You’ll Learn: How to use the Fresh Start Effect to motivate lasting change A framework for goal-setting strategies to inspire your patients My exciting 2025 announcements (spoiler: Nutrition Grand Rounds is here!) Resources mentioned: Episode 45 | A M...

Jan 01, 202514 minEp. 90

89 | The Best of 2024: Nutrition Tips You Can’t Miss

It’s the final episode of 2024, and I couldn’t resist putting together a little something special for you—a mashup of the year’s best nutrition moments! From decoding BMI and tackling picky eaters to breaking down lipid panels, the truth about eggs, and understanding infant formulas, this episode is packed with golden tips you can use right away. Click to listen to the full episode here: 31 | Beyond BMI - A Provider's Guide to Helping Patients Lose weight 37 | From Yuck to Yum! Strategies to Con...

Dec 31, 202432 minEp. 89

88 | 10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Guilt-Free

Congratulations to LaTasha Berk for winning 1 FREE year of Nutrition Grand Rounds! Thanks for playing Deficiency Detective. In this episode, I share 10 tips for navigating the holidays without derailing your health goals. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its ...

Dec 13, 20245 minEp. 88

87 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of Cystic Fibrosis and Loss of Balance

Welcome to Deficiency Detective! A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December. Today's episode solves the case of Josh , a 12-year-old with cystic fibrosis, muscle weakness, absent reflexes and poor coordination who is not very good at taking his vitamins. Let’s see if you can crack the case and sharpen your diagnostic skills! 💡 Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect ...

Dec 12, 20248 minEp. 87

86 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of Muscle Weakness and Absent Reflexes

Welcome to Deficiency Detective! A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December. Here’s how to play: 👉 Listen closely to the scenario in each episode. 👉 Submit your guess for today's patient Fred here: https://www.examroomnutrition.com/josh 👉 Check your email for the answer and actionable insights to use in your practice. 👉Tune in to the next episode for a detailed answer and for the n...

Dec 11, 202411 minEp. 86

85 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of Disorientation and Edema

Welcome to Deficiency Detective! A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December. Here’s how to play: 👉 Listen closely to the scenario in each episode. 👉 Submit your guess for today's patient Fred here: https://www.examroomnutrition.com/fred 👉 Check your email for the answer and actionable insights to use in your practice. 👉Tune in tomorrow for a detailed answer and for the next case! T...

Dec 06, 202411 minEp. 85

84 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of Dry Skin and Tingling Lips

Welcome to Deficiency Detective! A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December. Here’s how to play: 👉 Listen closely to the scenario in each episode. 👉 Submit your guess for today's patient Lina here: https://www.examroomnutrition.com/lina 👉 Check your email for the answer and actionable insights to use in your practice. 👉Tune in tomorrow for a detailed answer and for the next case! T...

Dec 05, 202410 minEp. 84

83 | Deficiency Detective: The Mystery of NAFLD and Fatigue

Welcome to Deficiency Detective! A mini-series for you to solve today’s nutrition mystery. Join me as I share a puzzling patient case every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during December. Here’s how to play: 👉 Listen closely to the scenario in each episode. 👉 Submit your guess for today's patient Sarah here: https://www.examroomnutrition.com/sarah 👉 Check your email for the answer and actionable insights to use in your practice. 👉Tune in tomorrow for a detailed answer and for the next case!...

Dec 04, 20243 minEp. 83

82 | Picky Eating: A Dietitian's Unique Approach

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to expand your child’s diet without resorting to begging, bribing, or full-on dinnertime drama, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re discussing: Why those adventurous infant eaters turn into selective terrors at age 2. Why forcing or bribing kids to eat never works—and what you can suggest parents do instead. Simple ways to bring fun back to the dinner table (spoiler alert: it might involve capes or breakfast for dinner!). Creative tips to ...

Nov 27, 202439 minEp. 82

81 | ‘No Sweets’ Isn’t the Solution: Smarter Strategies for Diabetes Education

Providing diabetes education is tough. Doing it in a 15-minute consult? Even harder! In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a strategy that simplifies nutrition education for healthcare professionals and empowers patients to make healthier food choices: The Diabetes Plate Method. With nutrition playing a foundational role in chronic disease prevention and management, understanding how to present meal planning in a clear, actionable way is more important than ever. Key Takeaways: How to teach the Di...

Nov 20, 202433 minEp. 81

80 | The MIND Diet: What To Eat For Brain Health

In today’s episode, we're discussing a topic that often takes a back seat in mainstream health discussions but is a growing concern for both healthcare professionals and their patients: brain health and cognitive longevity. With Alzheimer’s rates rising globally and cognitive decline impacting millions, understanding how diet plays a role in protecting brain function is more critical than ever. That’s where the MIND diet comes in—a science-backed approach to eating that’s showing incredible prom...

Nov 13, 202434 minEp. 80

79 | How to Build Food Confidence in Kids with Autism

Brittyn Coleman, a Registered Dietitian and Autism expert joins Colleen to discuss practical, research-backed approaches that clinicians can integrate into patient care to support children with autism. Brittyn shares practical ways to navigate picky eating and tips for helping parents integrate dietary changes at home with less stress and more ease. Whether you're a pediatrician, dietitian, or general practitioner, this episode provides actionable guidance to support better health outcomes for y...

Nov 06, 202434 minEp. 79

78 | Infertility Treatment: What’s Missing in Your Workup?

Infertility impacts 1 in 6 couples worldwide . Whether you're in fertility medicine or not, odds are you've worked with or know someone on this frustrating, exhausting journey. But what if there was a way to help patients navigate infertility with more clarity, support, and, yes, even hope? In this episode, we’re exploring how a unified, whole-health approach can make a real difference. Join Colleen and fertility PA, Jessica Boone to learn a framework that’s straightforward but powerful, designe...

Oct 30, 202432 minEp. 78

77 | Why Forcing Kids to Eat Backfires: A Fresh Approach to Picky Eating

Ever had a parent tell you they’re at their wits' end with their child’s picky eating? Or maybe you’ve said the phrase, "Don’t worry, they’ll eat when they’re hungry," and wondered if that’s really the best advice. In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind picky eating and why forcing kids to eat might do more harm than good. I sit down with pediatric feeding expert, Thalia Prum, who shares some fresh strategies for addressing picky eating in ways that actually work—and don’t create a po...

Oct 23, 202443 min

76 | Are Your Assumptions Hurting Your Patients? Rethinking Ethnic Foods

You’ve probably heard of weight bias, but have you considered food bias? This is how our assumptions about ethnic foods might be impacting our patients’ care. As healthcare professionals, we can unknowingly categorize cultural foods as “unhealthy” or “junk,” simply based on stereotypes. But here’s the reality: traditional ethnic foods are often far more nutritious and balanced than we give them credit for. Today, I'm sitting down with Mexican-American Registered Dietitian, Areli, Gutierrez to ex...

Oct 16, 202433 min

75 | Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements? (and Don’t Even Know It)

Is turmeric the anti-inflammatory miracle it’s hyped up to be? Should vitamin D be on your radar for more than just bone health? Are probiotics worth the price tag, or are they just a trendy gut-health fad? And what about athletic greens—are they the magic bullet for optimal nutrition, or just an expensive daily habit? You’re going to walk away with answers to these questions and learn what to ask your patients before they reach for the next “miracle” supplement. I sat down with Krystle, an onco...

Oct 09, 202434 minEp. 75

74 | Infant Feeding Challenges: A Clinician’s Guide to Bottles, Nipples, and Flow Rates

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 Growth Chart Interpretation Gu...

Oct 02, 202434 min

73 | Is That Supplement Worth It? A Clinician's Crash Course in Supplement Regulation and Safety

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 products. Plus, you’ll learn a...

Sep 25, 202435 minEp. 73

72 | Popular Diets and Supplement Science: Build Muscle, Lose Fat, and Stay Fit

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: Macronutrient Essentials: Erik brea...

Sep 18, 202440 minEp. 72

71 | Sports Nutrition Hot Topics: Sugar, Sports Drinks and Fueling for Performance

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: T he 4 P's to Picking a Protein Supplement here. In this e...

Sep 11, 202437 minEp. 71

70 | Optimizing Athletic Performance: The Role of Nutrition and Hydration

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 are an athlete's best friend....

Sep 04, 202432 minEp. 70

69 | Saying Eat Less, Move More is Dumb!

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 inclusive healthcare. Key Takea...

Aug 28, 202431 minEp. 69

68 | The Right Way to Talk Weight: Simple Tips for Busy, Burned-Out Clinicians

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. Balancing the need to provide life-...

Aug 21, 202436 minEp. 68

67 | Is Your Patient Noncompliant or Just Struggling?

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. Grab the Behavior Change Toolkit Here ! Provide exceptional nutrition education and translate information into action that guides your patients to make behavior ...

Aug 14, 202428 minEp. 67

66: Summer Shorts | Can Alcohol Be Healthy?

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 thenutritioncheckup.com Non-alcoholic ...

Jul 31, 202413 minEp. 66

65 | Summer Shorts: Does Coffee Stunt Growth?

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 Colleen Sloan AACAP Coffee Facts...

Jul 24, 202411 minEp. 65

64 | Summer Shorts: The Truth About Eggs and Cholesterol

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 conflicting information about cho...

Jul 17, 202414 minEp. 64

63: Summer Shorts | How to Choose a Protein Supplement

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, and purity. Download the FREE ...

Jul 10, 202416 minEp. 63

62: Summer Shorts | Are Bovine Colostrum Supplements Worth It?

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 on its effectiveness Safety con...

Jul 03, 20247 minEp. 62

61: Summer Shorts | Is Deli Meat Bad For Me?

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 practical tips for your patients...

Jun 26, 20248 minEp. 61
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