Sound Bites A Nutrition Podcast

306: Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Why EVOO is Best & How to Use It - Dr. Mary Flynn & Leandro Ravetti

Full shownotes, transcript, resources and free CEU here: https://soundbitesrd.com/306 [https://soundbitesrd.com/306] Commercial Support has been provided by Cobram Estate This podcast episode discusses the nutritional differences between extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and other grades of olive oil and how those differences impact health outcomes. Listeners will learn how olives are harvested, how EVOO is made, and what the science says about EVOO and the Mediterranean Diet. Questions such as what to look for on the label, if smoke point is something to consider when cooking and how much to consume per day are answered. Whether you're looking to debunk common myths, understand the latest research, or get practical tips for recommending healthy fats, this episode delivers evidence-based insights and real-world tips that will transform your approach to dietary oils. Tune in to this episode to learn about: * The important differences between extra virgin and other olive oil * Specific polyphenols (or "biophenols") unique to EVOO * what to look for when choosing the highest quality EVOO * the research on the Mediterranean Diet and EVOO * chronic disease risk factors that may be improved with olive oil * the new DGA recommendations related to olive oil and other fats * if smoke point is something to worry about or not * how to store olive oil to maximize health attributes * the minimum daily amount of olive oil recommended to realize health benefits and how long it takes to see results * practical and delicious ways to incorporate EVOO into your daily diet * resources for health professionals and the public Click here [https://soundbitesrd.com/sound-bites-podcast-free-ceus-episode-301/] to earn 1.0 FREE CEU for listening to this podcast episode. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Why EVOO is Best & How to Use It - Dr. Mary Flynn & Leandro Ravetti awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.

305: What's in Your Freezer? The Science, Myths & Benefits of Frozen Foods – Jennie Norka

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/305 [https://soundbitesrd.com/305] Frozen foods are having a moment – and the science, policy, and nutrition research behind them is more nuanced than most people realize. In this episode, we take a fresh (and frozen) look at how freezing works, why it matters for nutrition, and how frozen foods fit into today's evolving dietary guidance and food systems. From debunking persistent myths to exploring how frozen fruits and vegetables can support healthier eating patterns, reduce food waste, and improve access to nutrient-dense foods, this conversation connects the dots between research, real-world eating habits, and public health programs. We also dive into emerging policy efforts and pilot programs that recognize frozen produce as a powerful tool for improving food security and diet quality—especially for communities using SNAP and nutrition incentive programs. If you're curious about how frozen foods stack up nutritionally, practically, and sustainably, this episode offers a timely, evidence-based perspective. Tune in to this episode to learn about: * the science behind the freezing process * how and why foods are frozen * the benefits of frozen foods * common myths about frozen foods * what drives shoppers to purchase frozen foods * how frozen foods fit in the context of evolving nutrition science and dietary guidelines * nutritional equivalency of frozen foods compared to fresh or home prepared foods * innovative ways to include frozen foods into a healthy diet * how frozen produce can improve fruit and vegetable consumption * how the frozen food industry supports food waste reduction * GusNIP pilot to integrate frozen produce into the nutrition incentive program for SNAP participants * SHOPP Act legislation that ensures frozen produce is represented in the Produce Prescription Program * resources for health professionals and the public

304: SNAP, School Meals, New DGAs: What's Changing & Why It Matters – Dr. Sara Bleich

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/304 [https://soundbitesrd.com/304] Federal nutrition programs impact the lives of tens of millions of Americans each year, yet they are often misunderstood, politicized, or reduced to headlines without context. This episode unpacks what federal nutrition assistance programs actually do, why they matter, and how recent policy shifts are reshaping the nutrition safety net. This conversation cuts through myths and confusion to explore how nutrition policy plays out in real life, for real people. We dig into the science, the policy decisions, and the downstream health implications, along with what health professionals and the public can do moving forward. Tune in to this episode to learn about: * An overview of federal nutrition assistance programs and who they serve * The evolution from "food insecurity" to the broader concept of "nutrition security" * The steepest rollback of nutrition assistance in decades * Common myths about SNAP—and what the evidence actually shows * The elimination of SNAP-Ed and why nutrition education matters * The Thrifty Food Plan and how it determines benefit levels * The role of school meals, including how many children rely on them and why they are critical * How the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans shape federal nutrition programs * What comes next: the public health implications of current policy changes * Practical calls to action for registered dietitians, nutrition professionals, and the general public * Resources for health professionals and the public

303: New DGAs: The Good, The Bad & The Upside Down – Alex Turnbull

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/303 [https://soundbitesrd.com/303] The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7, 2026 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. These new guidelines state that they had concerns with the DGAC report because it framed it's analysis through a health equity lens and therefore disregarded most of the report instead relying on their own independent report. Tune in to this episode to learn about: * · An overview of the new DGAs * · The new upside down pyramid that replaces MyPlate * · What has changed from the previous version and what has not changed * · Hits, misses and inconsistencies * · What the DGAs mean for people/families at home * · What the DGAs mean for federal nutrition programs like school meals * · What health professional organizations have to say about the new DGAs * · Practical takeaways and tips for the public and health professionals * · Resources for more information

302: Alcohol & Damp January: The Research on Moderate Drinking – Jennifer Tujague

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302 [https://soundbitesrd.com/302] The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry January" challenge toward more of a "Damp January" trend. While the role of alcohol in health-related outcomes is complex and nuanced, a new meta-analysis of 23 major studies from 2000 to 2024 found that light-to-moderate drinking carries the same – or in some cases lower – risk of death compared to abstaining, while lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role in outcomes. Likewise, a new report published in September sheds light on alcohol and health including WHO data showing reductions in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality with many countries on track to meet targets for reducing harmful drinking. Tune in to this episode with guest Jennifer Tujague, MPH, to learn about: * · the different and conflicting reports on alcohol intake and recommendations * · the research on alcohol consumption and health * · how moderation is defined * · different drinking patterns and associated risks * · combined effects of obesity and alcohol * · alcohol and weight * · GLP-1s and alcohol * · Non-alcoholic beverages * · The Damp January trend * · resources for health professionals and the public