Dishing Up Nutrition

What does it look like to build lasting nutrition habits while navigating serious health challenges? Registered dietitian Melanie Beasley welcomes longtime client and breast cancer survivor Liz to share her personal journey through breast cancer recurrence, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, and her recovery. Hear how individualized nutrition guidance, practical meal planning, and ongoing support helped Liz feel more confident caring for herself through surgeries, radiation, and everyday life. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that meaningful lifestyle changes don't have to happen alone.

Dirty sodas are taking over social media, but what's really in these colorful, customizable drinks? Registered dietitian Brandy Buro breaks down the popular dirty soda trend, including how much added sugar can be hiding in soda, flavored syrups, and creamers. Learn how regularly drinking sugary beverages can affect blood sugar, weight management, and long-term health, plus simple ways to make a delicious, lower-sugar dirty soda at home using sparkling water, fresh fruit, and other flavorful ingredients.

Ever notice that after a poor night's sleep, you're hungrier and craving more sugar or carbs? Licensed nutritionist Kara Carper and registered dietitian Brandy Buro explain how lack of sleep can affect hunger hormones, blood sugar, and the brain's response to food, making cravings harder to manage. Learn how poor sleep may affect weight management, what to eat after a restless night to support steady energy, and practical sleep and nutrition habits to help break the cycle of fatigue and cravings.

Are you getting enough potassium in your diet? Registered dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains why this essential electrolyte matters for heart health, blood pressure, muscle function, and fluid balance. Discover potassium-rich foods beyond bananas, simple ways to get more potassium through everyday meals, and what low or high blood potassium levels may mean for your health. Plus, learn why getting potassium from food is generally preferable to taking supplements without medical guidance.

Could unexplained itching, headaches, digestive issues, or reactions to certain foods be related to histamine? Registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain the differences between histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), including common symptoms, potential triggers, and the role of nutrition. Learn which foods may be high in histamine, why freshness and food preparation matter, and how an individualized low-histamine diet can help identify triggers without unnecessarily restricting your food choices.

Is processed meat bad for your health, and are nitrate-free or uncured products actually better? Registered dietitian Amy Crum breaks down the connection between processed meat and colorectal cancer risk, explains why nitrates and nitrites are used, and clears up common misconceptions about food labels. Learn what to look for when buying bacon, sausage, and deli meat, how to choose less-processed protein options, and why your overall eating habits matter more than any single ingredient.

This week's episode is a nice change of pace! Less nutrition troubleshooting, more practical kitchen confidence, with Chef Marianne Jurayj sharing how to make healthy, home-cooked meals easier without sacrificing flavor. Crockpots and Instant Pots solve different cooking problems: one lets you prepare dinner hours ahead and forget about it; the other can rescue dinner when you've forgotten to thaw the meat. And there are plenty of chefs' tricks along the way.

Can what you eat and drink affect POTS symptoms? Registered dietitian Teresa Wagner explains how nutrition can play a role in managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), including the importance of hydration, electrolytes, balanced blood sugar, and meal timing. Learn why smaller, more frequent meals may help, which foods and drinks can aggravate symptoms, and how to identify potential nutrient deficiencies while building an individualized nutrition plan.

What do nutritionists actually do when they feel a cold coming on? Registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share the foods, supplements, and everyday habits they rely on during cold and flu season. Learn how protein, colorful vegetables, healthy fats, hydration, gut-supporting foods, and key nutrients can support immune health, plus simple meal ideas for when you’re already sick, and practical ways to prepare before the next bug hits.

Is canned meat healthy, or should you leave it on the shelf? Registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains how simple canned proteins like chicken, tuna, salmon, and sardines can be nutritious, convenient alternatives to fresh meat. Learn how to read ingredient lists, distinguish canned meat from ultra-processed products, compare sodium and packaging concerns, and choose healthy shelf-stable proteins that make balanced meals easier.

Could too much sugar make it harder for your body to fight off a cold or infection? Registered dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner explain the connection between added sugar, elevated blood sugar, and immune function. Learn why whole fruit is different from sugary drinks, which nutrient-dense foods support your immune system, and practical ways to cut back on added sugar and nourish your body during cold and flu season.

Beef tallow is trending again, but is it actually healthier than butter or vegetable oil? Registered dietitian Brandy Buro breaks down the differences between tallow, lard, butter, ghee, olive oil, avocado oil, and other cooking fats. Learn why heat stability matters, how different fats fit into a healthy diet, and how to choose the right fat for roasting, sautéing, frying, or finishing your favorite real-food meals.

What should you eat during colon cancer treatment or after colon surgery? Licensed nutritionist Kara Carper and registered dietitian Brandy Buro explain how nutrition needs can change throughout treatment and recovery. Learn why protein and nutrient-dense foods are essential for maintaining strength and supporting healing, when a temporary low-fiber diet may be appropriate, and how to manage changing digestive symptoms, hydration, and appetite as your body recovers.

Vertigo can leave you feeling dizzy, unsteady, or like the room is spinning, but what might be causing it? Registered dietitian Caroline Wilcox explains common causes of vertigo and explores potential connections to vitamin D and other nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid health, blood sugar, hydration, and migraines. Learn how nutrition can support the systems involved in balance and what underlying factors may be worth investigating when vertigo keeps coming back.

Your body naturally produces GLP-1, a hormone that plays an important role in appetite, fullness, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. Registered dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner explain how protein, fiber, healthy fats, and balanced meals can support your body’s natural appetite signals and help curb cravings. Learn practical ways to build satisfying meals, understand persistent hunger, and work with your body instead of relying on willpower alone.

What is our Nutrition 4 Weight Loss program really like? Registered dietitian Brandy Buro and nutrition educator Carol Bowman take you behind the scenes of our 12-week program, sharing what participants learn, what often surprises them, and the changes they experience beyond weight loss. Discover how real-food nutrition, practical education, accountability, and weekly support can help you build healthy habits that last!

PCOS has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. Registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain what the new name reveals about this complex hormonal and metabolic condition, including common symptoms, insulin resistance, irregular cycles, and fertility challenges. Learn how real-food nutrition and lifestyle changes can support blood sugar, metabolic health, and better symptom management.

Postpartum hair loss can be alarming, but is it normal, and can nutrition help? Registered dietitian Amy Crum explains why hair shedding often increases after pregnancy, when it may signal another issue, and how adequate calories, protein, iron, healthy fats, and other key nutrients support healthy hair growth. Plus, learn what breastfeeding moms should know about supplements and when it’s time to talk with a healthcare provider.

After struggling with unexplained symptoms and getting few answers, Marlys began to wonder whether food could be part of the problem. On this week's episode, she joins registered dietitian Melanie Beasley to share how identifying histamine intolerance and changing her diet helped her find lasting relief. Hear the practical strategies, support, and real-food habits that helped Marlys feel better and gave her the tools to maintain those changes five years later.

Do your protein needs change as you get older? Registered dietitian Brandy Buro explains why adults may need more protein as they age to maintain muscle, strength, and independence. Learn how much protein to aim for, why spreading it throughout the day matters, and how protein paired with strength training can support healthy aging, especially during and after menopause.