Sound Bites With Melissa Joy Dobbins

As more consumers approach health and wellness in a holistic way, functionality is being sought in a highly complementary way via supplements and functional foods and beverages. Historically, beverages were a more culturally acceptable vehicle for functionality, but now we see as much or greater interest in obtaining specific benefits from functional foods. While supplements used to be largely relied upon as "insurance" in case healthy eating regimens weren't enough, now more consumers use supplements for targeted benefits, and that's especially true of younger consumers. There's considerable room for growth in functional foods/beverages as there are much larger proportions of consumers who are interested in trying them for a variety of benefits than are currently using them for those benefits. On this podcast episode, Dr. Shelley Balanko shares new insights about supplements and functional foods, including the impact of COVID-19 on consumers' interest in benefits like immunity and digestion, based on a new r

While the forms of communication may be ever changing, the methods behind effectively communicating science-based nutrition information are evergreen. Knowing your audience and customizing communications through various platforms are skills that practitioners, students, and nutrition professionals of all degrees of experience can utilize in practice. Today’s guest, Barbara J. Mayfield, is Founder and President of Nutrition Communicator, LLC and leads nutrition professionals to create compelling messages that are evidence-based, meaningful, memorable, and motivating. She is editor for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide, published in August 2020. Written and reviewed by experienced nutrition communicators and educators, Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide, provides the knowledge and skills needed to develop and deliver all types of communication in a variety of settings. Students, interns, and practitioners alike will find this to be an indispens

“Individuals with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk for cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential role of avocados on cognitive function and lutein status among adults with overweight and obesity.”– Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN Emerging science links mid-life obesity to later cognitive decline, and while the exact mechanisms of the influence of overweight and obesity on cognitive health are not yet fully understood, dietary lutein (which is a plant pigment known as a xanthophyll and found in green leafy vegetables, eggs and fruits such as avocados) has been associated with beneficial cognitive patterns in people who are overweight or obese. A new study titled “Effects of 12-week avocado consumption on cognitive function among adults with overweight and obesity” was recently published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology. This study was supported by the Hass Avocado Board as part of the Love One Today® education program. Tune in to this Sound Bites® Podcast ep

While RCT (Randomized Controlled Trail) studies are the gold standard, there’s no perfect research study or methodology - every approach will have it’s inherent advantages and disadvantages. Despite some criticism, NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) offers a rich database of information surrounding health and nutrition. During this podcast, Yanni Papanikolaou, MPH, PhD candidate, covers the benefits, potential drawbacks, and ways we can strengthen nutrition research today, and in the future. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Yanni’s personal fitness “experiment” The pros and cons of nutrition research & epidemiology What NHANES is & what it is used for How we can strengthen research and studies The potential relationship between type 2 diabetes & cognition Industry-funded research   Yanni Papanikolaou is an accomplished, peer-reviewed author in scientific journals and book chapters, and has presented at domestic and international nutrition conferences. His current fo

“My background bridges agriculture, trade, and nutrition, so I can help those that are looking to bulk up their ‘food literacy’. Where our food comes from, how to understand science, how we should actually choose what we feed ourselves and our families… These are the questions I have spent many years studying and thinking about. I help people redefine their reality with fact-based information that they were either missing entirely or had not been presented in an engaging way.” - Christine Cochran Tune in to this episode to learn about: The pandemic’s effect on the food industry and supply chains Did those empty grocery shelves represent a true food shortage? If not, what explains it? Grain’s journey from field to table and what challenges the pandemic has presented What long-term impacts might this pandemic have on grocery shopping and other behaviors How today’s wheat compares to that of the past A sneak peek at the Dietary Guidelines My guest, Christine Cochran, BS, JD, is the executive director of the Gr

There is a growing awareness of the importance of body positivity and intuitive eating. More people are embracing the Health At Every Size (HAES) concept and the belief that weight status does not equate to health status. However, there are some who believe that any “intentional” weight loss is more dangerous than being overweight and that it’s also pointless, because “95% of people who go on diets regain the weight”. This 95% statistic is repeatedly cited but it’s actually from a 1959 study who’s author claims it is outdated and overused. There also seems to be a growing divide within the field of dietetics with some practitioners drawing a line in the sand between “diets” and the “non-diet approach”.    Tune in to this episode for a discussion about dieting, weight loss, diet culture, behavior change and why some dietitians think there is more to agree on than disagree on when it comes to this topic. Guest Abby Langer has been a dietitian for twenty years and started her own business in 2012 with the goal o

Tune in to this episode to learn about the details of a new research study as well as an in-depth discussion about the strengths and limitations of different types of nutrition research including randomized controlled trials, observational studies and industry funded research. Nearly half of all American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and 10 percent of Americans have type 2 diabetes, making it more important than ever that people have accurate, science-based nutrition advice to support a healthy diet. Relatively few studies have directly assessed the influence of specific foods, including red meat and beef, or dietary patterns on insulin sensitivity. Most recommendations have been based on observational studies, which do not illustrate cause and effect for these foods. New research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the effect of following what the USDA defines as a Healthy U.S.-Style Eating Pattern to a modified version with an increased amount of lean beef. Then the

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) is a not-for-profit science communications organization based in Washington, DC that addresses various food-related topics with its team of RDs, PhDs and communications professionals. They are dedicated to the mission of effectively communicating science-based information on health, nutrition and food safety for the public good. As Senior Director of Nutrition Communications at IFIC, Kris Sollid, RD, leads their nutrition team in monitoring nutrition research making media headlines to analyze how nutrition science is conveyed and its impact on consumer attitudes, beliefs and trust in information related to food and health. Tune in to this episode to learn about key learnings and takeaways from IFIC's newly released 15th annual Food & Health Survey as well as two recent consumer surveys on COVID-19 behaviors and attitudes toward food including: Key factors driving food purchasing decisions Feedback on the use of mobile health devices and apps Snacking habi

Big Data: The Opportunity for Food & Nutrition Professionals All aspects of food and nutrition are impacted by Big Data and its analysis, and to this end, dietitians must possess a deeper understanding of this field as well as the full potential of using these technology advances within the profession. If nutrition professionals can tap into the flow of information, the wide availability of Big Data can unlock possibilities for these professionals to positively impact consumer behavior change, improve nutrition and health outcomes, and elevate the role of the profession. During this podcast, hear from Dave Donnan, Partner Emeritus (Retired ) with Kearney, a global management consulting firm, and an investor, advisor, and speaker on innovations in the food and consumer products industry and Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, Chair of the Academy’s Big Data Task Force on how Big Data and its use require a rapid evolution of dietitian skill sets to continue to provide unique value.   The Power of Big Data to

“When was the last time you changed YOUR mind?” - Tamar Haspel  Tamar Haspel is a James Beard award-winning Washington Post columnist. She has been on the food and science beat for the best part of two decades and is knee-deep in the public food conversation. Tamar speaks frequently at venues where the debates about our food supply play out, including the National Academy of Sciences, food- and ag-related conferences, and SXSW. When she’s tired of the heavy lifting of journalism, Tamar helps her husband on their oyster farm, Barnstable Oyster, where they grow about 300,000 oysters a year in the beautiful waters off Cape Cod. Tune in to this episode to learn about: How and why Tamar started writing about nutrition Tamar’s opinion and insight about cultivating productive conversations about food and nutrition Tamar’s thought-provoking question that makes people stop and think differently about their own opinions and biases Why it’s important to appreciate the fact that personal experience has the ability to ov

“The misperception that eating fat causes weight gain may lead consumers to avoid nutritious foods like avocados, which are primarily composed of beneficial monounsaturated fats.” – Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN A randomized parallel-controlled trial of 51 healthy participants 20-60 years old and of BMI 27-35kg/m2 published in Current Developments in Nutrition demonstrated that including one Hass avocado daily in a hypocaloric diet not only supported weight loss efforts, but also offered additional potential metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study was supported by the Hass Avocado Board as part of the Love One Today® education program. Today’s guest is Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist and communications and culinary nutrition expert. She helps busy people get on the path to lifelong health one morsel at a time. Tune in to this episode to learn key takeaways from this study about: body weight and composition satiety gut microbiome inflammation limitation

Crop One is an integral part of the future of farming. This vertical farm company is changing the way we think about agriculture, and how this type of growing system can play a role in food safety, sustainability, and land use. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The potential advantages and drawbacks to vertical farming The role of a controlled environment farming system in food safety How vertical farming technology can be used to boost plant nutrients and yield What planet-based eating is How nutrition professionals can be involved in the biotechnology industry Dr. Jenna A. Bell, PhD, RD, joined Crop One Holdings in 2019 as the VP of Nutritional Science. Prior to joining the Crop One team, Dr. Bell led food and nutrition communications as a Senior Vice President at Pollock Communications. For more information and links to resources visit the full shownotes at: www.SoundBitesRD.com/149

Tune in to this episode to learn about: The connection between soy and breast cancer. Soyfoods and men’s health. The prevalence of soy allergies. The bioavailability of nutrients in soy. Whether or not soy protein impacts heart health. Dr. Mark Messina, PhD, MS, is an internationally recognized soy expert, Executive Director of the Soy Nutrition Institute, President of Nutrition Matters, Inc. and Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University. For the past 30 years, Dr. Messina has devoted his time to the study of the health effects of soyfoods and soybean isoflavones.  For more information and resources visit: www.SoundBitesRD.com/148

There seems to be increasing criticism and negative publicity around meat production despite the fact that we have much fewer cattle in the U.S. today than in the past, and therefore the carbon footprint is smaller than before. With increasing concerns about climate change and the fact that cattle are ruminant animals which produce methane, the challenge is putting that into context with other important considerations for people and the planet overall.   Tune in to this episode to learn about: The benefits of cattle on the land - from production to making other foods more sustainable to ensuring we have a sustainable source of protein The “what ifs” of not eating beef – what would happen to the cattle, to the land, to the food waste that cattle consume and upcycle? What are consumer perceptions, attitudes and behaviors when it comes to sustainability, food technology and choices in the supermarket? Today's guests are Dr. Jennie Hodgen, a meat scientist with Merck Animal Health and Dr. Jayson Lusk, a food an

The AADE7® Self-Care Behaviors framework utilizes the best practice of diabetes education by measuring, monitoring and managing outcomes. The 7 behaviors are: healthy eating, being active, taking medication, monitoring, reducing risks, problem solving and healthy coping. These behaviors are widely recognized and used by healthcare professionals, professional organizations and governmental agencies. Much has changed since the AADE7 were last updated in 2011. Tune in to this episode to learn about:   Diabetes Care and Education Specialists have seen their role go far beyond self-management of blood glucose (SMBG) The role and use of technology has transformed the approach to diabetes self-care New tools for screening have been developed for social determinants of health, health literacy and numeracy New classes of medications and evolving algorithms have changed how we work with clients Models of care like population health have become integral for improved management on a larger scale Today's guest is Molly

The global health pandemic is making a big difference in our food system, and how consumers think about food. This shift in how we view food safety, value, and sustainability efforts will impact the future food landscape for years to come. Tune in to this episode to learn about: Why the current food system can decrease consumer confidence in food buying. How COVID-19 can impact consumer buying habits for the long-term. How it can change the way we value food. The potential shift in food waste and nutritional perception. The difference between local & global sustainability. Today's guest is Jack Bobo, the CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company that helps clients understand trends in food technology and consumer attitudes. He is a former senior adviser for global food policy at the U.S. Department of State. Jack is a regular speaker on global trends in agriculture, consumer perceptions of risk, science communication and the art of networking. For more information and resources visit: www.SoundBitesRD.c

“Experts are advising food preparations should continue as normal, which includes washing produce under running tap water – no added soaps or detergents.  According to the CDC/FDA, there is currently no evidence to support transmission of COVID 19 associated with food or food packaging.”  Tune into this episode to learn about food, nutrition and coronavirus including: how to handle food safely during the COVID-19 outbreak safe ways to wash produce tips for safe grocery shopping what's real about coronavirus and food packaging how to avoid immune-boosting food and supplement scams what you can do to safely support a healthy immune system My guest today is Dr. Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, Principal and CEO at the Think Healthy Group and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University. Dr. Wallace’s background includes a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from The Ohio State University.  For more information and helpful resources visit: www.SoundBitesRD.com/

Each year, the average family of four wastes an average of 1,000 pounds of food at home, resulting in $1,500 lost. Contrary to popular belief, consumers waste more food than farmers and grocers - households are responsible for over 40% of the food wasted in the United States. Dairy products and vegetables are estimated to make up almost 40% of the food wasted by consumers. Fruit, grain products, and meat, poultry, and fish are the other leading categories that contribute to food wasted by consumers. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The many factors that contribute to food waste How and why food waste is bad for the environment How confusion over food label dates creates food waste Tips to minimize food waste in your own home Resources to help you shop better, meal plan, store food properly and more The Sound Bites® Podcast is teaming up with the Food Bullying Podcast during March National Nutrition Month and National Agriculture Month to bring you information on Food Waste and Food Insecurity in a ba

Can We Really Eat Our Way Out of Climate Change? Tune in to this episode with Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor at UC Davis, to learn about: The global warming potential of methane vs fossil fuels How does agriculture impact global methane emissions? Why should methane be treated differently than “long-lived” greenhouse gasses? What is: carbon sequestering, methane “sinks”, the biogenic carbon cycle and global “cooling”? The carbon footprint of plants compared to animals Some of the problems and concerns with the EAT Lancet report The carbon footprint of food today compared to the past Are plant-based proteins better for the environment? Using manure to generate electricity Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., is a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. As such, he shares his knowledge and research with students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with members of the scientific community and with those who work with a

The heterogeneity of obesity dictates that one diet, one plan, one approach simply does not and cannot work for everyone. Obesity and overweight are complex and therefore cannot be adequately addressed without comprehensive and diverse approaches to care. Tune in to this episode to hear a thought-provoking discussion about: Obesity care – what it is and why it is important How obesity care and body positivity are not mutually exclusive Why when it comes to diets and to people, one size does not fit all – and never will How body shape may play a bigger role in the determinants of health risk than body weight alone The necessity of personalized nutrition/diet The negative impact of weight bias and stigma Today's guest is obesity and health policy expert Ted Kyle RPh, MBA. Ted is a healthcare professional experienced in collaborating with leading health and obesity experts for sound policy and innovation to address health needs and the obesity epidemic in North America. For the past 10 years, Ted has dedicated