Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (89)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Weekly

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.  

  1. 2d ago

    158 | The Nutrition Mistake Every Injured Athlete Makes

    Injured Athletes Still Need Fuel. When an athlete gets injured, the instinct is often to eat less. But according to sports dietitian Emily Barnhart, recovery still requires fuel. In this episode, we talk about how nutrition needs change after injury, surgery, ACL repair, stress fractures, and periods of immobilization. Emily explains why under-fueling can delay healing, how to think about protein during rehab, and what clinicians should know before recommending supplements for injury recovery. What You’ll Learn: Why injured athletes still need enough calories, even when activity dropsHow surgery and injury can increase energy needs during recoveryWhy protein timing matters for muscle protein synthesisHow much protein may be appropriate during injury rehabThe role of omega-3s, creatine, leucine, whey protein, and BCAAsWhy collagen gummies and peptides deserve more skepticismRed flags that an athlete may be under-fuelingBetter questions to ask instead of “How’s your nutrition?”How to support athletes who are worried about weight gain, muscle loss, or body changesConnect with Emily Sports Nutrition Cheat Sheet  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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    32 min

  2. May 27

    157 | I Hate Meal Plans: What Dietitians Do Instead

    “I’m doing everything right, but nothing’s working.”  I bet you've heard that before!  In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Devin Breedon to talk about the hidden barriers that impact weight loss, blood sugar, and overall health. We also pull back the curtain on what registered dietitians actually do during a patient session, why behavior change matters more than meal plans, and how medical providers can make stronger, more effective referrals to dietitians. What You’ll Learn: Why patients may struggle with weight loss even when they’re “eating healthy”The surprising role structure, routines, and stress play in nutrition successWhy meal plans often fail Simple nutrition frameworks you can use with patientsWhat clinicians should say when referring to a dietitianPractical advice for dietitians trying to build referral relationships with medical providersFor more training and patient resources on behavior change, grab the Behavior Change Toolkit! Connect with Devin on LinkedIn The VitalRD 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    30 min

  3. May 20

    156 | LIVE From Today's Dietitian: 3 Nutrition Counseling Mistakes and What to Say Instead

    3 Mistakes We Make When Talking About Nutrition I spoke at 2 different conferences, 4 lectures in total, this weekend and all of them had a similar thread: HOW we communicate our recommendations matter. Enjoy this quickie episode summarizing one of my presentations at the American Association of Physician Associates in New Orleans.  Shoot me a DM @examroomnutrition and vote: T/F: When you Know Better, You Do Better. What do you think?? 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    10 min

  4. May 13

    155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss

    Weight loss doesn’t fail overnight. It usually happens slowly… through all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic expectations, and patients feeling like they have to “start over” every Monday. In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Sam Barone for a conversation about sustainable weight loss, behavior change, and why the best “diet” might not be a diet at all. We unpack the real reason patients struggle to maintain weight loss, how to shift away from perfectionism, and why focusing only on the scale often backfires long term. If you work with patients trying to lose weight, struggling with emotional eating, or feeling frustrated after “falling off track,” this episode will give you practical ways to reframe the conversation. What You’ll Learn: Why patients don’t ONLY want the number on the scaleHow perfectionism sabotages sustainable weight lossThe role of identity and self-talk in long-term behavior changeHow clinicians can help patients stop “starting over”This episode is packed with relatable insights and realistic strategies for helping patients build healthier habits that last, without guilt, shame, or extremes. Resources mentioned: Behavior Change Toolkit Sam's Podcast More Than a Number  Episode 5:  Bariatric Nutrition Basics 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    30 min

  5. Apr 29

    154 | Diabetes in the Age of Social Media: Are Glucose Spikes Really the Problem?

    Social Media Is Confusing Your Patients.  In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinology PA Emily Stevens to discuss diabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control and help you explain it in a way your patients will actually understand.  If your patients are asking about glucose spikes, CGMs, keto, or supplements like berberine, this episode will give you clear, practical answers you can use in clinic this week. What You’ll Learn:  Why "glucose spikes" are normal and how to explain this to patients without causing fear  The truth about low-carb, keto, and intermittent fasting for diabetes management  Why telling patients to “cut carbs” or “avoid fruit” is wrong advice How to use the Diabetes Plate Method for quick, effective nutrition counseling  Why pairing protein + carbohydrates improves glycemic control (and how to teach it fast)  What the evidence says about berberine, magnesium, and supplements When lifestyle changes are enough vs when medication is necessary Who actually benefits from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) (and who doesn’t) Key Takeaways for the Exam Room: Blood sugar isn’t meant to be flat. Help patients expect “rolling hills,” not a straight line. Carbs aren’t the problem. Focus on quality, pairing, and portions. Start with beverages. It’s often the fastest win for improving glycemic control. Don’t demonize fruit. You’ll create fear instead of sustainable change. Meet patients where they are. “Cut it in half” works better than “cut it out.” You can’t out-supplement a poor diet. Food first, always. Use visuals, not numbers. The plate method > gram counting for most patients.Connect with Emily 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    33 min

  6. Apr 22

    153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work

    Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel. What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room. In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it. From skipped breakfasts to overhyped protein powders, we unpack the real drivers of performance, growth, and recovery in this population. We also get into the practical side: what to ask in clinic, how to spot red flags early, and how to guide families who are trying to do the right thing… but missing the mark. What You’ll Learn: Why teen athletes need more carbs, not more proteinThe most common red flags that a young athlete isn’t eating enoughHow to assess intake more accurately What realistic pre- and post-workout fueling looks like for busy teensWhen sports drinks and electrolytes actually make senseThe truth about creatine, protein powders, and pre-workouts in adolescentsHow to approach weight and body composition without causing harmSimple, high-yield questions to improve your nutrition history in under 2 minutesGrab your free companion guide  Connect with Maria  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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    28 min

  7. Apr 15

    152 | Overeating Explained: Hunger, Habits, or Emotions?

    Why Patients Overeat and Feel Out of Control  What’s really driving overeating: hunger, habit, or emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Johnston, a physician assistant turned eating habits and weight loss coach, to unpack why patients eat past fullness, why nighttime eating feels so out of control, and how to quickly uncover what’s actually going on beneath the behavior.  Here’s what you’ll learn:  The difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full, and why that distinction matters in patient counseling  Simple questions clinicians can ask to figure out whether a patient is eating from hunger, distraction, routine, or emotion  Why patients who “eat perfectly” all day often feel out of control at night  Practical strategies to help patients build awareness, slow down, and stop overeating without shame or rigid food rules If you’ve ever had a patient say, “I’m doing everything right, but I lose control at night,” this episode will help you understand why, and give you better ways to respond.  Resources mentioned: FREEBIE! 10 Sentences to Start Nutrition Conversations Episode 33: End Emotional Eating Connect with Kate 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    27 min

  8. Apr 8

    151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders?

    When Weight Loss Hides Something Deeper  In this episode, I’m joined by Shawna Melbourn, a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience in eating disorder care, to unpack whether the most celebrated effects of GLP-1 medications, appetite suppression, is actually masking something deeper  Here’s what you’ll learn: Why appetite suppression isn’t always a win (and how it can reinforce restriction)The difference between “quieting food noise” and actually healing a patient’s relationship with food3 simple, high-yield questions you can use to screen for disordered eatingSubtle red flags that suggest a GLP-1 may be worsening disordered eating behaviorsBy the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a more critical lens, better questions, and the confidence to navigate these conversations with care. Resources: Listen to this episode next: Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens Curious about Food Noise?  Connect with Shawna  EDforRDs 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 goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    25 min
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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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