Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (86)
  • 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. 4D AGO

    150 | How to Reduce Dementia Risk with Daily Habits

    Daily Habits Your Patients Need For Brain Health.  If your patients are asking how to protect their brain, and you’re defaulting to “eat better and exercise more”, this episode will challenge that in the best way. In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Collett, a brain health expert, to unpack a more practical, real-world approach to cognitive health. We cover everything from how food fuels the brain at a cellular level to why movement throughout the day may matter more than a single gym session. And toward the end, we get into one of the most overlooked (and honestly, most helpful) concepts: how to counterbalance stress in a way that works in real life.  What You’ll Learn:  What counts as “ultra-processed” (and how to talk about it with nuance)  Key nutrients for cognitive health (B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, choline)  Why most patients fail to change and how to bridge the gap between advice and action  “Exercise snacks”: the easiest way to improve metabolic and brain health without the gym  The concept of stress counterbalance (and how to teach it to patients)  A powerful tool called “scheduled worry” to reduce anxiety and improve sleep  Why social connection and shared meals are underrated tools for brain health Connect with Eric Listen to this episode next: Ultra-Processed Foods Explained  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.

    38 min

  2. MAR 25

    149 | Why Kids Feel Anxious Around Food and How to Help

    "It’s not just what children are eating. It’s how they’re experiencing food that shapes their habits." In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Eaton, a behavior change therapist and author, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids struggle with food. Because it’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the environment, the language, and the emotional experience surrounding it. What We Talk About: Why phrases like “just try one bite” can increase anxiety around foodHow early feeding experiences shape adult eating behaviorsThe difference between typical selective eating and ARFIDWhy sensory exposure (not just tasting) is key to expanding food varietyPractical strategies to reduce mealtime pressure and build food confidenceHow to guide parents toward long-term progressIf you’ve ever had a parent say, “I just want them to eat the broccoli,” this episode will completely reframe how you approach that conversation. Resources Mentioned: Read my article: How the 5 senses shape a child's appetite Check out Alicia's book: Mind What Your Kids Eat 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.

    29 min

  3. MAR 18

    148 | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained: Science vs. Social Media

    Processed Food “Kills”. That message is everywhere right now. Social media posts, viral headlines, even Super Bowl commercials warning that processed foods are dangerous. But what do we actually mean when we say “ultra-processed food”? In this episode, I sit down with nutrition researcher Dr. Mandy Willig to unpack the science behind ultra-processed foods, the NOVA classification system, and why the conversation online is often missing important nuance. We also break down new research comparing ultra-processed vs minimally processed diets, discuss whether processed foods are truly addictive, and explore how clinicians can respond when patients feel confused or fearful about what they’re eating. What You’ll Learn The definition of an ultra-processed foodHow the NOVA classification system categorizes foodsWhat research shows about ultra-processed diets and health outcomesThe truth about claims that processed foods are “addictive like drugs”How clinicians can talk about processed foods without fear-based messagingConnect with Mandy 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.

    34 min

  4. MAR 11

    147 | GLP-1s vs Bariatric Surgery: How to Choose the Right Treatment

    How To Decide Between Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medications I’m joined by Kate Fuss, PA-C to unpack how GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery actually work together, when each option makes sense, and what primary care clinicians should understand when caring for patients before or after bariatric surgery. We also dive into the psychological side of weight loss, because hitting a number on the scale doesn’t always translate into better mental health. What You’ll Learn How to shift patients toward non-scale victories and meaningful health goalsThe lifelong vitamin and lab monitoring bariatric patients requireWhether GLP-1 medications compete with bariatric surgery or complement itExpected weight loss outcomes from GLP-1 medications vs bariatric proceduresWhen it’s appropriate to prescribe GLP-1 medications after bariatric surgeryWhether your patient is considering GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or both, this episode will help you better understand the evolving treatment landscape of obesity care. Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course Connect with Kate on Instagram Banana Bariatrics  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.

    34 min
  5. 146 | When Culture Is Erased from Nutrition Guidelines

    MAR 4

    146 | When Culture Is Erased from Nutrition Guidelines

    Did the Dietary Guidelines ignore culture? In this special roundtable episode, I’m joined by four registered dietitians from Indian, Mexican, Filipino, and Nicaraguan backgrounds to unpack a major concern in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans: the absence of explicit cultural inclusivity. Because food isn’t just carbs and protein. It’s identity, tradition, and community. And when guidelines ignore that, it impacts how we counsel patients in the exam room. In this episode, we discuss: How Eurocentric nutrition messaging shapes clinical recommendationsWhy telling patients to “cut the rice” or “switch to whole wheat bread” can miss the markThe consequences of removing cultural language from national nutrition guidelinesHow to balance evidence-based nutrition with cultural food traditionsSimple, open-ended questions clinicians can use to practice cultural humilityCultural humility isn’t optional. It’s foundational to effective healthcare. Listen to episode 76 next!  Are Your Assumptions Hurting Your Patients? Rethinking Ethnic Foods Connect with my guests: Areli Gutierrez Vandana Sheth Patti Castillo  Jerianne Cusipag 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. FEB 25

    145 | A Nutrition Framework for Depression & Anxiety

    Mental Health Nutrition Starts Here.  When a patient opens up about their mood, we think therapy. We think medication. But do we ever pause and ask… are they eating enough to support their brain? In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Jennifer Hanes, who specializes in nutrition and mental health. We unpack how food impacts mood, why under-eating can worsen anxiety and depression, and how clinicians can confidently talk about nutrition without oversimplifying it. You’ll learn: Why the nutrition hierarchy of needs matters for patients with anxiety and depressionHow chronic under-eating can worsen brain fog, irritability, and low moodThe gut-brain connection and why IBS, inflammation, and mental health are so intertwinedWhich supplements (like fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D, and B12) may be helpfulResources: Listen to this next! Episode 14 Nutrition for Brain Fog  Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIN Join the Journal Club 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.

    23 min

  7. FEB 18

    144 | Pediatric Obesity Care: Protecting Kids in a Body-Obsessed Culture

    Discuss Pediatric Weight Gain Without Triggering Shame What would you say if a parent asked, “Can you tell my son he needs to lose weight?” That question sits at the center of one of the hardest conversations in pediatrics. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Beck, clinical psychologist and expert in teen mental health and weight stigma, to unpack how we address pediatric obesity without causing unintended harm. Because this isn’t just about weight. It’s about protecting kids in a culture obsessed with body size, while still doing our job as clinicians. In this episode, we discuss: Common clinician missteps that unintentionally trigger shameWhy focusing on numbers (weight, BMI, carbs) can backfireHow to talk to a 5-year-old vs. a teenagerWhat to say when teens give one-word answersHow to navigate wo very different clinical scenarios:A teen in a larger body with normal labs but poor body imageRapid weight gain with elevated sugars, where intervention feels urgentWorking with teens is tough. Getting them to engage can feel even tougher. Dr. Beck shares practical language, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you intervene medically without triggering restriction, shutdown, or long-term harm. This episode is about striking the balance: preventing long-term medical complications while protecting a child’s mental health in the process. Connect with Dr Beck Health Psychology Partners  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.

    34 min

  8. FEB 11

    143 | Analyze Nutrition Studies Like a Scientist

    Randomized controlled trials. Cohort studies. Abstracts. Methods sections. If your brain starts spinning just hearing those words, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carlene Starck, a protein biochemist and nutrition scientist, to help clinicians who aren’t researchers learn how to spot high-quality research in a world full of misinformation. Together, we walk through how a researcher evaluates a paper, what matters, what doesn’t, and why social media influencers often get the science wrong. We even unpack a real paper that went viral online to show how misleading conclusions can spread when studies are misquoted or misunderstood. In this episode, you’ll learn: A clear explanation and examples of the hierarchy of evidenceWhat information you can (and can’t) get from an abstractWhy the methods section matters (even though many of us skip it)How sample size, study design, and bias affect conclusionsA simple framework for quickly assessing whether a paper is high qualityHere's the article we analyzed: A prospective birth cohort study on cord blood folate subtypes and risk of autism spectrum disorder - PubMed Connect with Carlene on LinkedIn Starck Science 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.

    37 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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