Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

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

Nutrition advice is everywhere. Your patients need help sorting through misinformation, and you need practical guidance for communicating nutrition clearly and compassionately. Exam Room Nutrition is the podcast for physician associates, registered dietitians, and healthcare professionals who want to stay current on nutrition and feel more confident counseling patients. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, each episode breaks down evidence-based topics including pediatric nutrition, weight management, diabetes, supplements, sports nutrition, and more. You’ll learn how to translate the evidence into realistic recommendations without judgment, shame, or overwhelming your patients. Whether you are a PA strengthening your nutrition knowledge or an RD sharpening your counseling skills, Exam Room Nutrition will help you bring practical, compassionate nutrition care into every patient conversation.

  1. 2d ago

    166 | Think You Can Spot an Eating Disorder?

    We Were Taught Eating Disorders Wrong  A patient can be purging, restricting, hiding food, or obsessing over their body and still have a “normal” weight and normal labs. That’s exactly why eating disorders are so easy to miss. In this episode, I sit down with eating disorder expert and dietitian Jessica Setnick for a conversation that completely challenges the way many of us were trained to recognize disordered eating. We talk about the stereotypes that keep patients from getting diagnosed, the well-intended things adults say and do around food that can backfire, and the subtle signs clinicians should be paying attention to long before the weight or labs change. Key takeaways: Why weight is not a reliable screening tool for eating disordersWhy restricting sweets, controlling portions, or labeling foods can make certain foods even more desirableWhat you need to ask when a parent says their child "sneaks food" Simple screening questions clinicians can use during a well visitWhat to say when a patient discloses purging, restriction, or body image concernsConnect with Jessica  Resources Mentioned: Episode 41: Silent Battles 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.

  2. Aug 19

    165 | Fiber and Gut Health: Why “Eat More Fiber” Isn’t Enough

    Fiber, Fermentation, and the Gut Microbiome Healthcare practitioners can request free samples of NeuroFiber here We’re all guilty of telling patients to “eat more fiber,” but that recommendation is often too basic. Fiber type, diversity, tolerance, and the patient’s specific health goal all matter. In this sponsored episode, with support from NeuroFiber, you’ll learn why relying on one isolated fiber may not provide the same benefits as eating a variety of fiber-rich foods and how to give patients more practical, targeted guidance. Key takeaways: A better way to classify different types of fiberHow viscosity and fermentability affect what fiber does in the bodyWhy fiber diversity may help support microbiome diversityHow to make fiber recommendations more specific and practicalWhen a convenient fiber product can help bridge the gapThis episode was sponsored by NeuroFiber, a bar that provides 11 grams of fiber from 14 prebiotic and whole-food fiber sources, including a five-fiber prebiotic blend. NeuroFiber bars are gluten-free and made with real, whole food ingredients. Their formula was developed to support digestive health, microbiome diversity, and the gut-brain axis while offering a convenient option for patients who struggle to consistently meet their fiber needs through food alone. 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.

  3. Aug 12

    164 | What Actually Helps Chronic Pain?

    Nutrition, supplements, and what the evidence says In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsey Hoffmann, PA-C, RDN, who specializes in pain medicine at Mayo Clinic, to break down where nutrition fits into chronic pain management and how to evaluate supplements without overpromising results. We cover: Why a Mediterranean-style diet should come before supplements for painSupplements with evidence for neuropathic pain vs. musculoskeletal painWhat we know about alpha-lipoic acid, turmeric/curcumin, glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D, and PEAChelsey's algorithm for experimenting with supplements How to define whether a supplement is actually “working”Medication interactions and patient populations that require extra cautionWhen nutrient deficiencies should be investigated before adding another supplementResources mentioned: Episode 75: Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements and Don’t Even Know It?Episode 73: Is That Supplement Worth It? Connect with Chelsey Hoffmann on LinkedInAny 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.

  4. Aug 5

    Summer School | What to Eat for Fertility

    Fertility Care for Both Partners  Infertility affects both partners, yet fertility evaluations and lifestyle advice often focus primarily on women. In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with infertility PA Jessica Boone about taking a more complete, compassionate approach to fertility care. They discuss why both partners should be evaluated, what may be missing from a standard infertility workup, and how nutrition, sleep, movement, hydration, and environmental exposures can support overall reproductive health. Jessica also shares practical questions clinicians can ask to better understand a couple’s history, family-building goals, and next steps. Resources mentioned: Episode 47: Nutrition and Infertility- Is Your Diagnosis Wrong? Connect with Jessica 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.

    Summer School | What to Eat for Fertility

  5. Jul 29

    Summer School | What To Eat for Brain Health

    Foods to support focus, memory, and long-term brain health In this Summer School replay, I talk with Dr. Jenna Stedman, a cognitive performance dietitian, about the connection between nutrition and cognitive health across the lifespan.  You’ll learn: Which nutrients matter most for cognitive healthWhether blending fruit changes its nutrition or blood sugar impactHow to build a simple Brain Power PlateSpecific foods that promote brain healthResources Mentioned:  Episode 150: How to reduce dementia risk with daily habits  Dr. Stedman’s Brain Power Plate breakdown Blog: 9 Questions to Ask About Cognitive Health 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.

    Summer School | What To Eat for Brain Health

  6. Jul 22

    Summer School | What to Eat After Surgery

    Nutrition To Support Post-Operative Healing In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with Erin Scherer, a surgical PA and registered dietitian, about the role nutrition plays in tissue repair, infection prevention, and recovery. They discuss which patients may need additional nutrition support, the key nutrients clinicians should prioritize, and simple opportunities to bring nutrition into the conversation. Grab the FREE Post-Surgical Nutrition Guide Here You’ll learn: Why protein needs increase after surgery or injuryThe roles of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatsHow hydration supports the healing processWhen supplements may be helpfulPractical strategies for nausea, constipation, and low appetite during recoveryResources Mentioned Episode 75 | Are you patients taking too many supplements? PA Foundation Handouts https://youtu.be/mIsnrEh84LA - Nutrition to Improve Recovery after Surgery https://youtu.be/lY53LwjS_X4 - Nutrition to support Wound Healing Skip navigation Create Nutrition to Support Wound HealingAny 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.

    Summer School | What to Eat After Surgery

  7. Jul 15

    Summer School | What to Eat for Migraines

    Food Triggers, Hydration, and Supplements  Welcome to Summer School! In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with Kelly, a registered dietitian specializing in migraine nutrition, about the complicated relationship between food and migraines. They discuss why there is no universal list of “migraine trigger foods,” how hydration and caffeine may influence symptoms, and why overly restrictive elimination diets can create more confusion than relief. You’ll learn: How to help patients identify their individual migraine triggersWhy balanced meals and consistent eating may support migraine managementPractical nutrition strategies for nausea, pain, and low appetiteHow hydration, caffeine, and blood sugar fluctuations may affect symptomsWhich supplements are commonly considered for migraine preventionWhy a food and symptom journal may be more useful than a long avoidance listConnect with Kelli 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.

    Summer School | What to Eat for Migraines

  8. Jul 8

    163 | Healthy and Busy Can Coexist

    You Are Not Your Struggle So many women are trying to eat better, lose weight, meal plan, feed their families, manage busy schedules, and somehow not feel guilty about every food choice along the way. In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Wickenhauser, PA, homeschooling mom of four, Christian health coach, and founder of Kingdom Fit Moms, for a conversation about what it really looks like to pursue health in the middle of real life. Key Takeaways: Why shame keeps so many women stuck in the diet cycleHow to help patients separate their identity from emotional eating or weight strugglesWhy “real food” messaging should not demonize frozen meals, packaged foods, or convenience optionsHow to shift patients from an “I have to” mindset to an “I get to care for my body” mindsetHow accountability and community can support consistencyPractical meal planning strategies for busy moms and familiesSimple lunch and snack ideas for summer when kids are homeHow faith, values, and identity can shape a woman’s health journeyResources Mentioned: Episode 157: I Hate Meal Plans Connect with Kelsey 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.

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Nutrition advice is everywhere. Your patients need help sorting through misinformation, and you need practical guidance for communicating nutrition clearly and compassionately. Exam Room Nutrition is the podcast for physician associates, registered dietitians, and healthcare professionals who want to stay current on nutrition and feel more confident counseling patients. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, each episode breaks down evidence-based topics including pediatric nutrition, weight management, diabetes, supplements, sports nutrition, and more. You’ll learn how to translate the evidence into realistic recommendations without judgment, shame, or overwhelming your patients. Whether you are a PA strengthening your nutrition knowledge or an RD sharpening your counseling skills, Exam Room Nutrition will help you bring practical, compassionate nutrition care into every patient conversation.

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