Nutrition for Mamas

Brooke MIller, RD, CLC

Stop just surviving motherhood. Start feeling good again. I’m Brooke Miller, Registered Dietitian, Lactation Counselor, and mom of three. Inside the Nutrition for Mamas Podcast, we talk all things nutrition, health and mom-life balance. We'll cover postpartum and breastfeeding to quick meals, cravings, and energy struggles. Each week, you’ll get simple, realistic tips that fit your busy life and actually work. Expect honest conversations, guest experts, practical strategies, and a little humor to remind you that you’re doing better than you think. If you’re ready to boost your energy, feel confident in your body, and enjoy food again, you’re in the right place. Connect with Brooke on Instagram @nutrition.for.mamas https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/

  1. 1d ago

    130. Do Carbs Make You Gain Weight? The Truth About Carbs, Fiber, and Weight Gain

    Carbs have become the new "fat is bad." Moms are showing up terrified of bread, rice, even fruit. In this episode, Brooke breaks down whether carbs actually cause weight gain, how many you really need, and the one shift that matters far more than cutting carbs out completely. What You'll Learn Carbs aren't the enemy, the type is what matters. Weight gain usually comes from processed, low-fiber carbs, not carbs in general. Swapping for higher fiber, more nutrient-dense options changes everything. There's no universal carb number. Needs shift based on activity level, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and life stage. A balanced plate matters more than hitting a specific gram target. Simple swaps make a big difference. Chickpea or lentil pasta, a brown rice and quinoa mix, higher fiber bread, and protein-packed breakfasts keep you fuller and prevent blood sugar crashes. Fiber needs increase with perimenopause and menopause. Aim for 25 to 30 grams a day. Higher fiber intake is linked to lower insulin resistance and even a 20% lower risk of hot flashes. Pairing carbs with protein and fat prevents blood sugar spikes. This is what actually curbs bingeing, not carb elimination. Keto isn't necessary for most moms. It has a place for specific medical conditions, but it's not the default answer for everyday weight loss. Carbs aren't what's derailing your progress, the type and the pairing are. Swap in more fiber, balance your plate with protein and healthy fats, and stop fearing the foods that actually give you energy to keep up with your kids. Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  2. Aug 11

    129. Osteoporosis & Bone Density: Why Your Bone Density Test Isn't Telling the Whole Story (with Dr. John)

    Did you know a woman is just as likely to break a bone in her lifetime as she is to get breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer?! Yet bone health rarely makes it onto a busy mom's radar until it's too late... In this episode, Brooke sits down with Dr. John Neustadt, naturopathic physician, founder of Nutritional Biochemistry Inc., and bestselling author of Fracture Proof Your Bones, to unpack what really predicts fracture risk, what's silently working against your bones, and what you can start doing today, even in your 30s and 40s. What You'll Learn Bone density tests don't tell the whole story. They only predict fracture risk in 44% of women and 21% of men. Bone strength depends on collagen and protein, not just minerals, and that's what most tests miss. Common medications can quietly destroy bone. SSRIs, proton pump inhibitors, prednisone, and some blood pressure medications increase fracture risk, often without doctors or patients realizing it. Protein and collagen matter more than most women think. Under-eating protein is common, and adequate intake (plus hydrolyzed collagen) supports bone density and strength. Gait and balance predict fractures better than any test. Simple daily habits, like balance exercises and walking, lower fall risk more than people expect. The Mediterranean diet pattern works. A plants-and-protein approach is linked to a 20% reduction in osteoporosis risk and a 21% reduction in fracture risk. A diagnosis isn't an emergency. There's time to ask the right questions, get the right labs, and build a holistic plan before jumping straight to medication. Bone loss is silent, common, and largely preventable. A bone density number isn't destiny. Protein, movement, medication awareness, and the right labs give you real control over your bone health, starting now, not just after menopause. Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  3. Aug 4

    128. Why Am I Not Losing Weight Even Though I Eat Healthy? 7 Hidden Reasons Moms Get Stuck

    Eating healthy. Cutting back. Maybe even exercising more. And the scale still won't move. 😩 If that's you, this episode is for you, mama. Registered dietitian and mom of 3 Brooke Miller breaks down the real, research-backed reasons your weight loss might be stalled, and none of them are "you don't have enough willpower." What You'll Learn Portion sizes are sneaky. Studies show people underreport intake by up to 47% and overestimate exercise by 50%, especially on restrictive diets. Use simple visual cues (palm-size protein, quarter to half cup of carbs) instead of guessing. "Healthy" labels can mislead. Low fat and fat-free often means more added sugar. Check the ingredient list and grams of fiber, protein, and added sugar instead of the front label. Cardio alone won't fix your metabolism. Strength training builds the muscle that raises your metabolism long term. A few 10 to 20 minute sessions a week make a real difference. Your needs shift with every season of motherhood. Pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or years past baby, your calorie and protein needs change, and your plate should change with them. Undereating backfires. Chronic low-calorie, low-protein diets tank your metabolism and spike cortisol (see: the Minnesota Starvation Study). A small, sustainable deficit beats an aggressive one every time. The daily scale lies. Weight fluctuates with hormones, digestion, and water. Track trends monthly instead of obsessing daily. Your weight loss stall isn't a willpower problem. It's usually portions, hidden ingredients, missing strength training, or a metabolism that needs support, not more restriction. Small, sustainable changes win every time. Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  4. Jul 28

    127. Does Eating After 7 PM Cause Weight Gain? A Dietitian Explains the Truth

    Many moms have heard the rule: "Don't eat after 7 PM if you want to lose weight." But is there actually any truth to it? In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor Brooke Miller breaks down one of the most common nutrition myths and explains what the research really says about eating late at night, weight gain, metabolism, and bedtime snacks.  You'll learn why the timing of your food matters far less than most people think, how skipping meals earlier in the day can fuel nighttime cravings, and when a bedtime snack can actually support your health goals. In This Episode You'll Learn: Whether eating after 7 PM causes weight gain Why your metabolism doesn't "shut off" at night The real reason many women struggle with nighttime cravings How protein, fiber, and healthy fats impact hunger and blood sugar Why going to bed hungry may backfire When a bedtime snack makes sense (and when it doesn't) How meal timing affects sleep quality The difference between a gentle overnight fast and restrictive intermittent fasting Best bedtime snack ideas for busy moms Why fixing your daytime eating habits is often the key to reducing evening snacking Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom who's ever wondered whether eating after dinner is hurting her weight loss goals. Remember: you don't need to fear food after 7 PM. The goal isn't eating less at night, it's fueling your body well throughout the entire day. 💛 Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly    💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  5. Jul 21

    126. How Chronic Stress & High Cortisol Impacts Weight (And What Actually Helps)

    You've probably seen it all over Instagram: "comment cortisol" and buy a supplement that promises to melt stress belly overnight. In this episode, registered dietitian and lactation counselor Brooke Miller separates fact from fad, explaining exactly how chronic stress and elevated cortisol affect fat storage, blood sugar, muscle mass, and hunger hormones and why busy moms are especially vulnerable.  She breaks down the difference between normal, healthy cortisol fluctuation and the chronic stress response that actually impacts your body composition, plus gives practical, no-extreme-diet strategies (and the supplements that are genuinely backed by research) to help you support your stress response without falling for the next miracle pill. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What chronically high cortisol actually does to fat storage (and why it tends to target visceral/belly fat) How cortisol and blood sugar create a feedback loop that drives weight gain Why crash diets and extreme restriction can raise cortisol and backfire on weight loss The sneaky way poor sleep disrupts leptin and ghrelin, your hunger and fullness hormones Why emotional eating isn't a willpower problem 4 supplements with real research behind them for cortisol support (and who should avoid one of them) Simple, free nervous system regulation techniques that make every other habit work better Why "fixing" cortisol starts with sleep, blood sugar, and movement not a supplement Cortisol is the downstream of a lot of things,  our sleep, our blood sugar, our exercise, how we cope with stress. No single pill or supplement will fix these root cause things. It’s important to look at everything in your lifestyle that can be impacting your cortisol levels. 💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  6. Jul 14

    125. Healthy Eating for Busy Moms: Easy Meal Planning That Actually Saves Time

    Ever feel like you're scrambling to figure out dinner every night? In this episode, I'm chatting with Carlie, a busy mom who shares how a few simple changes completely transformed dinnertime in her home. We talk about practical ways to make healthy eating easier, save time during the week, and take the stress out of feeding your family. If you're tired of spending your evenings searching for recipes, making multiple grocery trips, or wondering what to cook, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated The simple meal planning habits that save hours every week Easy grocery shopping hacks that reduce stress How to use convenience foods to build healthy meals Tips for feeding picky eaters without making separate dinners Why repeating meals is one of the best things busy moms can do How to build a healthier relationship with food while modeling balance for your kids Ready to make mealtime easier? If you loved the ideas we shared in this episode, you'll love Busy Mom Meals. Every week you'll get 7 quick, dietitian-created meals (all ready in 15 minutes or less), a done-for-you grocery list, and family-friendly recipes made for real mom life. No more wondering what's for dinner—just simple, healthy meals your whole family will love. 👉 Join Busy Mom Meals here And if you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love it if you shared it with another busy mom and left a quick review for the podcast. It helps us reach more moms who deserve to feel healthy, energized, and less stressed around mealtime. ❤️ Come hang out with me on Instagram @nutrition.for.mamas 💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  7. Jul 7

    124. How I Lowered My Cholesterol Naturally (Without Medication)

    If you've ever been told your high cholesterol is "just genetic" and there's nothing you can do but take medication, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the exact, research-backed changes that helped me drop my total cholesterol by 35 points, LDL by 27 points, and triglycerides by 80 points in 12 months, no medication required. As a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3, I'm breaking down the biggest high cholesterol myths (starting with the dietary cholesterol myth, yes, eggs are fine!) and walking through the lifestyle and nutrition shifts that actually move the needle on cholesterol naturally. In this episode, you'll learn: Why eating cholesterol-containing foods like eggs and shrimp isn't the real problem The truth about genetics and high cholesterol, predisposition isn't destiny How strength training and walking impact LDL, HDL, and triglycerides Why added sugar (not dietary fat) is one of the biggest drivers of high cholesterol The role of fiber in naturally lowering LDL cholesterol Cholesterol-supportive supplements to ask your doctor about: omega-3s, vitamin D, berberine, turmeric/ginger, plant sterols How blood sugar regulation ties directly into healthy cholesterol levels My personal before-and-after lab numbers after one year of consistency Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting supplements or adjusting cholesterol medication. Want pre-balanced meals that support healthy cholesterol without tracking or giving up your favorite foods? Join us inside Busy Mom Meals  Come hang out with me on Instagram @nutrition.for.mamas 💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

  8. Jun 30

    123. Is Fat Really Making You Fat?

    For years, moms were told that eating fat would make them gain weight. So we bought low-fat yogurt. The fat-free salad dressing. The skim milk. But what if that advice actually backfired? In this episode, I'm breaking down where the low-fat craze came from, why so many low-fat foods are packed with added sugar and ingredients your body doesn't need, and what healthy fats actually do for your hormones, metabolism, and hunger levels. If you've been avoiding foods like avocado, nuts, eggs, butter, or olive oil because you're worried they'll make you gain weight, this episode is for you. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why the low-fat movement started and what happened afterward ✅ The hidden problem with many low-fat products ✅ How healthy fats help keep you full and satisfied ✅ The role fat plays in hormone production ✅ The difference between healthy fats and trans fats ✅ Simple swaps you can make at the grocery store ✅ Why portion sizes still matter, even with healthy foods ✅ How to build meals that support stable energy, fewer cravings, and a healthier metabolism Fat is not the enemy. In fact, healthy fats are one of the most important nutrients for helping you feel satisfied after meals, support your hormones, absorb key vitamins, and create balanced meals that work with your body instead of against it. Rather than focusing on avoiding fat, focus on including more omega 3 fats alongside protein and fiber at meals and snacks. Good sources of healthy fat sources: Plain Greek yogurt Olive oil Avocado oil Avocados Nuts and seeds Nut butter Salmon and fatty fish Eggs Grass-fed butter Primal Kitchen salad dressings 💛 Explore all programs and resources: https://linktr.ee/brooke.miller.nutrition Come say hi on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/ Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeMMiller Free Nutrition Workshops For Moms: https://www.busymommeals.com/free-workshops-for-moms Join Busy Mom Meals: High protein 15 minute or less meals: https://www.busymommeals.com/monthly  Browse my Supplement & Vitamin Recommendations here:  I’ve organized the vitamins and supplements I recommend most often (and personally take) into my dietitian-curated supplement store so it’s easy to find the exact brands I trust. Browse them here: https://www.busymommeals.com/supplementstore Create a free account (takes about 30 seconds), then scroll down to see my recommended supplement plans. You can also turn on Subscribe & Save for an extra discount and automatic shipping so you never run out.

5
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

Stop just surviving motherhood. Start feeling good again. I’m Brooke Miller, Registered Dietitian, Lactation Counselor, and mom of three. Inside the Nutrition for Mamas Podcast, we talk all things nutrition, health and mom-life balance. We'll cover postpartum and breastfeeding to quick meals, cravings, and energy struggles. Each week, you’ll get simple, realistic tips that fit your busy life and actually work. Expect honest conversations, guest experts, practical strategies, and a little humor to remind you that you’re doing better than you think. If you’re ready to boost your energy, feel confident in your body, and enjoy food again, you’re in the right place. Connect with Brooke on Instagram @nutrition.for.mamas https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/

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