Nutrition Diva

4.4 (1.7K)
NUTRITION
UPDATED WEEKLY

Every week, Monica Reinagel peels back the layers of nutrition news and research, answers listener questions, and helps you feel more confident about your food and nutrition choices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2D AGO

The science (and sales appeal) of low net carb candies

858. Are "low net carb" candies actually a healthy alternative, or just clever chemistry? In this episode, Monica breaks down the science of net carbs and the marketing behind some brands. We dive deep into the ingredient list to explain how sugar alcohols (like erythritol and isomalt) and functional fibers (like polydextrose and soluble corn fiber) affect your body. If you’ve ever wondered why low-sugar treats cause bloating or gas, or if those 26 grams of fiber actually "count," this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: How to calculate net carbs: The math manufacturers use to subtract fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates.The GI Impact: Why high-fiber candies can lead to digestive discomfort and "functional fiber" warnings.Blood Sugar vs. Calories: How keto-friendly sweets compare to traditional treats like Swedish Fish.Food Psychology: Why labeling food as "Shameless" or "Guilt-Free" can harm our relationship with eating.Stop viewing your snack choices as a moral scorecard. Listen to learn how to read nutrition facts labels with a critical eye and choose the treats that actually make your body feel good. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
MAR 25

Are you "killing" the nutrients in your food? InstantPots, microwaves, and leftovers…and my only cardinal rule

Does your food lose its nutritional value as soon as it hits the heat? This week on Nutrition Diva, Monica answers a listener's question about how different cooking methods—specifically the Instant Pot versus the stovetop—impact the vitamins and minerals in your meals. We look into the science of nutrient retention, debunking "urban legends" about microwaving, and explaining why frozen vegetables might actually be more nutritious than the "fresh" ones sitting on your counter. The "New Car" Analogy: Does nutrient value drop immediately, or is it a gradual decline?Pressure Cooking vs. Boiling: Why the Instant Pot often beats the stove for preserving fragile vitamins.The Leftover Equation: How many nutrients are actually left in your 3-day-old chili?The Cardinal Rule: The one thing you should never do when reheating food (hint: it’s not about the nutrients, it's about microplastics).The Kale Chip Lesson: Why the "most nutritious" way to cook is the one that actually gets eaten. Related Episodes: Episode #654: Is Raw Food Better Than Cooked?Episode #592: Are Frozen Vegetables Healthy? If you’re listening on Spotify, check the poll: Do you prefer your veggies raw, roasted, or steamed? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 min
MAR 18

Is coffee mold actually making you sick?

856. According to the internet, your morning brew might be hiding "mold toxins" that cause brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. But is mold-free coffee a bona fide health breakthrough, or just a clever marketing play? This week, Monica takes a closer look at the science of mycotoxins in coffee, specifically Ochratoxin A (OTA). We separate food safety facts from "wellness guru" fiction to find out if standard coffee beans are actually undermining your health. What Mycotoxins Are: Understanding the difference between visible mold and chemical compounds like Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A. The Roasting Defense: Why the roasting process is your best protection against toxins and why "green coffee" products carry different risks. Hazard vs. Risk: A crucial distinction in food safety—is the presence of a toxin the same thing as a threat to your health? Practical Prevention: 4 simple steps to minimize exposure—from checking "roasted on" dates to proper home storage—without paying a premium for specialty brands. The Big Picture: How coffee compares to tea, herbal infusions, and cocoa when it comes to OTA levels.Related Episodes: Episode #517: Aflatoxins in Peanuts Episode #355: The Difference Between Hazard and RiskNew to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 min
MAR 11

9 Ways to Optimize Breakfast

855. Is your "healthy" breakfast actually setting you up for a mid-morning crash? Many of us reach for 100-calorie yogurt cups or fiber bars thinking we’re making the right choice, only to find ourselves eyeing the office donut box by 10:00 AM. This week, the Nutrition Diva breaks down 9 essential tips to transform your morning meal from a nutritional afterthought into a powerhouse that fuels your brain and body. Whether you’re a cereal lover or a fan of leftovers, Monica explains how to strike the perfect balance between protein, fiber, and healthy fats. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 min
MAR 4

New Research Alert: How do sugar substitutes affect the microbiome?

854. Do artificial sweeteners help—or hurt—efforts to manage weight? Fresh research offers some surprising new answers. References: Effect of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers on weight management and gut microbiota composition in individuals with overweight or obesity: the SWEET study | Nature Metabolism The role of sweeteners in weight loss | Nature Reviews Endocrinology Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/new-research-alert-how-do-sugar-substitutes-affect-the-microbiome/transcript New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
FEB 25

Study proves that UPFs cause weight gain…or does it?

853. A recent study on ultra-processed foods seems to be yet another nail in the coffin for UPFs. But all is not as it seems. References Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health Related Episodes: Maybe “hyperpalatabilty” isn’t the problem after all The surprising links between UPFs and diet quality | Nutrition Diva Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 min
FEB 18

How do fermented dairy products affect cholesterol?

852. Fermented dairy may affect cholesterol differently than butter or processed meats—but it’s not a free pass. Here’s what the evidence actually shows about yogurt, cheese, saturated fat, and LDL cholesterol. References Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to Be Concerned? - PMC Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - ScienceDirect Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed Harnessing the Magic of the Dairy Matrix for Next-Level Health Solutions: A Summary of a Symposium Presented at Nutrition 2022 Dairy and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Recent Observational Research - PMC Fermented dairy product consumption and blood lipid levels in healthy adults: a systematic review New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 min
FEB 11

Fiber-maxxing: How much fiber is too much?

851. A current nutrition trend encourages people to dramatically increase their fiber intake. But how much fiber is actually helpful? And when can “more” start to backfire? Find a transcript here. Recommended Resources: The Bloated Belly Whisperer by Tamara Duker Freuman Regular, by Tamara Duker Freuman Related episodes: 805 - The real truth about fiber supplements your digestive health needs 560 - Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits 479 - How to Increase Fiber Without Overloading on Calories 589 - Do You Get Enough Fiber on a Low-FODMAP Diet? 712 - Potty Talk with Tamara Duker Freuman 507 - Bloating: The Causes and the Cures 710 - Beyond FODMAPS with Beth Rosen, RD New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 min

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Monica Reinagel

Host

4.4

out of 5

1,687 Ratings

I have followed Monica for at least 10 years...

Mar 9

Shel Lynn

I would like to give it a fifth star, but I cannot endorse Anyone who promotes animal consumption -- particularly w/o warnings re. the dangers of this practice to humans, ecosystems &, of course, the mass horrible suffering of the animals from factory farming. It could be helpful to listeners to offer more healthful alternatives to eating animals. Otherwise I appreciate the show.
Judgement-free & data-supported

1d ago

KirstiLouise

I love the style of this podcast. Monica provides data-driven information so you can make an informed decision. She explains things clearly, and provides definitions for the less commonly known terms to help those of us who don’t live in the nutrition world full time.
The Best Dietary Podcast Ever

Mar 12

GJNOMAD

This Podcast is perfect . The Host is amazing I wonder how i could ever Miss this Podcast really Glad that i been introduced to it Much Blessings to The Host and the Team continue doing the amazing Job You Guys Are .
Beef Tallo & Mono Unsaturated Fats

10/18/2025

DrSeuss45

I find Monica’s information very informative and helpful. I personally follow the Mediterranean diet. I have been a listener for over ten years and use to be a 200 lb ex track & field performer and for the last 3 years I am a 156 lb muscular 5% body fat (8 pack) 80 yr old. I am also interested in Blue Zone diets.