But first, Pivot.

Danielle Rancourt, RD
  • 4.7 (24)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I’m Dani Rancourt, registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian, and founder of Pivot Nutrition Coaching. In But First, Pivot, we cut through diet culture and break down what actually works for sustainable fat loss, better nutrition, and a healthier relationship with food. You’ll hear real client success stories, practical nutrition strategies, and honest conversations about mindset, metabolism, and long-term weight maintenance. If you’re tired of starting over every Monday and want a realistic approach to nutrition that actually fits your life — this podcast is for you.

  1. MAR 6

    Episode 90: VBAC, Induction & C-Sections: An OB-GYN Q&A with Dr. Collette Lessard

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Collette Lessard, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician-gynecologist who is passionate about helping women understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Lessard believes every patient deserves the knowledge and understanding needed to confidently navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine while treating every patient like she would her own family. Together, we’re answering common questions women have about pregnancy and birth — and throughout the conversation I also share pieces of my own birth experiences, including having an unplanned C-section with my first baby and a VBAC with my second (over 9 lbs!) In this episode, we discuss: • The pros and cons of VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) • How VBAC success rates are calculated and what factors influence them • Whether induction lowers the chances of a successful VBAC • The pros and cons of a planned C-section • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and risks with multiple pregnancies Whether you're currently pregnant, planning to be, or simply curious about the realities of modern obstetric care, this episode is full of practical insight, reassurance, and evidence-based guidance. 🎧 Tune in for an honest and informative conversation about birth options, medical decision-making, and empowering women with the knowledge they deserve.

    59 min

  2. FEB 23

    Episode 89: I Went 100% Dairy-Free for 8 Days…Here’s What Actually Happened

    When my 3 month-old was constantly spitting up, the most common advice I received was simple: “Try going dairy-free.” Even though Remi showed no other signs of milk intolerance and my pediatrician said, “He’s just a happy spitter — it’ll pass,” I figured it would be a worthwhile experiment… especially as a dietitian. So for 8 full days, I removed all dairy — no yogurt, no half & half in my coffee, no hidden ingredients. And for the sake of the experiment, my colleague Sam went dairy-free too. In this episode, Sam and I break down what what going 100% dairy free was really like: What was surprisingly easy — and what was not The protein bar and dairy-free milk experiments (including some major fails) The best recipe that unexpectedly came out of this experiment How quickly hunger and food noise ramped up Why certain “healthy swaps” didn’t actually satisfy The unexpected impact on my weight How dairy shows up in more family meals than I realized And the bigger lesson this experiment revealed about restriction and sustainability We also talk about where dairy actually functions as a super helpful protein tool, where it’s flexible (like cheese and pizza), and where it’s tied to routine and enjoyment — which honestly matters more than most people realize. If you’ve ever tried cutting something out — whether it’s dairy, gluten, or anything else — and found yourself more hungry, more snacky, or just kind of annoyed… you’ll relate to this. We’re sharing what actually happened when I removed a major food group, from the hunger and food noise to the unexpected weight and digestion shifts — all while navigating postpartum life and breastfeeding. Because sometimes the thing you try doesn’t fix what you thought it would — but it still teaches you something. And usually, even in the middle of something hard, there’s a silver lining. Dani’s Dairy-Free Perfect Bars: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTq0HLGj_0G/?hl=en&img_index=1 Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian, Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani: https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/ https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/ Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/

    1h 9m

  3. JAN 30

    Episode 88: Breaking the Plateau: How Bri Finally Lost 25 lbs After Years of Being Stuck

    In this lighthearted episode, I’m joined by my client Bri to share how shifting her mindset finally got her unstuck after years of not seeing results. When Bri reached out in summer 2025, she was working a demanding job as a lawyer, training with a personal trainer three times per week for nearly two years, and feeling beyond frustrated. She was getting stronger in the gym, but her body composition wasn’t changing, and she felt stuck despite being in a calorie deficit most days of the week. Over four months, Bri lost just over 20 pounds — even while attending concerts, weddings, enjoying margaritas, sushi, and Italian dinners nearly every weekend. After transitioning into a reverse diet and maintenance phase, she continued to lose weight, bringing her total to 25 pounds lost in six months — without burnout, restriction, or sacrificing her social life. This is a real, honest, and fun conversation where Bri shares: • What finally clicked for her • The biggest factor behind her success • The lesson that stuck with her the most • Her favorite part about working with Pivot • The advice she’d give to anyone working out consistently but not seeing results If you’ve ever felt stuck despite working hard in the gym and trying to “eat clean,” this episode is proof that fat loss doesn’t require suffering — it requires a smarter, more sustainable strategy.

    46 min

  4. JAN 16

    Episode 87: NEW (2026) Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Pros, Cons and Dietitian Thoughts

    The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are out and I genuinely can’t believe the food pyramid is back 👀 In this deep-dive episode, I’m joined by my fellow registered dietitians Sam and Hannah for an honest, real-life breakdown of the 2026 guidelines. We go page by page through the new 10-page document (link below), separating what actually changed from what just looks different, and what this all means for real people. We talk visuals vs reality, protein targets, fiber gaps, dairy confusion, saturated fat messaging, gut health, grains, added sugars, alcohol guidelines, and the disconnect between what’s written and what the graphic is communicating. In this episode, we cover: What the Dietary Guidelines are and why they matter Food pyramid vs. MyPlate (and why visuals matter) New protein recommendations Animal vs. plant protein Dairy: full-fat vs. low-fat debate Gut health + fermented foods (and what’s missing) Fruits & veggies: servings, frozen/canned options, and access Healthy fats: omega-3s vs. saturated fat confusion Grains, carbs, and why the pyramid sends mixed messages Added sugar guidance vs. real-life eating Alcohol recommendations (or lack thereof) Conflicts of interest worth knowing about Summary of pros & cons plus what we’re changing as RD's Bottom line: We love the big-picture message: eat more whole foods, more fiber, less added sugar and less ultra-processed food—but execution matters. If guidelines are meant to guide the public, they need to be clear, realistic, affordable, and consistent. 📄 Follow along: 10-page DGA document: https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf Scientific Foundation report: https://cdn.realfood.gov/Scientific%20Report%20Appendices_1.8.26.pdf 👟 Bonus: This episode is 1 hour 20 minutes aka ~6,500–8,000 steps if you listen on a walk.

    1h 20m

  5. 11/21/2025

    Episode 86: Building balanced meals: PCC vs PFF

    In the But First, Pivot podcast, we talk a lot about PCC (Protein–Color–Carb) and PFF (Protein–Fiber–Fat) — two simple frameworks we use to teach clients and athletes how to build balanced, satisfying meals without tracking. In this episode, Dani and Sam break down what these frameworks are, how they’re similar, how they’re different, and when to use each one. You’ll learn: Why both PCC and PFF work Which one is easiest to start with Downfalls of PCC and PFF How to level up from PCC to PFF Breakfast, lunch, and dinner examples for each How these concepts help with energy, fullness, cravings, and performance Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

    50 min

  6. 10/31/2025

    Episode 85: If I wanted to lose 8 lbs. by Christmas, I would...

    We’ve got about 8 weeks until Christmas, which means losing 8 lbs or about one pound per week is totally realistic! In this episode, fat loss dietitians Dani and Sam share exactly what they’d focus on if they wanted to lose 8 pounds by Christmas without cutting out pumpkin Reese's and Christmas cookies. If your goal is to enjoy the holidays, feel good in your body, and still make progress, this episode gives you a simple roadmap to do it (if you're already doing these and they're not working for you, I hope you'll reach out!) Mentioned in this episode: Episode 81 - Keys to Weight Maintenance https://podcast.pivotnutritioncoaching.com/81 Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

    36 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Episode 84: VBAC Redemption: Rémi’s Birth Story

    After a traumatic first birth with Chloé, I spent my entire second pregnancy hoping for a VBAC, but also being terrified of it. At 39 weeks and 3 days, I scheduled a backup C-section “just in case,” but prayed that baby Rémi would come early on his own. In this episode, I walk you through the full story from the first contraction at 2:30 a.m. to delivering our big 9-pound boy at 12:15 p.m. the same day. You’ll hear: ✨ Why I wanted a VBAC (and how fear played into my decision) ✨ What those early contractions at home were like ✨ Me begging for an epidural upon admission ✨ How quickly things progressed once I got to the hospital ✨ The intense final moments - CODE PINK!!! ✨ A painful postpartum recovery (ice diapers, hemorrhoids, and all) This episode is real, emotional, and a little wild (equal parts funny and TMI). So if you’re not up for talk about hemorrhoids and vaginas, maybe skip this one 😉 Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Founder and CEO - Pivot Nutrition Coaching Guest: Brianne (Bri) O'Neil Fellow Toddler Mom and Firefighter wife Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

    1h 24m

  8. 09/26/2025

    Episode 83: PCOS Blueprint: Simple Strategies With a Big Impact

    PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age — but it’s so much more than just a fertility issue. In this episode, we’re breaking down the root drivers of PCOS, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, and how they impact weight, mood, energy, and long-term health. My colleague Sam joins the show to walk through the five key areas every woman with PCOS should focus on: Blood sugar Balance Inflammation Hormone health Exercise Managing stress & sleep If you’ve ever felt frustrated by being told to “just lose weight” or handed birth control as a Band-Aid solution, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with clear, practical strategies you can start using right away to feel better, improve your symptoms, and support long-term health. 🎧 Tune in and share this episode with a friend who has PCOS — because you don’t have to manage it alone! Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

    51 min
See All (90)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

I’m Dani Rancourt, registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian, and founder of Pivot Nutrition Coaching. In But First, Pivot, we cut through diet culture and break down what actually works for sustainable fat loss, better nutrition, and a healthier relationship with food. You’ll hear real client success stories, practical nutrition strategies, and honest conversations about mindset, metabolism, and long-term weight maintenance. If you’re tired of starting over every Monday and want a realistic approach to nutrition that actually fits your life — this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Rancourt, RD
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pivot Nutrition Coaching
  • Show Website
    But first, Pivot.

You Might Also Like