Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN | Nutrition Educator
  • 5.0 (91)
  • Nutrition
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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.

  1. 1d ago

    175 | Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purées: Which Is Better?

    Infant Feeding: Gagging, Choking, and First Foods Starting solids can feel surprisingly complicated for parents, especially when the advice they receive from healthcare providers, social media, and well-meaning family members doesn't always agree. Purées or baby-led weaning? Four months or six? And is food before one really just for fun? In this episode, I'm joined by Kinzie Matzeller, a registered dietitian and PhD candidate at Colorado State University who researches infant feeding, nutrition, and growth.  What We Talk About:  What developmental signs to look for when determining whether a baby is ready for solids, and why age alone doesn't tell the whole storyWhether baby-led weaning actually offers advantages over puréesHow to explain the difference between gagging and chokingWhy “food before one is just for fun” overlooks important nutritional needsKinzie's approach to introducing common food allergens and how to help parents navigate conflicting recommendationsHow much food babies really need when starting solids, how feeding frequency changes during the first year, and why responsive feeding mattersResources Mentioned Connect with Kinzie Matzeller on LinkedInKinzie's published research on baby-led weaning versus conventional feeding (additional reading)Related Exam Room Nutrition Episodes Episode 126: Introducing Allergens: A Step-by-Step Guide to Early Allergen Introduction in InfantsEpisode 58: Infant Formula - A Guide to Choosing the right oneAny 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. Oct 28

    174 | Folate, Choline & the Fertility Supplement Hype

    Folic Acid, Inositol, and Choline Explained Folic acid or methylfolate? Does inositol actually help with PMOS? And why is choline missing from so many prenatal vitamins? Prenatal nutrition has become surprisingly controversial, and social media isn't making it any easier for clinicians to separate evidence from marketing. In this episode, I'm joined by Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, founder, formulator, and CEO of FullWell, to unpack the nutrients that matter most before and during pregnancy.  Key takeaways: Why nutrition matters 3–6 months before conception, not just after a positive pregnancy testFolic acid vs. methylfolate: what's the difference, and why it matters?The role of inositol in PMOS, insulin resistance, and fertilityWhy choline is essential for fetal brain development and often overlooked in prenatal counselingWhat to look for when evaluating prenatal supplements, including nutrient forms, dosing, and absorptionHow Ayla's clinical experience inspired the development of FullWell's reproductive health supplementsThis episode is sponsored by FullWell, a registered dietitian-founded supplement company specializing in prenatal and reproductive health. Learn more about FullWell: https://fullwellfertility.com Connect with FullWell: Instagram @fullwellfertility 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. Oct 21

    173 | The Dancer Looks Healthy. But Is She?

    Nutrition Red Flags in Young Dancers In this episode, I'm joined by registered dietitian and former ballet dancer Maura Fowler to talk about relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and the unique pressures young dancers face around food, performance, and body image.  You'll Learn: Why RED-S can affect both male and female dancers, even when they don't have an eating disorder.The link between low energy availability and frequent illness, fatigue, dizziness, and recurring injuries Why changes in menstruation can be an important early warning sign, even when an athlete appears healthy.When "clean eating" becomes concerningHow to approach dancers who are afraid that eating more will lead to unwanted changes in their bodies or performance.Connect with Maura Fowler Instagram: @maura.thedancedietitianwww.beyondthebarrenutrition.comRelated Episodes 166 | Think You Can Spot an Eating Disorder? with Jessica Setnick158 | The Nutrition Mistake Every Injured Athlete Makes with Emily BarnhartAny 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. Oct 14

    172 | Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Diet

    Tick Bites, GI Symptoms, and Hidden Triggers A patient comes in with recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained hives. Could a tick bite be responsible? Alpha-gal syndrome is an unusual food allergy that can develop after a tick bite, causing delayed reactions to mammalian meat and sometimes other animal-derived products. But recognizing it isn't always straightforward, especially when patients have GI symptoms without the typical signs of an allergic reaction. In this episode, I'm joined by Jerry Simons, PA-C, a nationally recognized medical educator with more than 25 years of experience treating complex GI disorders and tick-borne diseases. Jerry walks us through the diagnostic clues clinicians should know, how he approaches testing and dietary management, and why unnecessarily restricting foods can sometimes do more harm than good. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why alpha-gal reactions can occur hours after eatingHow to interpret alpha-gal IgE testing alongside the patient's clinical historyA stepwise approach to dietary managementHidden sources of mammalian ingredients in supplements, medications, and foods that clinicians should know aboutResources Mentioned Alpha Gal Resources PDFConnect with Jerry  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.

  5. Oct 7

    171 | Food Rules We Carry Into Adulthood

    Picky Eating, Food Pressure & Body Trust “Just take one more bite.” “Finish your vegetables, then you can have dessert.” “That’s junk food.” These comments may seem harmless, but the messages kids hear around food can shape how they eat and think about their bodies years later. In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Kerry Miller to talk about how parents and clinicians can help kids build body trust and a healthier relationship with food. Key takeaways: Why pressure to eat can actually increase picky eatingHow to balance mealtime structure with hunger and fullness cuesWhy using dessert as a reward can backfireHow childhood food and body messages can follow us into adulthoodOne simple question clinicians can ask families during a busy well visitResources Mentioned:  Website: www.violetlearns.comCompanion resources for professionals: https://professionals.violetlearns.com/Instagram: @kerry.millerrdAny 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.

  6. Sep 30

    170 | What Does “Healthy” Actually Mean?

    Help Patients Define They're WHY  What does your patient actually mean when they say, “I just want to be healthy?” Because “healthy” can mean something completely different to the clinician, the patient, and the parent sitting next to them. In this episode, I’m talking with registered dietitian Allison McKeany about why defining health may be one of the most important steps in nutrition counseling.  Key takeaways: Why clinicians should define what “healthy” means before giving nutrition adviceHow to uncover a patient’s deeper “why” and use it to support behavior changeAllison’s four areas of health: physical, functional, cognitive, and emotionalStrategies for navigating different health goals between parents and childrenResources Mentioned: What Does it Mean to Be Healthy, Anyway? Connect with Allison Listen to this episode next - Helping patients change 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.

  7. Sep 23

    169 | An Obesity Doctor on GLP-1s, Cortisol & Peptides

    Hunger, Habits and Sustainable Weight Care  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rees Checketts, an internal medicine physician specializing in metabolic and obesity medicine, to talk about what nutrition education in medical training gets right, and where it still falls short. We also dig into the conversations clinicians are having every day about weight, hunger, GLP-1 medications, cortisol, processed foods, and the latest wellness trends. You’ll learn: How genetics, environment, hunger and fullness cues can influence weightWhy Dr. Checketts uses a “thoughtful indulgence” approach with patientsHow he decides when weight loss medications and GLP-1s may, or may not, make senseWhat clinicians and patients should understand about compounded GLP-1 medicationsWhether cortisol and “hormone imbalance” are really driving weight gainWhy he’s cautious about the growing popularity of peptidesResources mentioned: Peas and Hoppy Meal Guide - use EXAMROOM for 20% off. GLP Guide by Dr Rees Other related episodes: 160: Inside an Obesity Clinic: GLP-1 Dosing, Plateaus, and Prior Auths 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.

  8. Sep 17

    From First Foods to Family Meals

    This episode is part of our four-part Avocados in Practice mini-series, sponsored by Avocados – Love One Today®.  Today, we're exploring practical family nutrition strategies from first foods to family meals. Helping families eat well isn't about creating the perfect meal, it's about finding realistic strategies that work through every stage of childhood. In this final episode of our mini-series, Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, and I discuss common nutrition gaps, first foods, picky eating, and practical approaches to building family meals that support healthy eating without becoming short-order cooks, including simple ways versatile foods like avocados can fit across ages and stages.  We Cover Nutrients children and families commonly fall short onWhat we know about maternal nutrition and infant outcomesCharacteristics of a nutritious first foodPractical strategies for navigating picky eatingHow to build family meals that work for every age and stageResources Mentioned: Healthy Beginnings (Toolkit) The Role of Lutein in Child Development: From Prenatal to Early Childhood Avocado Consumption During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Child Food Allergy Risk: Prospective KuBiCo Study How to Freeze Avocados for Smoothies Don't miss the rest of the series: Episode 1: Why Feeling Full Matters for Weight LossEpisode 2: Rethinking Cholesterol Counseling Episode 3: The Bigger Picture of Blood Sugar About Today's Sponsor Avocados – Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. Backed by science, Love One Today provides turnkey solutions that make it easy for health professionals to stay on top of the latest research and confidently recommend fresh avocados to patients. Embracing the diversity of Latin flavors and traditions while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Aguacates - Love One Today® also offers culturally inspired recipes, tips, and educational handouts para Latinos. Visit LoveOneToday.com for free evidence-based resources, recipes and patient education materials. 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.

    From First Foods to Family Meals
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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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