Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (88)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

As a clinician, your patients are asking:  “What should I eat for diabetes?” “How do I lose weight?” “My child is so picky. What do I do?” But here’s the problem—you probably didn’t learn much about nutrition in school. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 hours of nutrition education for med students. Most of us? We got maybe 5.   Enter Exam Room Nutrition. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, a PA and RD with over a decade of experience, this podcast gives you clear, actionable strategies to tackle those tough nutrition questions with confidence—even when you’re pressed for time. From picky eaters to diabetes management, I’ll renew how you approach nutrition.  

  1. 2D AGO

    154 | Diabetes in the Age of Social Media: Are Glucose Spikes Really the Problem?

    Social Media Is Confusing Your Patients.  In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinology PA Emily Stevens to discuss diabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control and help you explain it in a way your patients will actually understand.  If your patients are asking about glucose spikes, CGMs, keto, or supplements like berberine, this episode will give you clear, practical answers you can use in clinic this week. What You’ll Learn:  Why "glucose spikes" are normal and how to explain this to patients without causing fear  The truth about low-carb, keto, and intermittent fasting for diabetes management  Why telling patients to “cut carbs” or “avoid fruit” is wrong advice How to use the Diabetes Plate Method for quick, effective nutrition counseling  Why pairing protein + carbohydrates improves glycemic control (and how to teach it fast)  What the evidence says about berberine, magnesium, and supplements When lifestyle changes are enough vs when medication is necessary Who actually benefits from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) (and who doesn’t) Key Takeaways for the Exam Room: Blood sugar isn’t meant to be flat. Help patients expect “rolling hills,” not a straight line. Carbs aren’t the problem. Focus on quality, pairing, and portions. Start with beverages. It’s often the fastest win for improving glycemic control. Don’t demonize fruit. You’ll create fear instead of sustainable change. Meet patients where they are. “Cut it in half” works better than “cut it out.” You can’t out-supplement a poor diet. Food first, always. Use visuals, not numbers. The plate method > gram counting for most patients.Connect with Emily 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.

    33 min

  2. APR 22

    153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work

    Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel. What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room. In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it. From skipped breakfasts to overhyped protein powders, we unpack the real drivers of performance, growth, and recovery in this population. We also get into the practical side: what to ask in clinic, how to spot red flags early, and how to guide families who are trying to do the right thing… but missing the mark. What You’ll Learn: Why teen athletes need more carbs, not more proteinThe most common red flags that a young athlete isn’t eating enoughHow to assess intake more accurately What realistic pre- and post-workout fueling looks like for busy teensWhen sports drinks and electrolytes actually make senseThe truth about creatine, protein powders, and pre-workouts in adolescentsHow to approach weight and body composition without causing harmSimple, high-yield questions to improve your nutrition history in under 2 minutesGrab your free companion guide  Connect with Maria  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.

    28 min

  3. APR 15

    152 | Overeating Explained: Hunger, Habits, or Emotions?

    Why Patients Overeat and Feel Out of Control  What’s really driving overeating: hunger, habit, or emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Johnston, a physician assistant turned eating habits and weight loss coach, to unpack why patients eat past fullness, why nighttime eating feels so out of control, and how to quickly uncover what’s actually going on beneath the behavior.  Here’s what you’ll learn:  The difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full, and why that distinction matters in patient counseling  Simple questions clinicians can ask to figure out whether a patient is eating from hunger, distraction, routine, or emotion  Why patients who “eat perfectly” all day often feel out of control at night  Practical strategies to help patients build awareness, slow down, and stop overeating without shame or rigid food rules If you’ve ever had a patient say, “I’m doing everything right, but I lose control at night,” this episode will help you understand why, and give you better ways to respond.  Resources mentioned: FREEBIE! 10 Sentences to Start Nutrition Conversations Episode 33: End Emotional Eating Connect with Kate 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.

    27 min

  4. APR 8

    151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders?

    When Weight Loss Hides Something Deeper  In this episode, I’m joined by Shawna Melbourn, a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience in eating disorder care, to unpack whether the most celebrated effects of GLP-1 medications, appetite suppression, is actually masking something deeper  Here’s what you’ll learn: Why appetite suppression isn’t always a win (and how it can reinforce restriction)The difference between “quieting food noise” and actually healing a patient’s relationship with food3 simple, high-yield questions you can use to screen for disordered eatingSubtle red flags that suggest a GLP-1 may be worsening disordered eating behaviorsBy the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a more critical lens, better questions, and the confidence to navigate these conversations with care. Resources: Listen to this episode next: Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens Curious about Food Noise?  Connect with Shawna  EDforRDs 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.

    25 min

  5. APR 1

    150 | How to Reduce Dementia Risk with Daily Habits

    Daily Habits Your Patients Need For Brain Health.  If your patients are asking how to protect their brain, and you’re defaulting to “eat better and exercise more”, this episode will challenge that in the best way. In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Collett, a brain health expert, to unpack a more practical, real-world approach to cognitive health. We cover everything from how food fuels the brain at a cellular level to why movement throughout the day may matter more than a single gym session. And toward the end, we get into one of the most overlooked (and honestly, most helpful) concepts: how to counterbalance stress in a way that works in real life.  What You’ll Learn:  What counts as “ultra-processed” (and how to talk about it with nuance)  Key nutrients for cognitive health (B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, choline)  Why most patients fail to change and how to bridge the gap between advice and action  “Exercise snacks”: the easiest way to improve metabolic and brain health without the gym  The concept of stress counterbalance (and how to teach it to patients)  A powerful tool called “scheduled worry” to reduce anxiety and improve sleep  Why social connection and shared meals are underrated tools for brain health Connect with Eric Listen to this episode next: Ultra-Processed Foods Explained  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.

    38 min

  6. MAR 25

    149 | Why Kids Feel Anxious Around Food and How to Help

    "It’s not just what children are eating. It’s how they’re experiencing food that shapes their habits." In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Eaton, a behavior change therapist and author, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids struggle with food. Because it’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the environment, the language, and the emotional experience surrounding it. What We Talk About: Why phrases like “just try one bite” can increase anxiety around foodHow early feeding experiences shape adult eating behaviorsThe difference between typical selective eating and ARFIDWhy sensory exposure (not just tasting) is key to expanding food varietyPractical strategies to reduce mealtime pressure and build food confidenceHow to guide parents toward long-term progressIf you’ve ever had a parent say, “I just want them to eat the broccoli,” this episode will completely reframe how you approach that conversation. Resources Mentioned: Read my article: How the 5 senses shape a child's appetite Check out Alicia's book: Mind What Your Kids Eat 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.

    29 min

  7. MAR 18

    148 | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained: Science vs. Social Media

    Processed Food “Kills”. That message is everywhere right now. Social media posts, viral headlines, even Super Bowl commercials warning that processed foods are dangerous. But what do we actually mean when we say “ultra-processed food”? In this episode, I sit down with nutrition researcher Dr. Mandy Willig to unpack the science behind ultra-processed foods, the NOVA classification system, and why the conversation online is often missing important nuance. We also break down new research comparing ultra-processed vs minimally processed diets, discuss whether processed foods are truly addictive, and explore how clinicians can respond when patients feel confused or fearful about what they’re eating. What You’ll Learn The definition of an ultra-processed foodHow the NOVA classification system categorizes foodsWhat research shows about ultra-processed diets and health outcomesThe truth about claims that processed foods are “addictive like drugs”How clinicians can talk about processed foods without fear-based messagingConnect with Mandy 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.

    34 min

  8. MAR 11

    147 | GLP-1s vs Bariatric Surgery: How to Choose the Right Treatment

    How To Decide Between Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medications I’m joined by Kate Fuss, PA-C to unpack how GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery actually work together, when each option makes sense, and what primary care clinicians should understand when caring for patients before or after bariatric surgery. We also dive into the psychological side of weight loss, because hitting a number on the scale doesn’t always translate into better mental health. What You’ll Learn How to shift patients toward non-scale victories and meaningful health goalsThe lifelong vitamin and lab monitoring bariatric patients requireWhether GLP-1 medications compete with bariatric surgery or complement itExpected weight loss outcomes from GLP-1 medications vs bariatric proceduresWhen it’s appropriate to prescribe GLP-1 medications after bariatric surgeryWhether your patient is considering GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or both, this episode will help you better understand the evolving treatment landscape of obesity care. Join the Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course Connect with Kate on Instagram Banana Bariatrics  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.

    34 min
See All (159)

Trailer

5
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

As a clinician, your patients are asking:  “What should I eat for diabetes?” “How do I lose weight?” “My child is so picky. What do I do?” But here’s the problem—you probably didn’t learn much about nutrition in school. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 hours of nutrition education for med students. Most of us? We got maybe 5.   Enter Exam Room Nutrition. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, a PA and RD with over a decade of experience, this podcast gives you clear, actionable strategies to tackle those tough nutrition questions with confidence—even when you’re pressed for time. From picky eaters to diabetes management, I’ll renew how you approach nutrition.  

Information

You Might Also Like