83 episodes

The question of "what to eat" can feel endlessly confusing, especially when we contend with our own deeply ingrained beliefs and stories around food. Blame social media, the headline news, and let's not get started on family influences. Passed down from generations of women and men to their daughters, it's no wonder women are so baffled about how to stay healthy the older we get. As a nutritionist and healthy eating chef, combined with her own personal and professional experience, Heather Carey has been connected to years of stories related to diets, weight loss, food fads, staying healthy, cooking well, and eating well. Beliefs around food start the day we try our first vegetables as babies and get solidified through our families, cultures, and messages we receive throughout our lifetime. We have the power to call out our food beliefs so we can finally make peace with what we eat and get on with enjoying the real food and lives we deserve. Listen in to find out how to have your own happy ending to your real food story. Connect with Heather at heather@heathercarey.com or visit her website at www.heathercarey.com or www.greenpalettekitchen.com

Real Food Stories Heather Carey

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 19 Ratings

The question of "what to eat" can feel endlessly confusing, especially when we contend with our own deeply ingrained beliefs and stories around food. Blame social media, the headline news, and let's not get started on family influences. Passed down from generations of women and men to their daughters, it's no wonder women are so baffled about how to stay healthy the older we get. As a nutritionist and healthy eating chef, combined with her own personal and professional experience, Heather Carey has been connected to years of stories related to diets, weight loss, food fads, staying healthy, cooking well, and eating well. Beliefs around food start the day we try our first vegetables as babies and get solidified through our families, cultures, and messages we receive throughout our lifetime. We have the power to call out our food beliefs so we can finally make peace with what we eat and get on with enjoying the real food and lives we deserve. Listen in to find out how to have your own happy ending to your real food story. Connect with Heather at heather@heathercarey.com or visit her website at www.heathercarey.com or www.greenpalettekitchen.com

    82. Here's What to Love About Carbs

    82. Here's What to Love About Carbs

    (This is part 1 of my podcast series on carbs!)

    Ever feel like carbohydrates are the dietary villain you just can't escape?

    Let me shatter the myths and shine a light on the truth about these vital nutrients in our latest Real Food Stories podcast episode. As we dissect the world of carbs, you'll come away understanding their crucial role in our bodily functions, particularly for brain health, and the importance of differentiating between simple, complex, and fibrous carbs. With a particular focus on the benefits of complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans, this discussion is aimed at guiding you through the murky waters of diet advice, especially for women navigating the shifts in midlife and menopause.

    Forget the guilt next time you reach for that banana or slice of whole-grain bread, because this episode is all about embracing the goodness of wholesome carbs. We'll also tackle the topic of portion control and how to build a satisfying plate that's rich in these energy-providing foods. Whether you're looking for peace of mind or practical tips to balance your meals, tune in as I offer a fresh perspective, grounded in science, on incorporating carbohydrates into your diet for optimal health. And for those seeking a tailor-made approach to nutrition, my contact details are ready for you in the show notes—let's talk about fueling your body the right way.

    Read All About It!
    To save you from taking notes I wrote it down for you! Click HERE to read all about it on my blog and for links on portion sizes and a high-fiber cheat sheet.
    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 25 min
    The Thing About Protein in Midlife

    The Thing About Protein in Midlife

    Why are we so confused about protein?

     How much, when, where, the types of protein are questions that leave us baffled. This episode strips down the jargon of nutrition to its bare bones, offering a way out of diet myths.

    As we age, our bodies don't just change; they converse with us, demanding different nutrients—proteins being paramount among them. During midlife, we focus on the critical role of high-quality proteins to prevent muscle loss, maintain bone density, and keep our hearts beating with vitality. I'll walk you through the maze of calculating your personal protein needs and draw the map that distinguishes between animal and plant proteins, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to make choices that resonate with your health goals.

    It's not just about what's on your plate; it's about diversity and timing. I reveal how to transform meals into a symphony of nutrients and include a blog post with guides for calculating portions, the amount of protein in certain foods, and a sample meal plan to figure out how to fit it all into your day.   

    Tune in and transform the way you think about nutrition, one protein-rich bite at a time.

    Read All About It and Get Links!
    I wrote all the important stuff down so you don't have to. Click HERE for the blog post that includes a portion cheat sheet and protein guide.
    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 29 min
    80. Overcoming Chronic Pain with Pilates and Mindful Movement

    80. Overcoming Chronic Pain with Pilates and Mindful Movement

    Dana Karen Ciccone is the founder of Movement Remedies, a Boston-based pilates studio, and the author of the book You Were Meant to Move. In our interview, Dana Karen shares her beginnings of the intertwining of chronic pain with the complex world of dieting and body image, which is a narrative often left untold. 

    In an era where fitness journeys are synonymous with aesthetic transformations, we shift the spotlight to the bravery of beginning these journeys amidst pain. The discussion with DK sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of chronic pain and the controversial suggestion that the mindset of chronic dieting may aggravate it. This chapter of our dialogue underscores the profound need for a weight-neutral space that honors the essence of true health.

    Concluding this episode, we unpack the psychological barricades that deter us from embracing movement when in pain, and how to dismantle them. DK empowers listeners to find activities that resonate with them deeply, fostering long-term health benefits. 

    Take a listen to this pivotal conversation about the intersection of dieting, body image, disordered eating, and chronic pain.
    DK is offering listeners a FREE online Pilates mat class! Donna Karen teaches pilates classes online, as well as in person. Her classes focus on chronic pain in a weight-neutral environment. Click HERE for more information and her website. DK's book You Were Meant to Move, click HEREDK on IG click HERE Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 41 min
    79. How To Start A Garden Wherever You Live

    79. How To Start A Garden Wherever You Live

    Greg Peterson, the owner of Urban Farm, talks to me about getting started in gardening, and the season is now! The simple act of growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruit is not only a benefit to your own nourishment, it is a benefit to the planet and the environment.

    This episode promises to transform your view on the traditional food system and inspire you to start your horticultural adventure, regardless of space constraints. Greg shares his evolution from aquaculture enthusiast to a permaculture vanguard and  talk openly about the joys of harvesting homegrown produce and the profound benefits of aligning with nature's cycles.

    Learn the essentials of organic gardening as we navigate from the simplicity of a potted basil plant to the complexities of soil health. Greg and I offer insights into improving garden beds with organic matter and the importance of using OMRI-certified products for an organic approach. We share practical tips for those of you eager to integrate gardening into your lives, demonstrating how it can contribute to both personal health and planetary well-being. Whether you're in a bustling city or have acres to spare, there's a green pathway waiting to be cultivated by your hands.

    Lastly, we talk about innovative solutions for composting in any living space and why composting is a critical part of environmental health. Learn how kitchen scraps transform into garden gold, as we discuss worm bins, chicken-powered composting, and community programs. This episode is where enthusiasm for gardening meets actionable knowledge.

    Greg Teaches Gardening 101 and Much More!
    Find Greg HERE at the Urban Farm website

    Find Greg on Facebook HERE

    Other Links Mentioned
    Urban Worm Bin HERE
    Find Your Planting Calendar HERE
    How to Build Healthy Soil HERE
    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 48 min
    78. Transformational Tips From a Woman Who Has Maintained a 100 Pound Weight Loss

    78. Transformational Tips From a Woman Who Has Maintained a 100 Pound Weight Loss

    Coming from a place of unseen anxiety and depression, weight loss coach Megan Gaul used small-habit change and the help of cognitive behavioral therapy to build a new relationship with food. She lost 100 lbs over 1 year, and the bulk of her growth has been learning how to MAINTAIN that weight loss in a way that feels kind, self-loving, and expansive (rather than restrictive).

    Megan has made peace with food and sustained her 100-pound weight loss since 2018. Her story is one of resilience and the power of small but mighty habits, beginning with the simplicity of adding in an extra glass of water a day and evolving into a mindful relationship with her meals. Our conversation covers everything, from the profound influence of our childhood stories around food to the habits that are requirements to keep going on a weight loss journey (and hint: they do not require you to suffer or starve).

    Megan shares many of the critical habits that have evolved with her over time and that have solidified her resolve. Weight loss can be seen as easy, maintaining that weight loss takes commitment. Megan and I discussed the dangers of aiming for dietary perfection, advocating instead for a realistic approach that fosters a healthier lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.

    Megan is a Weight Loss Coach! Click HERE for her website.
    Follow Megan on IG for her Partake Meal Planner Club HERE 
    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    77. Unveiling the Menopause Mystery with Dr. Michelle Harden and Nutritionist Katie Clayton

    77. Unveiling the Menopause Mystery with Dr. Michelle Harden and Nutritionist Katie Clayton

    There is little doubt that midlife and menopause bring along with it a lot of confusion and mystery. Take a listen today as Dr. Harden, Katie Clayton and I navigate through some of the big twists and turns of women's health. 

    Dr. Michelle Harden, an OB/GYN and obesity medicine specialist, has worked with nutritionist Katie Clayton for the last number of years in their San Antonio, TX  practice to help women unravel the secrets of menopause and holistic well-being. We talked about the intricacies of hormone therapy and the critical need for personalized care in today's fast-paced medical landscape. Dr. Harden's expertise shines as she advocates for lifestyle as powerful medicine, while Katie's nutritional wisdom offers hope for those seeking a cooperative approach to disease prevention.

    A few of the important topics we discuss: 
    The confusion around hormones in women's health (it's not just about estrogen);testosterone's multifaceted roles in women's health and how and why to use it;the merits of DHEA, insulin, and cortisol, and the profound effects of diet choices on our path to hormonal harmony and balance. the complexities of diet culture and the confusion around what to eat and why;the use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and the future of their use.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the maze of menopausal symptoms and hormone replacement therapy options, this episode promises a guiding light toward holistic alternatives and natural interventions. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions, foster peace with your body, and approach midlife with confidence.

    Dr. Harden is available for remote visits, you can find her at her website HERE
    Dr. Harden on FB HERE
    Michelle and Katy's Book 'To Finding Healthy' HERE
    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

Jojo2773 ,

Engaging host

Engaging host! It was helpful to check in beforehand to develop rapport and feel comfortable before the interview. Heather was easy to talk to and the conversation flowed organically. Thanks for the opportunity to be a guest on your podcast!

GinaSheri ,

A great resource for an overall healthy lifestyle!

Love Heather’s show. She gets to the point and helps to usher in a realistic approach to eating healthy and living a healthier more balanced life through food and nutrition. GinaG

sherirg ,

Perimenopause & menopause

If you're in search of comprehensive and straightforward advice on menopause, perimenopause, Heather's podcasts are an invaluable resource. I've been dealing with perimenopause for three years and have explored various treatments, from functional medicine to bioidentical hormones. However, Heather goes beyond these steps, offering not just targeted advice but also practical, daily health and nutrition information that cuts through the overwhelming hype that is out there on all areas of health and nutrition. Her insights have been incredibly beneficial to me, and she even provides excellent resources to assist you as you navigate these life transitions.

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles

You Might Also Like

One Real Good Thing with Ellie Krieger
Digitent Podcasts
Half Size Me
Heather A. Robertson
The Flipping 50 Show
Debra Atkinson
The Root Cause Medicine Podcast
Rupa Health
Food, We Need To Talk
Juna Gjata
Over 50 & Flourishing with Dominique Sachse
Dominique Sachse & Studio71