Sound Bites With Melissa Joy Dobbins

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the most beloved and vilified ingredients in American history. Tune into this 3-part series on MSG & Umami to learn about the history, science and culinary applications from 4 different experts. Today’s episode features registered dietitian Mary Lee Chin who shares insight into MSG’s connection to Asian heritage and health topics – including the question of headaches. For more information and resources visit www.SoundBitesRD.com/112

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the most beloved and vilified ingredients in American history. Tune into this 3-part series on MSG & Umami to learn about its history, science and culinary applications from 4 different experts. Today’s episode features Sarah Lohman, a culinary historian and author of ‘Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine’. She shares how and why history has influenced our perceptions of MSG. For more information and resources visit www.SoundBitesRD.com/111

Amy Myrdal Miller is a culinary dietitian and farmer's daughter who has lived well with Type 1 diabetes for 40 years. She shares her insight and advice about the safety and culinary applications of low- and no-calorie sweeteners. “Low calorie sweeteners provide options for people with diabetes. Do you have to use them? No. But doing so gives you the opportunity to ‘spend your carbohydrates’ in other ways.” – Amy Myrdal Miller For more information and resources visit www.SoundBitesRD.com/110. 

With all the conflicting information about which foods to eat, which exercise regime is best, and how much sleep to get, becoming “healthy” can feel like an overwhelming chore or even an impossible feat. But it is possible to become healthier—all it takes is a closer look at what really matters and focusing your time and energy where it will benefit you the most. Dr. Nair’s book, Healthier You, breaks down a healthy lifestyle into proven, specific actions that make an actual difference, so you can ignore all of the expensive, time-consuming, inconvenient, and sometime dangerous practices and products that don’t.  Get more information and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/109.

The human brain is not wired for critical thinking and there are many barriers to changing our behavior. Dr. Jason Riis shares Nobel prize winning research to help us think more critically, and a 3-part strategy for understanding and improving behavior change efforts. Get the full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/108.

"The research community has to wake up - and speak up about their research so it doesn't get misinterpreted. Better that the scientist communicates about their own research than the many other unqualified people who will - if they don't." - Dr. Taylor Wallace Can you trust research that's funded by the food industry? Do consumers really want "transparency" and what does that mean to them? Tune in to hear Dr. Taylor Wallace discuss industry funding, communicating nutrition science, and his adventures on the Dr. Oz show! Get the full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/107

Get meal planning and prep advice straight from the experts - Toby Amidor and Jessica Levinson - as we discuss their new books, smart tips to get you started and answers to my recent dinnertime struggles.  Meal planning and prep saves time on busy weeknights, gets a healthier meal on the table and helps reduce food waste. It’s never too late to Do M.O.R.E. with Dinner – make this ordinary daily ritual extraordinary!  Get the full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/106.

Tune in as I talk with Ginger Hultin from Champagne Nutrition about alcohol and health. “For many people, drinking can fit into a healthy lifestyle if they find the right balance. It’s important to understand the current intake guidelines and how alcohol affects your energy, weight, appetite, sleep, physical activity and stress. Is it adding to your life or detracting from it?” – Ginger Hultin Get the full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/105.

“When it comes to sustainability, we need to think about the entire food system, not just the environmental footprints of individual foods. I encourage people to dig deeper into discussions of sustainable nutrition. For example, the social aspect of sustainability is critical and often ignored. Does advice to purchase one type of food or product meet someone’s budget, preferences, food culture?  We also need to look carefully at the entire food supply chain. At NCBA, we are trying to account for any and all impacts along the supply chain, right down to how many little pieces of paper are used between hamburger patties at ground beef processing facilities.” – Dr. Sara Place, Animal Scientist Tune in as I talk with Dr. Place about the environmental, social and economic impacts of livestock production systems, what ‘upcycling’ is and where ‘cow gas’ really comes from.   Get the full shownotes and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/104.

“Forty percent of food in the U.S. goes uneaten and ends up in our landfills. Contrary to popular belief, the consumer is the biggest culprit – NOT farmers, manufacturers or retailers. Reducing food waste is essential, and there are simple steps we can take to not only reduce food waste, but also help feed those who are hungry. Cook it, store it, share it – just don’t waste it.” – Dr. Joan Salge Blake Tune in as I talk “trash” with my friend and fellow dietitian Dr. Joan Salge Blake. We explore the topics of food waste, sell-by dates on labels, foodborne illness, and food insecurity.   Get the shownotes and helpful resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/103

“A great diet is one that balances what we know we need with what we don't want to live without. I'd never tell some they should never eat this food or that one. It's about how much and how often. Getting healthier has to be enjoyable.” – Dr. Keith Ayoob Tune in as I talk with my friend and fellow dietitian Dr. Keith Ayoob about the sweetener stevia, umami – the fifth basic taste, and Keith’s fun workout session with Lance Pekus the Cowboy Ninja. Get the shownotes, photos and resources at www.SoundBitesRD.com/102.    

October is National Seafood Month so we are “diving” into all things seafood. If you’re interested in sustainable aquaculture, farmed vs. wild salmon, or simply want to know how to get more seafood in your diet, tune in as I talk with Egil Sundheim, an expert from the Norwegian Seafood Council, and hear all about my trip of a lifetime to Norway. We’re sharing some great resources, recipes and research on seafood. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/101

“Even if we’re highly informed and agree on the same information – that information means different things to each of us and we prioritize it differently.” Tune in as I talk with Dietram Scheufele, an expert in science communication who explains why information doesn’t change hearts and minds, how the current media environment affects our decision making and why language matters (and doesn’t matter).  Get full show notes and more information: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/100

Tune in as two former supermarket dietitians dish about grocery shopping strategies, eating healthier on a budget, reducing food waste, career opportunities for dietitians, and the new resource: "Shopper Guidance in the Beef Case – From Confusion to Confidence.” Whether you’re a dietitian or a consumer, you’ll come away with specific tips and resources for buying, cooking and eating healthier. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/99

Farmers have two options for weed control: herbicides or tillage. It’s a trade-off – one is not better than the other. In some regions, tillage can be more damaging than herbicides because of soil erosion. There are many options for herbicides – some are harsher, more toxic and more environmentally impactful than others. If you have questions and want details about sustainable agriculture, crop farming, pesticides and herbicides, soil preservation, and other modern farming issues, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear the in-depth, day-to-day practices of a farmer who also happens to be a dietitian.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/98

Teresa Thorne is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming, a non-profit organization comprised of both organic and conventional farmers. Join us as we explore one of the most important topics in nutrition: produce and pesticides. We discuss organic and conventional produce, regulations and safety standards, Farmer's Market Guide to safety, the pesticide residue calculator, how to wash your produce, and other important tips for enjoying more produce every day. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/97

Today’s show is all about taking a look at diabetes through a generational lens. Everyone managing diabetes has a different perspective and experience and my guest, good friend and fellow dietitian and diabetes educator, Toby Smithson is here to educate us on the differences and the similarities among different generations as well as the latest research on low calorie sweeteners. This information will help everyone better understand how people can live well with diabetes. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/96

We are beginning to see more body diversity for girls and women in the media and social media…But what about boys? What messages are they getting about body size/shape and what images are they seeing? What can parents, coaches and healthcare professionals do to be more aware and supportive? My guests today, Heather Mangieri and Amy Reed, help me work through these questions and more around boys and body image. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/95

Have you heard that carbs are bad for you? Have you heard that whole grains are good for you? Would you be surprised to find out that it’s not that simple? In fact, there’s a lot more to the story than simple carbs vs. complex carbs. Dr. Julie Miller Jones has been conducting research, teaching nutrition and food science, and presenting to audiences all over the world for decades and she shares her wit and wisdom with us today about grains from research to myths and everything in between. Get full show notes and more information: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/94

Diabetes is a 24/7 disease and that means making important management decisions anytime, anywhere. Working with a diabetes educator or other healthcare professional is key, but the few hours many are able to spend with them isn't enough. Peer support communities can help fill in the gap. Tune in to hear what value you can gain from, or give to, these communities. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.soundbitesrd.com/93