Nutrition Diva

860. Are you throwing away the most nutritious parts of your groceries? From blending avocado pits into smoothies to snacking on peanut shells, social media is full of "zero-waste" food hacks—but are they actually safe? This week, Monica digs into the compost bin to separate the "hidden treasures" from the literal trash. We go over which veggie scraps are nutritional powerhouses (hello, beet greens!) and which ones—like rhubarb leaves and apple seeds—could actually be toxic. Plus, the truth about whether eating corn cobs and peanut shells is "fiber" or just a recipe for a digestive disaster. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com Discover more from Nutrition Diva: Facebook LinkedIn Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

859. Does pickle juice really work, or are we all just falling for a briny trend? From the sidelines of the Philadelphia Eagles to the "wellness shots" at your local grocery checkout, pickle juice has officially gone viral. But while influencers claim it’s a cure-all for everything from hangovers to gut health, the actual science is a bit more surprising. In this episode, Monica digs into the research to separate the "sour" myths from the "salty" truths. You’ll discover: The "Neurological Reset":Vinegar vs. Fermentation:Metabolic Nudges:The Hangover Myth:The Sodium Catch:Whether you're an endurance athlete or just curious about the #pickle trend on TikTok, learn when to reach for the jar and when to pour it down the drain. Related Episodes: Episode 769Episode 794Episode 412 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

858. Are "low net carb" candies actually a healthy alternative, or just clever chemistry? In this episode, Monica breaks down the science of net carbs and the marketing behind some brands. We dive deep into the ingredient list to explain how sugar alcohols (like erythritol and isomalt) and functional fibers (like polydextrose and soluble corn fiber) affect your body. If you’ve ever wondered why low-sugar treats cause bloating or gas, or if those 26 grams of fiber actually "count," this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Stop viewing your snack choices as a moral scorecard. Listen to learn how to read nutrition facts labels with a critical eye and choose the treats that actually make your body feel good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your food lose its nutritional value as soon as it hits the heat? This week on Nutrition Diva, Monica answers a listener's question about how different cooking methods—specifically the Instant Pot versus the stovetop—impact the vitamins and minerals in your meals. We look into the science of nutrient retention, debunking "urban legends" about microwaving, and explaining why frozen vegetables might actually be more nutritious than the "fresh" ones sitting on your counter. The "New Car" Analogy:Pressure Cooking vs. Boiling:The Leftover Equation:The Cardinal Rule:The Kale Chip Lesson: Related Episodes: Episode #654:Episode #592: If you’re listening on Spotify, check the poll: Do you prefer your veggies raw, roasted, or steamed? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

856. According to the internet, your morning brew might be hiding "mold toxins" that cause brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. But is mold-free coffee a bona fide health breakthrough, or just a clever marketing play? This week, Monica takes a closer look at the science of mycotoxins in coffee, specifically Ochratoxin A (OTA). We separate food safety facts from "wellness guru" fiction to find out if standard coffee beans are actually undermining your health. presencethreat Related Episodes: 517355 New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.

855. Is your "healthy" breakfast actually setting you up for a mid-morning crash? Many of us reach for 100-calorie yogurt cups or fiber bars thinking we’re making the right choice, only to find ourselves eyeing the office donut box by 10:00 AM. This week, the Nutrition Diva breaks down 9 essential tips to transform your morning meal from a nutritional afterthought into a powerhouse that fuels your brain and body. Whether you’re a cereal lover or a fan of leftovers, Monica explains how to strike the perfect balance between protein, fiber, and healthy fats. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.

854. Do artificial sweeteners help—or hurt—efforts to manage weight? Fresh research offers some surprising new answers. References: Effect of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers on weight management and gut microbiota composition in individuals with overweight or obesity: the SWEET study | Nature Metabolism The role of sweeteners in weight loss | Nature Reviews Endocrinology Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/new-research-alert-how-do-sugar-substitutes-affect-the-microbiome/transcript New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.

853. A recent study on ultra-processed foods seems to be yet another nail in the coffin for UPFs. But all is not as it seems. References Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health Related Episodes: Maybe “hyperpalatabilty” isn’t the problem after all The surprising links between UPFs and diet quality | Nutrition Diva Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

852. Fermented dairy may affect cholesterol differently than butter or processed meats—but it’s not a free pass. Here’s what the evidence actually shows about yogurt, cheese, saturated fat, and LDL cholesterol. References Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to Be Concerned? - PMC Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - ScienceDirect Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed Harnessing the Magic of the Dairy Matrix for Next-Level Health Solutions: A Summary of a Symposium Presented at Nutrition 2022 Dairy and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Recent Observational Research - PMC Fermented dairy product consumption and blood lipid levels in healthy adults: a systematic review New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

851. A current nutrition trend encourages people to dramatically increase their fiber intake. But how much fiber is actually helpful? And when can “more” start to backfire? Find a transcript here. Recommended Resources: The Bloated Belly Whisperer by Tamara Duker Freuman Regular, by Tamara Duker Freuman Related episodes: 805 - The real truth about fiber supplements your digestive health needs 560 - Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits 479 - How to Increase Fiber Without Overloading on Calories 589 - Do You Get Enough Fiber on a Low-FODMAP Diet? 712 - Potty Talk with Tamara Duker Freuman 507 - Bloating: The Causes and the Cures 710 - Beyond FODMAPS with Beth Rosen, RD New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

850. What if the real danger of hyperpalatable junk food isn't that it tastes too good, but that it actually silences the biological signals that tell you you're full? This episode explores groundbreaking neuroscience suggesting that overeating is driven by a lack of satisfaction rather than an excess of pleasure. Related episodes: 483 - Protein Density: How To Get More Protein for Fewer Calories | Nutrition Diva 702 - Nutrient dense vs energy dense and why it matters | Nutrition Diva 479 - How to increase fiber without overloading on calories References The body sends a signal: Perspectives on interoception | PLOS Biology In defense of pleasure: We need to rethink food reward and obesity | PLOS Biology New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

849. It is now easier than ever to get a prescription for powerful weight-loss drugs, thanks to a growing number of telehealth providers. But is this responsible care for obesity or something else? Find a transcript here. Ted Kyle on Telemedicine for Obesity Care. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

848. An episode we did earlier this month about coffee prompted questions from many listeners. Does coffee spike your cortisol? How does it affect the bladder? Is espresso healthier than drip? Answers to your questions here. Related episodes: 846 - Fact check: Is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach? Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

847. Does a high-protein diet accelerate aging or shorten life expectancy? It’s not a simple yes or no. References Low Protein Intake Is Associated with a Major Reduction in IGF-1, Cancer, and Overall Mortality in the 65 and Younger but Not Older Population: Cell Metabolism New Horizons: Dietary protein, ageing and the Okinawan ratio | Age and Ageing | Oxford Academic Dietary protein intake and all-cause mortality: results from The Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project - PMC The impact of dietary protein intake on longevity and metabolic health - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9269106/ New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

846. The internet has lots to say about how coffee affects your stomach. Unfortunately, most of it is wrong. References: Addition of milk to coffee beverages; the effect on functional, nutritional, and sensorial properties - PubMed A dark brown roast coffee blend is less effective at stimulating gastric acid secretion in healthy volunteers compared to a medium roast market blend - Rubach Effect of coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease and healthy controls - PubMed Effects of Coffee and Its Components on the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Brain–Gut Axis - PMC Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update Multi‐parametric approach to identify coffee components that regulate mechanisms of gastric acid secretion Pharmacology of caffeine and its effects on the human body - ScienceDirect Related episodes 786 - How to beat acid reflux for good 841 - How long does caffeine really stay in your system? Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

845. A look back at the biggest food and nutrition trends of the last year, plus, a glimpse into my crystal ball. Related episodes: 735 - A provocative new study on ultra-processed foods 789 - The surprising links between UPFs and diet quality 827 - Toxic tea bags? Sorting fact from fear 837 - Can healthier soil make food more nutritious? Yes, but… Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

169. What should you eat before and after drinking alcohol? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

844. A recent study claimed to identify a mechanism by which soybean oil drives obesity (and coconut oil does not). But the interactions between diet and biology are rarely as black-and-white as the headlines suggest. References: P2-HNF4α Alters Linoleic Acid Metabolism and Mitigates Soybean Oil-Induced Obesity: Role for Oxylipins - Journal of Lipid Research Related episodes: 497 - Pros and cons of the ketogenic diet 201 - What are MCTs? 692 - How does coconut oil affect cholesterol? 763 - What's the problem with seed oils? 124 - Which oils are best for cooking? 528 - Is extra-virgin olive oil good for high-heat cooking? Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

843. A closer look at how these alleged water-hogs stack up against other crops in terms of nutrition, environmental and economic impacts. References: Water-indexed benefits and impacts of California almonds - ScienceDirect Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Understanding Your Orchard's Water Requirements Life Cycle–based Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Almond Production, Part I: Analytical Framework and Baseline Results - Kendall - 2015 - Journal of Industrial Ecology - Wiley Online Library California Almonds: Weighing Economic Impact vs. Water Sustainability | YIP Institute Agriculture Policy California Almonds: Weighing Economic Impact vs. Water Sustainability | YIP Institute Agriculture Policy Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

842. With holiday indulgence season approaching, IV drip lounges promise to “undo” the damage—but do they deliver? References: To IV or Not to IV: The Science Behind Intravenous Vitamin Therapy - PMC State Policies and Facility Practices of IV Hydration Spas in the US | Infectious Diseases | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network Related episodes: 104 - Can You Get Too Many Vitamins? 128 - Are Free Radicals Good For You? 139 - Do B Vitamins Give You Energy? 169 - How Alcohol is Metabolized 794 - Do alcohol mitigation products really work? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.