Sound Bites A Nutrition Podcast

Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE

Details

Hosted by award-winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Melissa Joy Dobbins, the Guilt-Free RD - "because food shouldn't make you feel bad!" Join Melissa's conversations with a variety of experts on topics ranging from fad diets to farming and gain credible information to help you make your own, well-informed food decisions based on facts, not fear. For more information visit www.SoundBitesRD.com.

Recent Episodes

OCT 1, 2026
319: The Fiber Gap: Why You're Not Getting Enough & Easy Ways to Get More – Sarah Ludmer
Full shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/319 Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by WK Kellogg Co. and offers 1.25 Free continuing education credits for RDNs. See more details below. Fiber isn't exactly the most glamorous topic in nutrition but it may be one of the most important. Most Americans aren't getting nearly enough, and that shortfall could be affecting far more than digestive health. The good news? Closing the fiber gap may be easier than you think. This episode explores the role of dietary fiber in supporting overall health, examining key fiber types, their food sources, and the science supporting their unique health benefits. The discussion also delves into why the fiber gap persists and practical strategies to help close the gap using everyday foods within realistic eating patterns. Tune in to this episode to learn about: · the importance of dietary fiber and current intake statistics · the concept of fiber stacking and practical meal ideas · industry trends in reducing sugar and enhancing nutrient density · the role of cereals in closing the fiber gap and improving diet quality · understanding different types of fiber and their health benefits · the impact of food trends and consumer preferences on product development · strategies for incorporating more fiber-rich foods into daily routines · the concept of carrier foods and building healthy eating patterns This episode awards 1.25 CPEU in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.
61 MIN
SEP 2, 2026
317: Beyond Protein and Low-Carb Diets: Why Whole Grain Foods Still Matter - Dr. Julie Miller Jones & Alex Turnbull
Full shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/317 Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition and offers 1 Free continuing education credit for RDNs. See more details below. The Whole Grain Gap: Benefits, Myths and Easy Ways to Eat More Whole grain recommendations – and the science behind them – have remained remarkably consistent for decades, yet only two percent of Americans are getting enough. In today's wellness and social media landscape, carbohydrates and grain foods are often oversimplified, misunderstood or unfairly vilified. Yet, consumers are actively seeking many of the benefits whole grain foods support, including fiber intake, gut health, cardiometabolic health, satiety, and overall diet quality. This podcast episode explores the disconnect between the perception of grain foods and the reality of what they offer, discussing the science behind recommendations, as well as the challenges people face when it comes to getting the recommended intake. Listeners will learn from nutrition experts on how they can help close the whole grain gap by leveraging insights and accessible strategies. Whether you're looking to understand the latest research or get practical tips for bringing whole grains back into the nutrition conversation (and your diet), this episode delivers evidence-based, real-world tips to transform your approach to whole grains. Tune in to learn more about: definition of whole grains and their components health benefits of whole grains including disease risk reduction common misconceptions and confusion about grains how to understand food labeling strategies for increasing whole grain intake in daily life the impact of trends like low-carb and high-protein diets on grain consumption emerging research on gut health and antioxidants in whole grains practical tips for food shopping and meal planning resources for health professionals and the public This episode awards 1.0 Free CPEU in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program. Commercial support has been provided by General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. Alex Turnbull, RDN, LD and Julie Miller Jones, PhD, LN, CNS, CFS, FAACCI, FICC have each received an honorarium for their time to participate in the podcast interview. Any opinions or scientific interpretations expressed during this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of General Mills.
49 MIN
AUG 12, 2026
316: The Habit Window: How GLP-1 Insights Can Help Anyone Change Behavior – Charles Duhigg
Full shownotes, transcript, and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/316 In this episode, Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, shares insights on how recent research into GLP1s is transforming our understanding of habit formation, weight management, and behavioral change. Discover practical strategies for leveraging the habit window created by GLP1 therapy and applying the science of identity to foster lasting health improvements. Insights on habits and behavior change can benefit any listener, not just those taking GLP1s. Tune in to this episode to learn about: The science behind habit formation: cues, routines, rewards, and the habit loop How GLP1 medications create a flexible "habit window" for behavior change The role of the basal ganglia in automating habits and reducing reliance on willpower The importance of keystone habits and identity shifts in maintaining weight loss Practical steps for habit diagnosis, change, and maintenance using structured systems like Noom or a Registered Dietitian How to plan for and sustain habits after discontinuing GLP1 therapy The significance of self-monitoring, recognizing failure points, and implementing "if-then" plans The psychological impact of identity reinforcement through behavioral consistency Insights from behavioral experiments: the marshmallow test and habit cues Bonus: Communication science and the "matching principle" for better relationships
50 MIN