"The day when doctor's say take 10 cherries and call me in the morning" may not be far off, according to a recent Newsweek article. Taken from the book The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden, tis the season...summer season, that is, for cherries to be dripping off the trees. This fruit have some historical significance, and is quite bene…

#278: Can the right foods help you take control of your PCOS symptoms? Dr. William W. Li, internationally renowned physician, scientist, and bestselling author of Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet, joins us to break down the science behind food as medicine for PCOS. Dr. Li has shaped medical treatments for diabetes, heart disease, obesi…

With 74 % of Americans being overweight or obese, weight loss drugs seem to be the magic pill and answer for so many. But, is it? Today, we delve into many varying health perspectives that could be influenced by GLP-1 medications and weight loss without a strategy. The idea that people may actually become malnourished, or 'skinny fat' over time wit…

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.....or gummy bear:) Many of our favourite snacks, cereals, and food items contain food dyes that may be phased out over the coming years due to new regulations. With colours, such as red, yellow and blue, these food colourings give cup cakes their bright coloured frosting, along with flavoured yogurts, skittl…

After a debilitating health condition developed in his thirties, Brian Bentow went on a journey of healing his body with food and nutrition instead of the medications that his doctor recommended for Crohn's disease. After following the autoimmune diet protocol for several weeks, without 'cheat days', Brian was able to heal many of the symptoms and …

What do you get when you put two pieces of sourdough, with cheese sandwiched in the middle? The classic toastie (or toasty) as our son spells it :) For our mid-week Nutrition Nuggets episode, we discuss this delicious comfort food that pairs well with lentil-veggie soup, or on its own as a gourmet sandwich meal. Looking through Jamie Oliver's cookb…

How can what you eat affect your body's hormones? Does diet influence inflammation in the system? Tracy Mann, RD has extensive knowledge and expertise on women's health and helping people manage hormone dysfunction, including women who live with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), the most common endocrine disorder in the world. We cover topics suc…

#277: Stocking a PCOS-friendly pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Whether you’re just starting your gluten- and dairy-free journey or looking for quick & easy swaps to make meals less stressful, I’ve got you covered. In this episode, I’m giving you a peek inside my pantry and breaking down the must-have essentials that make hormone-friendly co…

"What are some healthy dips, so, I can snack on veggies and dip in the afternoon," is a common question Sandra gets from clients, who are looking to improve their health and eat less 'processed & pre-packaged 'snacky and junky foods. Rob makes three incredible tasting and healthy dips, including Tzatziki, hummus, and guacamole. Today, we discuss th…

Come along for this ride! Join us for a fun and lively discussion with pharmacist, Dr. Dean Elbe. Sandra and Dean were colleagues close to 30 years ago when Sandra first started out in clinical nutrition. Rob and Sandra have some questions for Dean and the conversation covers a broad range of topics such as GLP-1 antagonists (weight loss medication…

Bagels, cereal, and muffins are some common breakfast foods eaten regularly in North America, but studies show that including a source of protein at breakfast is the way forward if your goal is to lose weight. Today, we discuss why protein foods are important to include at breakfast, how they help with weight loss, and what foods to include to help…

#276: Are you struggling with brain fog and feeling like your mind is constantly in a haze? In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between PCOS and brain fog. Tune in to explore the underlying causes and offering practical strategies to help you regain your mental clarity. This episode is for you if: - You can’t focus on your work tasks …

It's camping season and Rob and Sandra share some stories and laughs from past camping trips. Spoiler alert.....the bear didn't like the tofu! Listen in for ideas on what to pack, how to store food safely, and cook it efficiently. Also, some tips on what not to do. This one is sure to make you giggle! Check out these other episodes for some helpful…

Perhaps, you've nailed your healthy breakfast most days and dinners are working well, but lunch.....lunch, that midday meal, is still a struggle to take a break and stop working to eat something more substantial than a few crackers and hummus. To help with preventing late day cravings and overeating at dinner, including a substantial amount of food…

There are differences when cooking for a group compared to cooking for yourself or your family. Some challenges may include scaling of the recipes, accommodating diverse dietary needs and restrictions, space constraints, and ensuring cleanliness for food safety of the meals. There are some benefits to having a dinner party, potluck, or 'supper club…

"I'm not hungry in the morning.....", " I struggle with weight", "I'm not sleeping well..." If any of these statements resonate with you, tune in to today's episode. Rob and Sandra discuss a tried and true strategy that helps with many of the difficulties that people have with these problems. Episodes mentioned: Ep 16. Sleep Problems - More than Ju…

#275: In this episode, we are joined by Jacqueline Genova (@well.n.strong), a certified holistic nutritionist, wellness writer, and podcaster, who has put her own PCOS symptoms into remission through integrative healing. Jacqueline shares her journey of uncovering the root causes of her PCOS, the role that nutrition and lifestyle shifts played in h…

Today, we discuss "Why stress, under-eating, and burnout are crashing metabolism and energy" with dietitian and performance coach, Andres Ayesta, owner of Planos Nutrition. We examine metabolism, stress, and various extreme diets and how they can impact an individual's health goals in the short and long term. With over 12 years of private practice,…

What's the difference between sugar and added sugars, and do they affect my body in the same way? This is a great question from a listener that we address today. I think we all know that there's a lot of sugar in the typical North American diet. Many of the foods that we buy from the store have an assortment of added sugars with various names and f…

Humans are a collection of their daily habits, which ultimately affect their health and long-term risk for disease. Sandra and Rob discuss the power of celebrating your small wins and how important it is to just keep improving with small, consistent, incremental changes. Resources: Stages of Change for Behaviour Change https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.g…

Farro....what is it?" The traditional grain of the Mediterranean," as the package exclaims. This whole grain can replace rice in many dishes, including salads, side dishes, soups, or even warm cereal. It is a hearty grain with a chewy texture and rich, nutty flavour, similar to barley or orzo. Tune in to hear Rob and Sandra's take on this unique an…

#274: Berberine has been making waves in the PCOS community for its ability to improve insulin resistance, support metabolism, and lower inflammation—but what does the research actually say? Today, we’re breaking it all down! We’ll cover what berberine is & how it works for PCOS, the science-backed benefits (from blood sugar balance to weight manag…

Warm, or cold brew, stimulating matcha tea...is it really worth all of the hype with the hipsters? It does have some great benefits, but there are also some cautions to be aware of with this beverage. Listen in to some energizing information about matcha. Resources mentioned include: Fatty Liver Ep 39 How to Put Your Liver on a Diet https://youtu.b…

Do you feel 'addicted' to coffee? Are you feeling anxious or experiencing stomach pain after drinking coffee, or worried about quitting it cold turkey? Tune in to our listener question about her coffee habit and what to do about it. This one will keep you buzzed and on the edge of your seat :) Episodes mentioned include: Ep 16 Sleep Problems - More…

Today, Sandra quizzes Rob on gut health, inflammation, and fats. These themes are all interconnected, and we discuss the role that certain types of fat have for our gut health and overall health. We talk about the biggest sources of fat in the average Canadian diet and if any of these foods are also included in the anti-inflammatory MIND diet. We l…

No time for exercise during the day? Working all day in an office and exhausted by the end of the work day and just can't muster up the strength to go to the gym? Use your office as a gym and take mini workout breaks with some simple movements in your workspace. Listen in for some creative movements that you can do, while in your office to break ou…

#273: Are you ready to finally tackle meal planning like a pro so that you can finally help you lose weight with PCOS? In this episode, Tallene is sharing her strategies for creating a 4-week meal plan for PCOS. You’ll leave with actionable tips to design a meal plan that balances hormones, saves time, and actually fits your life. Plus, we’ll share…

Break the fast! and eat regularly through the day for optimal energy, mood, focus and reduce cravings and binging later in the day. Today, we highlight a case study of Tammy (fictional name), who wanted an overhaul of her diet to help with her energy, reduce cravings later in the day and help with 'belly fat' that has been creeping up since startin…

After a prenatal class that Sandra facilitated today, she quizzed Rob on some of the questions regarding food safety for pregnant moms or those who are immunocompromised. This one is fun, despite the serious topic. Episodes referenced Ep 68 Earth Month with Meredith Cushing Food Waste https://youtu.be/f-NHsdolwJE?si=FgV2hz9YXrXrXFiz Ep 122 Health B…

Word on the street (aka social media land) is that grains cause inflammation. Well, let's break this down, so, you know what to eat and if it will help or hurt your health. Stay until the end to get through to the meat and crusts of this whole grain sandwich:) Episodes mentioned include: Ep 84 Why are Whole Grains Better for Blood Sugar Control wit…

Are processed meats ok to include in a healthy diet? If so, how much and why is there a concern with processed meats? Today's Nutrition Nuggets is a discussion about processed meats and if we should eat them. References: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/faq-exactly-processed-meat-avoid-questions https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts…

#272: In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Tara LaFerrara, a globally recognized strength coach and head coach of the Broads Fitness App. Tara shares her insights on why slow weighted workouts are the ideal exercise for women with PCOS who want to lose weight, regulate hormones, and improve their overall health. This episode is for you if:…

Today's episode is based on a question from a listener: "I sometimes have bloating and cramps after drinking milk. Should I eliminate dairy?" Have you ever wondered if you have lactose intolerance? What foods have lactose and how much? Why do people develop a lactose intolerance and what can they do about it. Lots of interesting discussions around …

Many people's childhood memories of boiled frozen peas have turned them off (for life) of all frozen vegetables. Too bad....since, this is a great way to get a variety (and rainbow) of produce into your weekly diet. We also know that people who include frozen produce in their weekly intake have overall better quality diets and reach their recommend…

Are farmed fish as healthy as wild? What are some differences with farmed vs wild fish? Is there a difference in omega-3 levels in the differently raised fish? How to buy and what to look for when purchasing fish in the grocery store? These are just a few of the questions that we discuss. Taken from an email question from a listener, we dive deep i…

Moist, yet tender and crunchy cornbread.....what a perfect pairing for homemade chili. With just the right key ingredients, such as yogurt and cream-style corn, your homemade cornbread can be a delicious, fibre-licious addition to complement any bean dish or meal. Join Rob and Sandra for this corny discussion about the health benefits of this glute…

#271: Daylight savings time doesn’t just mess with our clocks—it can also wreak havoc on our (already) poor quality sleep that comes from having PCOS. In this episode, we uncover why getting our circadian rhythm back is detrimental to managing PCOS symptoms and preventing other health issues. We’ll also dive into tips inspired by Dr. Felice Gersh’s…

Eggs. One of Mother Nature's most perfect foods, packaged so perfectly. Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse and much of that nutrition is in the yolk. Many people just eat the whites though. There's not a good reason to regularly separate the yolk from the white. The yolk has some incredible benefits with the nutrients that are available and eggs are…

Not just fresh and delicious, lemons are packed with vitamin C, as well as other important cancer fighting nutrients in the peel. Tune in to hear about all of the amazing health benefits that lemons offer as well as some great ways to use them. Episodes mentioned include: The Surprising Health Benefits of Tea (Ep 165) https://youtu.be/-a_NJYMksMM E…

What makes the biggest difference to health? What helps improve overall quality and length of life? If this could be bottled, it would be the biggest discovery and help so many people around the world. Tune in today to hear all about this incredible intervention to prevent chronic disease and to improve longevity and quality of life. Episodes to re…

Plain white rice cooked with water night after night can get a little boring. Or, just using instant rice or pre-packaged convenient rice for your starch can also be monotonous, not to mention, loaded with sodium and preservatives. Today, we discuss ways to uplevel your rice dish for more variety, flavour and nutritional value. Episodes mentioned i…

#270: In this episode, we’re breaking down the art of building the perfect PCOS-friendly smoothie—one that fuels your body, supports weight loss, and sets you up for a balanced, energized day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a nutrient-packed meal to keep cravings in check, we’ll show you exactly how to blend a smoothie that works f…

Tea for two and two for tea.....and tea for me, I love tea! And, tea loves you. This topic is long overdue, as, tea is one of the most popular and commonly consumed beverages globally, next to water. It has a plethora of health benefits and can add life to your years and years to your life aka longevity. The brain, the heart, the gut and even the g…

A listener asks "Do you think it's ok to have a bit of fish every day? What about for kids?" We discuss the idea of including fish daily on this nutrition nugget. Thanks for the great question! Episodes referenced include: Nutrition Nuggets 56 - Best Small Fish to Eat (SMASH) https://youtu.be/6D3CndQ4Ro0 Nutrition Nuggets 92 - 7 Benefits of Eating …

First there was probiotics. Then, we heard all about prebiotics. Now, get ready for postbiotics! Today, we discuss what these three elements of a diverse microbiome are and why they are important for a healthy gut. Episodes mentioned: Improve Gut Health with Probiotic Foods (Ep 108) https://youtu.be/Iff9uHvok4g The Health Benefits of Resistant Star…

After reviewing seven different recipes for black bean brownies, Sandra has been experimenting in the kitchen and Rob is the guinea pig. Today, we discuss the benefits of adding beans four times a week to your diet, and how including beans can help with many aspects of your health. Episodes mentioned include: Ep 7. Food with Benefits - Sexy Foods p…

#269: This Valentine’s Week, we explore why sharing your PCOS journey is so important, offer actionable tips for talking about your needs with confidence, and discuss how to handle misunderstandings or assumptions. Whether you’re navigating a new relationship or seeking deeper support from a long-term partner, this episode will give you the tools y…

Today, we discuss how to increase vitamin intake without relying on supplements. While some people do require supplements to meet their nutritional requirements due to chronic conditions, medications, or restrictive eating patterns, the general population can meet the majority of their nutritional needs by eating the right foods. We discuss the rea…

While watching added fats and sodium during meals, what about sauces and dressings? This question comes from a listener and Sandra hears this question from clients a lot. Many dishes are flavoured with delicious sauces. How can we add flavour and zing to a meal without drowning it in a commercially prepared sauce? Tune in to hear about some healthy…

It seems to be more of a struggle to include veggies during the winter. In summer, there's more opportunities to eat locally grown, fresh produce and lots of salads and smoothies. In winter, our health really can benefit from including vegetables every day. Today, we discuss some key aspects of the nutrition that vegetables can offer and ways to in…