
Nutrition Diva
Every week, Monica Reinagel peels back the layers of nutrition news and research, answers listener questions, and helps you feel more confident about your food and nutrition choices.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 18min
Resistant starch: Your questions answered
Resistant starch acts more like fiber than starch—and may offer unique benefits for blood sugar, gut health, and more. In this episode, we break down the different types, where to find them, and how they compare to other sources of fiber.Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/resistant-starch-your-questions-answered/transcriptMentioned in this episode: Episode 915, Multi-grain vs whole grainEpisode 560, Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting BenefitsEpisode 728, Tapping into the many benefits of resistant starchesReferences:Wang, Y., Chen, J., Song, Y.-H., Zhao, R., Xia, L., Chen, Y., Cui, Y.-P., Rao, Z.-Y., Zhou, Y., Zhuang, W., & Wu, X.-T. (2019). Effects of the resistant starch on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and lipid parameters in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31168050/Yuan, H. C., Meng, Y., Bai, H., Shen, D. Q., Wan, B. C., & Chen, L. Y. (2018). Meta-analysis indicates that resistant starch lowers serum total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29914662/
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 Diabetes 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.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. LINKS:Transcripts: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/Newsletter: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterWellness Works Here: https://wellnessworkshere.comQuick and Dirty Tips: https://quickanddirtytips.com

Jul 9, 2025 • 15min
Are protein powders as filling as protein from real foods?
Discover the intriguing differences between protein from whole foods like chicken and tofu versus protein powders. Humorous anecdotes highlight the effects on appetite and satiety, revealing why whole foods pack more nutritional benefits. Dive into the science of how solid foods promote greater fullness compared to liquids, exploring the role of chewing. Get personal insights into the effects of protein intake on aging and strength training, along with a journey of increasing protein consumption and its impact on hunger.

Jul 2, 2025 • 11min
What’s the problem with seed oils? (Reissue)
Seed oils are stirring up controversy, with influencers warning about their potential dangers. The discussion dives into the intricate nutritional profiles of these oils and their widespread use in processed foods. It highlights the role of omega-6 fatty acids and urges listeners to consider healthier cooking alternatives. Are the fears justified or exaggerated? Tune in for a fact-based exploration of this hot topic.

Jun 25, 2025 • 9min
Are you making your smoothies all wrong?
The podcast dives into the fascinating world of smoothie ingredients and their interactions. It reveals how certain combinations, like bananas and blueberries, can affect nutrient absorption. A surprising study on flavanol absorption challenges common beliefs, especially with bananas versus pineapple. Listeners are encouraged to focus on the overall health benefits of their smoothie choices, rather than getting bogged down by minor absorption issues. The discussion offers insight while inviting questions about nutrition.

Jun 18, 2025 • 15min
Are GLP-1s the “cure” for our addictive food supply?
Explore the intriguing role of GLP-1 medications in reshaping our relationship with food. Discover how they influence appetite, reduce cravings, and promote healthier eating habits. Experts weigh in on whether these drugs address metabolic or psychological aspects of obesity. The discussion also highlights early appetite suppression and emerging theories on their effects on weight loss. Could these medications be key players in the fight against food addiction?

Jun 16, 2025 • 4min
BONUS: Dirty Dozen - Much ado about nothing? (Reissue)
Monica revisits The Dirty Dozen list and whether or not these foods with the highest level of pesticides are, in fact, unsafe to consume. This is a reissue of an episode that aired in 2024, and remains relevant, as the 2025 Dirty Dozen was recently released. Related listening:What exactly are the advantages of eating seasonally? (Nutrition Diva #761)Pesticides on Our Plates: Is Our Food Safe to Eat? (Nutrition Diva #499)Mentioned in this episode:Calculate - Safe Fruits and Veggies
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 Diabetes 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.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. LINKS:Transcripts: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/Newsletter: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterWellness Works Here: https://wellnessworkshere.comQuick and Dirty Tips: https://quickanddirtytips.com

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
Should certain foods come with warning labels?
Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler believes it’s time to treat certain foods the way we treat cigarettes. But food is not tobacco. Dr. Kessler's new book Diet, Drugs, and DopamineRelated Episodes:A provocative new study on ultra-processed foods | Nutrition DivaThe surprising links between UPFs and diet quality | Nutrition Diva
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 Diabetes 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.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. LINKS:Transcripts: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/Newsletter: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterWellness Works Here: https://wellnessworkshere.comQuick and Dirty Tips: https://quickanddirtytips.com

Jun 4, 2025 • 16min
Can we really be addicted to food? (With Dr. David Kessler)
Dive into the intriguing world of food addiction with insights from a former FDA commissioner. Discover how our brains are wired to crave energy-dense foods as a survival tactic. Explore the science behind highly palatable foods and their addictive qualities, backed by studies on animal behavior. The podcast discusses how past experiences and environmental cues trigger cravings, and it challenges the oversimplification of food addiction compared to traditional chemical dependencies. The conversation also teases out the controversies surrounding food addiction in today's society.

May 28, 2025 • 11min
Molecular Hydrogen: Legit breakthrough or the latest overhyped supplement?
The buzz around molecular hydrogen is intriguing, with claims of its health benefits sparking curiosity. The podcast delves into its unique antioxidant properties, revealing how it may outperform traditional supplements like vitamin C. The discussion also examines research on hydrogen-enriched water's effects on cholesterol and glucose tolerance, as well as potential benefits for recovery after exercise. While the hype is captivating, the team emphasizes understanding its limitations and modest effectiveness.

12 snips
May 26, 2025 • 24min
BONUS: Keeping our bones and bodies strong as we age (Stronger Bones at Every Age, Part 4)
As we age, keeping our bones strong is crucial. Discover vital nutritional and lifestyle strategies to maintain bone density, including the roles of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Learn how physical activity can help combat age-related muscle loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Embrace practical tips that promote mobility and independence in later life. It's all about staying strong and healthy as we navigate our senior years!