Episodes

  • Breast Cancer Nutrition

    Breast Cancer Nutrition
    Oct 25 2022

    Does nutrition make a difference in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and recurrence? If so, what specific changes make the most difference? There are so many myths about breast cancer nutrition that I wanted to find out what's really true by talking with an oncology dietitian who specializes in breast cancer.

    I wanted to know... is it true that sugar feeds cancer? Do you have to go vegan after a breast cancer diagnosis? What about soy? And more...

    In this episode, I'm talking to Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian who specializes in recovery after breast cancer in her private practice in Los Angeles. She co-led the clinical study, Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, published in the journal Nutrients. She is also the author of a new book, Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed, which focuses not only on breast cancer but all cancers. And she is a breast cancer thriver herself.

    This Week We Talk About: 
    • Myths around nutrition following a breast cancer diagnosis and why some recommendations do more harm than good
    • The most important goals of nutrition through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
    • What may shift in your nutrition plan after completion of treatment
    • Why "breast cancer prevention" is itself a myth... and research-based tips to reduce risk of recurrence
    • Why you don't have to go vegan to benefit from adding plants to your diet
    • The real truth about soy and breast cancer
    • Lifestyle and supplement recommendations for breast cancer thrivers
    • Resources for people thriving after breast cancer

     

    Mentioned in this episode

    PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen!

    Where to find Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN:

    Tamar's Website: Tamarrothenberg.com

    Tamar's Instagram: @breastcancer.nutritionist

    Tamar's Facebook Group: A Fresh Start for Breast Cancer Thrivers

    Find out if you're eligible and apply for the free Sharsheret in the Kitchen coaching program, made possible by a grant from Cedars Sinai here

    Love the podcast?

    Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!

    Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

     

    Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. 
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    42 mins
  • Why Work With a Dietitian Doula?

    Why Work With a Dietitian Doula?
    Oct 18 2022

    If you're thinking about trying to conceive... why might you want to consider working with a doula? What's the difference between a doula and a midwife? Can you work with a doula if you're having a hospital birth? When should you reach out to a doula during pregnancy? I had these questions about working with a doula and more, and I suspect you do too!

    In this episode, I'm talking to Erika Watson-Lawson, who is not only a doula but a dietitian as well. In fact, she refers to herself as a Doula-Dietitian Diva and a Dietitian by Day, Doula by Night, and she is able to help her clients in a unique way, supporting them not only through preparing for birth physically but also nutritionally!

    Erika, founder of Purely Nourishing Doula, has been a registered dietitian for over 15 years, and added virtual and in-person (Jacksonville, FL area) doula services which include nutrition coaching, pregnancy and labor services, and postpartum care. She strives to educate and empower pregnant people and their partners through the whole process. Having PCOS herself, and the mother of 4 (including a set of twins!), she not only knows what she's talking about, but she's been there herself!

    In this episode, I'm talking with Erika about all the reasons why you might want to consider having a doula on your team for your next birth!

    This Week We Talk About: 
    • What doulas do, the difference between doulas and midwives, and who might benefit from doula support
    • The different times and places where doulas can offer support to birthing parents
    • How being a doula dietitian allows her support her clients with 360º care
    • What working with a virtual doula actually looks like
    • How doulas work with birth partners to keep them involved in the process
    • The importance of doulas in the Black community
    • Why postpartum support is essential and what to focus on
    • Erika's personal journey with PCOS and becoming a mother

     

    Mentioned in this episode

    PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen!

    Where to find Erika Watson-Lawson, Doula-Dietitian:

    Erika's Website: Purely Nourishing Doula

    Erika's Instagram: @purelynourishingdoula

    Love the podcast?

    Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!

    Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

     

    Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. 
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Is The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™ Right for YOU?

    Is The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™ Right for YOU?
    Oct 12 2022
    I wanted to do something a little different today and help you decide if enrolling in my PCOS course, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™, is the next best step for you at this time! The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my signature program that has already helped over 700 women with PCOS: Get regular periodsRegain energyBanish cravingsHave clearer skin and thicker hairLose weightGet pregnant naturallyand more... So in this episode, I walk you through why I created the course in the first place, who it's right for, a bit more about my proven and proprietary 6-step method to PCOS success, and more. If you're overwhelmed by all of the conflicting info out there and confused about what to do next to manage your PCOS, give this a listen! In this week's solo episode, I'm going through all the reasons why you might want to consider joining The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap before we close the doors on Friday October 14th. This is one of the most comprehensive PCOS courses out there, and it's the only one that focuses on overall PCOS management from a root cause perspective that's taught by a licensed integrative dietitian! This Week I Talk About:  Who The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is right forAll the nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement strategies you've probably already triedMy proven 6-step method for PCOS successWhat kind of results my students get from the courseWhy I created this PCOS course in the first placeHow following a proven roadmap can save you time and moneyHow to know if NOW is the right timeAnd you'll hear from several of my students about their experiences! Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get results. They periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support: including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year! We start this round on October 17th! There is an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots are extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22) If you are looking for more information about the RCR, watch my FREE Masterclass: PCOS Foundations: A No-BS Root Cause Approach to Sustainable PCOS Management Watch before it disappears on 10/14/2022!   Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.   Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. The symptom resolution timelines discussed in this episode are typical of clients and students of The Hormone Dietitian and may not be typical.
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    50 mins
  • Breast Health: What You Need to Know

    Breast Health: What You Need to Know
    Oct 4 2022
    A Breast Health Episode October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it's a great time to think about breast health. What's normal, what's not, and what can you do to keep your breasts healthy all year long, not just during October! In this episode, I'm talking to Dr. Linsey Gold, a breast surgeon who is not only a practicing medical doctor but also shares her insights as a host on The Breast of Everything Podcast as well as on their Website. She is a Fellowship trained Breast Surgeon, has worked as the Clinical Director of the Michigan Center for Breast Health, the Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center, Genesys Regional Medical Center. She is involved in the American Society of Breast Surgeons and is certified in Breast Ultrasound. Dr. Gold is alsoan Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She is actively involved in clinical research and is an investigator and participant in a number of clinical trials under the oversight of the National Cancer Institute. For 20 years she has been involved in the care of women throughout every stage of their life, from puberty through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, she knows how daunting navigating your own personal health journey can be. Her goal is to make the process of finding quality information about breast health more intuitive and empowering.  In this week's episode, I'm talking with Dr. Gold about all things breast health, including normal breast changes, problematic changes, diagnostic tests, treatments, and how to prevent breast cancer. This Week We Talk About:  Common conditions that lead women to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeonBenign breast health conditions such as abscesses, breast painWhat are inverted nipples and when they may be a problemThe differences between types of breast imaging techniquesAdvances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatmentTips for breast health and care for healthy breasts for a lifetimeDr. Gold's 2 big "no's" when it comes to breast healthShould you wear a bra? Is there a best "type" of bra?   Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS in this episode and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I can help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year and the next round starts October 17, 2022! There will be an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots will be extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22) Where to find Dr. Gold: Dr. Gold's Website: The Breast of Everything  & Online Shop Dr. Gold's Podcast: The Breast of Everything — be sure to catch my episode The Breast of Everything Instagram   Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.   Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. 
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    57 mins
  • How Do You Know If Your PCOS Plan is Working?

    How Do You Know If Your PCOS Plan is Working?
    Sep 27 2022
    How do you know if all the changes you're making to manage your PCOS are actually working? How can you tell if your PCOS is actually improving? I got that question from a member of The Hormone Dietitian Community recently, and I thought you might want to hear my answer as well, so I dedicated this episode to answering how to know if PCOS symptoms are improving! PCOS is complex, and the symptoms can affect nearly every system in the body. And every case of PCOS is unique — different symptom presentation, different root causes driving those symptoms, different severities of root causes. Not to mention your unique needs, goals, preferences, lifestyle, time and budget to spend implementing changes, access to care, other medical conditions and medications, and more. It may seem like a lot, but the "perfect" PCOS plan for YOU has to be personalized. In other words, you can spend a lot of time trying different dietary approaches, different exercise regimens and routines, making sure you're getting enough sleep, finding a stress management approach that works for you,  etc... but which changes are going to make the biggest impact on YOUR PCOS symptoms? And that's not even mentioning supplements... there are so many that can potentially be helpful in PCOS, but which is right for your situation? It's easy to waste a lot of time and money on approaches that don't work for you, so knowing how to evaluate if your PCOS plan is working or not — and relatively quickly — is important! In this week's solo episode, I'm walking you through how to know if your PCOS plan is working for YOU — in other words, how to know if PCOS symptoms are improving, and what timeline you can expect to see improvements happen on. This Week I Talk About:  Common PCOS symptoms and the 4 root causes of ALL PCOS symptomsWhy I don't consider diet and lifestyle to be root causes of PCOSMy 4-pronged treatment approach for PCOSWhy the order of my 6-step process impacts time to specific PCOS symptom resolutionWhich symptoms I typically see clear up first in my PCOS patients and studentsA realistic timeline for PCOS symptom improvement, and which symptoms take the longest to improveI also take a deeper look at 2 symptoms in particular — weight and infertility — because these are the two most common symptoms my clients and students want to improveWhat your next step should be in getting relief from PCOS symptoms   Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get results. They periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support: including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year! We start this round on October 17th! There is an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots are extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22)   Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.   Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. The symptom resolution timelines discussed in this episode are typical of clients and students of The Hormone Dietitian and may not be typical.
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    43 mins
  • Infertility & Me: A Journey to Infertility Advocacy

    Infertility & Me: A Journey to Infertility Advocacy
    Sep 20 2022
    An Infertility Advocacy Episode

    If you're struggling to get pregnant, are you public with your journey? Infertility advocacy is not easy, and it puts your private life in the public eye. But my guest today decided that the pros far outweighed the cons of sharing her journey to becoming a mother. As a result, she built a strong infertility community of people who understand the struggles where she shares others' stories and helpful resources.

    Wife, mom, women's health, and infertility advocate. Monique Farook has been an entrepreneur for more than ten years.  When she isn't obsessing over home and work life, you can find her on Instagram creating content for her award winning podcast entitled "Infertility And Me." She created the podcast after her own path to motherhood was disrupted by female-factor infertility. Through the podcast, Monique has been able to reach thousands of men and women from all over the world—passing the mic to other survivors to share their stories authentically. Monique's podcast has been featured in Apple iTunes "New & Noteworthy" editor's picks.

    In this week's episode, I'm talking to Monique about her own fertility journey, her work as a fertility advocate, and what it's like being so public about infertility on social media.

    This Week We Talk About: 
    • Monique's journey to conceiving — her diagnoses and challenges finding supportive fertility care
    • What made her step away from fertility treatments for 4 years after a first failed IUI
    • All of the things she tried when she wasn't working with a fertility clinic
    • Why we can't ignore our mental and emotional health while trying to conceive
    • Why she made the decision not to pursue further fertility treatments for a second child
    • When and why she began sharing about infertility online and on her podcast
    • Why you should care about politics if you're undergoing fertility treatments
    • Challenges of social media
    • Helpful resources for evidence-based fertility information and grants

     

    Mentioned in this episode

    PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are!

     

    Where to find Monique at Infertility and Me Podcast:

    Infertility and Me Podcast

    Instagram: @infertilityandme

    Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Cade Foundation
    • Bundle of Joy Fund
    • The Broken Brown Egg
    • Fertility Rescripted
    • Chasing Creation

     

    Love the podcast?

    Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!

    Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

     

    Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
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    59 mins
  • Interstitial Cystitis Diet & Lifestyle

    Interstitial Cystitis Diet & Lifestyle
    Sep 13 2022

    Did you know that September is Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month? Until a few years ago, I had never heard of interstitial cystitis (IC), even though it affects an estimated 4–8 million women in the US alone! Also referred to as bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome, symptoms can commonly include urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain. With the causes and treatments not being well understood and with lack of awareness among even healthcare practitioners, having IC can be incredibly isolating. But there is hope, and you can manage interstitial cystitis! Today we're focusing on interstitial cystitis diet and lifestyle recommendations with an IC dietitian.

    Callie Krajcir is a Registered Dietitian specializing in interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic bladder condition. She helps people with IC minimize their symptoms through identifying their unique triggers. Callie is an IC Warrior herself and has suffered from the condition since she was young, making her want to help others suffering from the same condition. She is currently one of only two Registered Dietitians in North America who specializes in IC. Callie currently offers a program called Road To Remission  that combines an elimination diet, education, and a private support community.

    Contrary to popular belief, you are not doomed to a life following a restrictive "IC diet." Like anything, managing interstitial cystitis requires a personalized approach — when it comes to IC diet, lifestyle, supplements, medications, and other treatments. 

    This Week We Talk About: 
    • What is interstitial cystitis — common symptoms, and how it is diagnosed
    • Conventional treatments for IC
    • What is the interstitial cystitis diet and what the most common trigger foods are
    • Why a short-term elimination diet to identify YOUR trigger foods is better
    • Lifestyle triggers and suggested changes to lessen IC flares
    • Medications and supplements for IC

     

    Mentioned in this episode

    PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.

     

    Where to find Callie Krajcir:

    Callie K Website: callieknutrition.com

    Instagram: @callieknutrition & Tiktok @callieknutrition

    Callie's free IC masterclass - click HERE

     

    Love the podcast?

    Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!

    Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

     

    Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
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    56 mins
  • Putting the FUN in Meal Planning

    Putting the FUN in Meal Planning
    Sep 6 2022
    A Nutrition Episode

    You KNOW you feel better when you take the time and energy to plan out healthy, balanced meals and snacks... but for whatever reason, you're just not making it happen regularly. Maybe you're too hungry by the time you get home from work to come up with a healthy dinner game plan... or maybe your fridge and pantry aren't stocked with the staples you need to be able to pull together a meal quickly. So you end up relying on takeout again. Or maybe you're in a mealtime rut or you're dealing with challenges like cooking for one (on one end of the spectrum)... or being a short-order cook for a family with different dietary needs. Ugh. No wonder you don't want to cook! This week I'm talking to Elise Compston, of Compston Kitchen, about making meal planning fun!

    Can you really put the fun in meal planning? Yes you can! We all eat! Why not make that process an enjoyable one?

    We talk about the whole process, from planning, to shopping, cooking, and more, and you'll walk away with TONS of actionable tips and ideas you can start incorporating now!

    Elise is a nationally recognized registered dietitian, recipe developer, and content creator. She has developed recipes for a NY Times Bestselling author, nationwide food delivery service, and leading Los Angeles hospital. She founded and runs Compston Kitchen with her husband Stephen — who is also a dietitian. Together they create simple, affordable, plant-focused recipes with creative spins on classic dishes and tasty new favorites. And as the mom of 2 small children, she also puts a big priority on making food fun!

    This Week We Talk About: 
    • Easy and realistic tips for getting started planning meals and snacks
    • Grocery shopping strategies so you always have the ingredients for quick and easy meals on hand
    • Why swearing off "processed" foods is costing you time and money
    • Finding the time and energy for cooking and saving time with one-pot meals
    • Specific ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks
    • Why sauces should get a starring role in your kitchen
    • Tips for cooking for one without getting bored and for cooking for a family with different dietary needs without becoming a short-order cook

     

     

    Mentioned in this episode

    PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.

     

    Where to find Elise Compston, RDN:

    Compston Kitchen Website: compstonkitchen.com - tons of recipes here!

    Instagram: @compstonkitchen

    Download Elise's One-Pot Wonders Recipe Guide - FREE with promo code hormone

     

     

    Love the podcast?

    Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!

    Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

     

    Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
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    1 hr and 15 mins