Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/303

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7, 2026 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. These new guidelines state that they had concerns with the DGAC report because it framed it's analysis through a health equity lens and therefore disregarded most of the report instead relying on their own independent report.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• · An overview of the new DGAs
• · The new upside down pyramid that replaces MyPlate
• · What has changed from the previous version and what has not changed
• · Hits, misses and inconsistencies
• · What the DGAs mean for people/families at home
• · What the DGAs mean for federal nutrition programs like school meals
• · What health professional organizations have to say about the new DGAs
• · Practical takeaways and tips for the public and health professionals
• · Resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302

The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry January" challenge toward more of a "Damp January" trend. While the role of alcohol in health-related outcomes is complex and nuanced, a new meta-analysis of 23 major studies from 2000 to 2024 found that light-to-moderate drinking carries the same – or in some cases lower – risk of death compared to abstaining, while lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role in outcomes. Likewise, a new report published in September sheds light on alcohol and health including WHO data showing reductions in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality with many countries on track to meet targets for reducing harmful drinking.

Tune in to this episode with guest Jennifer Tujague, MPH, to learn about:

• · the different and conflicting reports on alcohol intake and recommendations
• · the research on alcohol consumption and health
• · how moderation is defined
• · different drinking patterns and associated risks
• · combined effects of obesity and alcohol
• · alcohol and weight
• · GLP-1s and alcohol
• · Non-alcoholic beverages
• · The Damp January trend
• · resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/301

This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Danimals. Dr. Caree Cotwright is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.

Many kids don't consume the proper amount of nutrients that are vital for healthy growth, chronic disease prevention, and overall health. This episode examines hidden hunger - when children consume enough calories but not enough essential nutrients for growth and development. Listeners will explore the nutrient gaps most common in U.S. children, the role of picky eating and access in shaping dietary patterns and practical ways to help families close nutrient gaps with affordable, nutrient-dense foods.

Tune in to this episode with guest Dr. Caree Cotwright, PhD to learn about:

• · the prevalence and main drivers of hidden hunger
• · myths about hidden hunger and who is at risk
• · common nutrient gaps in children's diets
• · how 'picky eating' and food preferences impact nutrient intake
• · how issues of equity and nutrition security impact hunger
• · real-world ways hidden hunger shows up in schools and communities
• · challenges parents/families face and how health professionals can support them
• · practical strategies parents can employ even when resources are tight
• · the important role that 'nutrition resilience' plays
• · the power of collaboration between healthcare professionals, teachers and families
• · addressing the view that "eating healthy is too expensive"
• · resources for health professionals and the public

This episode (Hidden Hunger: Closing the Gap for Healthy Growth in Children) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.

Visit https://soundbitesrd.com/301 to access the CPEU activity.