Sugar and Heart Health: Understand the Connection and Your Next Steps

Sugar doesn’t just affect your waistline; it can quietly affect your heart, too. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner connect the dots between sugar (and high-carb foods), blood sugar spikes, inflammation, triglycerides, and cholesterol patterns that raise cardiovascular risk. You’ll learn where “hidden” sugar shows up most often, which lab markers matter most, and simple real-food next steps so you can support heart health without extreme dieting.

Is yogurt really good for your gut…or is it secretly dessert in disguise?  In this episode, Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD shares how to choose the healthiest yogurt, what “live cultures” actually means, and other fermented foods that support gut health.

Most people don’t think about bone health until a DEXA scan (or a fracture) makes it feel urgent. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share everyday habits and real-food strategies to slow bone loss and support stronger bones, especially in midlife and beyond.

Morning sickness can make eating feel overwhelming, especially during a time when your body needs extra nourishment. In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains why morning sickness happens and how blood sugar, hormones, and metabolism all play a role. She shares practical, real-food strategies to help you feel better and stay nourished, even when your appetite is low or unpredictable.

Is your mouth giving you clues about your whole-body health? Leah Kleinschrodt, RD talks with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, integrative dentist and naturopath, about what your teeth and gums can reveal, why common “dental fixes” deserve a closer look, and how food and minerals fit into the bigger picture. Listener questions are included, and you’ll want to hear her take on fluoride.

Can fiber actually lower cholesterol? Yep. Dietitian Amy Crum breaks down why soluble fiber is the real MVP for LDL, how your gut plays a role, and easy food upgrades to increase fiber without blowing up your blood sugar. She also covers when supplements can be a helpful backup.

Thinking about GLP-1 meds, already on one, or just curious what the hype is about? Dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro explain what GLP-1 is, why nutrition support matters more (not less) while taking these medications, and how to protect your metabolism, muscle, and digestion along the way.

Tired of meat, but still want the benefits of protein? Dietitian Alyssa Krejci breaks down why protein matters, why animal protein is often the most efficient, and how to hit your needs with easier, more enjoyable options, including a simple “protein stacking” approach.

Protein is trending, but most people still aren’t eating enough of it, especially at breakfast. In this episode, registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share the sneaky signs you’re low in protein and simple ways to start getting more real-food protein into your day.

This episode was originally broadcast on 12-23-2024. After trying to lose weight in the past without much success, Cheryl joined our Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Foundations program, took the ongoing support classes, participated in our cooking classes, and worked with our dietitians. Two years later, she’s joining us on our podcast with her dietitian Teresa to share her story of achieving AND maintaining significant weight loss… and even better… finding peace with food, feeling good, and improving her health markers. Tune in to this episode to hear Cheryl and Teresa talk about the before, what she did to lose the weight, and what she’s doing now to enjoy and keep her health for the long haul.