Flavorful, Healthy Meals on a Budget

In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Alyssa Krejci shares practical strategies for eating well on a budget without sacrificing nutrition. Learn how to plan meals, reduce food waste, shop smarter, and make affordable, nutrient-dense ingredients stretch throughout the week. Alyssa also shares her favorite budget-friendly meals, grocery staples, and simple tips for lowering food costs while still serving balanced, satisfying meals your family will enjoy. If rising grocery prices have you feeling overwhelmed, this episode is full of realistic solutions you can start using today.

We’ve all heard that alcohol affects everyone differently, but did you know that women are biologically more vulnerable to alcohol’s effects than men? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitians Britni Vincent and Melanie Beasley dive into the science of how alcohol impacts women’s hormones, metabolism, sleep, bone health, and risk for disease—even at lower levels of drinking. You’ll hear eye-opening statistics along with practical, compassionate guidance for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol - so whether you're sober-curious, cutting back, or simply want to make more informed choices, this episode offers non-judgmental support, science-backed insights, and realistic tools for better health.

Seasonal allergies can make it hard to enjoy everything summer has to offer, but did you know your diet may help influence how severe your symptoms feel? Registered dietitian Amy Crum explains how nutrition can support a healthier immune response and help calm inflammation during allergy season. She shares the best foods to include, which foods may make symptoms worse, the role of histamine, and key supplements that may provide natural allergy support. 

In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, we’re making meal prep a breeze! Join dietitian Brandy Buro as she chats with her client Kristen, who reveals how she transformed her cooking routine into something simple and efficient. Discover how Kristen streamlined her process to save time and maintain consistency with real-food meal preparation strategies. She shares her journey of planning balanced, gluten-free meals and shares how she incorporates meal prep into her weekly rhythm with practical tips that make healthy eating feel attainable and sustainable. Whether you’re just starting out with meal prep or seeking fresh ideas, this episode is packed with realistic strategies to help you reduce stress, eat healthier, and seamlessly fit nutrition into your everyday life. Tune in and get inspired!

Confused by all the different calcium supplements on the shelf? You're not alone. This episode of Ask a Nutritionist explains who may benefit from a calcium supplement, how to know if you're getting enough calcium from food, and the key differences between the most common forms of calcium. Whether you're trying to prevent bone loss, support osteopenia or osteoporosis, or simply make a more informed supplement choice, this episode will help you confidently navigate the supplement aisle.

Fiber is having a moment, but it's much more than a trend. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitians Leah Kleintrot and Teresa Wagner explain why fiber is essential for healthy digestion, balanced blood sugar, gut health, appetite control, heart health, and long-term wellness. They break down the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, how much you really need each day, and why most people fall far short of the recommended amount.   You'll also discover the best real food sources of fiber, practical ways to increase your intake without digestive discomfort, and why whole foods often beat processed "high-fiber" products. If you're looking for simple nutrition changes that can make a big impact on your health, this episode is a great place to start.

Looking for a healthy summer meal that actually keeps you full? In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Teresa Wagner shares her favorite strategies for building high-protein salads that support steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and lasting satisfaction. She explains why many salads leave people hungry an hour later, how much protein you really need at a meal, and simple ways to create delicious, nutrient-dense salads using convenient ingredients.

Feeling bloated, puffy, or uncomfortable during the summer months? You're not alone. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain why bloating and water retention often become more common during hot weather and how factors like dehydration, excess sodium, alcohol, summer treats, travel, and blood sugar swings can all contribute. They break down the difference between bloating, water retention, and actual body fat gain, while sharing practical strategies to help you feel lighter, more comfortable, and energized.

Looking for healthier snack ideas your kids will actually eat this summer? In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Alyssa Krejci shares practical, kid-friendly snack ideas that support steady energy, better moods, hydration, and growing bodies. From pool days and sports tournaments to summer camps and busy afternoons at home, Alyssa explains how to build balanced snacks with protein, healthy fats, and real food carbohydrates while reducing reliance on sugary snacks and drinks. She also shares simple strategies for making healthy foods more visible, accessible, and appealing to kids, plus fun ways to get children involved in snack prep and kitchen confidence.

Are today's kids facing more health challenges than previous generations? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Kara Carper and Brandy Buro explore the growing impact of ultra-processed foods on children's health and why nutrition habits formed early in life can influence health for decades to come. They discuss the rise in childhood obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, digestive issues, and other chronic health concerns, while explaining how blood sugar balance, protein, healthy fats, and real food can support better energy, focus, mood, and long-term wellness. Parents will also walk away with practical, realistic strategies for helping children build healthier eating habits without perfection or pressure.