296: Ultraprocessed Foods in Focus: How is the Food Industry Responding? – Rocco Renaldi

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/296                   Are processed foods truly undermining our health, or are they an essential part of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply? Should the way we classify foods based on processing outweigh decades of national dietary guidelines—or are these systems flawed from the start? And what happens to public health policy when decisions hinge on classifications that may not be scientifically sound? Tune in to this episode to learn more about: ·       how UPFs are defined ·       the NOVA classification system ·       how much of our diet is UPF ·       benefits of UPFs in the diet ·       how and why the current public discourse on UPFs is “superficial” ·       growing global distrust of science ·       how the food industry is responding to criticisms around UPFs ·       actions the food industry has taken to improve products ·       how the food industry gains insights into consumer preferences ·       the roles and responsibilities of food companies to educate and inform consumers ·       collaboration between the food industry and policymakers ·       what the future of UPFs might look like ·       resources for more information 

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/295                   In this episode, we explore the FoodMinds Conscious Consumption Index, revealing insights into consumer sentiment on healthy and sustainable food systems. Despite growing familiarity with the topic, less than half of consumers report purchasing healthy, sustainable options regularly. What’s driving this gap between awareness and action? Join us as we explore how people are thinking about healthy, sustainable foods. We'll discuss how definitions of sustainable foods are evolving, the generational differences in engagement, and the main drivers and barriers to purchasing. Discover why price, taste, and skepticism about marketing claims are significant obstacles, and learn how stakeholders—from companies to individuals—can help transform our food systems.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/294                  Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is a public health-oriented slogan and initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges facing Americans led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Scientists, medical professionals and public health officials have criticized the movement, citing concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s past remarks and views regarding vaccines and public health. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       a nutrition and public health expert’s reflection on the first 6 months of MAHA ●       funding cuts to various nutrition programs, research and landmark trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program ●       the administration’s focus on food dyes, seed oils and the FoodPyramid ●       how health professional societies are responding so far ●       opportunities for meaningful changes in public health nutrition ●       what the new DGAs might look like ●       resources for more information

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/293                 Food ethnographer Lucy Woods has spent the last several years diving deep into the evolving landscape of protein consumption. Lucy’s expertise lies in uncovering the “why” behind the ways people eat, with a specific focus on protein – from red meat and poultry to plant-based options and protein-packed snacks. Her recent research revealed that 61% of Americans increased their protein intake in 2024, compared to just 48% in 2019. She’s been on the ground, listening to consumers share their motivations, from wellness and fitness goals to convenience and indulgence. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       new ethnographic research on protein consumption trends ●       shifts in identifying as flexitarian, omnivore or carnivore ●       3 key trends identified in this research ●       different motivations for eating protein ●       why people are including and/or increasing protein intake ●       the types of protein people are seeking ●       which types of protein rank highest for flavor, nutrition, convenience ●       what people look for on protein food labels ●       social micro cultures and their impact on protein trends ●       snacking insights and product innovations ●       how consumers are navigating higher grocery prices ●       how to access the full report

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/292                The Forgotten Vitamin: K2’s Role in Cardiovascular and Skeletal Health Vitamin K2 might not be the first nutrient you think of when it comes to heart health or bone health – but it should definitely be on your list of important nutrients. This episode explores the science behind vitamin K2, how it differs from K1, and its role alongside other nutrients in supporting cardiovascular and skeletal health. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       the differences between vitamin K1 and K2 ●       why K2 matters for heart and bone health ●       food sources and if they are common in the diet ●       how much vitamin K2 is recommended ●       other nutrients that work with vitamin K2 to support heart and bone health ●       research on vitamin K2’s role in heart and bone health including the AVADEC Trial ●       what to look for in supplements ●       ways to assess the quality of supplements ●       updated vitamin D recommendations ●       preventing deficiency vs. optimal amounts of nutrients ●       resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/291               Belief-Based Research: The Power of Shared Values Public trust has shifted. Once, experts like scientists were the go-to voices for credible information, earning trust through their ability to solve major societal challenges. Today, “someone like me” is considered just as trustworthy, while social media influencers and opinion-driven podcasts often reach larger audiences than traditional news outlets. Consumers are now “choosing their own adventure” when deciding what information about food and nutrition they believe. In this episode, we explore groundbreaking findings from The Center for Food Integrity’s research study, The Evolution of Truth. By uncovering the core values, beliefs, and fears shaping consumer behavior around food, this research offers powerful insights to help listeners navigate a polarized world where truth is increasingly defined by perception rather than science. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●        how truth is a social construct and what that means ●        the power of shared values in building trust ●        5 different consumer personalities and how to better connect with them ●        what different types of consumers think about MAHA ●        the inherent opportunities borne out of MAHA ●        nutrition misinformation and consumer behavior ●        social media influence vs. facts ●        truth in food and nutrition ●        building trust vs. defending an interest ●        how to build trust in science ●        the role of science in building trust

Parents are bombarded with and overwhelmed by complex cultural, environmental, economic and political issues that impact their parenting skills, choices and confidence. By approaching various parenting challenges and questions from a science and social justice lens and parenting based on values, we can be more aware of the systemic forces that harm kids, differentiate what we can and cannot control, and build more fulfilling relationships with our children. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●        the connection between science and justice ●        science curiosity vs. science literacy ●        values-based parenting ●        food-related topics including: o   infant formula o   clean eating o   MSG o   PFAS/forever chemicals o   Fat phobia ●        Hazard vs risk ●        The origins of and history behind BMI ●        Resources and related episodes Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/290             

Unbottled Potential: From Sober Curious to Sober Serious  As the sober curious movement gains traction, more people are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and changing their habits. Challenging societal myths around alcohol’s role in relaxation, celebration and socializing can result in mindset shifts to begin exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle and discover how sobriety can impact core areas of life and enhance both personal and professional success. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       the sober curious movement ●       how sobriety impacts life pillars ●       why alcohol can be a barrier to success ●       perceived norms about alcohol ●       alcohol, sobriety and weight ●       how drinking impacts women in particular ●       how to address shame in a healthy way ●       a quiz to assess your feelings about drinking ●       tips for embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle ●       common challenges and how to stay on track ●       information on moderation, portion sizes, ABV and more Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/289            

Beyond Thirst: The Crucial Role of Hydration on Health & Performance The connection between hydration and health is a relatively new and still under-researched area of science. However, emerging evidence suggests that staying well-hydrated plays a far more significant role in our health than most people realize. While it's widely known that adequate hydration supports healthy bowel function and helps regulate body temperature, research shows it also impacts a variety of health factors ranging from exercise performance to kidney function and even the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tune into this episode to learn about: ●        the difference between dehydration and underhydration ●        the paradox of hydration ●        common myths about hydration ●        what happens in the body when you’re not optimally hydrated ●        what research shows regarding the impact of hydration on kidney function, UTIs, kidney stones, cortisol levels, glucose regulation, development of diabetes, fatty liver disease, life expectancy, dementia and cardiovascular disease ●        how hydration Impacts endurance and strength during exercise ●        how to determine if you’re underhydrated ●        how much water/fluid people are actually drinking ●        if there’s any validity to the “8 glasses a day” recommendation ●        if thirst is a reliable signal for hydration ●        the difference between a high drinker and low drinker ●        tips for staying adequately hydrated Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/288           

Despite the growing body of research, we are still in the early stages of understanding the gut microbiome. Consumer interest in biotics is growing and this trend is driving more research into pre, pro, post and synbiotics and their potential health benefits. This episode focuses on prebiotics, which are defined as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit” and are often associated with dietary fibers but may also derive from non-fiber substances such as polyphenols. Tune into this episode with Hannah Ackermann, MBA, RDN to learn about: ●        what prebiotics are and what they have to do with fiber ●        research regarding the known and emerging health benefits of prebiotics ●        health claims for prebiotics ●        trends in consumer interest in biotics ●        low FODMAP diets ●        what to look for on food labels ●        how different prebiotic fibers may impact GI symptoms ●        the prebiotic fiber ingredient Arrabina Wheat Fiber ●        resources for health professionals and the public Commercial support has been provided by COMET, a company specializing in prebiotic dietary fiber ingredients. Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/287