Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life

Most of the time when a new diet trend makes headlines, we're busy separating fact from fiction—and keto is no exception. But while the ketogenic diet has become synonymous with weight-loss fads and social media hype, its roots as a medical therapy date back nearly a century. In this episode, we talk with Denise Potter about the growing evidence behind ketogenic therapy for mental health, expl...

In this episode of Bite by Bite, Monica and Tonya unpack the real reasons people choose the foods they do, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about nutrition. From cost, convenience, taste, culture, stress, and exhaustion to the growing conversation around ultra-processed foods, they explore how modern life shapes our eating habits and why food decisions are far more complicated than social media ma...

Why do we assume a snack is healthy just because the package says “high protein” or “natural”? In this episode we’re joined by a psychologist to unpack thescience behind how food marketing works on our brains. We talk about the health halo effect, emotional advertising, and the subtle cues that make certain foods more appealing. We also explore how social media has completely changed thefood envir...

In this episode of Bite by Bite , we explore the often-overlooked role nutrition plays in substance use and recovery, from dopamine, blood sugar, and cravings to the very real nutrient deficiencies that can affect brain and body healing. This conversation is for anyone working in recovery spaces, supporting someone in recovery, or simply curious about how food and physiology intersect with addicti...

Fat has a reputation problem, but your brain didn’t get the memo. In this episode, we break down the real role of fat in brain structure, signaling, and lifelong cognitive health, along with the often-overlooked nutrient choline and its connection to memory and brain cells. We talk about why babies need high-fat diets for rapid brain development, why adults still need fat (just the right kinds), a...

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yetit’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or avoided altogether. This episode is for anyone who thinks they’re “too young,” feels fine but hasn’t been screened, or wants to better understand colon cancer from both a scientific and deeplypersonal perspective. Joined by colon cancer researcher Patricia Wolf and nurse practitioner Brittany Koopman,...

In this episode of Bite by Bite Nutrition for Life , Monica and Tonya break down why cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. and Indiana and what you can realistically do about it. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by health advice, this conversation cuts through the noise with practical, down-to-earth guidance on diet, exercise, stress, biometrics, and even t...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life , Tonya and Monica dig into key elements of Mike Braun’s “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative, nine executive orders signed in April 2025 that chart a new path for nutrition, public health, and welfare policy in Indiana. The changes to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, a plan to ban candy and soft drinks from...

Is your wellness routine based on science or just your “For You” page? Wellness trends are everywhere; beef tallow, colostrum supplements, apple cider vinegar shots, and sea moss gel smoothies. But are these rooted in nutrition science or just another round of social media hype? Tonya and Monica are joined by Purdue Dietetic Interns Karen and Prezlee to dig into the facts, myths, and maybe a littl...

Saliva isn’t just spit... it’s science. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Cordelia Running, director of the SPIT Lab (Saliva, Perception, Ingestion, and Tongues) at Purdue University. She shares her research on how taste and saliva influence what we enjoy, and don’t enjoy, eating and drinking. We dive into her work on encouraging people to eat more vegetables, often bitter and less liked, and redu...

From Red 40 to Yellow 5, synthetic food dyes are in everything from candy to sports drinks, and they’ve been sparking debate for decades. In this episode, Tonya and Monica are joined by Dr. Running where they dig into what dyes are actually approved in the U.S., how they’re regulated, and what the science really says about their health effects. Spoiler: the brighter the color doesn’t mean the bigg...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life , we’re digging into what keeps our food safe from farm to fork. We explore the responsibilities that U.S. growers and producers have in preventing contamination, how recalls are handled when things go wrong, and what systems are in place to protect consumers. Plus, we take a look across the ocean to compare how the European Union approaches food...

Ever glanced at a food label and wondered how all those ingredients got approved? In this episode, we’re talking about GRAS “Generally Recognized as Safe” a little acronym that plays a big role in what goes on your plate. From flavor enhancers to preservatives, we’ll walk through how certainsubstances earn the GRAS stamp, how the system works, and what’s being done to keep it trustworthy. It’s all...

Are seed oils really the enemy of good health, or is the fear around them overblown? In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life , hosts Tonya and Monica sit down with Dr. Martha Belury, a professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University, to separate fact from fiction. If you've ever heard that seed oils cause inflammation or that you need a perfect omega-6 to omega-3 balance, thi...

In this episode, we’re shifting the conversation around exercise from weight loss to holistic well-being. Hosts Tonya and Monica sit down with Jen Elliott—a Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Personal Trainer—to explore the power of joyful movement . Jen shares insights on how diet culture has conditioned us to see exercise as a punishment rather than a form...

Are your New Year’s resolutions doing more harm than good? In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, Tonya and Monica break down the ever-popular 75 Hard Challenge—a program that promises mental toughness through extreme discipline. But is it really the path to lasting health, or just another quick fix wrapped in rigid rules? This episode is for anyone feeling burnt out by unrealistic h...

Are you tired of hearing about the latest food fads on social media? This episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life is for anyone who’s had enough of the most popular nutrition trends circulating online, especially those from TikTok! Hosts Tonya and Monica dive deep into five of 2023’s biggest trends—like proffee, fruit demonization, superfood powders, dry scooping pre-workout, and TikTok’s natu...

This episode is for anyone curious about the hype surrounding metabolism trackers like the Lumen device or who’s been searching for ways to optimize weight loss and energy levels. If you’ve ever wondered whether tracking your metabolism is necessary for better health or just another gadget gimmick, this episode is for you. Join Tonya and Monica as they break down the science of metabolism, explore...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life , we’re joined by Jenna Smith, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator for University of Illinois Extension, to explore the crucial next steps in feeding your baby: introducing solid foods. If you’re a parent wondering when to start solids, what the best first foods are, or how to identify your baby’s readiness, this episode is for you! Jenna s...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life , we're diving into the world of baby feeding with Rachel Mannen, MS, RD, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension. If you're a new parent or caregiver curious about baby-led weaning, when to start solids, or whether homemade baby food is really better than store-bought, this episode is for you! Rachel sha...

Join Tonya and Monica on this episode of "Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life" as they dive into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of IV vitamin therapy. Discover the history of this treatment, originally developed in the late 60s and 70s, and explore its current popularity in wellness spas. Tonya shares her recent visit to an integrative health clinic, while Monica discusse...

In this episode of Bite by Bite: Nutrition for Life, Tonya and Monica delve into the world of hydration packets, examining whether these trendy wellness products truly offer superior hydration benefits. Perfect for athletes, health enthusiasts, and concerned parents, this episode sheds light on the role of sodium and other electrolytes in maintaining fluid balance, the science behind hydration, an...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we shine a spotlight on the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program, a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity. Funded by SNAP-ed, this program delivers vital nutrition education directly to communities in need. Whether you're a community leader, educator, or advocate passionate about combating food insecurity, this episode is tailored fo...

Tune in to our latest episode where we delve deep into the contentious topic of weight loss medications. Designed for individuals navigating the complex landscape of weight management, this episode provides crucial insights into the question: Should people use weight loss medications to manage weight? Whether you're someone considering these medications or simply curious about their efficacy a...

With the prevalence of GMOs in our food supply and the ongoing debates surrounding their safety, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. By listening, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the scientific consensus, the regulatory landscape, and the broader impacts of GMO technology. Expect practical takeaways that empower you to make informed decisions about GMOs and their role in our...