Bite of Mind

In this episode of Bite of Mind, we're breaking down the science of glucose and brain function. We are looking at what the research actually says, what it doesn't, and why some of the most popular dietary trends right now are accidentally getting one thing right for completely the wrong reasons. Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:03) The role of glucose in the brain, glucose facilitation effect, and c...

Is your social media feed making you afraid of your food? In this episode, Rachel and Ilkay break down some of the most viral nutrition trends circulating on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube right now — including raw milk, the carnivore diet, and fear-mongering around everyday food additives like vegetable oils, natural flavors, and folic acid. As registered dietitians, they cut through the noise wi...

Lion's Mane mushroom is everywhere — your coffee, your supplement shelf, your FYP. But does it actually do anything for your brain and mood? In this episode, we break down what Lion's Mane really is, the two bioactive compounds that make it scientifically interesting, and what three key studies actually show (spoiler: it's more nuanced than either the hype or the skeptics will tell you). We also c...

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines are here… and we have thoughts. In this episode, registered dietitians Rachel and Ilkay break down what the new guidelines actually say, why the image and the written document are telling two different stories, and why going back to a pyramid is a step backward for public health. We also tackle the bigger picture: the culture of food fear driving nutrition misinformatio...

We've all heard "just eat better", but what if the real barrier isn't motivation? In this episode, we break down the social determinants of health, food insecurity, and why your zip code can matter more than your willpower when it comes to nutrition and mental health. Plus: a look at real resources that can help. Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro, dumpster diving, and dichotomy between social media and r...

Fibermaxxing, prebiotic sodas, psyllium husk chugging? Are we actually improving our gut health or are we just chasing trends? In this episode of Bite of Mind, we break down what prebiotics and probiotics really are, how they connect to mental health through the gut–brain axis, and what the research actually says about fiber, probiotics, and microbial diversity. We also cover when supplements migh...

Can what’s happening in your gut influence how you feel mentally? In this episode of Bite of Mind, we explore the growing science behind the gut–brain connection and what it means for depression and mental health . We dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome where the microbes living inside us do far more than just help with digestion. This episode is educational, evidence-based, and...

Alcohol is often framed as a way to relax, cope, or “take the edge off”, but what is it actually doing to our mental health? In this episode, we take a deep, evidence-based look at how alcohol impacts depression, anxiety, stress regulation, and the brain’s reward system. We break down how drinking can: Interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine Disrupt the HPA axis and stress hor...

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the biggest myths around motivation: that it has to come before action. In reality, motivation is usually something we create , not something we wait for. We talk about why starting can feel so hard, especially when stress, burnout, ADHD, or mental overload are involved, and why that doesn’t mean you’re lazy or undisciplined. It means your nervous system...

The start of a new year often comes with pressure to overhaul everything, especially when it comes to food. In this episode, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of adding more rules or routines, we walk through a gentle New Year reset focused on reducing stress, clearing mental clutter, and making food feel simpler and more supportive again. We talk about how to: Take an honest inventory of...

Struggling to stay consistent with your health goals? In this episode of Bite of Mind , we break down how to use SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) to create real, sustainable change without guilt, perfectionism, or overwhelm. We talk through how SMART goals support your health and how nutrition goals become easier when they’re broken into simple, doable steps...

Ever wonder why “just eat healthy” feels impossible when you have ADHD? You’re not alone... and it’s not about willpower. In this episode of Bite of Mind, registered dietitians Rachel Robinson and Ilkay Baseski unpack the science behind why ADHD can make food choices, meal planning, and even remembering to eat such a challenge. From dopamine dips and executive dysfunction to hyperfocus and sensory...

In our very first episode, meet your co-hosts, Registered Dietitians Rachel Robinson and Ilkay Baseski as we introduce Bite of Mind and share why we’re so passionate about the connection between nutrition and mental health. Get a feel for what’s ahead; supportive conversations, evidence-supported nutrition information, and a space where wellness isn’t about perfection. We hope you'll join us on th...