The Food Factor Podcast

Have you ever wondered if your nutrition needs a little (or a lot of) attention? In this episode, we’re playing a game to help you figure it out! I’ll walk you through a self-assessment designed to uncover signs that your eating habits might not be serving you as well as they could. From low energy and workout struggles to confusing cravings and frustrating plateaus, we’ll break down the key signa...

Pelvic floor health is a game-changer for performance, yet many athletes overlook it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Morgan, a pelvic floor physical therapist and elite runner, to break down the myths, fears, and barriers around pelvic floor PT. We discuss what to expect in a session, why it's essential for athletes of all ages and genders, and how a strong pelvic floor can impact...

In this crossover episode, I share my interview with Dr. Scott Kaylor of Zone Physical Therapy and Sports Lab. I was a guest on his podcast and the conversation was so good, I'm sharing it with you on this podcast! We discuss the many questions and areas of misconception around nutrition and athletes along with some fun stories and examples. In this episode we talk about: Fueling throughout the da...

The cleanse and detox industry is booming, expected to grow from a $66.23 billion market in 2024 to over $88 billion. But are cleanses really as beneficial as they claim? In this episode, we unpack the science behind detoxification and why your body doesn’t actually need a cleanse to thrive. In this episode we talk about:     Why Cleanses Feel Effective: The scale may drop, but is it the...

Nutrition for Athletes and Performance In this episode of the Food Factor podcast, Stephanie discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes and parents of athletes. She emphasizes the need for accurate, evidence-based information and encourages listeners to do their own research. Stephanie also highlights the crucial role of nutrition in sport performance and overall health, drawing...

In this episode, I share an update about the past few weeks of chaos. I experienced a shift in my weight and noticed people's reactions to it. There were two reactions that I received and I discuss what the weight loss actually was. In my line of work, people are always expecting me to comment on their weight loss. I've been yelled at before when I don't "notice" or say something. Here's the...

In this episode, I dive into my story of a third-grade girl who thought carbs were "bad," revealing a broader issue: the unintended messages parents send about food. I explore how conversations and actions at home can plant seeds of confusion around nutrition, sometimes leading kids to develop food fears or misunderstand basic health principles. You’ll learn about the long-term...

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the alarming mental health challenges that athletes face, particularly the heightened stress and suicide risk in high-pressure environments. We explore how the intense demands of athletic performance, combined with societal expectations and personal struggles, can push athletes to the brink. Importantly, we examine the often-overlooked role that nutritio...

Ever wonder how what you eat might be influencing how you feel? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between food and mood. From how certain nutrients impact brain chemistry to the surprising role of your gut in managing emotions, we break down the science behind why your diet matters for mental well-being. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, reduce stress, or improve...

"What TF should I be eating?" If you've asked yourself this question you aren't alone. The information overload we currently live in has left us all confused and sicker than ever. We all just want to know how to eat in order to feel our best. The problem is, sources such as Google, Instagram, and TikTok don't necessarily have the best advice on the best way to eat for YOU.  So what do you do?...

"Calories is vs calories out. Burn more than you take in. That's how you lose weight." If this is the advice you live by, how is that going for you? It's not your fault that this has likely been ingrained in you from a young age. I often STILL hear this outdated and poor advice being given out.  Calories are one SMALL piece of the whole picture and definitely not the most important piece. Why...

We all have heard that we need to increase our fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh produce is "healthy" for us, right? Well what if there are toxic chemicals sprayed on them and now you are eating them multiple times per day (from the advice of your nutritionist 😅)? Organic fruits and vegetables can come with a hefty price tag and it may make you wonder, is this really worth it? In some cases, it...

Attention perfectionists! This episode is for you! Many of us have a tendency to think that if we can't do something "perfectly" it's not worth doing. If you are a brain surgeon, that may be a good thing. For the rest of us who use this same mentality towards our fitness and nutrition, this is actually PREVENTING you from reaching your best health. Let's talk about ways to break out of this mindse...

As a nutritionist and wellness professional for the last 15+ years, I have noticed that these three symptoms are some of the MOST common when it comes to how someone is feeling. Many people don't realize that fatigue, illness, and moodiness all have nutritional components driving them as well! Specific nutrients as well as another key part of nutrition can be the missing link for those suffering f...

 Struggling with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or digestive issues? We know nutrition is important and a big part of how we feel but what if something was missing? So often we hear "advice" on how to feel our best and how the "best" way to eat is, but what if all of these were missing something? What if the missing part of nutrition was actually holding you back? Are YOU missing this ke...

Setting goals can seem like a drag. Maybe you've set the same goal every year and still haven't made progress. Could it be you are stuck in a negative behavior chain? When it comes to nutrition, we are constantly a product of our habits and behaviors; some of which are a part of a chain of events or responses that we may or may not be aware of. If you are stuck in a pattern or habit that you want...

It's that time of year that people start talking about setting new goals for the new year. Financial goals, fitness goals, health goals, weight loss goals all tend to be the top things people strive to change at the start of a new  year. Goal setting is not a new topic but there's a number of things people do when they set goals that is preventing them from reaching their goals in the first p...

Do you ever struggle with how to talk to your kids about nutrition or healthy eating? Maybe you've started to notice your kids eating in a way that's not helpful for them. Or maybe you are embarking on a diet journey and don't know how to talk about it with your kids. Or maybe you all just want to eat better but don't want it to be a diet that shapes how your kids look at nutrition for the rest of...

They're coming! All the weight loss products, gimmicks, teas, potions, lotions, and cleanses. It's inevitable this time of year. These ads add to the confusion that is already out there about nutrition and how we should eat. There's so much noise and it puts us in a state of option overload! But what if you have health concerns? What if you've been diagnosed with a condition and want to know how t...

  When it comes to holiday eating tips, there is no shortage of absolutely absurd information. "Drink a full glass of water before dinner so you don't eat too much." "Bring foods you don't like so you don't eat as much." These are just ridiculous and can lead to disordered thoughts around food, not to mention guilt, shame, and misery during a time that's meant to be joyful. The fact is, our h...

What does dietary fat have to do with your immune system? What happens when someone has a low fat diet? Are there certain nutrients that need fat to be absorbed? Having dietary fat in your meals is important for a number of reasons but in this episode we talk about it from a nutrient absorption perspective. We are heading into cold and flu season and "immune boosting" products are everywhere. What...

How does food actually impact your health? We all kind of know that we need to eat "healthy" but what does that mean and does that really have as big of an impact on your symptoms as you think? The term "gut health" is very popular right but so many people don't have an understanding of just how big of a role it plays in your nutrition, mood, immune system, and overall health. Could something you'...

High blood pressure is a common diagnosis in the U.S. If you haven't been diagnosed, chances are you know someone who has been. Many people don't even KNOW they have it! Having undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure leads to a number of scary health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, etc. If you've been diagnosed or have a family history, this episode is for you! There a...

Weight loss struggles is nothing new. Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with their weight and the weight loss industry is booming with no end in sight. What if we looked deeper than just "calories in vs calories out", "laziness", "lack of motivation", and "no discipline" and uncovered what's at the heart of weight gain? In this episode I break down the 4 foundational pillars that impact...

Have you ever thought, "I need to start over with my diet." or "I just need to reset my eating habits". I've heard that said many times when starting to work with clients and I want to share one client's story about how she thought her goal was one thing, but a shift in perspective got her much different results! In this episode we talk about: - A common trend I've seen in clients. - How I worked...