The Happy Eating Podcast

  For some of us, when life feels a little uncertain, leaning into astrology may help us regain a sense of purpose and control. And lately, I’ve needed that. So if you’re like me, and you too have been curious about what’s in store for 2026, then this episode is for you. We reached out to our favorite astrologer, Valerie Mesa, who is also the go-to astrologer for People Magazine. She walks us through each zodiac sign, starting with Aries and ending with Pisces, and shares what each sign can expect this year. Let’s dive in!     Follow our guest Valerie Mesa: www.valeriemesa.com Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

In today’s world we don’t have to seek out information—it’s constantly thrown at us through all of our devices. This means we are exposed to a relentless stream of information that’s not always accurate, hijacking our attention capacity. The solution? Critical ignoring—something that researchers say is now a critical component of our critical thinking ability. If there’s one skill you develop this year, this is it. In today’s episode, we explain what critical ignoring is and three ways to start doing it.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37994317/ Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

The newest edition of the Dietary Guidelines dropped earlier this month—and if your news feed looks anything like ours, you’ve probably seen a lot of hot takes already. But what’s worth your attention, and what can you safely scroll past? In today’s episode, we break it all down from a dietitian’s perspective: what we love about the new guidelines, what surprised us, what doesn’t quite add up, and—most importantly—what changes you should make at home. Consider this episode your clear and practical guide to the latest Dietary Guidelines. Let’s dive in!   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

Trust us—the holidays likely did some damage to the overall health of your gut microbiome. Between the less-than-stellar food choices, stress, disrupted sleep schedules, and alcohol, those good-for-you bugs in your GI system are begging for a little TLC. Here’s the good news: it doesn’t take a lot of effort or a long period of time to help them rebound. In today’s episode, we cover six simple shifts that will help you reset your gut. Let’s dive in!    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

If the idea of New Year’s resolutions makes you feel exhausted instead of excited, this episode is for you. Making lasting positive changes doesn’t have to be bold or loud or overly ambitious. In fact, research suggests that usually doesn’t work. What does work are small changes, positive thinking, and a dose of flexibility. We’re calling this a soft reset. Let’s dive in!    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or is it? For most of us—at least according to two surveys done last year during the holidays—this season brings on additional stress. And since the added stress seems unavoidable, then coping techniques are a necessity. But we didn’t actually want to do this episode and give you the classic canned tips you hear, so we dug deeper and unearthed five truly helpful tactics that we employ and recommend.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions - olelegante@gmail.com  

As dietitian moms, our primary focus when feeding our kids when they were infants and toddlers was exposing them to a wide variety of foods in hopes of building healthy life-long dietary habits. But we’ve since learned that we may have inadvertently neglected providing adequate amounts of some important nutrients that babies and toddlers often fall short on. In today’s episode, we’ll highlight three key nutrients needed during these key stages and discuss the critical roles that those nutrients play in growth and development. We’ll share foods that help maximize those nutrients, as well as what we would have done differently. Let’s dive in!    This episode was developed in partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.    1.0 CPEU Available for RDNs: Dietitians listening can go to beefnutritioneducation.org to receive their continuing education certificate for listening. This episode has been submitted to CDR for approval of 1.0 CPEU.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

Vibration plates have been touted as a great way to boost your physical fitness, lose weight, melt cellulite, and lower inflammation. But are these benefits legit, or are vibration plates simply a gimmick? In today’s episode, we talk through the science behind vibration plates and tell you whether we think they’re worth it or not.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

Have you heard about the TikTok trend, fibermaxxing? It’s making fiber seem almost as sexy of a nutrient as protein! And we’re here for it. That said, what exactly is fibermaxxing and is it safe? In today’s episode, we break it down for you and tell you the best way to approach fibermaxxing, as well as what to avoid so it doesn’t go wrong.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

Every female in our lives right now seems to be suffering from the same complaint—there’s too much to do and too little time and we’re struggling to buckle down. Most of us ladies right now are aiming for better productivity, focus, and motivation. If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Brierley and I are excited to share four new hacks—pulled from brand new surveys or research—to boost productivity in women.   References and Links Mentioned in the this episode   We have been taking Con-Crete Creatine HCl each morning which can be purchased on Amazon. https://amzn.to/47OrxNY   NYPost article on Morning Sex & Job Productivity: https://amzn.to/47OrxNY   Table above from NYPost article.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

The Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Episode Nobody likes rejection. But for some people teasing, being left out of a social event, even receiving constructive criticism can lead to extremely negative feelings. Put another way, the punishment doesn’t fit the crime—the emotional reaction doesn’t match the perceived slight made. This is called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. In today’s episode, we break down RSD: what is it? What other conditions is it often linked to? And how can you cope with RSD or help someone you know who has RSD? We cover all this and more in this episode.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

Using Cooking as Therapy to Improve Mental Health   The concept of experiential therapy isn’t new: there’s art therapy, equine therapy, play therapy. But one form you might not be familiar with is cooking therapy. Research tells us that cooking and baking are favorite hobbies of Americans—above reading, time spent with pets, video games, or outdoor activities. So how can we make our love of the kitchen also therapeutic?  Meet Debra Borden! She’s a licensed clinical social worker and author of the new book, Cooking as Therapy: How to Improve Mental Health Through Cooking. In today's episode, she shares the science behind cooking as therapy, how to turn any recipe into therapy, or even any non-recipe into a therapeutic experience.   Order Cooking as Therapy here: https://cookingastherapybooks.com/   Meet the Author and Our Guest -- Debra Borden, LCSW Debra is a licensed clinical social worker and a pioneer in using cooking as a part of therapy. Known as the Sous Therapist, Debra has spent over two decades helping people discover how everyday kitchen tasks become powerful tools for healing. Her unique approach to therapy has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Women's Health, and on The List TV, among others. Corporate clients like Bloomingdale's, Crayola, and Mt. Sinai have brought Debra in to demonstrate how cooking therapy can reduce stress and spark meaningful change. Debra is also the author of two novels with Random House (Lucky Me and A Little Bit Married) and countless essays and articles on family, relationships, and personal growth.   Follow Debra on Social Media IG and Facebook: @debraborden  TikTok: @cookyourselfhappy   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

If you’ve listened to Taylor Swift’s newest album, you may have heard her song Eldest Daughter. If not, the gist is this: she sings about the pressure to seem strong, cool, and not let people down. As eldest daughters, this resonated with Brierley and me. So we dove in: what is eldest daughter syndrome? How does it develop during childhood and how does it shape your adulthood?    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

If you’ve had trouble lately focusing or being productive, this episode is for you. We’re talking about a concept called body doubling, and it’s something Carolyn and I have been employing to work through big projects, knock out mundane to-do items, or simply tackle our day job. In fact, it’s become one of the most effective solutions—and some days the only way—to harness our productivity and focus.   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

Creatine is everywhere right now. While the supplement has been popular for years among gym rats, the benefits of taking creatine now far surpass gaining muscle strength—and especially for women. What are those benefits? How much creatine should you be taking? When should you take it? And will it make you gain weight? We answer all of these questions in today’s episode.   Some of the studies mentioned in the episode: Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition Creatine Supplementation Combined with Exercise in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

Why is everyone talking about their pelvic floor lately? This really wasn’t something we ever heard discussed 10 years ago. But in reality, 1 out of 2 childbearing women experience pelvic floor dysfunction. And thanks to the interest in menopause, we’re learning that your likelihood increases as estrogen levels decrease. The hard part about pelvic floor dysfunction, though, is that it doesn’t look the same in every person. In today’s episode, we break down what the condition can look like, what symptoms may be, and talk through the recommended treatments. Bonus: Brierley shares the surprising treatment that worked for her.   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

We’ve talked about hydration before. And if we had to guess, every one of us is walking around with a Stanley or Owala because you know the importance of hydration. But is there really more to know about hydration than just drink water? We’ve had listeners send us a variety of questions over the past few months: How do you stay optimally hydrated? Are electrolytes worthwhile? Can you get too many electrolytes? And are there certain periods when you really could benefit from more fluid and electrolytes? Ahem, perimenopause. So we decided it was time to answer them. Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

  A few months ago, Carolyn and I were sitting in a bar with a friend lamenting over our ADHD-like symptoms. Her suggested solution? Methylene blue supplements and she began to tell us how it boosted focus and attention span. Before we could say Amazon, Carolyn was adding the supplement to her shopping cart. The next day, before I purchased, I did some research and realized that while it may be fairly safe for some, there’s a group of people who really shouldn’t take it and I’m one of them. In today’s episode, we cover what methylene blue is, when and why you might want to use it, and when you should steer clear.    References Mentioned: Mitochondria as a target for neuroprotection: role of methylene blue and photobiomodulation The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug Exploring Methylene Blue and Its Derivatives in Alzheimer's Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Randomized Control Trials   Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions  

Let's face it, most teens aren't exactly known for having the healthiest habits, but did you know that the adolescent diet is considered the poorest of all age and population groups? While nutrient gaps are concerning at any age, they’re especially critical during adolescence when teens gain up to 25% of their adult height, 50% of adult weight, and undergo significant brain changes. In today’s episode, we’re outlining which nutrients are most important during the teenage years and empowering parents and nutrition experts to successfully set teens up for optimal growth and development. Don’t tune out too early; we outline 3 superstar foods that deliver multiple essential nutrients and share which ones we stock in our own kitchen.    This episode was developed in partnership with the nutrition scientists and registered dietitians at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.    1.0 CPEU Available for RDNs: Dietitians listening can go to beefnutritioneducation.org to receive their continuing education certificate for listening. This episode has been submitted to CDR for approval of 1.0 CPEU.    Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions

In this special update episode, we’re revisiting three popular conversations—on magnesium supplementation, cold plunging, and wellness burnout—with the latest research and first-hand experience. Nutrition science doesn’t sit still, and neither do we. In today’s episode, we’re sharing what we’d add to these episodes if we were recording them today. Whether you’re still struggling with gut health, braving the freeze for the ‘health benefits’, or feeling the weight of wellness culture, this episode will leave you feeling more informed—and a little less overwhelmed. We share updates related to these three episodes. The Poop Episode: Why You Aren’t Regular Anymore and What to Do  Are the Freezing Cold Temperatures of Cryotherapy Worth It? Wellness Burnout: How the Pursuit to “Be Well” Isn’t Working Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website!  https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts:  Carolyn Williams PhD, RD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodreallife_rd/ Website: https://www.carolynwilliamsrd.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodRealLifeRD/ Brierley Horton, MS, RD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brierleyhorton/ Got a question or comment for the pod? Please shoot us a message!  happyeatingpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Lester Nuby OE Productions