Food Triggers, Hydration, and Supplements

Welcome to Summer School! In this Summer School replay, Colleen talks with Kelly, a registered dietitian specializing in migraine nutrition, about the complicated relationship between food and migraines. They discuss why there is no universal list of “migraine trigger foods,” how hydration and caffeine may influence symptoms, and why overly restrictive elimination diets can create more confusion than relief.

You’ll learn:

• How to help patients identify their individual migraine triggers
• Why balanced meals and consistent eating may support migraine management
• Practical nutrition strategies for nausea, pain, and low appetite
• How hydration, caffeine, and blood sugar fluctuations may affect symptoms
• Which supplements are commonly considered for migraine prevention
• Why a food and symptom journal may be more useful than a long avoidance list

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

You Are Not Your Struggle

So many women are trying to eat better, lose weight, meal plan, feed their families, manage busy schedules, and somehow not feel guilty about every food choice along the way. In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Wickenhauser, PA, homeschooling mom of four, Christian health coach, and founder of Kingdom Fit Moms, for a conversation about what it really looks like to pursue health in the middle of real life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why shame keeps so many women stuck in the diet cycle
• How to help patients separate their identity from emotional eating or weight struggles
• Why “real food” messaging should not demonize frozen meals, packaged foods, or convenience options
• How to shift patients from an “I have to” mindset to an “I get to care for my body” mindset
• How accountability and community can support consistency
• Practical meal planning strategies for busy moms and families
• Simple lunch and snack ideas for summer when kids are home
• How faith, values, and identity can shape a woman’s health journey

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 157: I Hate Meal Plans

Connect with Kelsey

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Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

CKD Food Rules That Need an Update

Kidney nutrition has a reputation for being restrictive, confusing, and honestly… a little intimidating. But for many patients with chronic kidney disease, the biggest problem isn’t that they’re eating a banana or adding tomatoes to dinner. It’s that they’ve been handed outdated food rules that leave them scared to eat.

In this episode, I’m joined by renal dietitian Lauren Budd Levy, MS, RDN, CSR, to talk about what clinicians need to know about kidney nutrition, especially if you don’t work in nephrology.

We cover the CKD diet rules that need an update, including potassium restriction, phosphorus additives, protein needs, sodium, hydration, electrolyte powders, and how to help patients enjoy summer cookouts, travel, and real life without feeling like their kidney diagnosis means they have to avoid everything.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “avoid bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, and avocados” is often too simplistic
• The easy label-reading tip patients can use to spot phosphorus additives
• How to talk about protein needs in CKD without fueling confusion from high-protein diet culture
• Why sodium reduction does not mean a no-salt, flavorless diet
• What to tell patients about electrolyte powders, hydration, cookouts, and kidney-friendly travel snacks

If your patient with CKD has ever asked, “Can I eat tomatoes?” “Do I need to avoid phosphorus?” or “Are electrolyte drinks safe for me?” this episode will help you answer with more confidence, nuance, and compassion.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 43 | Nutrition and Kidney Disease: What's a Renal Diet?

Episode 32 | How to Read a Nutrition Facts Label - with a Focus on Kidney Health

Connect with Lauren

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
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Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.