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VegHead Speaks

VegHead Speaks

By R Withrow-Wong

VegHead Speaks is a podcast about whole food plant-based eating (WFPB). Robin shares with listeners her reasons and experiences of transitioning to WFPB and offers support and tips on how to make the change to eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Currently playing episode

#3 Interview with Meridith Wong

VegHead SpeaksJun 18, 2018

00:10
32:19
#53 Plant Based Cooking Made Easy

#53 Plant Based Cooking Made Easy

If you are someone who thinks plant based eating requires "too much chopping", this episode is for you.  Listen in and get some tips to save you time in the kitchen as you improve your health.

Follow Robin on Instagram:  Nutrition_With_Robin 


Sep 14, 202221:01
#52 Try "No Evil Foods" Products!
Jun 01, 202209:15
#51 How Strict Does My Diet Need to Be?
May 25, 202221:36
#50 Know Your Numbers!

#50 Know Your Numbers!

Today Is World Hypertension Day ... a day to raise awareness about the growing problem of high blood pressure and to encourage people to know their numbers!  In this episode we talk about high blood pressure, why it matters and how to improve it.  

May 18, 202213:44
#49 Save yourself time in the kitchen ... try this meal service!
May 10, 202209:19
#48 Does Sugar Cause type 2 Diabetes? And Is artificial sugar better?
Sep 19, 202118:28
#47 Have you heard? The McPlant Burger is being rolled out
Sep 11, 202113:54
#46 Can the WFPB diet reverse Prostate Cancer?

#46 Can the WFPB diet reverse Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer is one of the three leading cancers in the US.  Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy or the "wait and see" approach are often the top ways of dealing with prostate cancer.  But what about dietary intervention?  In this episode, we discuss how the whole foods plant based diet can impact prostate cancer without any side effects.  

Aug 31, 202110:26
#45 What to Eat at A Wedding? Pocket Potatoes!
Aug 23, 202114:30
#44 Do I Need Supplements?
Aug 08, 202114:42
#43 Let's Talk About Diverticulosis
Aug 01, 202114:45
#42 Be Aware that the Plant-Based Label Has Different Meanings
Jul 26, 202114:08
#41 Eating Plant Based While Backpacking
Jul 11, 202114:29
#40 Sustainability is an Added Bonus of Eating Plant Based
Jul 04, 202120:55
#39 What's with the Rage over Alkaline Water?
Jun 27, 202114:59
Don't miss the upcoming Women With T2D Summit!

Don't miss the upcoming Women With T2D Summit!

Register to attend the upcoming Women with T2D Summit at  www.T2dwomensummit.com 

This is a FREE, 3-day virtual event with 20+ experts giving their best tips on managing type 2 diabetes.

Please share the information!  

Jun 21, 202101:50
#38 What Do Vegans Grill?

#38 What Do Vegans Grill?

It's summer time and grilling in the backyard is on everyone's mind.  If you are new to the plant based lifestyle and thinking you have to miss out on   the traditional grilled foods, rest assured that there are so many new products that allow you to take part in the summer time grilling tradition.  


Jun 20, 202109:57
#37 How a Plant Based lifestyle lowers the risk of CVD

#37 How a Plant Based lifestyle lowers the risk of CVD

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US and around the world.  Heart disease risk is increased by eating habits and other lifestyle factors.  In this episode, learn how eating plants can improve your health and help you avoid heart disease.



Mentioned in this episode

https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/heart-disease

Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., MD

Dean Ornish, MD

Michael Greger, MD

Neal Barnard, MD

Jun 06, 202118:11
#36 Three Myths About Soy

#36 Three Myths About Soy

Soy products, such as tofu and edamame, have been controversial for many years even when studies have shown them to be safe and quite healthful.  Why do the myths continue?  In this episode, they myths are debunked with the hope that you can enjoy your tofu knowing that it is a healthy, delicious protein.


Inspired by article in Center for Nutrition Studies

https://nutritionstudies.org/3-myths-about-soy-setting-the-record-straight/

May 31, 202114:17
#35 The Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services 2021

#35 The Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services 2021

Warm weather is upon us and people want to spend more time having fun outside and less time in the kitchen.  Luckily, there are many options for meal delivery boxes that help you stick to your healthy diet and eat well, but save time too. This episode shares the findings of a analysis of meal delivery services done by The Spruce Eats.  

The Best Meal Delivery Services of 2021 from The Spruce Eats 

https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-meal-delivery-services-4691339


Contact Robin:

nutritionwithrobinrdn.com

robin@nutritionwithrobinrdn.com

Instagram and Facebook:  veghead_speaks or nutrition_with_robin

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-vegan-meal-delivery-services-4707124

https://gobuddhameals.com/

https://www.mamasezz.com/

May 23, 202121:39
#34 Is the Plant Based Diet Good for Athletes?

#34 Is the Plant Based Diet Good for Athletes?

So many high level athletes are turning to the Plant Based diet to improve their performance.  If this lifestyle helps with these athletes, what might it do for us average, weekend warrior athletes?  Tune into this episode to hear the ways that a plant based diet can help you reach new levels in your sport of choice!  


Want to contact Robin?  

robin@nutritionwithrobinrdn.com

Instagram:  veghead_speaks or nutrition_with_robin

Facebook:  Veghead Speaks or Nutrition With Robin 


Mentioned in this episode:

The Game Changers movie by James Cameron

Research from:  

https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/six-reasons-athletes-are-running-toward-vegan-diet

May 16, 202114:14
#33 Are All Calories Created Equal?

#33 Are All Calories Created Equal?

Are all calories created equal?  Does the calorie in, calorie out, method of weight loss work?  Here's a hint... if diet's worked, you wouldn't have to keep going on them.  This episode talks about weight loss, calories and diets and how focusing on health instead of a number on the scale helps you begin to make lifestyle changes and start enjoying your life today.  


Want more information?

website:  nutritioonwithrobinrdn.com 

Instagram:  veghead_speaks or nutrition_with_robin

Facebook:  Nutrition With Robin

Contact me:  robin@nutritionwithrobinrdn.com 


May 09, 202126:59
#32 Migraine Headaches - Can A Plant Based Diet Help?
May 02, 202114:29
#31 Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Apr 29, 202116:03
#30 Type 2 Diabetes is in my Genes, or is it?
Apr 19, 202117:37
#29 Five Easy Steps to Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Apr 12, 202120:04
#28 The Not So Incredible, Edible Egg

#28 The Not So Incredible, Edible Egg

Are eggs good for you?  The egg industry wants you to believe they are.  In this episode Robin touches on cholesterol and how one small egg contributes to high cholesterol levels and heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  

You can reach Robin at:

vegheadspeaks@gmail.com

or visit her website:  nutritionwithrobinrdn.com

Instagram: veghead_speaks


Apr 05, 202113:47
#27 Curing Crohn's Disease -- interview with author Cassidy Gundersen

#27 Curing Crohn's Disease -- interview with author Cassidy Gundersen

In this episode Robin has a chat with author Cassidy Gundersen about her new book "Curing Crohn's Disease, How A Closet Food Addict Healed Her IBD".  A former Miss Idaho and American Idol contestant, Cassidy shares how she suffered with symptoms for years and now is symptom free and living a full, active  life enjoying her spouse, children and helping other women end their IBD symptoms and put their Crohn's into remission through a 4 step plan.  You won't want to miss this episode and hear Cassidy's uplifting journey.  She gives women with IBD hope that they can also take back control of their health.  

Cassidy's book, "Curing Crohn's Disease, How A Closet Food Addict Healed Her IBD" launches March 30, 2021.  For the first 2 days after launch, the book is free and after that date you can still get the first chapter free. 

Purchase the book and contact Cassidy Gundersen at:   www.ReverseIBD.com

You can also sign up for a free quick start guide at: https://curingcrohnsbook.com/quick-start/




Mar 23, 202101:13:07
#26 Are You A Chegan?

#26 Are You A Chegan?

Robin talks about what a chegan is and how chegan moments happen.  If well meaning family and friends are making it difficult for you to stay the course on your plant-based journey, listen to this episode and either commit to the WFPB lifestyle full on or wear the chegan label with pride.  

Follow Robin on instagram and facebook at nutrition_with_robin or veghead_speaks.

Mar 02, 202117:13
#25 The 6 Myths about Plant Based Eating

#25 The 6 Myths about Plant Based Eating

In this episode, Robin discusses the six most common myths surrounding plant based eating.  Challenging these myths is important because there is so much nutrition information circulating on the internet, it can be conofusing and overwhelming.  Robin wants listeners to feel confident that they are following the best path to avoiding chronic related diseases and/or managing their diabetes and weight through eating plant based. 

You can follow Robin on Facebook and Instagram at veghead_speaks or nutrition_with_robin 

If you want to learn more about Robin, please visit her website at www.nutritionwithrobinrdn.com


Feb 22, 202115:59
#24 Let's Talk Prebiotics and Probiotics

#24 Let's Talk Prebiotics and Probiotics

Robin talks about the importance of prebiotics and probiotics in creating a healthy microbiome.  She offers 7 lifestyle tips that will help you build a healthy microbiome and contribute to reducing your risk of developing chronic diet related diseases.  While Robin believes everyone should choose for themselves whether they want to take probiotic supplements, she encourages everyone to eat more dietary fibers (whole grains, legumes, fruits and veggies) since the average American eats ~16 grams of fiber daily and the recommended amount is ~40 grams.  Below is some research supporting this discussion about Prebiotics and Probiotics.  




1. Conlon MA, Bird AR. The impact of diet and lifestyle on gut microbiota and human health. Nutrients. 2015;7:17-44.

2. Jeffery IB, O’Toole PW. Diet-microbiota interactions and their implications for healthy living. Nutrients. 2013;5:234-252.

3. Requena T, Cotter P, Shahar DR, et al. Interactions between gut microbiota, food and the obese host. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2013;34:44-53.

4. Vinolo MA, Rodrigues HG, Nachbar RT, Curi R. Regulation of inflammation by short chain fatty acids. Nutrients. 2011;3:858-876.

5. Le Chatelier E, Nielsen T, Qin J, et al. Richness of the human gut microbiome correlates with metabolic markers. Nature. 2013;500:541-546.

6. Brown K, DeCoffe D, Molcan E, Gibson DL. Diet-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and the effects on immunity and disease. Nutrients. 2012;4:1095-1119.

7. Tramaroli V, Bäckhed F. Functional interactions between the gut microbiota and host metabolism. Nature. 2012;489:242-249.

8. DeFilippo C, Cavalieri D, Di Paola M, et al. Impact of diet in shaping gut microbiota revealed by a comparative study in children from Europe and rural Africa. Proc Natl Sci USA. 2010;107:14691-14696.

9. O’Keefe SJ, Li JV, Lahti L, et al. Fat, fiber and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nat Commun. 2015;6:6342.

10. Kim MS, Hwang SS, Park EJ, Bae JW. Strict vegetarian diet improves the risk factors associated with metabolic diseases by modulating gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation. Environ Microbiol Rep. 2013;5:765-775.

11. Riley LW, Raphael E, Faerstein E. Obesity in the United States - dysbiosis from exposure to low-dose antibiotics? Front Public Health. 2013;1:169.

12. Rosselot AE, Hong CI, Moore SR. Rhythm and bugs: circadian clocks, gut microbiota, and enteric infections. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2016;32:7-11.

13. Cronin O, Molloy MG, Shanahan F. Exercise, fitness, and the gut. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2016;32:67-73.

Feb 15, 202116:60
#23 Weight Loss and the Plant Based Lifestyle

#23 Weight Loss and the Plant Based Lifestyle

Robin once again talks with Teresa about her 40+ lbs weight loss in 4 months after she started living the plant-based lifestyle.  Teresa candidly discusses:

  • her weight gain after having children, 
  • how she felt when she saw the highest number ever on her scale, and 
  • the diets she has tried in the past

PLUS, the freedom of eating more and losing weight living the plant-based lifestyle.



Feb 08, 202128:30
#22 Are Plant-Based Butters Healthy?

#22 Are Plant-Based Butters Healthy?

Robin answers a question from an England listener about whether vegan butters are healthy.  She also gives some morning toast topper ideas that don't involve using butter.  Robin also gives some tips on how to cook without butter (spoiler alert ... just leave it out).  

You can learn more about Robin at her website:  www.nutritionwithrobinrdn.com 

or follow her on instagram at both:  veghead_speaks or nutrition_with_robin

Email questions or comments to:  vegheadspeaks@gmail.com or robin@nutritionwithrobinrdn.com

Thanks for listening!  


Feb 01, 202113:25
#21 Lowering Blood Sugar on a Plant Based Diet

#21 Lowering Blood Sugar on a Plant Based Diet

Robin interviews Teresa about how she lowered her blood sugar and lost weight following a Plant-based diet.  Teresa mentions several cookbooks that have helped her make the transition, and there are so many good ones available now.  A few are:  

The New McDougall Cookbook

Forks Over Knives: The  Cookbook 

The China Study Cookbook

Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes 

There are many websites that also have free recipes.  One of my favorites is Forks Over Knives at www.forksoverknives.com





Jan 25, 202128:03
#20 Welcome back and Happy New Year 2021

#20 Welcome back and Happy New Year 2021

Robin is re-vitalizing the sleepy Veghead Speaks podcast.  Robin has finally completed her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential and has launched a private practice, Nutrition with Robin.  She works with clients 1:1 helping them improve their health through incorporating plant-based nutrition into their lives.  You can find Robin's website at:  www.nutritionwithrobinrdn.com.  She can also be found on instagram and facebook as Nutrition_with_robin or as veghead_speaks.

Jan 23, 202104:36
MUST HAVES FOR A WELL STOCKED PANTRY

MUST HAVES FOR A WELL STOCKED PANTRY

The benefits of a well-stocked pantry are many:   fewer trips to the grocery, easier on the budget, and meal prep becomes a snap.  In this episode, Robin shares her top food choices that should be in every plant-based pantry.  

Recipe for Pantry Soup can be found at www.veghead-speaks.com

Apr 07, 202025:06
Introduction to Season 2 - Veghead Speaks is BACK!

Introduction to Season 2 - Veghead Speaks is BACK!

It's April Fool's Day, but no fooling!  Veghead Speaks Season 2 is starting this month.  Robin will be sharing more tips on plant based eating and ways to improve your health daily.  Join her for Season 2!  

Apr 02, 202003:32
#17 Can Vegans have high cholesterol?

#17 Can Vegans have high cholesterol?

Robin received the question "can vegans get high cholesterol?"  This episode talks about where cholesterol is found and why the plant based diet is beneficial in lowering cholesterol.  

Apr 24, 201916:08
#16 What is "calorie density"?

#16 What is "calorie density"?

Robin talks about higher calorie foods found in a plant based diet and how these foods impact weight loss.

Mar 21, 201925:06
#15 Chatting with Susan about being vegetarian

#15 Chatting with Susan about being vegetarian

Robin corrals her sister, Susan, to be a guest and chat about her journey to vegetarianism.    

Feb 10, 201941:43
#14 Round table discussion with my kids about eating plant based

#14 Round table discussion with my kids about eating plant based

Robin sits down with 3 of her 4 children to talk about how their plant based eating has evolved, their trials and tribulations and how "Mom's eating experiment" has lasted 8 years.  

Dec 28, 201840:40
#13 Happy Thanksgiving 2018

#13 Happy Thanksgiving 2018

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our blessings and for some a time of worry about weight gain and overeating. Robin gives some tips to eating plant based during the T-day feast.
Nov 21, 201816:24
#12 What's up with this keto diet craze?

#12 What's up with this keto diet craze?

After being asked many times about the keto diet, Robin shares what she knows about the diet and encourages her listeners to just eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Nov 16, 201824:11
#11 Altering recipes to be Plant-Based

#11 Altering recipes to be Plant-Based

Robin shares that a new website, veghead-speaks.com has a recipe tab where she has begun posting some PB recipes. She also discusses how to omit ingredients to make favorite recipes plant-based.
Oct 19, 201831:49
#10 Interview with Margo - A Plant-based diet newbie

#10 Interview with Margo - A Plant-based diet newbie

Robin and Margo discuss obstacles, surprises, and creative solutions for those who are new to the plant-based lifestyle.
Sep 21, 201853:03
#9 The Non-Diet Approach

#9 The Non-Diet Approach

In this episode Robin discusses how the PB diet often leads to weight loss and encourages listeners to consider the non-diet approach to weight loss
Sep 08, 201830:42
#8 What I was doing in Fiji

#8 What I was doing in Fiji

In this episode of VegHead Speaks Robin explains why she was in Fiji and discusses the impact of saturated fat on heart disease and diabetes.
Aug 19, 201829:58
# 7 Interview with Jill Withrow - Exercise

# 7 Interview with Jill Withrow - Exercise

Robin interviews Jill Withrow a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, who is also her sister. They talk about ways to incorporate movement into your busy life.
Aug 03, 201829:52
#6 What's in my grocery cart

#6 What's in my grocery cart

Robin shares what types of foods she has in her grocery cart and how she uses those foods in various weekly meals. She also addresses some of her listeners' questions about adopting a plant-based diet.

Jul 20, 201832:24
#5 Travel and Eating Plant-Based

#5 Travel and Eating Plant-Based

Robin offers some tips on how to travel and continue to eat plant-based.
Jul 06, 201821:21