Episodes

  • Episode 87: NEW (2026) Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Pros, Cons and Dietitian Thoughts

    Episode 87: NEW (2026) Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Pros, Cons and Dietitian Thoughts
    Jan 16 2026
    The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are out and I genuinely can’t believe the food pyramid is back 👀 In this deep-dive episode, I’m joined by my fellow registered dietitians Sam and Hannah for an honest, real-life breakdown of the 2026 guidelines. We go page by page through the new 10-page document (link below), separating what actually changed from what just looks different, and what this all means for real people. We talk visuals vs reality, protein targets, fiber gaps, dairy confusion, saturated fat messaging, gut health, grains, added sugars, alcohol guidelines, and the disconnect between what’s written and what the graphic is communicating. In this episode, we cover: What the Dietary Guidelines are and why they matter Food pyramid vs. MyPlate (and why visuals matter) New protein recommendations Animal vs. plant protein Dairy: full-fat vs. low-fat debate Gut health + fermented foods (and what’s missing) Fruits & veggies: servings, frozen/canned options, and access Healthy fats: omega-3s vs. saturated fat confusion Grains, carbs, and why the pyramid sends mixed messages Added sugar guidance vs. real-life eating Alcohol recommendations (or lack thereof) Conflicts of interest worth knowing about Summary of pros & cons plus what we’re changing as RD's Bottom line: We love the big-picture message: eat more whole foods, more fiber, less added sugar and less ultra-processed food—but execution matters. If guidelines are meant to guide the public, they need to be clear, realistic, affordable, and consistent. 📄 Follow along: 10-page DGA document: https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf Scientific Foundation report: https://cdn.realfood.gov/Scientific%20Report%20Appendices_1.8.26.pdf 👟 Bonus: This episode is 1 hour 20 minutes aka ~6,500–8,000 steps if you listen on a walk.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Episode 86: Building balanced meals: PCC vs PFF

    Episode 86: Building balanced meals: PCC vs PFF
    Nov 21 2025
    In the But First, Pivot podcast, we talk a lot about PCC (Protein–Color–Carb) and PFF (Protein–Fiber–Fat) — two simple frameworks we use to teach clients and athletes how to build balanced, satisfying meals without tracking. In this episode, Dani and Sam break down what these frameworks are, how they’re similar, how they’re different, and when to use each one. You’ll learn: Why both PCC and PFF work Which one is easiest to start with Downfalls of PCC and PFF How to level up from PCC to PFF Breakfast, lunch, and dinner examples for each How these concepts help with energy, fullness, cravings, and performance Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD (https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/)
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    50 mins
  • Episode 85: If I wanted to lose 8 lbs. by Christmas, I would...

    Episode 85: If I wanted to lose 8 lbs. by Christmas, I would...
    Oct 31 2025
    We’ve got about 8 weeks until Christmas, which means losing 8 lbs or about one pound per week is totally realistic! In this episode, fat loss dietitians Dani and Sam share exactly what they’d focus on if they wanted to lose 8 pounds by Christmas without cutting out pumpkin Reese's and Christmas cookies. If your goal is to enjoy the holidays, feel good in your body, and still make progress, this episode gives you a simple roadmap to do it (if you're already doing these and they're not working for you, I hope you'll reach out!) Mentioned in this episode: Episode 81 - Keys to Weight Maintenance https://podcast.pivotnutritioncoaching.com/81 Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD (https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/)
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    36 mins
  • Episode 84: VBAC Redemption: Rémi’s Birth Story

    Episode 84: VBAC Redemption: Rémi’s Birth Story
    Oct 10 2025
    After a traumatic first birth with Chloé, I spent my entire second pregnancy hoping for a VBAC, but also being terrified of it. At 39 weeks and 3 days, I scheduled a backup C-section “just in case,” but prayed that baby Rémi would come early on his own. In this episode, I walk you through the full story from the first contraction at 2:30 a.m. to delivering our big 9-pound boy at 12:15 p.m. the same day. You’ll hear: ✨ Why I wanted a VBAC (and how fear played into my decision) ✨ What those early contractions at home were like ✨ Me begging for an epidural upon admission ✨ How quickly things progressed once I got to the hospital ✨ The intense final moments - CODE PINK!!! ✨ A painful postpartum recovery (ice diapers, hemorrhoids, and all) This episode is real, emotional, and a little wild (equal parts funny and TMI). So if you’re not up for talk about hemorrhoids and vaginas, maybe skip this one 😉 Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Founder and CEO - Pivot Nutrition Coaching Guest: Brianne (Bri) O'Neil Fellow Toddler Mom and Firefighter wife Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/)
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Episode 83: PCOS Blueprint: Simple Strategies With a Big Impact

    Episode 83: PCOS Blueprint: Simple Strategies With a Big Impact
    Sep 26 2025
    PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age — but it’s so much more than just a fertility issue. In this episode, we’re breaking down the root drivers of PCOS, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, and how they impact weight, mood, energy, and long-term health. My colleague Sam joins the show to walk through the five key areas every woman with PCOS should focus on: Blood sugar Balance Inflammation Hormone health Exercise Managing stress & sleep If you’ve ever felt frustrated by being told to “just lose weight” or handed birth control as a Band-Aid solution, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with clear, practical strategies you can start using right away to feel better, improve your symptoms, and support long-term health. 🎧 Tune in and share this episode with a friend who has PCOS — because you don’t have to manage it alone! Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD (https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/)
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    51 mins
  • Episode 82: How Jess Lost Over 50 Pounds Without Feeling Restricted

    Episode 82: How Jess Lost Over 50 Pounds Without Feeling Restricted
    Sep 12 2025
    Jessica’s story is proof that while calories (always) count, mindset plays a huge role in weight loss. When she came to me, Jess was lifting 5–6 days a week, tracking her macros, and still couldn’t lose weight. She felt stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle...drop a few pounds, gain it right back, and repeat. She avoided photos, felt disconnected from her body, and was tired of starting over every Monday. Together, we flipped the script. Instead of more restriction, we built a mindset-first, habit-based approach that worked with her real life (and yes, included her favorite foods). Within weeks, she felt more in control around food and free from guilt. Fast forward 9 months—Jess has lost over 50 pounds, eats with her family without stress, and feels confident again. She’s taking photos she used to avoid and is proud of the example she’s setting for her daughter. Most importantly, she no longer wonders what to do. She knows how to fuel herself for life. Tune in to hear how shifting her mindset transformed everything and how it can for you too. Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/)
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    50 mins
  • Episode 81: Weight Maintenance: How to Keep the Weight OFF!

    Episode 81: Weight Maintenance: How to Keep the Weight OFF!
    Aug 29 2025
    Most people can lose weight — but 80–90% regain it within 1–5 years. Why? Because losing it and keeping it off are two completely different skill sets. In this episode, Dani and Sam break down research from the National Weight Control Registry (10,000+ successful maintainers) and share the 7 key habits that separate regain from long-term success. From daily movement and consistent eating to strength training, sleep, and stress management—you’ll learn exactly what it takes to stay in the successful 10–20% who keep the weight off for good. If you are struggling to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF, this is a must listen! Connect with us: → Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) → Leave a review and share this episode Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching Connect with Dani on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/?hl=en) or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com (https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/) Co-Host: Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD (https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/)
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    44 mins
  • Episode 80: Tough Love from Dietitians – Things You Need to Hear (Even if You Don’t Want To)

    Episode 80: Tough Love from Dietitians – Things You Need to Hear (Even if You Don’t Want To)
    Aug 15 2025
    Sometimes the truth stings… but it’s exactly what you need to hear to finally get results. In this episode, Sam and I are serving up some tough love on the most common excuses, unsustainable diets, and mindset traps holding you back — and sharing the realistic strategies that actually work. Nothing changes if nothing changes, and if you need help, we’re here with no judgments and a little tough love along the way.
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    45 mins