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More and more families are choosing to follow plant-based diets, but are they safe and nourishing for children? For many student dietitians, paediatrics - and plant-based nutrition in particular - can feel like an area we only just skim the surface of during training, and confidence can be low when it’s time to apply this knowledge in practice. To unpack the evidence behind this topic, I’m joined by specialist paediatric dietitian Paula Hallam. With over 20 years of experience in children’s nutrition, Paula is the founder of Plant Based Kids, and author of Plant Powered Little People. In today’s episode Paula will be sharing her career journey, why she chose to specialise in plant-based diets, and what it takes to thrive in paediatric dietetics.  Show notes: https://plantbased-kids.com/ @plantbasedkids.uk Resources: Plant Powered Little People (book) -  https://plantbased-kids.com/plant-powered-little-people-paula-hallam/  The Vegan Society - https://www.vegansociety.com/  The Vegetarian Society - https://vegsoc.org/  Plant Based Health Professionals - https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/  Plant Based Nutrition Course (online) - https://www.winchester.ac.uk/study/Short-courses/Courses/Plant-based-Nutrition/

In this episode, I’m joined by two guests with unique perspectives: Nat Leeman, a current student dietitian who has thrown herself into opportunities like BDA volunteering, writing for Dietetics Today, leading her university nutrition society, and representing her peers as course rep; and Daisy Bolton, a Clinical Lead Dietitian At Kings College Hospital for Liver, HPB and Cancer.  Together, we’ll explore what employers are really looking for in early-career applications, the benefits of experiences beyond placement, and practical ways to balance extra opportunities alongside your degree. You’ll come away with evidence-based tips for strengthening your Band 5 application, inspiration from Nat’s own journey, and a clearer understanding of how to build a portfolio of experiences that enhance employability without burning out.

In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s impossible to escape online. Every scroll through TikTok or Instagram brings a new “miracle” diet, a self-proclaimed expert, or a viral hack that promises to change your health overnight. But how much of that information is actually true — and how can we, as future dietitians, play a vital role in combating misinformation online? In this episode, we’ll explore how nutrition misinformation spreads, what red flags to watch out for, and why dietitians have such an important role to play in creating content that’s both credible and engaging. To tackle this topic, I’m joined by someone who’s at the forefront of this conversation, Nichola Ludlam-Raine. Nichola is a UK Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of experience working in both the NHS and private sectors. Clinically she specialises in weight management and bariatric surgery and was recently named Media Spokesperson of the Year by the British Dietetic Association for her work on TV and in print media. Nichola is the author of the best-selling book How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed, published July 2024, and shares expert advice and personal insights to over 100,000 followers through her platforms @nicsnutrition and @mummynutrition. Show notes: Instagram: @nicsnutrition @mummynutrition Website: https://nicsnutrition.com/ 

Today, we’re kicking off Season 5 with a subject that’s often overlooked in dietetic training but affects 1 in 8 women – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  Together we’ll unpack what PCOS actually is, explore the lived experience many women struggle with, and look at where diet and lifestyle fit in based on the latest evidence. By the end of this episode you’ll have practical ways to start building your knowledge right away, know where to find credible resources, and get fresh ideas on how women’s health could become a future career pathway in dietetics.  To deep dive into this often misunderstood topic, I’m thrilled to be joined by Jodie Relf. Jodie is a Registered Dietitian with close to a decade of experience working in women’s health, and a specialist focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As the creator of the PCOS ReBalance Protocol™, Jodie has supported hundreds of women worldwide to reduce their symptoms, restore confidence, and improve long-term health through an evidence-based, food-first approach. Having navigated her own PCOS journey, she brings empathy, clarity, and empowerment to her practice. Jodie also speaks regularly on PCOS awareness, the gaps in healthcare, and the vital role dietitians can play in women’s health.  Show notes:  Instagram: @jodie_relf  Website: https://www.thepcosdietitian.co.uk/ 

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood—critical thinking. While many student dietitians associate it with academic writing or exam preparation, critical thinking goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a core skill that underpins every decision we make as future healthcare professionals—from delivering evidence-based advice to navigating complex patient scenarios with clarity and confidence. Joining me today is the brilliant Aisling Pigott, a Registered Dietitian based in Cardiff, Wales, who brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to the conversation. Aisling recently delivered the 2024 Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecture titled “Fuelling the Future of Dietetics”, where she advocated for nourishing our profession -intellectually, emotionally, and practically. Known for championing reflection, leadership, and growth, Aisling is the perfect guest to help us unpack what critical thinking really looks like in dietetic practice and how we, as students, can start mastering it now. Show notes:  Instagram: @dietitianwales X: @dietitianwales Website - https://dietitianwales.co.uk/ Critical Appraisal Skills guide - https://casp-uk.net/ Aisling’s research highlights include delivering a TEDxNHS talk on the dangers of diet culture in diabetes care, chairing national screening guideline groups, and being awarded multiple research grants and scholarships. Passionate about integrating research into practice, Aisling is committed to advancing dietetic care for young people, even after stepping away from her clinical role.

Before we dive into today’s episode, some exciting news from our podcast family: The Dietitian Café has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards! If any of our episodes have ever left you feeling more confident, connected or inspired, we’d be so grateful if you could show your support by casting a vote. You can find the link in our show notes.  Now onto today’s topic—one that is both urgent and deeply meaningful. In this episode, we’re exploring the vital role that dietitians play in supporting people experiencing food insecurity. We’ll unpack how nutrition and social justice are closely connected, and how we, as future healthcare professionals, can adopt a food insecurity-informed approach in practice. We’ll also hear tips for identifying signs of food insecurity during placements and hear how students can gain real-world experience by volunteering or engaging with grassroots projects and organisations. Joining me is the brilliant Isabel Rice. Isabel is a Registered Dietitian and Campaign Coordinator at Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, where she leads the Food Poverty Campaign. She works closely with councils, food partnerships, and other local actors to influence policy and address the root causes of food insecurity, both at a national and local level. With a background in clinical and public health nutrition, research and working with marginalised communities, Isabel brings an inspiring and evidence-based perspective to today’s conversation.  Show notes:  LinkedIn: Isabel Rice  London Food Poverty Campaign: https://www.sustainweb.org/foodpoverty/ Good Food Local: The London report: https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-local/london/ Research paper on improving access to health and nutrition services for disabled children in Uganda: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mcn.13642 Research paper the role of the dietitian in food insecurity: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.13407

Are you a qualified nutritionist considering a move into dietetics? Or maybe you’re currently studying for your undergraduate dietetics degree and wondering if a postgraduate route could be the right fit. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what it’s really like to transition into postgraduate study, the skills and experiences you gain, and how to navigate the highs and challenges along the way. Joining me are three wonderful guests - Beth Bainbridge, Ellie Stobie, and Emily Charlton - all of whom are currently in their final year of the MSc Dietetics programme at Leeds Beckett University. Beth is 27 and from Middlesbrough. She studied Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett for her undergraduate degree, and before joining the master’s course, she spent two years working as a Dietetic Assistant and Personal Trainer. Ellie is 23 and from Lincoln, having completed her undergraduate studies at University of Leeds, where she transitioned from Food Science to Nutrition in her second and third years. And Emily is 24, originally from a village outside of Hull, and previously studied Exercise Science at the University of Hull. Before we go, a quick shoutout to our sister podcast, The Dietitian Café, which has just been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the CN Awards 2025! If that podcast has helped you at any stage in your student journey, please consider showing your support by casting a vote. You can do so at nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting it only takes a moment and means a lot. The links also in the show notes. To vote for the Dietitian Cafe, please visit here: nutrition2me.com/cn-awards/voting

Today, we’re exploring one of the most pivotal - and sometimes daunting - parts of the student dietitian journey: clinical placements. Transitioning from lecture halls to busy hospital wards can be a big leap, and we know it’s something that can bring a mix of nerves and excitement. That’s why in this episode, we’re diving into practical, honest advice to help you make the most of this formative stage in your training. Joining me today is the incredible Long Li. Long is not only an experienced clinical dietitian but also an award-winning educator who leads the MSc Dietetics program at Sheffield Hallam University. He’s a Clinical Lead for Dietetics in GIRFT Head and Neck Cancer workstream at NHS England and a BDA England board member, and he’s deeply passionate about supporting the next generation of dietitians through mentorship, teaching, and advocacy. With years of experience supervising students and guiding them through placements, he’s the perfect guest to help us understand how to truly thrive in clinical practice-based learning. Social media:  @LongLiPro (Instagram, X and LinkedIn)  

Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic: embracing neurodiversity within dietetic practice. With neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism gaining increased recognition, it’s vital for dietitians to develop inclusive approaches to meet the needs of these patients effectively. In this episode, we’ll explore how neurodivergent conditions can shape dietary behaviours, discuss communication strategies, and consider how we can better support neurodiverse service users to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment. Joining me is the incredible Dr Emma Derbyshire. Emma is the founder and CEO of Nutritional Insight, a scientific consultancy working across corporate, public, and private sectors to provide innovative, evidence-based nutritional expertise. With a PhD in Human Nutrition and a strong focus on maternal nutrition and gut health, she is also a Registered Public Health Nutritionist. Her work includes over 200 peer-reviewed publications and two major books: Nutrition in the Childbearing Years and Nutrition for ADHD and Dyslexia: Unlocking the Potential for Learning and Wellbeing. Emma’s diverse expertise and passion for translating science into actionable insights make her the perfect guest for this episode.  Show notes:  20% discount code for Emma's book "Nutrition for ADHD & Dyslexia" available from www.jkp.com Discount code: %NUTRI20 Dr Emma Derbyshire’s Socials & Websites Instagram - @dremmaderbyshire Nutritional Insight - https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/  Dyslexia Insight - https://www.dyslexiainsight.com/ NUTRITIONAL INSIGHT provides: CPD Courses tailored for neurodivergent individuals. https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/cpdcourses Nutrition and Neurodiversity Training https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/general-clean

As the new semester begins, the demands of coursework, exams, and placements can feel overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re delving into the fascinating science of how nutrition impacts cognitive function. We’ll also uncover practical dietary strategies to help you stay sharp, focused, and resilient, even during the busiest times.  Joining me for this episode is Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist at King’s College London, registered dietitian, former chef, TEDx speaker, and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain. You may recognise her work from The Daily Mail, Women’s Health, and her appearances in Vogue, BBC Radio, The Guardian, and more. With her incredible expertise in how nutrition supports cognitive function, Dr. Emily is the perfect guest to guide us through how to optimise brain power through food - something every student dietitian can benefit from. Socials and websites:  Website: www.emilyleeming.com  Instagram: @dremilyleeming  Substack: Second Brain

As a student dietitian, you're equipped with the knowledge to advise on nutrition, but how do you truly connect with your patients? In this episode of The Dietitian Café RD2B podcast, we delve into the transformative power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Dr. Alistair Duff, a qualified clinical psychologist, Head of Paediatric Psychology Services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Leeds.  With extensive experience in using MI within healthcare settings, including chronic illness management, Dr. Duff brings a wealth of knowledge on how this evidence-based communication technique can improve patient outcomes and foster behaviour change. Join us as we uncover how MI empowers dietitians to navigate ambivalence, build trust, and guide patients towards their health goals with empathy and effectiveness.   Whether you're preparing for placements or looking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode offers practical insights and actionable advice to help you master one of the most impactful tools in dietetic practice. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your consultations and inspire meaningful change!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an exciting area that many student dietitians may not have considered - nutrition writing. From blogs and magazine articles to academic journals and content strategy, we’ll be exploring how you can turn your passion for nutrition into impactful, written content that educates and inspires, while also building your professional brand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode will guide you through the essentials of becoming a standout voice in the field.  I’m delighted to introduce our guest today, Emma Coates. Emma is a Registered Dietitian with a diverse career that spans both clinical practice and the world of nutrition writing. As the Editor of Network Health Digest Magazine, she curates evidence-based, engaging content for nutrition professionals, bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and accessible communication. In addition to her editorial work, Emma also serves as the Medical Affairs and Regulatory Manager at Nualtra, where she plays a key role in developing medical nutrition products. Her wide-ranging experience in both the clinical and industry sectors, combined with her passion for clear and compelling communication, makes her the perfect guest to help us uncover the world of nutrition writing. Today, she’ll be sharing her insights into how you can find your voice, build a professional portfolio, and make an impact in the field of dietetics through writing. Show Notes:Emma’s Socials: X: @coatesyRD Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-coates-rd-0b8602a6/?originalSubdomain=uk

As a student dietitian or nutrition student, you might have encountered comments or assumptions about your diet, appearance, or lifestyle simply because of your chosen degree. In this episode, we will explore the stereotypes and pressures faced by nutritionists and dietitians and delve into the unrealistic expectations and stigmatising perceptions when it comes to diet, appearance, and the concept of ‘professional perfection’. Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking episode featuring Pixie Turner, a nutrition counsellor, psychotherapist and author specialising in intuitive eating, disordered eating and body image. As the founder and Clinical Lead of The Food Therapy Centre, Pixie brings a unique blend of nutritional expertise and psychotherapy to help clients reshape their relationship with food and foster self-compassion. Passionate about addressing the gaps in training for nutrition professionals, Pixie also offers invaluable mentorship opportunities through courses, supervision, and shadowing. Beyond her clinical work, Pixie is a highly regarded science communicator, active on social media, in academia, public speaking, and her podcast ‘In Bad Taste’. In this episode, we’ll dive into the stereotypes surrounding dietitians and nutritionists, and how to challenge the pressure to be 'perfect' in these roles.  Show Notes:Pixies’s Socials & Websites Instagram - @pixienutrition X – pixienutrition Website – https://foodtherapycentre.com/

In this episode, we explore the importance of professionalism within healthcare. I’m delighted to be joined by Fiona Campbell from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to talk all about what us students should be doing to ensure we stay professional, as well as covering who the HCPC are and what they do. We will talk about appropriate social media use, how to conduct ourselves in and out of university and how to prepare for life as a qualified Health Professional. Fiona is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist and worked extensively in NHS Scotland, before moving into Higher Education as a Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. She now works at the HCPC as a Professional Liaison Consultant for Scotland. Fiona has a career interest in supporting conversations about developing and embedding professionalism and reflective skills in everyday practice. She strongly believes that conversations about professional practice need to happen across career journeys in order to grow as safe, effective and supported practitioners.Show Notes:Fiona’s Socials:Twitter: @FionaC_HCPC @The_HCPCHCPC competition: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/students/enter-our-student-competition/HCPC student HUB: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/students/ HCPC report “Preventing Small Problems Becoming Big Problems in Health and Care” https://www.hcpc-uk.org/resources/reports/2015/preventing-small-problems-from-becoming-big-problems-in-health-and-care/ HCPC research report on professionalism https://www.hcpc-uk.org/resources/reports/2011/professionalism-in-healthcare-professionals/ HCPC current social media guidance: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/globalassets/resources/guidance/guidance-on-social-media.pdf HCPC Social media guidance (from 01 September 2024): https://www.hcpc-uk.org.uk/globalassets/standards/standard-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/revised-standards-2023/revised-guidance-on-social-media.pdf Standards of Proficiency: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/Standards of conduct, performance and ethics: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/#:~:text=The%20standards%201%201.%20Promote%20and%20protect%20the,Be%20open%20when%20things%20go%20wrong%20More%20items Revised standards of conduct, performance and ethics (from 01 September 2024) : https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/revised-standards/ Standards of Continuing Professional Development: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-continuing-professional-development/

In today's episode, Tracey is joined by registered Occupational Psychologist Nicki Bass who has specific expertise in resilience and leadership development. Having spent 18 years as an officer in the British Army, she combines theoretical knowledge with lived experience as a leader in the most high-pressured environments. She is a TEDx speaker and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast and is passionate about inspiring others to live more adventurously in their everyday lives.