April 21st, 2025 ANEW Insight

How Label Reading, Organics, and Culture Can Transform Our Health with Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD | ANEW Ep 67

How Label Reading, Organics, and Culture Can Transform Our Health with Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD | ANEW Ep 67 Dr. Supatra Tovar 31:04

On this thought-provoking episode of the ANEW Body Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar is joined by Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD, registered dietitian, media literacy expert, and host of the nationally syndicated Food Sleuth Radio. Together, they explore how our food choices reflect not only our personal health priorities but also broader systemic forces—agriculture, food justice, cultural respect, and environmental sustainability.

In this first half of their two-part series, Melinda opens up about her unexpected journey from aspiring textile designer to one of the country’s most passionate voices in food advocacy. With over 30 years of experience, she shares how clinical nutrition work inspired her to shift upstream—toward prevention and media outreach—to combat health misinformation and industry-driven narratives about food.

Listeners will discover:

How reading ingredient labels can help you uncover the truth behind what’s marketed as healthy.
The critical differences between “natural,” “sustainable,” and USDA-certified organic labels—and why it matters.
What food sovereignty means and how introducing children to cultural cuisines can spark empathy and social change.
The role of media messaging in shaping public perception of “good” vs. “bad” food—and how that fuels eating disorders and confusion.
Why community gardens and local food networks are more than trends—they are powerful tools for public health, especially in underserved areas.

Melinda and Dr. Tovar also dive into the psychological effects of moralizing food, how this contributes to shame and disordered eating, and why shifting the conversation to mindful, empowered nourishment is essential for both personal and planetary healing.

Learn more about Melinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-hemmelgarn-m-s-r-d-a92b304 , https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hemmelgarn/, https://foodsleuth.transistor.fm/, https://x.com/food_sleuth, https://www.instagram.com/melindahemmelgarn/?__d=1%3Futm_source%3Dig_embed

Whether you're a health professional, parent, advocate, or simply someone trying to make better food choices, this episode offers a deep, human-centered approach to reconnecting with food and honoring the people, cultures, and systems behind every bite.

Ready to break free from dieting and reclaim a healthier relationship with food?
Explore Dr. Supatra Tovar’s online course Deprogram Diet Culture at anew-insight.com and take the first step toward intuitive eating, self-compassion, and lasting well-being.

🎙️ Don’t forget to tune in for Part Two, where the conversation continues with insights on media literacy, f

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

Dr. Supatra Tovar ANEW Body Insight Podcast

Dr. Supatra Tovar is one of the only licensed psychologists in the world who is also a registered dietitian and accredited fitness expert. Dr. Tovar's unique background and integrated specializations allow her to provide holistic mind-body treatment for trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety for children and adults. Dr. Tovar has numerous scholarly and professional presentations at several national conferences on a variety of health topics, including the detection and treatment of disordered eating, dissociation, weightism, and mindfulness interventions for eating disorders. Dr. Tovar earned her doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and has two master's degrees, a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Arts in Psychology. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Psychological Association. Since founding her first Pilates studio almost twenty years ago, she has been designing exercise and nutrition programs as well as helping clients emotionally and mentally heal.

She created ANEW (Advanced Nutrition and Emotional Wellness) to inspire and guide a client's journey to improving their relationships with their mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Supatra Tovar authored "Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink Your Relationship with Food, Heal Your Mind, and Live a Diet-Free Life" and developed an accompanying online course to address the pervasive and harmful effects of diet culture. Both the book and the course aim to empower individuals by helping them reject unrealistic body standards and restrictive eating practices promoted by society. They provide readers and participants with tools to foster a compassionate, mindful relationship with food and themselves, promoting sustainable health and wellness. Through these resources, Dr. Tovar offers a holistic approach that integrates psychological insights and nutritional education, guiding individuals toward a liberated, informed, and healthful life, free from the cycles of dieting and body dissatisfaction.

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