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E-Newsletter • December 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
End-of-Year Gratitude
It’s hard to believe December is here and another year has flown by. At TD, we remain so grateful to all our readers. We look forward to an exciting year ahead as we showcase the most relevant topics in nutrition and dietetics and celebrate the diverse voices and invaluable contributions of RDs everywhere. A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the magazine, continuing education content (including the Symposium), and other endeavors at TD in 2025. Without you, we wouldn’t be what we are. Wrapping up our final newsletter of the year, this month’s E-News Exclusive takes inspiration from performance nutrition in exploring the research behind a unique and surprisingly simple type of exercise—the soleus pushup—and its reported connection to improving outcomes in cardiometabolic disease through impacting glucose and lipid metabolism.
After reading the article, visit TD’s website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the digital edition of our November/December issue, featuring our cover story, “A Critical Look at Osteoporosis,” detailing important differences in approaches to prevention vs treatment. You’ll also find features on cognitive performance nutrition and personal stories from RDs who are taking charge in shaping AI in the field of nutrition.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN, editor |
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The Soleus Pushup and Cardiometabolic Disease
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
The soleus muscle has been drumming up quite a bit of attention in recent years for what researchers suggest is its unexpected and positive impact on health. A small but mighty muscle located in the lower leg near the calf, the soleus muscle contains slow twitch (Type 1) fibers adapted for long-duration endurance activities. Neighboring muscle groups tend to be dominated by Type II fibers more metabolically suited to short bursts of activity. Type 1 fibers in the soleus possess high oxidative metabolism capacity and are rich in mitochondria and myoglobin. It also contains a rare find for any muscle: a complex myo-connective structure that includes three intramuscular tendons and a robust capacity for resilience in the face of repetitive stress. Its Type 1 fibers utilize oxygen more efficiently, resulting in lower lactate production compared with nearby Type II-rich muscle groups.1
Engaging the soleus muscle more frequently may unlock hidden metabolic benefits, researchers say. Performing the soleus “pushup” (SPU) exercise is on par with a traditional calf raise movement, executed seated with knees stacked over the heels and feet rotated roughly 45 degrees to the outside. With sedentary work and lifestyles dominating the daily landscape for many, the SPU has been promoted by some as a simple, accessible, and effective way for people to improve their health, including modulating glucose and lipid metabolism.1,2 But does it work?
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Small Changes for a Healthier and More Sustainable Holiday Season
"Holiday meals are about joy, connection, and tradition," says John Kirwan, MSc, PhD, FACSM, executive director at Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University. "But we also know that small, manageable changes—what we call 'small shifts'—can have a meaningful impact on how you feel during and after the celebrations." Pennington Biomedical researchers caution that it's easy to overprepare during the holidays, but a little planning can go a long way toward reducing food waste. Corby Martin, PhD, FTOS; John Apolzan, PhD; and their research team addressed food waste with a technology-aided tailored sustainability intervention in a research study, and many practical tips shared with participants during the trial are applicable to the holidays as well.
Food waste prevention starts before the first bite. Making a shopping list, planning holiday meals around what you already have, and freezing leftovers instead of tossing them are all easy, practical steps people can consider during the holidays. When prepping the holiday meal, consider reusing vegetable trimmings or bones to make stock and freeze any extra with a date label for later use. Shop intentionally by purchasing only what's needed, choosing smaller sizes, and when the meal is over, save and repurpose leftovers—or compost what you can't eat.
Iron-Deficient Diet Prevents Lung Cells From Fighting the Flu
Researchers at Columbia University have found that a lack of dietary iron early in life can prevent immune cells in the lung from making a key protein that helps fight viral infections, even after iron levels are restored. The findings suggest that immunological memory formed when iron levels are low may not provide adequate protection against future exposures to the same viruses.
“Iron deficiency, which disproportionally affects children, is one of the most common nutritional problems worldwide and has long been linked to increased risk of viral infection and more severe illness,” says Thomas Connors, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Our study sheds new light on one of the reasons why.”
New House Bill Key Piece to Address Nutrition Care Gap in America
Passage of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, reintroduced in November in the US House of Representatives, is an effective solution to address the costly, continued rise of diet-related chronic diseases in America—many of which can be remedied with MNT delivered by an RDN.
“Despite proven success, medical nutrition therapy continues to be underutilized and under covered across our health care system, including Medicare,” says Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, CDN, FAND, the Academy's 2025-26 president. “Currently, Medicare covers MNT for people with kidney disease and diabetes. With this bill, coverage of MNT would expand to include other chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and Americans will see overall health improvements, from weight management and lower blood pressure to improved blood lipids and blood sugar control.”
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CPE Monthly
In the November/December issue of Today’s Dietitian, learn about the impact of vitamin D on diabetes. Vitamin D and calcium homeostasis may play direct and indirect roles in the development of diabetes and vitamin D can affect numerous complications associated with this disease state. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
Upcoming Webinars and Coupons
Get ready for 2026 with a variety of CE webinars! Check out the latest live presentations, including sessions that focus on diabetes, nutrition personas, nutrition and bipolar disorder, and parts 2, 3, and 4 of our Microdoses of Mindfulness series. Check out our full list of upcoming live and recorded offerings here.
For a limited time, save 25% on the Menopause Bundle (4.5 CEUs!) when you register for Midlife Unlocked: Understanding Women's Hormones and Health. Put the webinar and the bundle in your shopping cart and use coupon code 25MIDLIFE25 to redeem your discount!
In 2026, focus on treating patients with diabetes more effectively! Get 25% off your order when you use coupon code DIABETES2026 on the purchase of the Compassion in Action: Inclusive Care for Patients with Diabetes, Dietitians in Primary Care: Collaborative Solutions to Complex Diabetes-Cardiometabolic Health, and Embracing Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes webinars! (Be sure to put all three webinars in your cart for the discount to be applied.)
2026 Spring Symposium
The Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium continues to set the standard for evidence-based learning, real-world application, and professional connection Join a distinguished lineup of presenters sharing insight on the trends, technologies, and topics defining modern dietetics. From clinical nutrition and food literacy to communication, technology, and leadership, these sessions deliver the knowledge and inspiration to elevate your practice and career.
Here’s a message from one of our expert speakers.
Register now to take advantage of Advance Registration savings!
Recorded Spring Symposia Packages
Did you miss the 2025 Spring Symposium? Don’t worry! We have you covered with our Recorded Spring Symposia Packages. Pick and choose the sessions you want and create your own Symposium adventure. Choose from 5, 10, or 15 sessions. |
Simple Practice
Optimize your calendar, accept online appointment requests, and engage clients both in person and virtually. With Simple Practice, the all-in-one EHR helps RDs manage and grow their business while caring for others. Learn more »
Spokin
Spokin’s mission is to make managing food allergies and celiac easier by connecting the community to safe foods, restaurants, bakeries, travel, recipes, and each other. Learn more » |
In the January/February Issue
• Nutrition Therapy for Chronic Critical Illness
• Great Debates: Metabolic Health and Weight
• Beyond the Prison Bars
• Flexible Meal Planning for Autism and ADHD
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COVER STORY
A Critical Look at Osteoporosis
With the growing food as medicine movement, it’s important for dietitians to know the limits of nutrition and lifestyle interventions so they can support their patients and clients who may be dealing with bone loss or at risk for it.
FEATURE
Cognitive Performance Nutrition
Young adults are seeking ways to enhance focus, mental clarity, and mental stamina, yet nutrition is often overlooked as a key factor in cognitive performance. Dietitians can integrate brain-focused nutrition education to empower this population to make more informed dietary decisions in ways that align with their values.
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