The History of Food and War
What if the story of war… has always been the story of food?
In this short, powerful episode, Nicole Chenard — award-winning dietitian, performance coach, and speaker — reveals how every empire, rebellion, and modern industry has used food as a tool of control… and how that same story is playing out in our bodies and consciousness today.
From the grain routes that built civilizations to the dopamine-driven diets of modern culture, this is a conversation about power, sovereignty, and the quiet revolution happening every time you choose what to feed your body — and your mind.
You’ll learn:
How food has been weaponized throughout history — and why it still is.
The connection between nourishment, attention, and personal freedom.
How to reclaim your energy, clarity, and sovereignty in a world built on distraction and depletion.
This episode is a call to remember that nourishment isn’t just physical — it’s spiritual and it's your power.
When you choose presence over convenience, intention over impulse, you’re not just eating… you’re leading...you're in control.
Books recommended in episode (no endorsement): https://www.foodpolitics.com/
https://www.foodpolitics.com/safe-food-bacteria-biotechnology-and-bioterrorism/
food history, food and war, nourishment and power, modern food industry, psychological war, spiritual nourishment, sovereignty, embodied leadership, performance nutrition, food as control, attention economy, mind-body connection, conscious leadership, wellness podcast, personal freedom, resilience, health sovereignty, holistic health, nutrition and mindset, elite performance.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Nicole Chenard and Al Donatio explore Al's transformative journey from a corporate finance career to becoming an adventurous traveler and mountaineer. Al shares his experiences of overcoming personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, and how it reshaped his perspective on life and travel. The discussion delves into the importance of setting boundaries, the joy of exploring new cultures, and the lessons learned from trekking to K2 base camp. Al's stories highlight the significance of resilience, gratitude, and the thrill of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
Keywords
travel, adventure, K2, cancer, personal growth, nutrition, hiking, cultural experiences, resilience, boundaries
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:20 The Journey to World Travel
04:01 Life Changes and New Perspectives
06:31 Overcoming Challenges and Setting Boundaries
09:11 Nutrition and Cancer Experience
12:07 The Call of Adventure: First Big Trip
14:45 Embracing the Unknown
16:59 Traveling to K2 Base Camp
19:49 Experiences in Pakistan
22:36 The Trek to K2 Base Camp
25:14 Culinary Delights on the Trek
27:52 The Beauty of the Mountains
30:42 Conclusion and Reflections
31:46 Journey Through the Karakoram
34:45 The Majesty of K2
35:35 Challenges on the Trek
40:40 Cultural Connections and Misconceptions
45:39 Personal Growth Through Travel
50:36 Reflections on Life and Perspective
56:42 Looking Ahead: New Adventures
learn more at https://nicolechenard.com
Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN and Brittney Slater, LMFT explore the intricate dynamics of sex therapy, focusing on the neuropsychology of pleasure, the differences in sexual desire between men and women, and practical strategies for couples to enhance intimacy. They discuss the importance of understanding the brain's response to sex, the impact of stress on sexual health, and how lifestyle choices can influence desire. The episode emphasizes the need for communication and connection in relationships, especially in high-stress environments.
Takeaways:
Keywords:
sex therapy, pleasure, intimacy, relationship dynamics, neuropsychology, sexual health, couples counseling, stress management, communication, sexual desire, nicole chenard, speakteasy, speakeasy, wellness, holistic health
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sex Therapy and Its Importance
04:33 Understanding Pleasure and Intimacy
10:40 The Science of Sexual Response
15:47 Removing Barriers to Intimacy
20:25 Navigating High-Stress Relationships
24:04 Understanding Sexual Dynamics in Long-Term Relationships
26:49 Addressing Mismatched Sex Drives
29:33 Factors Affecting Sexual Desire
33:15 The Importance of Individual Health in Relationships
Summary:
In this conversation, Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN discusses the critical issue of drug-drug interactions and nutrient depletion caused by various medications. She highlights specific drug categories, their common uses, and the essential nutrients that can be depleted as a result of their use. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions to prevent health issues and improve overall well-being. Nicole also encourages listeners to be proactive about their health by checking their medications and understanding their nutritional needs.
Key Takeaways:
For more information and to book a free 15 minute consult, head over to www.nicolechenard.com today.
Keywords:
nutrient depletion, medications, health, drug interactions, vitamins, minerals, patient education, Nicole Chenard, nutrition, drugs, medicine, diet
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nutrition and Brain Health
06:49 Antioxidants: The Brain's Defense Mechanism
11:51 The Role of Polyphenols in Brain Health
16:34 Conclusion and Call to Action
Summary:
In this conversation, Nicole Chenard discusses the critical relationship between nutrition and brain health, particularly for active duty military personnel and veterans. She emphasizes the importance of understanding chronic inflammation, the role of antioxidants, and the impact of social eating on motivation and health. Through practical dietary strategies, she aims to empower listeners to improve their brain health and overall well-being.
Takeaways:
More info and to contact Nicole Chenard: nicolechenard.com or instagram.com/nicole.chenard
Keywords: nutrition, brain health, chronic inflammation, antioxidants, veterans, TBI, PTSD, dietary strategies, social eating, mental health, elite warriors, special ops
Show Notes:
In this conversation, Nicole Chenard, an award-winning innovative Registered Dietitian and Healthy Lifestyle Coach, explores the intricate relationship between identity, personal values, and health. She discusses how identities can shape our choices and behaviors, often leading to conflicts between values. Through personal anecdotes and examples, Nicole emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in understanding one's values and identities, and how this understanding can lead to better health outcomes and a more fulfilling life.
For more info, booking, and requests, visit:
Keywords:
identity, personal values, health, behavior change, lifestyle, nutrition, self-awareness, decision making, freedom, performance
Mental Detox and Integration for Athletes starts with Elizabeth McIntire, of Boston Brain Integration.
Keywords: Kinesiology, Brain health, Brain integration, health, athlete, win, test, strategy, cutting-edge, psychology, voice, muscle testing, concussion, traumatic brain injury, TBI
Learn more about Elizabeth and Brain Integration here: Boston Brain Integration
Learn more about your host, Nicole Chenard, here: Nicole Chenard
How Foreign Mary Mastered The Guinness Book of World Records in Ireland
Keywords: St. Patrick's Day, National Nutrition Month, Ireland, County Cork, County Kerry, Waterford, Corned Beef, Cabbage, Guinness, Irish Step Dancing, World Records, Sports, Hurling, Football, Golf, Potatoes, Digestion, Irish, Nicole Chenard, Mary, Mother, Earth, Evolution, Nutrition Prescription
In this episode, Nicole Chenard discusses myth-busting military performance optimization with nutritional biochemist Dr. Rachele Pojednic.
Dr. Rachele Pojednic, PhD, EdM, is an Associate Professor & Program Director of Exercise Science in the Department of Health and Human Performanceat Norwich University, where she examines therapies designed to enhance performance & recovery.
She is also the Director of Scientific Research & Education at Restore Hyperwellness, a research associate at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an award-winning faculty member at the Harvard Extension School.
Previously, she was a tenure track Assistant Professor in the Nutrition Department at Simmons University in Boston, MA.
For the past decade, Dr. Pojednic’s work has examined nutrition, supplementation and physical activity interventions on muscle physiology, performance and recovery, as well as muscle related chronic disease. Connect with Dr. Rachele Pojednic & learn more:
https://www.rachelepojednic.com/ <--- More background info, research, and education
https://strongprocess.com/ <--- Courses mentioned in the show
https://www.instagram.com/rachelepojednic/ <--- Amazing myth-busting updates
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelepojednic/ <--- Keep it professional
Host: Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN
Founder of Major League Nutrition
https://www.instagram.com/majorleaguenutrition/
E-Mail: admin@majorleaguenutrition.com
Keywords: myth-busting, military, performance, optimization, nutritional, biochemist, cryotherapy, restore, strongprocess, majorleaguenutrition, nutrition, athletes, sports, temperature, health, hormones
In this episode, Nicole Chenard breaks down carbohydrates and the basics of sugar.
Hidden names for sugar. Is fruit bad for us? Where do carbohydrates fit in when I'm counting macros? How much sugar is in my wine? And more...
This is a quick, unedited Q & A episode. Did you like it? Let us know! Reviews are the best way to pay it forward and help us create and publish more content.
Write to: admin@majorleaguenutrition.com or DM @majorleaguenutrition on Instagram for requests and comments! Book one on one nutrition counseling sessions and order your own personalized meal plan today at majorleaguenutrition.com
Hilery Hutchinson's contact info & where to book a retreat in El Salvador:
Website: https://www.healingwithhilery.com or https://www.elsalvadorretreat.com
Email: hilery@healingwithhilery.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsalvadorretreat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healingwithhilery
https://sipify.me/ Use code "NICOLE" at checkout to get 10% off your entire purchase today!
To book a one on one nutrition consult or a nutrition or wellness presentation with Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN go to https://nicolechenard.com
Hilery Hutchinson's contact info & where to book a retreat in El Salvador: Website: https://www.healingwithhilery.com or https://www.elsalvadorretreat.com Email: hilery@healingwithhilery.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsalvadorretreat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healingwithhilery https://sipify.me/products/sipify%E2%84%A2-reusable-straw Use code "NICOLE" at checkout to get 10% off your entire purchase today!
Book a package or 1:1 nutrition education session with Nicole TODAY here: https://nicolechenard.com
In this episode, Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN explores the often ignored link between inflammation and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic uniquely impacted our ability to work, gather, and communicate, and subsequently heightened feelings of fear, anxiety, and loneliness. While many medical professionals have turned to prescribing anti-depressants to treat these symptoms, Nicole dives into reasons why this may not be an effective first approach for everyone. Fear, stress, and anxiety can stimulate an inflammatory response in the body, and the solution may not lie in pharmaceutical prescriptions, but in activities we can plan to do every day, like eating an anti-inflammatory diet and planning consistent physical activity, to help alter our body's pH and our nervous systems. Tune in this week to learn how to take steps to notice and decrease inflammation in YOUR body today.
Keywords: Inflammation, fear, anxiety, depression, emotion, COVID-19, pandemic, physical activity, exercise, PTSD, stress, isolation, cytokines, anti-inflammatory, diet, mood, mental health, neuropeptide-Y, serotonin, body, nutrition, wellness, connection, medicine, military, athlete, nervous system
To Perform Better Now, as always, head to majorleaguenutrition.com To submit questions, send them to admin@majorleaguenutrition.com or DM us on instagram @majorleaguenutrition Thanks for listening! To support the creation of this content, all we ask is that you "like", share, listen and repeat! A special thanks to Michelle Severs, MS for editing!
It's Suicide Prevention Month, so don't hesitate to learn more and/or connect to a professional from NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 Or text "HelpLine" to 62640
Referenced Research:
https://neurofitlab.ca/ "Move the Body, Heal the Mind" Dr. Jennifer Heisz
Blog and podcast episode referenced (amygdala): https://majorleaguenutrition.com/category/nutrition/
Allison, D., Nederveen, J., Snijders, T., Bell, K., Kumbhare, D., Philips, S., Parise, G., and Heisz, J.J. (2019). Exercise training impacts skeletal muscle gene expression related to the kynurenine pathway in older men. American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology.
Lucibello, K., Parker, J., and Heisz, J.J. (2019). Examining the impact of chronic training on the state anxiety response to an acute bout of aerobic exercise in low and high anxious individuals. Journal of Affective Disorders, 247, 29-35.
Paolucci, E., Loukov, D., Bowdish, D.M.E., and Heisz, J.J. (2018). Exercise reduces depression and inflammation but intensity matters. Biological Psychology, 133, 79-84.
Heisz, J. J., Tejada, M.G.M., Paolucci, E.M., and Muir C. (2016). Enjoyment for High-Intensity Interval Exercise Increases during the First Six Weeks of Training: Implications for Promoting Exercise Adherence in Sedentary Adults. PLOS ONE,11(12): e0168534.
Paolucci, E., and Heisz, J.J. (2015). Investigating the protective effects of high and moderate intensity cycling on psychological stress and depression in young adults. Journal of Exercise, Movement, and Sport. 47(1).
https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/03/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-reveals-how-he-beat-years-of-depression.html
Schmeltzer SN, Herman JP, Sah R. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A translational update. Exp Neurol. 2016 Oct;284(Pt B):196-210. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.020. Epub 2016 Jul 2. PMID: 27377319; PMCID: PMC8375392. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8375392/
On this episode, Nicole Chenard interviews Nick DiGiovanni, a chef on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with 14 million followers. He was selected to Forbes 30 under 30, a finalist on MasterChef Season 10, and has several business ventures including Osmo Salt. Nick DiGiovanni is one of TikTok's top U.S. food creators with 8 million followers and more than 250 million monthly views. He was the youngest-ever finalist on MasterChef and finished third during Season 10. He’s worked in several restaurants including a 3 Michelin Star restaurant called Benu in San Francisco, CA. The Harvard graduate is currently deferring his enrollment in Harvard Business School's 2+2 program so he can focus on growing his brand and several ongoing projects.
Nicole has personally known Nick since he interned for her while she was creating nutrition programs for Massachusetts General Hospital and serving as the Wellness Director at the John Nagle Co. As an outstanding intern, he also helped her with the Boston Fisheries Foundation's Boston Seafood Festival several years back. Since Nick is such a big star now, Nicole likes to joke around that she produced his first video, which is on YouTube. Nick and Nicole produced their own nutrition video without the help of professionals (we've come a long way!) and had a lot of fun recording it. Created for 9/11 veterans and their families, the video, "Improve Your Mood with Food," describes the benefits of specific foods and nutrients for emotional wellbeing, as in decreasing depression and anxiety and increasing calm and happy. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's on YouTube, listed on the Nicole Chenard channel. We hope you like it!
For more information, visit: https://nicolechenard.com
Keywords: chef, food, nutrition, health, travel, cuisine, culinary, Japan, influencer, Italy, cooking, Forbes, surfing, hockey, balance, meat, dance, Argentina, winter, summer, family, fresh, cook, seasons, chocolate, cacao, honey, maple syrup, aromatic, senses, umami, influencer, truffles, Ecuador, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, learn, education, big picture, Vermont, brothers, farm, intern, try, sweet corn, street food, birthday, Max Brenner, Harvard, restaurant, connection, relationships
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Dietetic Intern, Madison MacFarland discusses with Award-Winning Dietitian Nutritionist Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN, the latest research in the connection between nutrition, hormones, and sleep. Included in this discussion: how your sleep habits impact everything from your appetite, your mood, the composition of the bacteria in your gut, and your ability to detox! Learning the "new" basics can help you make informed choices when it comes to your nutrition, exercise and sleep. This episode will help clarify why it's not that you "don't have the willpower", and there's scientific reasons why you may be grabbing ice cream or potato chips for a night time snack. After listening, you’ll have a deeper understanding of why the stages of sleep matter and how to measure them. Also discussed: the circadian rhythm and how it affects sex hormones and hunger hormones.
Villanova University's Center for Obesity Prevention & Education (COPE)
Harvard Law School's Center for Health Law & Policy Innovation
Interactions between sleep, stress, and metabolism: From physiological to pathological conditions
Coupled electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and cerebrospinal fluid oscillations in human sleep
Please send your questions and curiosities. Your feedback is welcomed and encouraged! Did you learn something? Is there something that you’d like to know more about? E-mail: admin@nicolechenard.com on instagram https://instagram.com/nicole.chenard or for more info, visit: https://nicolechenard.com
Keywords: testosterone booster, low testosterone, increase testosterone, melatonin, insomnia, circadian rhythm, oura ring, fitbit, apple watch, garmin, tracking device, rem sleep, symptoms, sleep deprivation, sleep stages, nutrition, calories, weight gain, metabolism, metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, nutrition and sleep, corporate wellness, harvard law school, harvard medical school, villanova university, obesity, prevention, nutritionist, nutrition expert, dietitian, registered dietitian, nutritionist near me, presentations, education, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, hormones, pituitary gland, hormonal imbalance, hypothalamus, brain, adrenal fatigue, adrenal glands, kidneys, plants, light, eye mask, mask, sleep hygiene, medicine, doctors, medical students, nutrition education, inflammation, anti inflammatory, performance, athletes, food is medicine, education
Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN, gives a breakdown of the pros and cons of the popular ketogenic "keto" diet.
Keywords: gluconeogenesis, weight loss, acid/base balance, carbohydrates, hormones, insulin, leptin, hunger, macronutrients, food, beverage, liver, glucose, sugar, blood, metabolism, research, medicine, nutrition, health.
admin@nicolechenard.com for requests & e-newsletter sign up
https://instagram.com/nicole.chenard for social
nicolechenard.com for booking and everything else
How to spot supplement red flags with my amazing dietetic intern from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, Madison MacFarland
From Ronald Regan, to Senator Orrin Hatch, and Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, known as DSHEA
Which supplements to avoid, which supplements to make sure you don't waste your money on, and how to tell the difference!
For more, as always, head to nicolechenard.com
To submit questions, send them to admin@nicolechenard.com or DM us on instagram @nicole.chenard
Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for more! This content is FREE. All we ask is that you plan, "like", share, and repeat!
Happy Healthy Holidays Everyone! - Nicole & The Nicole Chenard Team