As we head into the year ahead…


Hi Reader!

Hi there,

In today’s newsletter, you’ll see a familiar mix of stories and insights — along with a bit more of what I’ll be sharing in the months ahead.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky to connect with you in a few different ways — through nutrition, food writing, media interviews, and more recently, behind-the-scenes work helping others communicate with confidence and credibility. Many of you follow me in more than one place, which I’m truly grateful for.

As I head into the months ahead, especially with a new book coming out, I’m simplifying how I stay in touch.

What that means for you is very simple: you don’t need to do anything.
You can stay exactly where you are.

Going forward, I’ll be sharing everything in one place, under the umbrella of BTD Media Makers News Digest, a space where I’ll continue to share stories and insights from food, media, and real life.

Some notes will lean more nutrition-focused, others more media-related, and many will overlap. I’ll always make it easy to skim, scroll, or dive into what feels most relevant to you.

My goal is to make this feel easier, more personal, and more consistent — without losing what brought us here in the first place.

Thank you for being here, whether you’ve followed my work for years or just recently joined. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead … and glad you’re here for it.

Warmly,

Bon

P.S. Got a question you want me to cover in the next newsletter? Just hit reply ... your curiosity often sparks my best content.

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Dietary Guidelines: A Little Head-Scratching, If I’m Being Honest

Breaking news!! The latest updates to the Dietary Guidelines are meant to help Americans eat healthier, but some of the changes have raised real questions. There’s a renewed emphasis on “whole” foods and reducing ultra-processed options (not news), which sounds good on paper. But when guidance oversimplifies nutrition or leans into buzzwords without enough nuance, it can leave people more confused than empowered.

As someone who’s been talking about these guidelines for decades, I always look at how they translate into real life. Clarity matters. Practicality matters. And sweeping statements don’t always serve the people they’re meant to help. And BTW -- did you ever think you'd see a stick of butter on the Food Pyramid?? Look closely ...it's there!

👉 Read the details in the article I quoted in here: HEALTH.

Why “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever” Still Won’t Go Away

(Even Though It Should)

This saying refuses to die, but science doesn’t back it up. When you’re sick, appetite changes are part of your body’s response, but that doesn’t mean food suddenly stops mattering. Nutrition supports immune function, energy, and recovery, whether you have a cold or a fever.

The takeaway? Listen to your body, focus on fluids, and eat what you can tolerate. Skipping nourishment altogether doesn’t speed healing, it can actually slow it down.

👉 Here’s why the myth doesn’t hold up in my story in EATINGWELL.

9 High-Protein Foods That Aren’t Chicken (Because Variety Matters)

If chicken feels like it’s doing a little too much heavy lifting in your meal rotation, you’re not alone. Protein comes in many forms, from seafood and dairy to beans, lentils, and even pasta made from legumes.

Mixing things up isn’t just about breaking boredom. Different protein sources bring different nutrients to the table, and variety makes healthy eating more sustainable.

👉 See all nine options here in my story for EATINGWELL.

A Recent Episode of

Media Savvy with Bonnie Taub-Dix Podcast

Fear of Speaking? How to Find Confidence in the Spotlight

Ever freeze up the moment an interview starts?
The mic’s live. The host asks the first question.
And suddenly… your brain forgets how words work.

You’re not alone.

Hundreds of interviews later… the nerves still show up.
But by now, I don’t let them get into the driver’s seat.

🎙️ That’s why I sat down with @LindaUgelow, speaking + confidence coach and author of Delight in the Limelight. Our convo can help experts, entrepreneurs, and authors go from media panic to media pro whether it’s on Zoom, on stage, or in a media interview.

We’re talking:
🎤 How to stop shrinking the second someone hits “record”

💬 What to do when your voice shakes or your mouth goes dry

🧠 How to calm your nerves before a big interview

🙅‍♀️ And YES — how to ditch those “ummm… like… ya know…” fillers for good

If you’ve ever felt like the spotlight was too bright, this one’s for you!

👉Listen to Media Savvy with Bonnie Taub-Dix on your favorite podcast channel and watch us on YouTube or check links below.


Bonnie's Bites:

How to Ditch Comparison-itis

I’ve looked up to hosts like Mel Robbins and Amy Porterfield. I’ve studied their work, admired their presence, and learned from their storytelling. But I don’t try to be them.

I take what resonates with me and then make it my own.

Think of it like following a recipe. Many of the same ingredients have been used before, but your seasoning and style are what make it yours. No one else makes your signature dish the way you do.

So watch with intention, not imitation. When you admire someone’s delivery, ask yourself what emotion it creates and how you might bring that same feeling to your audience, in your own voice.

You Asked:

I want to work with media, but I don’t feel confident sounding “polished.” What should I focus on first?

I Answered:

Focus on being clear, not perfect. Media isn’t looking for a script, they’re looking for someone who can explain a point in a way that feels natural and trustworthy.

Even if you need a script -- you'll need to speak it as you would say it in a conversation...not a consultation. Preparation builds confidence, but authenticity is what makes people listen. When you sound like yourself, people lean in.

Links to Media Savvy Podcast:

www.mediasavvybtd.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-savvy-with-bonnie-taub-dix/id1741232979

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LzVBmZXY29Cd0Y1xU66jh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BonnieTaub-Dix

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c70ddb7d-fb38-4d7b-a10a-2bffe9048a19/media-savvy-with-bonnie-taub-dix

I’d love it if you could leave a review and now let’s make media magic together.


💥 NEWS FLASH 💥 : If we haven't personally connected -- let's do it! Send a DM to @bonnietaubdix and @BTDmedia on Instagram if you have any questions about how I can help you or... just hit REPLY to this email!


What I'm Reading:

The Paradox at the Grocery Store

As 2026 arrives, here’s how to keep health simple

The 2026 Better Food Trends Shaping What We Eat

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