But first, Pivot. - Episodes Tagged with “Weight Loss”

Episode 85: If I wanted to lose 8 lbs. by Christmas, I would...

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

We’ve got about 8 weeks until Christmas, which means losing 8 lbs or about one pound per week is totally realistic!

In this episode, fat loss dietitians Dani and Sam share exactly what they’d focus on if they wanted to lose 8 pounds by Christmas without cutting out pumpkin Reese's and Christmas cookies.

If your goal is to enjoy the holidays, feel good in your body, and still make progress, this episode gives you a simple roadmap to do it (if you're already doing these and they're not working for you, I hope you'll reach out!)

Mentioned in this episode: Episode 81 - Keys to Weight Maintenance
https://podcast.pivotnutritioncoaching.com/81

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 82: How Jess Lost Over 50 Pounds Without Feeling Restricted

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Jessica’s story is proof that while calories (always) count, mindset plays a huge role in weight loss.

When she came to me, Jess was lifting 5–6 days a week, tracking her macros, and still couldn’t lose weight. She felt stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle...drop a few pounds, gain it right back, and repeat. She avoided photos, felt disconnected from her body, and was tired of starting over every Monday.

Together, we flipped the script. Instead of more restriction, we built a mindset-first, habit-based approach that worked with her real life (and yes, included her favorite foods). Within weeks, she felt more in control around food and free from guilt.

Fast forward 9 months—Jess has lost over 50 pounds, eats with her family without stress, and feels confident again. She’s taking photos she used to avoid and is proud of the example she’s setting for her daughter. Most importantly, she no longer wonders what to do. She knows how to fuel herself for life.

Tune in to hear how shifting her mindset transformed everything and how it can for you too.

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 81: Weight Maintenance: How to Keep the Weight OFF!

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Most people can lose weight — but 80–90% regain it within 1–5 years. Why? Because losing it and keeping it off are two completely different skill sets.

In this episode, Dani and Sam break down research from the National Weight Control Registry (10,000+ successful maintainers) and share the 7 key habits that separate regain from long-term success. From daily movement and consistent eating to strength training, sleep, and stress management—you’ll learn exactly what it takes to stay in the successful 10–20% who keep the weight off for good.

If you are struggling to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF, this is a must listen!

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 77: Taking a GLP-1? Don’t Skip These 5 Habits!

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy can be game-changers for weight loss — but they’re not magic. In this episode, we break down 5 lifestyle changes that actually help you keep the weight off long term.

We cover:

GLP-1 overview
Why strength training is non-negotiable
Getting enough protein
Why skipping meals can backfire
The role of mindset and your relationship with food
The long game: What to do after the meds

If you’re on a GLP-1 or considering it, this is a must-listen!

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 76: Advice We’d Give Our 20-Year-Old Selves: Health, Hormones, Mindset & Nutrition

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this special episode celebrating Pivot’s 4th anniversary, we’re getting personal: our dietitian team is sharing the nutrition, fitness, and mindset advice we wish we had in our 20s! We cover period health, why you don’t have to fear carbs, learning to love (and respect) your body, the truth about “healthy” foods, and why real nourishment comes from consistency — not control. Whether you’re 20 or 50, these lessons apply to every chapter of your health journey.

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 74: Top Weight Loss Myths and Diet Reviews

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 09 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

A few weeks ago, someone asked me: "Dani, what's the worst weight loss advice you've ever heard?". All I could think of was "this needs to be a podcast episode"...So here we are!

In this episode, we're diving into some not-so-great weight loss advice as well as top weight loss myths that we want to debunk! This one is a lot of fun and packed full of the random tips you see on social media or always thought were true. We also review some popular diets, sharing pros, cons and more!

Connect with us:
→ Learn more about our coaching programs at the website pivotnutritioncoaching.com
→ Leave a review and share this episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 66: GLP-1’s: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners Ivy Emery and Andrea Zimmerman

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In today’s conversation with Nurse Practitioners Ivy Emery and Andrea Zimmerman, we'll explore what GLP-1s are, how they work in the body, as well as the benefits and risks associated with them. This episode is packed with valuable insights on how to navigate these trendy weight loss drugs in a way that supports your overall health.

In this episode:

What are GLP-1's and how do they work?
Difference bettween Ozempic and Wegovy
The Good (the benefits)
The Bad (risks and side effects)
The Ugly (worst case scenario)
Best candidates for GLP-1s
Common misconceptions
Q & A

Book: https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-new-menopause-book

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Guests:
Ivy Emery and Andrea Zimmerman: Women's Health Nurse Practitioners and Co-Owners of Harmoni Wellness
Facebook
Instagram

This episode was brought to you by Cozy Earth. Sleep matters for every part of your life! Get your sheets now for 40% off with code PIVOT at checkout. cozyearth.com

Episode 64: How a mindset shift helped Robin lose 30 lbs. in 6 months!

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:45:00 -0600

When Robin reached out, she was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! Now she joins us joins us to share her inspiring health & weight loss journey! She opens up about how the skills she learned through the program helped her navigate life’s unexpected challenges with resilience and confidence. Tune in to hear Robin's story of growth, empowerment, and transformation!

In this episode:

Why Robin finally reached out years later
Keys to her weight loss success
Robin's main takeaways from coaching
Her Breast Cancer Battle
Reverse Dieting Episode

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Guest: Robin Schmidt

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 63: Success Story: Lahaise Brothers lose nearly 100 lbs in 6 months!

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

EXPLICIT: Language

Earlier this year, the Lahaise brothers reached out for help with weight loss. We are all still shocked that they lost a combined 95 pounds in six months! These two brothers are hilarious, fun, extremely honest, and have a few explicit words along the way so maybe don't listen to this episode on speaker or in the car with your kiddos.

In this episode:

What motivated Taylor & Brenden to reach out for nutrition coaching
Weight loss expectations vs reality
Victories beyond the scale
Benefits of food tracking
Exercise modifications during fat loss
Keys to weight loss maintenance
Advice for men seeking fat loss

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Guest: Taylor and Brenden LaHaise

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 60: 8 Discussions I Had with Clients This Week

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

My clients and I have incredible conversations each week when we meet online. This past week, I felt like I had such great discussions that I should share them with you so you can get an inside look at my stance on nutrition and what it's like working with Pivot dietitians! We have 8 key discussions that I want you to be a part of to so tune in!

In this episode:

What does an "all foods fit" approach look like?
Utilizing AI to help with meal planning
Being intuitive vs intentional
Volume eating
Working with a therapist
Choosing the path of least resistance
Summary

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 55: Can you motivate family members to be healthier? With mindset expert Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas, Ph.D.

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0500

When people think about improving their health or losing weight, two things typically come to mind: Nutrition and exercise. However, your mindset plays a much bigger role than you might think! Mindset expert and published researcher Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas discusses the importance of having a growth mindset in achieving our health-related goals. She also answers a burning question that you don’t want to miss: “Can you motivate your family members to adopt healthier habits?” Tune in to find out!

In this episode:

What is mindset?
What causes a poor/fixed mindset?
How can you encourage/motivate family members to adopt healthier habits?
Communicating with your support system
What Dr. Kasey Jo wishes people knew about mindset
Mindset tips and resources

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Guest:
Dr Kasey Orvidas, Mindset Coach and PHD in Psychology
The next HMCC coaching certification is enrolling starting Friday, August 19th 2024!

Episode 52: How to pick the best protein bars + protein bar Q & A

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500

There are HUNDREDS of protein bars on the market - how are you supposed to know which ones to buy? Don't worry friends, Pivot dietitian coach Sam Ferguson and I have some tips and recommendations for you as you navigate the overhwelming world of protein bars.

In this episode:

When to eat protein bars
Which protein bars are the "best"?
Protein bar nutrition guidelines
Our favorite protein bars

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 50: OATzempic review: What is it and does it work for fat loss?

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In recent weeks, a new Tik Tok trend called OATzempic started to blow up my social media feed. It seemed only appropriate to dig into this trend and to try it myself.

In this episode:

What is OATzempic?
OATzempic taste test
Does it work for fat loss?
Dietitian Recommendations

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 48: The last 10 lbs: Why is it so hard and is it really worth it?

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:30:00 -0500

Have you ever tried to lose "the last 10 lbs"? For most indidivualds, those last 5-10 pounds are really, really hard to shed and seriously frustrating! In this episode, Pivot dietitian coach Samantha Ferguson and I discuss why the last 5-10 lbs are so hard to lose, our own fat loss experiences losing the last 5-10 lbs and whether or not we believe it's worth it.

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Owner & Lead Dietitian of Pivot Nutrition Coaching

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 47: Key factors that helped Dusty lose over 50 lbs in under a year

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In 2022, Dusty went on Ozempic to help manage his diabetes and lose weight, and lost 25-30 lbs relatively quickly. A few months later, Dusty reached out for nutrition coaching as he had put all the weight he lost back on after getting back surgery. This wasn't the first time Dusty had lost weight only to gain it back.

In this episode, Dusty tells his story, and shares key factors and "AHA" moments that helped him lose over 50 lbs in 10 months with the support of Pivot Nutrition dietitian coach Sam Ferguson, RD.

Guest: Dustin Hillebrand

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 46: 5 keys to fat loss you may not have thought of

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

When one decides to embark on a fat loss journey, diet and exercise often come to mind first.Though nutrition and exercise are two of the greatest players in weight management, (with nutrition being number one) there are other factors that play key roles in one's fat loss journey. In this episode, Pivot dietitian coach Samantha Ferguson and I dive into each of these factors: relentless consistency, discipline (vs willpower), mental satisfaction, patience and having an exit strategy.

While these may seem mundane or perhaps obvious, you won't regret listening to our elaborations and personal experiences, especially if you've been struggling on your own fat loss journey.

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 44: Lauren's story: Ditching the all-or-nothing (perfectionist) mindset for sustainable habits

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:45:00 -0600

"Let's binge today because tomorrow is the start of being good!" "This is the year I'm going to lose weight!" That's what Lauren would tell herself every January for years and years...except for THIS year. In this episode, Pivot Nutrition Coaching graduate Lauren shares how she went from feeling like a complete failure to feeling excited about being active, eating healthier and most importantly, liking herself again.

In this episode:

The emotional moment Lauren reached out for advice
Why Lauren felt like Pivot wasn't working for her at the beggining
Most proud accomplishments
Challenges faced during her wellness journey
Biggest takeaways from Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Lauren's advice for those who don't like how they feel right now

Guest: Lauren Alexander
https://www.instagram.com/lauren.alexander345/?hl=en

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 36: Why is protein a game changer?

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Most people know protein is important, yet most people still aren't getting enough! In this episode, Pivot dietitian coach Sam & I discuss why protein is important, which foods are good sources of protein and how much protein to consume based on your goals.

In this episode:

[1:10] Flashback to last episode on carbs - how much carbs to eat?

[2:21] General carb recommendation for PCOS & Diabetes

[5:50] General carb to protein ratio recommendation

[7:56] Why is protein important?

[11:40] Good sources of protein

[12:56] Foods that aren't as high in protein as you may think

[17:25] How much protein should you eat?

[18:40] Protein for healthy, sedentary adults

[22:55] Protein for athletes

[24:51] Protein for muscle gain

[30:24] Protein for fat loss

[31:46] Basic, simplified protein recommendation

[35:49] Summary

Host: Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Episode 35: Why do carbs have a bad reputation?

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Many of our clients have done low carb diets in the past to try to achieve their health and fat loss goals. In this episode, Pivot dietitian coach Samanthan Ferguson and I discuss all things carbs, including my 21-day experiment following a keto diet back in 2016!

In this episode:

[1:44] Which foods are considered carbs?

[6:06] Why are carbs important?

[11:41] Blood sugar balance

[12:22] Tips for those with diabetes

[15:35] Carbs and satisfaction

[17:16] Role of fiber

[19:19] Sources of fiber

[20:43] Why do carbs have a bad reputation?

[27:46] Why low-carb & keto diets often result in fat loss

[32:46] Our client that went from 30g to 200g carbs

[34:41] Dani's 21-day keto experiment

[38:57] Food labels that say "keto"

[43:12] Summary

Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD

Connect with Dani on Instagram or by visiting her website at pivotnutritioncoaching.com

Episode 22: What's reverse dieting and who's it for?

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Have you hit a frustrating weight loss plateau that you just can't break? Are you working out all the time and eating right but still not seeing results? Do you feel constantly hungry but afraid to gain weight? Tune in the find out if reverse dieting might be the solution to your problem!

New episodes released every other Monday

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching. Her specialities include body composition and performance nutrition.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

But First Pivot Podcast
Need more help than a podcast can offer? Dani and her team of dietitians offer customized, 1:1 nutrition coaching to help you improve your health, performance, relationship with food and achieve your body composition goals in a sustainable way.

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 21: Beyond the scale: Claire Herland's Success Story

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Claire is a 60 year old woman who just wanted to lose weight to feel better. Sound familiar? In this episode, Claire and I discuss her breakup with the scale, her perseverance after nearly giving up and the simple lifestyle habits that made a huge impact on how she feels today; healthy, energized, accepting of her body and excited for the future!

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 19: Feeling better at 64 than at 50! Ann Bailey's success story

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 21:15:00 -0600

In less than 1 year, Pivot Nutrition Coaching client Ann lost over 40 lbs and feels 15 years younger. Best part is, she never tracked a calorie or felt like she was on a diet! How did she do it? Tune in and find out the simple habits that made a big difference!

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 18: Why most New Year's resolutions fail and 10 unsexy basics to focus on in 2023

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:45:00 -0600

New Year's resolutions and fad diets have awful success rates. Instead of setting yourself up for failure in 2023, focus on doing the simple things consistently. In this episode, I go over 5 common reasons New Year's resolutions fail and 10 simple things to do instead of a quick fix or the latest trend!

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and the CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 13: "Why did the scale go up?!"

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:15:00 -0600

Most of us have experienced the scale going up, even when we're doing all the things right. WHY does this happen? It's so frustrating! Tune in and find out the 3 main reasons why the scale might go up, especially after the holidays or eating out.

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and the CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 11: Ask the dietitian: Q & A with high school students

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -0600

Local high school students submitted over 30 questions such as what to eat for breakfast, how to gain weight, what foods to avoid, what to eat after workouts, and more. Just for fun, I share a silly question at the end.

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and the CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 10: Healthy snacking simplified

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Let's not make healthy snacking any more complicated than it needs to be. Simply pair these 2 nutrients and you've got a balanced snack that will keep you fuller longer and support your health goals!

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and the CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Episode 7: Cathy's story: Managing menopause and weight gain

Danielle Rancourt, RD — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0500

When Cathy reached out for nutrition coaching in June 2021, she was working out all the time but still gaining weight and had just found out that she was in full menopause! In this episode, Cathy shares how nutrition coaching changed her life and how it helped her feel strong, confident, healthy and happy.

Cathy Lajesse
Cathy's progress photos and testimonial

Host:
Danielle (Dani) Rancourt is a registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian and CEO of Pivot Nutrition Coaching.

Instagram: @dani_the_rd
Website: pivotnutritioncoaching.com
Free Facebook Community: Pivot Nutrition & Fitness

Click here to book a free call to see if you'd be a good fit for Pivot Nutrition Coaching.