“EatWell Bites” is a nutrition education series providing practical tips, hands-on demonstrations, and resources to help you make balanced food and lifestyle choices.
Faculty and staff are invited to join the virtual 30-minute webinars at 12:15 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, September 2025 to June 2026. Please note that January’s session will take place on the second Thursday due to the university holiday.
Developed as part of USC’s Healthy Campus initiative, EatWell Bites is hosted by a cross-functional EatWell Subcommittee, which is comprised of:
- Clinical Nutrition at Keck Medicine of USC
- Institute for Food System Equity, USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research
- Keck School of Medicine of USC
- USC Athletics
- USC Hospitality
- USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
- USC Student Health Center/Keck Medicine of USC
- USC Transplant Institute/Keck Medicine of USC
- USC WorkWell Center
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The WorkWell Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Table Of Contents
To participate
If you have questions, please email Julie Chobdee at jchobdee@usc.edu.
Upcoming Webinars
Build a better bowl: Where flavor meets balance
Thursday, Jun. 4, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Discover how to build a better bowl from the ground up. This session combines practical nutrition tips with a live cooking demonstration, showing how simple ingredients can come together to create a balanced, satisfying meal. We’ll also highlight powerful plant foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables to inspire variety and creativity on the plate.
Presenters
Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN
Dining Dietitian
USC Hospitality
Chef Jepri Arias
Kitchen Manager, RTCC Central Kitchen
USC Hospitality
Previous 2026 Webinars
Nutrition misinformation on social media: Fact vs fiction
Thursday, May 7, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
The presentation explores common nutrition myths spread and social media and separates fact from fiction using science/evidence-based evidence. We’ll uncover how misinformation spreads, why it’s persuasive and how to spot it.
Presenter
Amy Wilke, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Keck Medical Center of USC & USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Fueling a healthier you: Don’t forget the fiber
Thursday, Apr. 2, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
This presentation explores the benefits of dietary fiber. It focuses on how fiber supports digestion, promotes weight management, and contributes to overall well-being. The presentation will also cover different types of fiber and discuss strategies to incorporate fiber-rich foods into your daily diet.
Presenter
Cary Kreutzer, EdD, MPH, RD, FAND
Instructional Professor of Clinical Gerontology and Pediatrics
Director of Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity Program
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology & Keck School of Medicine
Ultra-processed food: All harm or all hype?
Thursday, Mar. 5, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
You may have heard the term “ultra-processed foods” before but let’s look and dig a little deeper. In this session, we’ll explore the meaning behind the term, the latest research, and how we can better navigate our nutrition (and the grocery aisle) to live better, longer, healthier lives.
Presenter
Rachel Lander-Canseco, MS, RD, CDCES
Oncology Outpatient Dietitian
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Setting up your home kitchen for success. Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 5, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Properly setting up your home kitchen ensures a better kitchen experience for the home chef. We will review proper equipment set-up, recommend high-value purchases, and discuss ways to improve your efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen. Chef Pablo has shared his passion for health and wellness as a chef instructor with local community members and KSOM students in partnership with the LA Wellness Center for the past seven years. Dr. Harlan leads the Culinary Medicine and Nutrition curriculum at KSOM.
Presenters
Greg Harlan MD, MPH
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Medical Education
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Pablo Blanco
Head Chef & CEO of Blanco Food Company,
Professional Chef and Culinary Instructor
GLP-1 & the diet revolution
Thursday, Jan. 8, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
An overview of evidence-based nutritional guidelines and practical dietary recommendations tailored for patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists, focusing on optimizing weight loss, managing side effects, and supporting long-term metabolic health.
Presenters
Dr. Harry J. Wong, MD, MS, DABOM
Physician, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery
Keck School of Medicine of USC – Department of Surgery
Diana Hoang, MS, RDN, LDN
Outpatient Bariatric Surgery Dietitian
Division of Upper GI & General Surgery and Bariatrics
Food and mood: EAT GOOD, FEEL GOOD!
Thursday, Dec. 4, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
This session explores how what you eat can directly impact how you feel — from energy and focus to stress and motivation. Learn how to build meals that fuel not just your body, but also your brain and mood! Simple swaps, smart snacks, and real talk on how food and feelings are connected.
Presenter
Jessica Griffith, RD, CSSD, CEDS
Sports Dietitian Eating Disorder Specialist
USC Student Health | Keck Medicine of USC
Clock-in, clock-out: Eating with purpose and precision
Thursday, Nov. 6, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Fasting and time-restricted eating focus not just on what you eat, but when you eat. aligning meals with your body’s natural circadian rhythm to optimize metabolism, energy, and cellular repair. By narrowing the eating window, these approaches may support weight management, reduce inflammation, and improve markers of chronic disease. This presentation explores the science, benefits, and practical strategies behind timing your meals for maximum health impact.
Presenter
Frida Hovik, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian and Clinical Research Coordinator
Department of Neurology
Green plates, cleaner planet
Thursday, Oct. 2, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
What we eat affects more than our health—it impacts the planet. Learn how our food choices contribute to climate change, and discover simple, everyday ways to eat more sustainably and waste less.
Presenters
Kayla de la Haye, PhD, FSBM
Director, USC Food Systems Institute
Associate Professor (Research) of Psychology and Spatial Sciences
USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research
Katherine Baker, PhD, MS, MPH
Presidential Sustainability Solutions Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Southern California
Fuel up, spend less: How to eat well on a budget
Thursday, Sep. 4, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
With the price of groceries increasing rapidly, meal planning on a budget can be daunting. Join us for a fun and practical budget-friendly meal planning session where you’ll learn how to create nutritious, yet delicious meals without breaking the bank!
Presenter
Jenae Anderson MS, RDN
Inpatient Clinical Dietitian
Clinical Nutrition
Spring 2025 Webinars
Decoding superfoods: Can they superpower your diet?
Thursday, Jan. 9, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Superfoods can seem like a mystery with the many new healthy food options out there. Discover what superfoods are and how to incorporate them into your diet for potential benefits!
Presenter
Karina Chou, MS, RDN
Bariatric Dietitian
Keck Medicine of USC
Setting up your home kitchen for success
Thursday, Feb. 6, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Properly setting up your home kitchen ensures a better kitchen experience for the home chef. We will review proper equipment set-up, recommend high-value purchases, and discuss ways to improve your efficiency and enjoyment in the kitchen. Chef Pablo has shared his passion for health and wellness as a chef instructor with local community members and KSOM students in partnership with the LA Wellness Center for the past seven years. Dr. Harlan leads the Culinary Medicine and Nutrition curriculum at KSOM.
Presenters
Greg Harlan MD, MPH
Co-Director, Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM),
Director of Well-being, Department of Medical Education, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Medical Education,
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Pablo Blanco
Head Chef & CEO of Blanco Food Company,
Professional Chef and Culinary Instructor
The importance of hydration
Thursday, March 6, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
This session will cover the importance of hydration, emphasizing its role in maintaining optimal body function, preventing fatigue, and supporting overall health. We will review hydration facts and myths as well as provide creative ideas on how to stay hydrated.
Presenter
Nick Padula, MS, RD
Adjunct Lecturer
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Plant power: A delicious dive into plant-based meals
Thursday, April 3, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
The term “plant-based” is trending, but do you know what it means and why it is good for your health and the health of the planet? If you want to learn more about plant-based foods and how to add them to your dietary pattern, join us as we explore practical tips for creating deliciously balanced meals made from plants. This presentation will include a demo from one of our own USC Hospitality Chefs!
Presenters
Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian
USC Hospitality
Chef Rashaad Purnell
Assistant Kitchen Manager
USC Village Dining Hall
Health from the inside out: Gut microbiome, prebiotics, and probiotics
Thursday, May 1, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
We will explore the powerful gut microbiome and its influence on our health and psychological well-being. You will learn what negatively impacts our gut health and which foods are important for managing and improving our gut microbiome.
Presenter
Michelle D. Katz MS, RD, MPH, CHES
Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Education Specialist,
Keck Medicine of USC Student Health
Vitamins and minerals: Fueling your body for optimal well-being
Thursday, June 5, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
This presentation highlights the importance of vitamins and minerals that support overall health and boost performance. Join USC Athletics – Sports Nutrition to learn more about the importance of these essential compounds and ways to get more into your day.
Presenter
Nic Zarate, MS, RD, CSSD
Sports Dietitian Supervisor
USC Student Health | Keck Medicine of USC
Fall 2024 Webinars
All about inflammation: How diet can help or harm
Thursday, Sept. 5, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Inflammation may seem like a trendy buzzword but what does it actually mean? This session will look at the latest evidence-based practices to optimize our diets and address inflammation.
Presenter
Rachel Lander-Canseco, MS, RD, CDCES
Oncology Outpatient Dietitian
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Creating healthy eating habits: Tips to make your nutrition goals stick
Thursday, Oct. 3, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Quick diet changes may yield rapid results, but they’re often short-lived. Sustaining healthy eating habits requires thoughtful approaches. Join us today as we explore strategies that foster sustainable healthy dietary habits.
Presenter
Brittany Gurney, MS, RD, CNSC
Clinical Outpatient Dietitian
Keck Medicine of USC
Dishing out the truth: Unmasking diet myths
Thursday, Nov. 7, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Join us for an informative exploration of nutrition myths and fads with registered dietitian Nick Padula. We’ll examine science-backed evidence to distinguish fact from fiction, providing practical, evidence-based tips for making more balanced choices in your daily life.
Presenter
Nick Padula, MS, RD
Adjunct Lecturer
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Summer 2024 Webinars
Navigating eating during the workday
Thursday, June 6, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Navigating eating during the workday can be tough—whether it’s lack of time for meal prep, the temptation of snacks, or uncertainty about healthy choices. Join us to discover strategies for building nutritious meals and snacks, simple meal prep ideas, and other tips to keep your office meals nutritious, whether you’re working remotely or in a traditional office setting.
Presenter
Laura Kauffman, MS, RDN
Clinical Preceptor & Internship Coordinator for the Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Optimizing nutrition on the go: Smart eating strategies for travel and summer adventures
Thursday, July 11, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Discover how to maintain a healthy diet on the move—whether traveling or enjoying summer activities. Explore convenient, nutritious food choices to fuel energy and well-being during busy schedules and outdoor adventures. Gain valuable insights into smart snack options and mindful meal planning to optimize nutrition wherever you are.
Presenter
Frida Hovik, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian and Clinical Research Coordinator
Department of Neurology
Dairy and milk alternatives: Where do you get your calcium?
Thursday, Aug. 1, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Choosing between dairy milk and its alternatives can be overwhelming with so many options available. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of each type while unpacking their health benefits, culinary uses, and even taste profiles to help you make informed decisions.
Presenter
Lisa Statner MS, RDN, CSO
Outpatient Oncology Dietitian
Clinical Nutrition
Spring 2024 Webinars
Healthy planetary diets: eating to support your health and the health of the planet
Thursday, Jan. 11, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Our food system and the foods we eat are harming the environment, which in turn is compromising our ability to produce enough healthy food. In this seminar, we review the many opportunities we have as eaters, food consumers, and citizens to help make sure our diets optimize both our health and environmental sustainability.
Presenter
Kayla de la Haye, PhD
Director, Institute for Food System Equity
USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research
EatWell on campus: exploring healthy food options on campus
Thursday, Feb. 1, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Ever wonder where to find healthy food choices on the USC campus? Lindsey Pine, USC Hospitality Dining Dietitian, is here to empower Trojans with the knowledge and tools to make balanced food choices while on campus. Together we’ll navigate the diverse campus dining options, offering insights into the most nutrient-rich selections and the new EatWell branded meal program. Julie Chobdee, WorkWell Center will highlight ways to provide healthier food options at meetings and events.
Presenters
Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian
USC Hospitality
Julie Chobdee, MPH
Associate Director, Health & Well-being Program
USC WorkWell Center
Utilizing nutrition for the everyday athlete
Thursday, Mar. 7, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Learn how a well-designed nutrition plan allows you to perform at your best and how the right balance of nutrients before, during and post-activity can impact performance potential. Also, hear about how USC fuels their athletes to perform at their peak.
Presenter
Rachel Suba, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD
Director of Sports Nutrition
USC Student Health Keck Medicine of USC
Well-balanced bites on a budget
Thursday, Apr. 4, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Join us for this engaging session that brings together the expertise of both Lindsey Pine, USC Hospitality Dining Dietitian, and Chef Keith Shutta, Executive Chef for the USC Hotel, Restaurants, and Catering. They will provide practical tips and insights on shopping and preparing healthy food without breaking the bank in addition to a live cooking demo. Learn about cost-effective culinary choices and cooking techniques that prioritize flavor and wellness!
Presenters
Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian
USC Hospitality
Chef Keith Shutta
Executive Chef
USC Hotel, Restaurants, and Catering
USC Hospitality
Sugarproof: protect yourself and your family from the dangers of added sugars with simple everyday fixes
Thursday, May 2, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
This session will summarize the detrimental effects of excessive added sugars on health outcomes including obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease and will offer practical advice and strategies for reducing sugar intake, emphasizing the importance of awareness and informed choices.
Join this session for a chance to win a signed copy of “Sugarproof” by Michael I. Goran.
Presenter
Michael I. Goran, PhD
Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics
Director, Southern California Center for Latino Health
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Keck School of Medicine
Fall 2023 Webinars
A Snack a Day Keeps the Hangry Away
Thursday, Sept. 7, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Learn how snacks can keep you full and focused between meals. Tips on how to build a better snack will be shared!
Presenter
Holly Wells, MS, RD
Bariatric Dietitian
Keck Medicine of USC – Department of Surgery
Observe, Savor, Eat: Learn to be a Mindful Eater
Thursday, Oct. 5, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Bring a snack and your senses. Together, we will explore the intention and benefits of mindful eating through discussion and participation in an experiential learning opportunity.
Presenter
Michelle D. Katz MS, RD, MPH, CHES
Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Education Specialist
USC Student Health Center Keck Medicine of USC
Prep Like a Pro: Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Meal Prepping
Thursday, Nov. 2, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Chef Nathan Martinez and culinary dietitian Lindsey Pine are teaming up to show you the essentials of basic meal prep and meal planning. They will share valuable time-saving strategies and demonstrate a few simple, delicious recipes to help you incorporate healthier choices into your daily life.
Presenters
Chef Nathan Martinez
Senior Kitchen Manager
USC Residential Dining
Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN, CLT
Registered Dietitian
USC Hospitality
Decoding Food Labels
Thursday, Dec. 7, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Food labels contain important information meant to guide you toward healthier dietary choices. However, sometimes all the numbers, percentages, and details can leave you confused. In this session, we will learn how to navigate food label terminology so you can make informed choices when food shopping.
Presenter
Susan Kim, MS, RDN, CCTD
Nutrition & Wellness Manager
USC Transplant Institute
Keck Medicine of USC