Live Well RDN

09/04/2025

Food, the best kind of medicine.

FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Shifting to a plant-based diet can help keep people from being plagued by multiple health problems as they age, a new s

09/03/2025

👩‍⚕️ Have you heard of FODMAPs?
They’re certain types of carbs that can be difficult to digest for some people with IBS. When they aren’t absorbed well in the gut, they can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

A low FODMAP diet can be helpful for identifying triggers — but it’s not a forever solution. Long-term restriction may actually harm your gut health.

✨ The goal: learn which FODMAP foods truly bother you and create a balanced, sustainable way of eating.

💡 Working with a Registered Dietitian (like me!) can make the process so much easier. I can help guide you through the elimination and reintroduction phases safely, without unnecessary restriction, and help you find a plan that actually works for your life.

09/02/2025

💭 Ever wonder if your gut struggles are “normal” or something more?

If you deal with:
👉 Daily bloating
👉 Constipation and/or diarrhea
👉 Stomach cramps that ease (but don’t disappear) after the bathroom
👉 Urgent bathroom trips that make you nervous to leave home

…it might be more than a sensitive stomach. These can be common signs of IBS.

The tricky part? IBS looks different for everyone, and symptoms often overlap with other conditions.

✨ That’s why I just wrote a new blog post breaking it all down—plus sharing a real-life client story you might relate to.

📖 Read it here: https://livewellrdn.com/2025/09/02/do-you-have-ibs/

08/29/2025

I can't tell you the amount of times that I have heard people make negative comments about fruit being high in sugar. So what? — they’re also packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and natural plant compounds that:

✅ Feed your gut microbes (hello, better digestion + mood support!)
✅ Lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure
✅ Reduce inflammation and protect your heart

And guess what, our bodies have evolved to process and thrive on sugar when it comes packaged this way... totally different from digesting and metabolizing the sugar in a Coca Cola or slice of cake. So instead of vilifying them, I think we should just be saying thank you Mother Nature!

In case you were wondering... most adults need at least 1½–2 cups of fruit per day, but many fall short. 🍓🍌🍊 Are you hitting that target?

✨ Pro tip: Aim for variety—berries, citrus, apples, pears, bananas, kiwis, stone fruits—all offer unique benefits. But keep in mind the season for freshness and flavor! And consider buying out of season fruits frozen. Frozen berries are a staple in my house for smoothies, yogurt bowls, nice cream and berry cobblers.

👉 What’s your go-to fruit you eat daily?

08/25/2025

💚 Fiber for Your Heart (and Gut!)

New on the blog—discover soluble fiber, the game-changing nutrient that not only supports digestion but also helps lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol. A simple, science-backed step toward better heart and gut health!

What science reveals:

• Soluble fiber forms a gel in your digestive tract, binding cholesterol and helping remove it before it’s absorbed.

• Just 3 grams of beta-glucan from oats each day can lower LDL and total cholesterol by 5–10%.

• Supplement studies show that every 5 g/day increase in soluble fiber may reduce LDL by about 5–5.6 mg/dL.

How to get started today:

Breakfast power-up with a bowl of oatmeal or oat bran.

Add fruits like apricots, apples, pears, or citrus—keep the peel for extra pectin (just make sure it's organic and rinsed!).

Fiber-forward snacks like beans, lentils, chia or flax seeds, and high-fiber whole grains.

Why it matters:
Beyond heart health, soluble fiber promotes a healthy gut by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria that help regulate cholesterol production and reduce inflammation.

Head to the blog to read the full deep dive! Link to website in bio. 🔗

—

08/22/2025

✨ Your mood and your gut are more connected than you think!

Through the gut-brain axis, your digestive system and brain are in constant communication. In fact, 90–95% of serotonin (your “feel-good” neurotransmitter) is made in the gut. 🧠💙

This means what you eat can directly impact your mood, stress levels, and even resilience to anxiety or depression. 🥦🍓

Think of food as medicine—nourishing your microbiome with fiber, probiotics, and colorful plant foods can boost gut health and support mental well-being.

👉 Swipe through to learn how your gut influences mood + discover foods that naturally boost both!

Which of these foods will you add to your next meal? 🌱

08/20/2025

It seems like going dairy-free is becoming more and more popular. For some people—like those with lactose intolerance—cutting back can make a big difference to digestive comfort. But for many others, eliminating dairy may be an unnecessary restriction.

Greek yogurt is a nutritious, satisfying, and probiotic-rich food that your gut bacteria and bones love. When enjoyed regularly, it can support digestion, keep you feeling full, and provide a boost of protein and calcium.

Here are just a few benefits of adding Greek yogurt to your routine:

-Supports a healthy gut microbiome
-Helps with satiety and weight management
-Provides protein to support muscle health
-Delivers calcium for strong bones

Have you tried making Greek yogurt a staple in your day?

Greek yogurt is often praised by health experts for its slew of benefits like rich...

08/19/2025

✨ Nourish your gut, nourish your health ✨

Did you know your everyday food choices play a powerful role in shaping your gut microbiome—and even your heart health? 🫶

I just published a new blog post:
“5 Everyday Foods That Naturally Support Your Microbiome”

Inside, you’ll learn:
🥦 Which simple foods help your gut bacteria thrive
🍎 How these foods also protect your heart
🥑 Easy ways to add them to meals without overthinking it

Your gut and heart are more connected than you may realize—and small daily shifts can make a big impact. 🌿

👉 Read the full post here: https://livewellrdn.com/2025/08/19/5-everyday-foods-that-naturally-support-your-microbiome/

💬 Comment below which gut-friendly food you eat most often—I’d love to know!

08/18/2025

✨ Exciting News! ✨
I’m happy to share that I am now accepting bookings through Fay, a platform that makes it simple and stress-free to connect with a registered dietitian. The best part? I’m now able to accept insurance for nutrition counseling sessions.

If you’ve been thinking about improving your gut health, supporting your heart, or simply building a more positive relationship with food, I’d love to work with you.

✅ Easy online booking
✅ Insurance accepted
✅ Personalized, compassionate nutrition care

You can book your appointment here: https://www.faynutrition.com/dietitians/allison-van-camp

I’m looking forward to supporting you on your health journey! 💙

Allison van Camp, RD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Schedule an appointment today. Book Now. Pricing.

08/14/2025

🍽️ Food is not the enemy.

It’s your body’s fuel.
It’s connection with loved ones.
It’s comfort, culture, and celebration.

Yet so many of us have been taught to fear it — to label foods as good or bad, to count every bite, or to feel guilt after eating something we enjoy.

Here’s the truth:
✨ All foods can have a place in a healthy, balanced diet.
✨ Nourishment isn’t just about nutrients — it’s also about joy.
✨ Your worth is not determined by what you eat.
When we shift from a mindset of restriction to one of respect and curiosity, food becomes less stressful and more satisfying.

💬 I’d love to hear — what’s one food you’ve learned to enjoy again without guilt?

08/14/2025

🥄 Your gut will thank you for this one.

Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics — they all play a role in keeping your digestive system happy and your immune system strong. But do you know what each one actually does for your health?

In my latest blog post, I break down:
✨ The difference between prebiotics, probiotics & postbiotics
✨ How each supports gut balance (and beyond!)
✨ Simple food sources you can add to your plate today

Plus, I’m sharing my layered chia seed pudding recipe — packed with gut-loving nutrients from chia seeds, Greek yogurt, fruit, and crunchy granola.

📲 Head to the link in my bio to learn more & grab the recipe! Your morning routine just got a whole lot tastier.

08/04/2025

After completing my Master’s in Nutrition at the University of Georgia and gaining invaluable experience working with patients at Emory Hospital in Decatur, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my private practice — Live Well RDN 🎉

This new chapter is rooted in a deep passion for helping women heal from the inside out. At Live Well RDN, I specialize in gut and heart health, using a holistic, sustainable approach that nourishes your body—without restriction or dieting.

Whether you’re navigating bloating, fatigue, high cholesterol, or just want to feel better in your skin, I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way.

💻 Offering virtual counseling
🌿 Whole-food, lifestyle-based care
💌 Grab my FREE 5-Day Gut & Heart Reset here: livewellrdn.com

Thank you to my mentors, patients, friends, and family who have supported me on this journey. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you!

Let’s redefine what it means to live well—together.
– Allison, MS, RDN