Protein and Fiber: Closing the Gap Between Recommendations and Reality
PROTEIN AND FIBER: CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN RECOMMENDATIONS AND REALITY
Protein and fiber are two nutrients that profoundly influence long-term health--yet most Americans are not getting enough of either. In this session, participants will explore why the protein RDA may fall short of optimizing muscle health, how protein quality and leucine influence muscle protein synthesis, and how daily protein targets translate into practical meal patterns.

The session will also address the "fiber gap," examining why fiber intake remains low, how whole-food and fortified fibers differ, and how fiber supplements can be used strategically.

Attendees will leave with practical tools and food-based strategies to help patients increase protein and fiber intake in ways that support muscle maintenance, metabolic health, digestive health, and healthy aging.
Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:
  • Explain the purpose of the protein RDA and why it may not reflect optimal intake for muscle health across the lifespan.


  • Identify key factors that influence protein quality, including essential amino acid composition and leucine content.


  • Describe the major types of dietary fiber and their physiological roles, including bulking, viscous/gel-forming, and fermentable fibers.
Live Webinar Date: Mar 26, 2026   (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Eastern Time) (US and Canada)
Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 5.2.5, 9.1.2, 9.2.1, 9.2.3
Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals
Number of Credits: 1.0
Total Cost: 1 Site Credit
About the Presenter: Mary Finckenor, MA, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, CSSD, CCPR
Mary Finckenor

Mary Finckenor, MA, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM, CSSD, is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Nutrition Education and advanced certifications in diabetes care and sports dietetics. With more than 25 years of experience, she spent the majority of her career in Atlantic Health System’s Cardiac Rehab Program at Morristown Medical Center, specializing in cardiometabolic health and lifestyle-based interventions. She now practices at Advocare’s Princeton Cardiometabolic Health Center, where she focuses on diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Known for her dynamic, engaging presentation style, Mary is skilled at translating complex nutrition science into clear, practical guidance. She has presented at national, state, and local conferences, and is frequently invited to deliver corporate wellness programs throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.