Real World Nutrition News You Can Use
There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. And nothing in this field is black-or-white, yes-or-no, but many shades of gray and a lot of “it depends.” So, my goal is to help clear up some of that misinformation with some snark, entertainment, and facts (with some opinion thrown in).
Many of these topics come from interactions with the public, friends, clients, and students. I see sheer misinformation about the science of nutrition, and I do my best to clear things up one blog post at a time.
If you have a topic you are wondering about, let me know.
Looking for a specific topic? Search to see if it is already here.
The Glycemic Index: Helpful Nutrition Tool or Just Another Number?
Glycemic index and glycemic load are often used to compare carbohydrate-containing foods. But what do these numbers mean, and should they influence your everyday food choices? This explains how they're measured, examples of common foods, and what they can and cannot tell us.
Is Oatmeal a Healthy Breakfast? What Makes an Oatmeal Breakfast Work
Oatmeal can be a nutritious breakfast, but the oats are only part of the story. Learn how protein, fiber, toppings, and portion size affect how satisfying your bowl is.
Food Is More Than Nutrition: Why Taste, Culture, Cost, and Enjoyment Matter
Food choices involve more than nutrition. Taste, culture, cost, convenience, and enjoyment matter, too. Learn why not every food needs a health label.
Oats: Nutrition, Fiber, and Everyday Uses
Oats provide whole grains, fiber, and useful nutrients. Learn how different types compare, what oat fiber does, and how to use oats beyond oatmeal.
Seafood: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and How to Choose What to Eat
Learn what seafood offers nutritionally, how fresh, frozen, and canned fish compare, what to know about mercury, and how to choose seafood that works for your budget and routine.
Eating for Brain Health: What Matters More Than a Single “Brain Food”
Coffee, tea, and chocolate get plenty of attention for their potential brain benefits. But what matters most for brain health? Explore the bigger picture, from eating patterns to sleep, movement, and cardiovascular health.
Does Chocolate Actually Have Health Benefits? What the Research Says
Chocolate has a reputation for being good for you, but what does the research actually show? Explore cocoa flavanols, brain health, mood, processing, and the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate.
Embracing Vegetarianism: A Spectrum of Choices
Vegetarian eating doesn't have to be all or nothing. Learn about different approaches to vegetarian and plant-based eating, how to get enough protein, and how to find an approach that works for you.
Brain Health: Tea, Chocolate, and Brain Health: Are the Benefits Real?
Tea and chocolate contain caffeine and plant compounds called polyphenols that may affect brain health. Here's what the research actually tells us about tea, cocoa, cognition, and more.
The Breakfast Blueprint: Why Protein and Fiber Matter for a Better Morning
Breakfast doesn't have to mean eggs, oatmeal, or cereal. Learn how protein, fiber, and other nutrients can help you build a satisfying first meal, whatever breakfast looks like for you.
More Fruits and Vegetables: What Counts and How Much Do You Really Need?
What counts as a fruit or vegetable? Learn about fresh, frozen, canned, dried, juice, potatoes, beans, serving sizes, sugar myths, budget, and practical ways to eat more.
Food Recalls: What You Need to Know Before You Panic
A food recall doesn't always mean the food is contaminated or that you will get sick. Here's how to check whether your product is affected, what to do with recalled food, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Honey: Is It Really Healthier Than Sugar?
Honey contains more than just sugar, but that doesn't automatically make it healthier than table sugar. Here's what you actually need to know about honey, raw honey, local honey, and Manuka honey.
Tips for Busy Families: Making Time for Family Meals
Family meals do not have to be elaborate or happen every night. These practical tips can help busy families find more opportunities to eat together.
What Does Self-Care Actually Look Like? Hint: It Isn't All Bubble Baths
Self-care doesn't have to mean adding another list of things to your schedule. Sometimes it means eating lunch, getting enough sleep, setting a boundary, or asking for help.
Your Health Is Not a Number on the Scale
Your weight can tell you one thing about your body, but it cannot tell you everything about your health. Here is what to pay attention to instead.
Dietary Approaches for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk: Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Cancer, and Respiratory Wellness
There isn't one diet for every chronic disease. Learn how practical eating patterns can support heart health, blood glucose, cancer risk reduction, and respiratory wellness.
Metabolic Syndrome: Can You Have It at Any Body Size?
Metabolic syndrome isn't determined by body size alone. Learn why larger bodies can have healthy metabolic measures, smaller bodies can have metabolic risk, and why looking beyond weight matters.
Healthy Eating Doesn't Have to Mean Eating "Healthy Foods" All the Time
Healthy eating isn't a test you pass or fail at every meal. A healthy eating pattern includes nutrition, variety, enjoyment, flexibility, convenience, cultural foods, and room for pleasure.
Chronic Disease Prevention: What You Can Influence and What You Can't
Chronic disease risk is influenced by much more than individual choices. Learn what you can do to support long-term health while recognizing the role of genetics, environment, access to care, and other factors.