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.
Why We Love Halloween Candy, and How to Enjoy It Without the Guilt
Halloween candy doesn't have to come with guilt. Explore why we enjoy sweets, what research says about cravings, and why your overall eating pattern matters more than one treat.
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.
What Makes an Eating Pattern Healthy? It’s More Than Individual Foods
One candy bar won't ruin your diet, and one superfood won't make it healthy. Explore why overall eating patterns, variety, balance, and sustainable habits matter more than individual foods.
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.
Understanding the Differences: RDNs, Nutritionists, and Functional Nutritionists
Not all nutrition titles mean the same thing. Learn what RDNs, nutritionists, nutrition coaches, and functional nutritionists actually mean, and how to evaluate nutrition credentials and information.
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.
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.
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.
Top 5 Reasons Eating Well Can Feel So Hard
Eating well can be difficult for many reasons, from busy schedules and food costs to boredom and feeling restricted. Here are five common barriers and realistic ways to make eating well easier.
Antioxidants and Phytochemicals: What They Are and Why They Matter
Antioxidants and phytochemicals aren't just ingredients in supplements. They're naturally occurring components of many foods. Here's what they are, where to find them, and why food variety matters more than chasing individual nutrients.
How Many Meals Should You Eat Each Day? Three Meals, Six Meals, or One?
Three meals? Six small meals? One large meal? Here's what the research says about meal frequency, metabolism, intermittent fasting, and finding an eating pattern that works for you.
Wheat Allergy vs. Gluten Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease: What's the Difference?
Wheat allergy, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease all involve reactions to foods containing wheat, but they are very different conditions. Learn what sets them apart and why understanding the difference matters.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What's the Difference?
Have you ever wondered whether a reaction to food is an allergy or an intolerance? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have different causes, symptoms, and health implications. Here's what you need to know.
Lactose Intolerance vs. Dairy Allergy: Why They Are Not the Same Thing
Lactose intolerance and dairy allergy are often confused, but they are two very different conditions. Learn what causes each one, the symptoms to watch for, and why understanding the difference matters.