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.
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.
What Actually Matters? Finding an Eating Pattern That Works for You
After exploring diets from every angle, what actually matters? Learn how to evaluate nutrition advice and choose an eating pattern that fits your health goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
Five More Weight Loss Myths Busted
From low-carb diets and gluten-free eating to vegan diets and exercise, these common weight loss myths continue to circulate. Learn what the evidence actually shows.
Not Every Diet Is About Weight Loss: Gluten-Free, Heart-Healthy, Diabetic, Low-FODMAP, and Other Therapeutic Diets
Not all diets are designed for weight loss. Learn how therapeutic diets such as gluten-free, diabetic, renal, low-FODMAP, and heart-healthy eating patterns help manage chronic medical conditions.
The Most Misguided Diets: Cabbage Soup, Military Diet, Detoxes, and Other Quick-Fix Promises
Do fad diets really work? Learn why quick-fix plans such as the Cabbage Soup Diet, Military Diet, detoxes, and cleanses produce short-term results but rarely lead to long-term success.
Healthier Fast Food: Is It Possible?
Can fast food fit into a healthy eating pattern? Learn practical strategies for making more balanced choices when eating at fast food and quick-service restaurants.
When Diets Go Sideways: How Keto, Carnivore, and Other Trends Drift from Their Original Purpose
Many popular diets began with a specific purpose unrelated to weight loss. Learn how keto, elimination diets, Whole30, and carnivore evolved into modern diet trends.
Five Weight Loss Myths Busted
Do you need to stop eating after 8 PM? Should everyone follow a 1,200-calorie diet? Learn the truth behind five common weight loss myths and what the evidence actually shows.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Why Eating More Produce Is Still Great Advice
Why do fruits and vegetables appear in nearly every healthy eating pattern? Learn the benefits of produce, common nutrition myths, and simple ways to eat more fruits and vegetables.
The Best Diets: DASH, MIND, Flexitarian, Mediterranean, and Why They Consistently Rank Well
What makes a diet one of the best? Learn why DASH, MIND, Mediterranean, Flexitarian, and plant-forward eating patterns consistently receive high rankings and what they have in common.
Are Mushrooms a Vegetable? Plus the Benefits of Adding More Mushrooms to Your Meals
Are mushrooms vegetables? Technically, no. Learn how mushrooms are classified, explore their unique nutrition benefits, and discover easy ways to add more mushrooms to your meals.
What Makes a Diet “Good”? Common Traits of Healthy Eating Patterns
What separates a healthy eating pattern from a fad diet? Discover the seven common characteristics shared by diets that consistently support health, including balance, variety, moderation, and sustainability.
What Is a Diet, Really? Why We’ve Misunderstood the Word “Diet”
Most people think of diets as weight-loss plans, but that’s not what the word originally meant. Learn why everyone follows a diet, how the term became misunderstood, and why healthy eating is about long-term patterns rather than restrictive rules.
Restaurant Menu Labeling: What Those Numbers Really Mean
Restaurant menus include calorie information, but how useful is it really? This blog explains what menu labeling means and how to interpret it.
Food Expiration Dates: What They Really Mean (and When Food Is Still Safe)
Do food expiration dates really mean food is unsafe? Learn what best by, sell by, and use by dates actually mean and when food is still good.
Alcohol and Your Health: What “Moderation” Really Means
What counts as “one drink” might not be what you think. Here’s how alcohol actually affects your body and what moderation really looks like in real life.
What Is the Most Important Part of Nutrition?
If you had to choose the most important part of nutrition, what would it be? The answer is not as simple as one food or one rule.
All Calories Are Equal… But Not All 2,000-Calorie Days Look the Same
Calories measure energy, but two days with the same calorie intake can look very different nutritionally. Here is why food quality, volume, and nutrients matter.