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.
Talking Turkey: Myths, Facts, and Real Talk About Your Thanksgiving Bird
Sorting through all the Thanksgiving turkey myths? This post clears up the confusion around hormones, antibiotics, tryptophan, and more—just in time for the holiday.
Chicken Labels: What You Need to Know
Many chicken labels sound good but don’t mean much. Here’s what “no hormones,” “free-range,” and “natural” really mean, and how to spot the ones that actually matter.
What’s Up With Eggs? What the Labels Really Mean
Eggs have been both praised and criticized over the years. Here’s what we know about their nutrition, cholesterol, and those tricky carton labels.
What Foods Are GMO? Not as Many as You Think
You’ve seen “GMO” or “BE” on food labels, but what does it really mean? Here’s the truth about which foods are actually genetically modified—and why it’s a much shorter list than you might think.
Deconstructing Food Labels – Part 4: Non-GMO Terms
Not all “non-GMO” claims mean what you think. Here’s how to spot marketing hype and understand which foods are actually genetically modified.
Deconstructing Food Labels – Part 3: Tricky Front-of-the-Package Claims
Front-of-the-package claims can look helpful but often create confusion. Here’s what those tricky food label terms really mean, and why they may not always reflect a healthier choice.
Vegetarian Myths: Is It Automatically Healthier?
Many people believe vegetarian diets are automatically healthier. Here’s the truth about that myth, plus what matters most for balanced nutrition.
Deconstructing Food Labels – Part 1: Required Information
Food labels carry a lot of information, but not all of it is optional. Here’s what must appear on every food package by law and why it matters.
Are These Foods Healthy?
Not every “healthy” food lives up to the hype. Here’s the real story on five popular foods that may not be as nutritious as you think.
Want to Lose Weight for Good? 5 Myths Busted
You don’t need extreme rules or diets to lose weight. These 5 weight loss myths are outdated and misleading. Here’s what actually matters.
Wellness Trends That Aren’t Worth the Hype
Trendy wellness tips are everywhere, but not everything “healthy” is worth your time or money. Here’s the truth about popular trends and what truly supports wellness in the long term.
Dairy Foods – More Than Milk
Think dairy means drinking three glasses of milk every day? Think again. From cheese and yogurt to smoothies and coffee, dairy shows up in more ways than you might think, and the nutrients are worth paying attention to.
The Health Halo: Just Because It Sounds Healthy Doesn’t Mean It Is
Organic candy. Cane sugar soda. Plant-based burgers. These might sound healthier, but are they really? Here’s what the health halo effect looks like in the real world—and how to see through it.
Protein: Still a Nutrient and a Food Group
Someone recently “corrected” me on social media: “Protein isn’t a food group.” Spoiler: It is. Let’s break down what protein really is—and why it’s both a nutrient and a food group.
Peanuts & Nutrition: More Than Just a Snack
March is National Peanut Month! Discover why peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse, how they differ from other nuts, and the best ways to enjoy them while making wise choices.
The Truth About Organic – What You Need to Know
Many people assume organic means healthier or more nutritious—but that’s not always the case. Learn what organic actually means, how foods earn the label, and whether you should prioritize buying organic.
Is It Healthy or Just Hyped? Decoding Popular Diet Labels
From “clean eating” to “net carbs” and “superfoods,” diet labels are everywhere. But do they mean what we think they do? Let’s break down these common terms, separate fact from fiction, and help you make confident choices about your nutrition.
The Myth of the Perfect Diet
The idea of the “perfect diet” is misleading and unrealistic. Instead, embrace balanced, sustainable eating habits to support your health and well-being.
Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams: What’s the Real Difference?
Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same! Find out their differences, nutritional benefits, and how to include sweet potatoes in healthy meals.
Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy? The Truth About Tryptophan
Is turkey the reason for your Thanksgiving nap? Learn why it’s not the bird but your meal habits that cause sleepiness.