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.
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.
Rice, Potatoes, and Grains: Why Did Carbs Get Such a Bad Reputation?
Rice, potatoes, and grains have all been blamed for everything from weight gain to blood sugar problems. But are carbohydrates really the problem? Let's separate nutrition facts from carbohydrate myths.
Metabolic Syndrome: What It Is and Why It Matters
Metabolic syndrome isn't one disease or one number. Learn how blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference can work together to increase health risks.
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.
What Does Healthy Aging Really Look Like?
Healthy aging doesn't have one look. Explore common myths about aging, what changes are normal, what isn't inevitable, and what can help preserve independence and function.
Healthy Aging Starts Earlier Than You Think
Healthy aging isn't something to think about when you reach a certain birthday. Learn why muscle, bones, nutrition, activity, sleep, relationships, and prevention matter throughout life.
Meal Planning vs. Meal Prepping: Which Is Better and Why?
Meal planning and meal prepping often get lumped together, but they're two different strategies. Learn what each involves and how to decide which approach fits your life.
Healthy Life Expectancy: Adding Life to Your Years
Living longer is only part of the longevity discussion. Healthy life expectancy and healthspan focus on how many years we can expect to live in good health, function, and independence.
Life Expectancy vs. Lifespan: They're Not the Same Thing
How long could you live? How long will you actually live? And how many of those years will you spend in good health? Life expectancy, lifespan, and healthy life expectancy answer different questions.
Embracing Self-Care: What It Really Means and Why It Matters
Self-care is more than treating yourself or finding time for a spa day. Learn what self-care really means, why it matters, and how to make it a realistic part of everyday life.
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.
Digital Detox: Finding a Healthier Balance with Technology
Technology is part of everyday life, but constant connectivity can take a toll on our health. Learn practical ways to create healthier digital habits while staying connected to what matters most.
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.