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 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.
Summer Eating Without the “Start Over Monday” Mindset
Summer often brings vacations, celebrations, and social eating. This blog explores how to approach it without guilt or the “start over Monday” mindset.
Building a Heart-Healthy Plate Without Overthinking It
Heart-healthy eating does not need to be expensive, bland, or complicated. Learn practical ways to build balanced meals that support long-term health.
Superfoods, Functional Foods, and Nutraceuticals: Do They Really Matter?
Superfoods are often marketed as superior, but what does that actually mean? This blog explains the terms and why overall patterns matter more.
Processed Meats: What They Are and What Actually Makes Them a Concern
Processed meats are often labeled as unhealthy, but what does that actually mean? This blog breaks down definitions, risks, and realistic intake.
Red Meat and Health: How Much Is Too Much?
Red meat is one of the most debated foods in nutrition. This blog breaks down what it is, what the research says, and how much is reasonable.
Are Olives a Healthy Food?
Olives are often overlooked compared to olive oil. This blog looks at their nutrition, benefits, and how they fit into a healthy eating pattern.
Heart Disease Is the #1 Killer, But Are We Making Progress?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, but survival rates have improved. This blog looks at what has changed and what still needs attention.
American Heart Association vs. Dietary Guidelines: What’s Different and Why It Matters
The American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines offer similar advice, but they are not the same. This blog explains the key differences and why they matter.
Do You Need IV Therapy?
IV therapy is becoming more popular for hydration and wellness. But is it necessary? This blog breaks down the claims, costs, and what actually works.
Healthy Eating vs. “Perfect” Eating: Why Consistency Matters More
Healthy eating is not about strict rules. This blog explores the difference between flexible habits and rigid patterns, including the impact on mental health.
The Mediterranean Diet: What It Is (and What It’s Not)
The Mediterranean diet is often called one of the healthiest ways to eat. But what does that actually mean? This blog breaks down what it is, what it isn’t, and how to apply it in real life.
Why Is It So Hard to Lose the Last 10 Pounds?
Why does “losing ten pounds” come up so often? This post explores the psychology behind it, what actually changes with weight loss, and how to approach your health in a more realistic, sustainable way.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers (and Actually Enjoy Them)
Leftovers do not have to be boring. Learn how to turn them into meals you actually want to eat with simple, creative ideas.
How to Reduce Food Waste at Home With Simple Steps
Reducing food waste does not have to be complicated. These simple strategies for shopping, storage, and leftovers can make a real difference.
Food Waste vs Food Loss: What’s the Difference and What Can You Do About It?
Food waste and food loss are often confused, but they are not the same. Learn the difference and simple, realistic ways to reduce food waste at home.