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.
Apple Cider Vinegar: What Does the Evidence Actually Say?
Apple cider vinegar is promoted for everything from weight loss and blood sugar management to gut health and heart health. But what does the research actually show? Let's separate the evidence from the marketing and look at potential risks, too.
5 Common Diabetes Nutrition Myths, Debunked
There is plenty of misinformation about diabetes and nutrition. Does sugar cause diabetes? Do people with diabetes need to avoid carbohydrates? Let's look at five common myths and what the evidence actually tells us.
What Makes a Nutrient Essential?
Essential nutrients are nutrients your body needs but cannot make enough of on its own. Here's what that means and how to get what you need.
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.
Oats: Nutrition, Fiber, and Everyday Uses
Oats provide whole grains, fiber, and useful nutrients. Learn how different types compare, what oat fiber does, and how to use oats beyond oatmeal.
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.
Health Literacy: How to Tell If a Nutrition Claim Is Actually Worth Paying Attention To
Not every nutrition claim deserves your trust. Learn how to spot misleading information, check the source, evaluate the evidence, and make informed decisions without reading every scientific study.
Seafood: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and How to Choose What to Eat
Learn what seafood offers nutritionally, how fresh, frozen, and canned fish compare, what to know about mercury, and how to choose seafood that works for your budget and routine.
Eating for Brain Health: What Matters More Than a Single “Brain Food”
Coffee, tea, and chocolate get plenty of attention for their potential brain benefits. But what matters most for brain health? Explore the bigger picture, from eating patterns to sleep, movement, and cardiovascular health.
Does Chocolate Actually Have Health Benefits? What the Research Says
Chocolate has a reputation for being good for you, but what does the research actually show? Explore cocoa flavanols, brain health, mood, processing, and the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate.
Embracing Vegetarianism: A Spectrum of Choices
Vegetarian eating doesn't have to be all or nothing. Learn about different approaches to vegetarian and plant-based eating, how to get enough protein, and how to find an approach that works for you.
Brain Health: Tea, Chocolate, and Brain Health: Are the Benefits Real?
Tea and chocolate contain caffeine and plant compounds called polyphenols that may affect brain health. Here's what the research actually tells us about tea, cocoa, cognition, and more.
Brain Health: Caffeine, Coffee, and Your Brain: What We Actually Know
Coffee and caffeine get plenty of attention when it comes to brain health. Here's what we actually know about attention, sleep, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and the research that still needs more answers.
The Breakfast Blueprint: Why Protein and Fiber Matter for a Better Morning
Breakfast doesn't have to mean eggs, oatmeal, or cereal. Learn how protein, fiber, and other nutrients can help you build a satisfying first meal, whatever breakfast looks like for you.
Brain Health: What Does Your Brain Actually Need to Stay Healthy?
Brain health is about much more than memory, and it is not about finding one magical brain food. Learn what your brain needs from nutrition, movement, sleep, mental activity, social connection, and overall health.
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.