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.
Hunger or Habit?
Today I pose this the question that many people have difficulty answering: are you eating out of habit or hunger?
First, why do people eat? Silly question, sure. But think about it. We eat out of necessity – humans need food to survive – because we cannot exist on air or water alone despite some people who claim otherwise.
Is “Fresh” the “Best”?
Sometimes you will hear that “fresh is best,” referring to fruits and vegetables. When I tell people to eat more fruits and vegetables, I say that I encourage various colors regardless of fresh, frozen, or canned.
Grocery Store Rule: Shop the Perimeter?
Sometimes you will hear dietitians and other health professionals tell people to “shop the perimeter” as a smart shopping strategy. This recommendation is from a classic grocery store set up of the fresh, whole foods being the perimeter of most stores, like produce, fresh meat, dried beans and nuts, and dairy products. Granted, stores vary in their setup, and there are exceptions to this sometimes.
Eat for Your Immunity
Does how you eat affect your immune system? Absolutely. Eating healthy can reduce your chances of getting sick this winter just as much as poor eating can increase the risk of getting sick. Your diet has a significant role in helping you defend against viruses and other germs that can get you sick.