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 Oats Odyssey: Unlocking the Power of Oats
Discover the nutritional wonders of oats, from their various types to the health benefits of oat fiber. Explore tasty recipes and oatmeal’s role in a balanced diet.
Embracing Vegetarianism: A Spectrum of Choices
Explore the world of vegetarianism on a flexible spectrum! Learn about the types of vegetarianism, health benefits, environmental impact, and practical tips for transitioning. Embrace the freedom of personalized plant-based choices.
The Sweet Truth About Chocolate Milk: A Nutrient-Packed Treat
Explore the surprising benefits of chocolate milk as a sports recovery drink and discover its cost-effective nutrition. Learn why it’s a delicious way to unlock milk’s nutritional advantages.
The Breakfast Blueprint: Why Protein and Fiber Matter for a Better Morning
Discover the secrets to a healthier morning with your breakfast blueprint and why protein and fiber are the keys to a better start to your day for #BetterBreakfastMonth.
The Power-Packed Peanuts: Unveiling Their Nutritional Marvels
Discover the multifaceted wonders of peanuts – from their extraordinary health benefits and sustainable impact to debunking myths about allergies and mold.
Dairy Dilemma: Do You Need Dairy in Your Diet for Optimal Nutrition?
Do you need dairy in your diet? From milk to cheese, dairy has long been promoted as a vital part of a balanced eating plan. But is it essential? For as long as I have been a dietitian (and before), there has been controversy about dairy. Today I bring you nutrition benefits, considerations, and dairy alternatives.
Lactose Intolerance vs. Dairy Allergy
There is often confusion between a lactose intolerance, the naturally occurring sugar in milk (from any mammal, including humans), and a milk allergy.
These two diagnoses and conditions are not interchangeable.
Someone with a dairy allergy cannot have cheese, not even a small amount of parmesan cheese, as a topping on a salad.
However, someone with lactose intolerance most likely can have that without any consequences.
Does cooking food kill nutrients?
So often, I hear an argument that cooking “kills” nutrients. With all the cooking humans have done since the discovery of fire, we would have died from malnutrition long ago. And while I will not argue that malnutrition is a significant issue globally, I guarantee you that cooking or heating food isn’t the issue.
Healthier Fast Food – Is it possible?
Is fast-food “healthy”? Not really. But you may find yourself at a fast food place wondering if there are healthier options. If you go more than “once in a while” you may want to consider how you make healthier choices and help your overall health in the process. And not avoiding them completely. Because sometimes you can’t.
Eat What You Want and Eat What You Love
Eat What You Want and Eat What You Love People are dubious when I tell people that they can eat what they want. But why not? What is the reason? Are you allergic? Have an intolerance? Or it is a perception that you “shouldn’t” eat certain foods?
Could You Do a Vegan Challenge?
Could You Do a Vegan Challenge? No meat, dairy, eggs, animal anything for 30 days. This "challenge" got me thinking…Is it a "challenge" to be vegan?
Peanut Butter Love
It is peanut butter lovers month – and I am one of those people who identify as a peanut butter lover. I am a fan of the creamy form – not crunchy. But we all have our preferences, and there is nothing wrong with our personal preferences. Parents and caregivers should use creamy for small children to reduce the risk of choking. This year, I am providing my list of 15 ways to have peanut butter in your diet. There are no rules here; use as much or as little as you want.
Low Down on Low-Calorie Sweeteners - Tabletop Sweeteners
One of the more "feared" things in nutrition are low-calorie sweeteners. Low-calorie sweeteners are another name for non-nutritive sweeteners or what many people call "artificial" sweeteners. People swear they cause cancer. Contribute to weight gain. Have all kinds of adverse health effects. Years ago, there was a laundry list of aspartame's negative impacts–all untrue. What is the truth?
What Are the Types Of Added Sugars?
Added sugar sources have many aliases – and go by many names. Not all these are the white granulated table sugar that most people think of, but different forms of sugar. Some of these may be for flavor – adding sweetness to the food, but they also may have important properties in the preparation, baking, or mouthfeel of a food.
Healthier Sugar Alternatives
When people refer to sugar, they think of or refer to white granulated table sugar. And people will often assume or mistakenly think that if they use a sugar alternative – such as honey or agave nectar- they are making a healthier choice or something more “natural.” But are any of these healthier alternatives to white sugar?
Natural Vs. Added Sugars
People say that they don’t eat carrots because they are high in sugar. They don’t eat potatoes because they are “all” sugar. They don’t eat fruit because they are high in sugar. Avoiding these plant foods because of their sugar content is among the more ridiculous statements I have heard. Why? Because naturally occurring sugar just isn’t the same as added sugars in food.
Carbohydrates vs Sugar
This is the first in a series about sugar and all things sugar. Sugar in the form of glucose is THE fuel for the brain, the fuel for all our cells, and the fuel for our muscles. So, when people make a blanket statement such as “sugar feeds cancer cells,” that is true, but only because sugar feeds ALL cells in the body.
Rice, Rice Baby
For years now, people tell me that they don’t eat carbs – bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. – I must wonder why specifically these four foods considering that rice isn’t a nutritional zero or significant contributor of excess calories in the typical American diet either.
Is Coconut Oil a Healthy Fat?
For many years, I’ve heard people spouting the benefits of coconut oil. There are all kinds of claims related to coconut oil and how it can prevent heart disease, treat Alzheimer’s disease, is antibacterial and antimicrobial, and can treat cancer. Even help hormone balance and cure diabetes? And help with hair and skin. Coconut oil is the best oil under the sun, and we should buy it by the bucketful. Or should we?