Fat is an essential nutrient – we do need it in the diet. And there are two more specific kinds that we need to include regularly: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Many people know omega-3 fatty acids though they may not know the details. However, I find that people either haven’t even heard of omega-6 fats or think we need to avoid them. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fat since we need to get them from the diet. But why don’t we hear much about this one?

So many people will talk about antibiotics in food. They will complain about antibiotics in some types of milk, egg, chicken, and meats. Now – let’s talk antibiotics. They are used to treat bacterial infections, not viruses in humans and other animals. But are there antibiotics and antibiotic residues in your food? Not likely.

While the definition of “clean” eating varies by the person saying the phrase, the one thing that often comes up when I ask people their interpretation of clean eating is “I wash my fruits and veggie.” Good choice.

Another thing that people will bring up is the infamous Dirty Dozen list. This “dirty dozen” is the list of foods that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes up with that suggest we should “always” buy organic.

While there are many things we can do to help the environment – drive less, encourage reusable bags (or no bags), and try to use less energy overall, what are things we can do to help the environment with our food choices? Here are five things you can do to start now.

When something new comes along, people will suddenly label it as healthy food when this just isn’t true.

Take plant-based “meats” as an example.

Why people gravitate to these varies. Perhaps they want to eat less meat or no meat, for humanitarian reasons, environmental reasons, or religious beliefs. I get that. Somehow, we still have to make food taste like meat that isn’t meat.

But when people start spouting about it being healthier or less processed? Hard no.

What Foods Are GMO? Not as many as you think.

People often refer to certain foods as “GMO” foods and others as “non-GMO foods.” Often when people refer to some of these non-GMO foods, I do have to roll my eyes (internally) because the food they are referring to is the non-GMO fact a GMO version does not exist.

Is Going Vegan Healthier? People often tell me the eat vegan because it is healthier. Many people assume that just because they are not eating animal-based foods, it automatically makes their diet better or healthier. Not necessarily.

It is estimated that a family of four loses $1,500 in uneaten food each year (in the United States). And much of this food waste is food purchased for preparation and consumption but not.

What does this mean?

It is not the leftovers you put in a container to eat later and forget. That is food waste, but not the majority of it.

It is not the food left on the plate. As much as our parents or grandparents, and even us as parents, tell the kids to clean their plates, this isn’t a significant contributor to food waste.

The concern and issue here are that all this food is going to the landfill which contributes to methane greenhouse gas.

Changes happen all the time, but in some cases, people resist them or give pushback when these changes occur. It is human nature to resist change, but consider there are many things that are constantly changing in our lives. And most of the time we accept it.

What is the “perfect” diet? It is the diet that would promote weight loss, eliminate heart disease, eliminate all risk of cancers, eliminate the risk of diabetes, and balance hormones. Does this exist?

Why does the number on a scale bother people so much? Why do some people put a lot of value on that number? Because they are acculturated to do so? Or do they believe their value is connected to it? The number on the scale measures the mass of something or someone here on Earth. But it means the world to so many people. But this isn’t as important a number as people think it is. What numbers are important?

People will often refer to “vitamin B” which is not an accurate statement. There are eight B vitamins all with different names, roles, and recommendations. And, most don’t need supplementing if you have a varied diet. Learn more about the different ones and which might need supplementing.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I list seven good green foods for you. And “green juice” is not one of them. ?

There are many foods people think of as healthy that really aren’t. What are they? I list five here.

Can you guess what they are?

People tell me that they choose primarily “whole foods,” and I often respond by saying I will shop nearly anywhere. And really I haven’t been to Whole Foods (the grocery store) in years.

But using the expression “whole foods” and focusing on what people describe as whole foods often means that people know what they are putting into their bodies. In theory, there are no confusing ingredients, no hidden calories, no added sugars, and no added fats.

But in reality, choosing so-called “whole foods” can help simplify eating so people don’t need to spend extra time figuring out what is in highly processed foods. And you will know what you are eating.

There is a lot that people can do to start healthier eating, but where to start? Today I give your FIVE tips to start on healthier eating. It isn’t complicated, just pick one and get started today.

It is the season of Lent, and while I am not catholic, I know there is an influence of having fish on Fridays, at least during this time of year. Watch television ads or go to a restaurant during lent (which in 2022 started on March 2), and there will very likely be a fish special.

Now, I must address an issue that presents itself more often than I’d like: fish can be healthy, but not when it is fried.

The MyPlate food icon replaced the Food Pyramid in 2011. So why do people not realized that is in the past, and the Plate is the thing to know? And it isn’t a rule, but a guideline.

Following up on a post about macros from nearly a year, ago, I address the question, “ How are foods chosen that will precisely fit a particular macro group?

Get out the calculator and read this first.

Many of us have goals, resolutions, those things we know we should do or want to accomplish, but something tends to get in the way. And these things are often something to focus on year-round, not just at the start of the year, month, or week.

And especially not AFTER a new medical diagnosis.

But MOTIVATION is a big part of us achieving the goals we have. So many things can motivate people, and there are many reasons people choose not to do something they know are good for them.