I think everyone has complained at some point about how confused they are about nutrition. Including me! But I realized that the cause of confusion is often the way nutrition articles are presented in the media. This piece says one thing, that one says the opposite. Right? Some news outlets are getting better and taking the time to construct a story that is balanced and provides an in-depth view of the topic being explored. But if you rely only on headlines or just read the first and last sentences of an article, you’ll likely throw up your hands and start bingeing on potato chips.
My work as a dietitian allows me to see patients who tell me what confuses them. I hear and answer their toughest questions. Working also as a health writer at a research institution allows me to study those tough questions in-depth, relying on unbiased research (as much as that is possible, meaning not industry-funded or with other special interests) with high-quality studies. Although this path is a lot harder and longer than just reading a summary clip from the New York Times, I find a pretty clear, reasonable answer. Nutrition isn’t that confusing if you have time to research it. I’m not saying I have answers to all nutrition questions, because sometimes the answer is that we don’t know yet. But at least I can say “I don’t know” with confidence!
In this section, I’ll post about trending topics, sharing information that I have access to so far. I always welcome differing points of view 🗣
DIETITIANS: WHAT ABOUT INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS?
HOW TO EAT A MORE PLANT-BASED DIET
NUTS OVER COCONUT: IS IT REALLY HEART HEALTHY?
POUR A GLASS OF WHOLE FAT OR LOW FAT?
THE PROS & CONS OF INTUITIVE EATING
WHAT ABOUT ‘HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE’?
WHAT ABOUT INTERMITTENT FASTING?
Nutrition Prescriptions 