Health and nutrition information is everywhere. From social media posts and news headlines to TV commercials and pop-up ads – there are all kinds of claims telling you what you should and shouldn’t eat. Sadly, there is a high chance the information could be misleading or even flat out wrong. Knowing how to spot when advice is harmful or helpful is a very powerful tool!
When you see or hear nutrition information, use these questions to decide if it’s good advice:
- Who is giving the nutrition advice? People who have a lot of training in nutrition are the ones to trust. Look to Registered Dietitians (RD), those with PhD in Nutrition, or Extension Nutrition Educators (like the content you find right here on the Eat.Move.Save. website!) for the best advice.
- Are several experts saying the same thing? It’s a good sign if you find similar advice in several places from trusted sources.
- Does the claim promise quick results? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Instead of looking for a quick fix, think about small changes you can make every day that you'll be able to stick to for a long time. This will lead to lifelong healthy habits.
- Could I stick to this “diet” for the rest of my life? If the “diet” they’re pushing avoids certain foods or entire food groups, it’s a fad diet. Instead, look to guidelines that encourage flexibility and variety, like MyPlate.
- Are they trying to sell you something? It’s best to get your nutrition from actual food, not pills or powders. Many of these products have very little regulation in terms of what’s in them. They could be unsafe, not to mention very expensive!
- Do they promise a “cure” by doing one thing or eating one food? Cutting out certain foods means you could be missing out on important nutrients. Enjoy a wide range of different foods every day!
Use MyPlate and Eat.Move.Save. as your main sources for trusted nutrition information. Looking for even more resources? Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and sign up for our email newsletter so you’ll always have great nutrition advice at your fingertips!
For a deeper dive into how to spot reliable health and nutrition information, check out this article from North Dakota State University Extension.