By: Brandi Olden RD, CD
March is National Nutrition Month and each year the American Dietetic Association markets a new slogan to promote a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition. This year the slogan is Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact. This banner is meant to encourage everyone to second guess the many myths and fad diets that are advertised and to take a closer look at the science behind the so-called "evidence".
With that in mind, here is a list of key questions to ask yourself the next time you hear about a "New Diet Breakthrough!"
- Does it sound too good to be true?
- Have any research studies been published in peer reviewed journals on this "new method?"
- Are miracle supplements required for it to work?
- What types of claims are being made? Can they be backed by research?
Often, there will be reports of new research printed in newspapers, magazines, and online. Unfortunately, what these articles do not reflect is if there have been multiple studies done of the same topic, and what those results are. This is another situation in which we can be easily led to believe the writer's own bias. Make sure to ask your dietitian to verify if the facts presented in this source are true. Find out if the studies on these topics have actually been published and verified.
Many people automatically trust the information provided in articles and advertisements, or the neighbor that lets them in on the latest diet trend. Investigate for yourself by asking the tough questions and clarifying the "evidence" with your 20/20 Lifestyles team before believing all that you read and hear. A good place to start your investigation is with James's Blog, 20/20 Insights, where James commonly debunks medical myths. Two of our favorite entries are: Medical Myths and Misinformation Management.
The 20/20 Lifestyles team prides itself in providing to you the most up to date and evidenced-based research. When our staff makes recommendations and suggestions, you can be guaranteed that they are based on sound science that has been proven in the literature by multiple research studies involving real people, just like you are me.