Now more than ever, it is difficult to distinguish one piece of nutrition advice from another. Low-carb? No-carb? Organic? Vegan? Raw? With all these buzz words floating around, plus marketing ploys, social stigma, pseudo-science, and media and celebrity hype, it can be dizzying for consumers that are striving to eat healthfully and set a positive example for their families. The American Dietetic Association seeks to clear up some confusion and clarify six of the most common and enduring food myths.

Myth: Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier than frozen or canned.

Fact: Research has proven that frozen and canned foods are just as nutritious as fresh. In fact, some nutrients, such as lycopene (found in tomatoes), are more readily absorbed in the body once they are processed, so canned fruits and vegetables can sometimes be the better option.

Myth: Body weight is a reliable indicator of a healthful diet.

Fact: Although two people can share the same body weight, the amount of muscle and fat that they carry can differ dramatically. Overall health is a combined measure of many factors, only one of which is body weight.

Myth: Eating carbohydrates causes weight gain.

Fact: Excess calories cause weight gain. Calories from carbohydrates are no more fattening than calories from any other source. Despite the claims of many low-carb diet books, a high-carbohydrate diet does not promote fat storage by enhancing insulin resistance.

Myth: Eating just before bedtime is fattening.

Fact: What you eat, not when, is what makes the difference. Calories have the same effect on the body no matter when they are eaten, Evidence does suggest that eating regular meals, especially breakfast, helps promote weight loss by reducing fat intake and minimizing mindless snacking. Meanwhile for those who have to resort to medical intervention, before undergoing weight loss surgery, patients are required to follow a strict pre-operative diet and exercise regimen.

Myth: Eating sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: Diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to make and release insulin. Since foods that are high in sugar are also often high in calories, overeating those foods can cause weight gain. Becoming overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes.

Myth: Occasionally following a fad dietis a safe way to quickly lose weight.

Fact: Many fad diets are developed by people with no science or nutrition background, and some fad diets can be considered harmful. When trying to lose weight, consult a registered dietitian to help you develop a healthy and balanced eating plan.

For more information and resources on healthy eating, or to find a registered dietitian in your area, visit the ADA website at www.eatright.org.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

JEANETTE

I had a great 1st visit with the nutritionist. I went to get tips on changing by diet, but got much more. I was able to set a physical activity and nutrition goal. The nutritionist was knowledgeable and helpful.

I am so grateful for the stellar support and advice provided by Meghan, the dietitian I'm working with. She is both knowledgeable and kind, and it's a deeply productive journey. Thank you."

MICHELLE
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Consulting with a Family Food nutritionist is turning out to be helpful in my effort to live healthy. The consultations are a way of having a sense of accountability and I get helpful feedback on my dietary decisions.

STAN
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Great nutrition experts who inspire you! I am happy with the nutrition specialists at Family Food. They make me excited about nutrition, answer all my questions, and provide excellent recommendations! Thank you!!

AS
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Very professional experience. I felt she listened to my needs and adjusted to personalize my nutrition needs.

L
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My initial appointment was helpful - helped me consider new ways of addressing some problem areas for me and helped set attainable, concrete goals.

CHARLOTTE
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Insightful and Informative. She was very attentive and helpful. She gave excellent tips on what to do and eat to meet my goal weight.

TRACEY-ANN
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I feel confident about the changes we made to my goals and look forward to implementing them into my everyday routine. The health adviser was very helpful and didn't make me feel shameful for not meeting all my previous goals.

ERICA
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I highly recommend Family Food. The nutritionist, Erika is helpful and provides great information and positive feedback.

KELSHA
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I had an excellent experience with the representative from Family Food. She really read into what I was telling her and offered excellent advice that I am already able to implement after one visit. She also helped to make the best use of the hour long session. Very good time management!

AB
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I met with a dietician for the first time and I had an idea of what to expect but I find this to be an invaluable resource because I have already received great ideas of things to use for meal planning and I also received more information of how to read nutrition labels. I am looking forward to my next appointment.

SHANA
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I really enjoyed my first session with Christine. She provided me with a lot of solid information on issues I was not aware of and positive reinforcement for behaviors I have already engaged in. I outlined specific goals I would like to work on with her guidance and she gave me some initial steps to start. I found what she had to say respectful of the space I am in and cognizant of obstacles to making lifestyle and lifelong changes.

LYNN
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I walked in without any specific questions/concerns, and my counseling was well-guided and ended up helping me see specific small changes that I can make to keep me on-track with my nutrition goals. Solutions fit my lifestyle and were not cookie-cutter, which is fantastic. I was able to start making improvements immediately. Thank you!

KAYLEY
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I am finding the sessions helpful and a good way to talk through improving habits and making better food choices.

ANDREA
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I am very happy this program exists. It has been very helpful and informative. My deitition is very nice and intelligent I am happy to have her help and support.

ATTANYA
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The Family Food blog

The most reliable evidence-based nutrition information on child and adult nutrition.

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