Diets/Dieting/Fad Diets
Plant-Based Diets and Protein Quality
Plant-based diets continue to gain popularity, raising questions about protein quality and adequacy. While plant proteins can support muscle maintenance and growth, they may require more careful planning to ensure…
Food Additives and Gut Health Are Under Investigation
Researchers are exploring whether certain food additives may influence gut microbial activity or intestinal health. Emulsifiers used in processed foods have received particular attention because some laboratory studies suggest they…
Plant Diversity May Matter More Than Plant Quantity
Nutrition research has traditionally emphasized the number of plant foods consumed, but scientists are increasingly interested in plant diversity. Diets containing a wide range of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and…
Food Processing Research is Becoming More Nuanced
Public discussion about ultra-processed foods often frames them as a category to avoid entirely. However, researchers are increasingly examining how different types of processing affect nutritional value rather than applying…
Energy Deficiency in Active Adults
Energy deficiency is increasingly recognized beyond elite sport, affecting recreationally active adults who unintentionally underfuel relative to training, work, and life demands. Unlike overt dieting, energy deficiency can occur without…
Diet Trends Professionals Are Rejecting
Many professionals are increasingly cautious about extreme or highly restrictive diet trends that promise rapid results. Concerns include sustainability, nutrient adequacy, and psychological stress. This trend reflects a shift toward…
Nutrition Anxiety and Behavior Change
Heightened focus on “optimal” nutrition has contributed to anxiety around food choices for some individuals. Fear of making the wrong decision can undermine consistency, enjoyment, and long-term adherence. Research increasingly…
Fiber Intake Trends
Despite increased interest in gut health, fiber intake remains below recommended levels for many adults. Recent discussions emphasize fiber’s role in digestive health, metabolic regulation, and satiety rather than weight…
Ultra-Processed Foods: Evolving Definitions
Ultra-processed foods are frequently discussed as a category to avoid, yet definitions and applications continue to evolve. The NOVA classification system has driven much of the conversation, but research increasingly…
Teaching Food Literacy, Not Rules
Food literacy emphasizes understanding, skills, and context rather than rigid dietary rules. This approach supports autonomy and adaptability in real-world eating situations. Fitness professionals can reinforce food literacy by encouraging…
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
For today’s health-conscious clients, food isn’t just fuel—it’s functional. Consumers are increasingly turning to products that promise more than just calories or convenience. From immune support to mental clarity, recovery,…
Chewing Less, Gaining More: A Weight Gain Effect of Ultra-Processed Food
Here is some concerning news: more than half of the calories adults eat at home now come from ultra-processed foods and previous research has demonstrated that if you eat a…
U.S. Students Not Following a Healthy Diet or Other Behaviors Necessary for Better Health
U.S. high school students do not engage in adequate levels of healthy dietary behaviors, according to a report on data pulled from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
More Proof – We Are a Fast-Food Nation
In America, fast food restaurants are everywhere — including hospitals. Nearly 70% of U.S.-based hospitals affiliated with a medical school have at least one fast food establishment inside their facilities,…
The Scourge of Sugary Drinks
According to research published in the journal Nature Medicine, sugar-sweetened drink consumption accounts for more than two million new cases of type two diabetes, and 1.2 million new cases of…
What Do You Think?
Beans and lentils might be playing a starring role in newly proposed changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If adopted, the new guidelines would emphasize such plant-based proteins and…
Yogurt and Honey are a Perfect Pairing
Here is some sweet news: Researchers stationed at the University of Illinois suggest that clover honey, when mixed with yogurt, can significantly improve the survival of beneficial bacteria in our…
Cutting Calories Won’t Bring Podium Finishes
Attempts by endurance athletes to slash calorie intake to drop or maintain a lower body weight prior to competition can be driven by a belief that fewer pounds will enhance…
Most of the World’s Population Lacks Some Essential Micronutrients
Nutrients such as iron and calcium are critical for good health, but a big portion of the world’s population is coming up short in them. Research published in the journal…
