Comments on: Who Can You Trust For Diet Advice?

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:03:30 +0000

I know others have already mentioned Registered Dietitians in these responses but I just wanted to put in my two cents as an RD myself. The minimum requirement is a BS but over half of RDs have a master’s degree and all are required to keep up on continuing education to keep their credentials. While there are some dietitians hired by government agencies such as the Dairy Council and USDA, many are huge advocates for the local food movement and are excellent sources for the public when it comes to sifting through all the convoluted nutrition information out there. Dietitians are well versed in disease specific diets and unlike MDs are focused on the preventative powers of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. There are dietitians in hospitals, outpatient clinics, school districts, community health organizations, WIC clinics (we’re also big advocates of breastfeeding), private practice, working for grocery and health food stores, research, corporate health programs, etc. I would recommend you familiarize yourself with the efforts of dietitians in the community and in healthcare as well as their role in nutrition research as you continue to write this blog. I think you’ll find that your interests align well with our profession and maybe you will consider recommending a qualified registered dietitian as a good source for your readers.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:13:57 +0000

You make a very valid point, and I’m glad to hear someone saying that we cannot trust our government or any government agencies for diet advice. However, I’m not entirely sure all scientists are the best qualified, either. I base this on the fact that, as Michael Pollan agrees, what we eat shouldn’t have to be complicated.
You are taking the very rare perspective of combining scientific evidence with accessible action steps. Your advice to eat your vegetables, skip processed food, learn to cook, etc., is very sound, straightforward, and simple.
My interest lies in the fact that if you told ten people this is what they should do to lose weight, prevent disease, and live longer, maybe one of them would actually do it. Figuring out what prevents people from following such simple, overarching principles is the key to getting people off processed foods and back in the kitchen.

By: Jo

Jo — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:00:42 +0000

I agree with you that MD’s shouldn’t be giving nutrition advice to the nation as a whole or writing diet books. I also agree in treating USDA guidelines with skepticism. But I don’t know that individual scientists should be the gold standard either. I think the idea of a “panel of scientists” is better. There is always some objectivity in data interpretation and I think the any diet advice given to the public should be a productive of a collective of the best minds. The term “peer-reviewed” should be expanded here. And intelligent journalists (like Pollan) should certainly be included, of course.

By: R Noel Rodriguez

R Noel Rodriguez — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:02:55 +0000

I recently joined your site and find it mostly interesting. This topic, “who to trust” on dietary issues is especially important. That Michael Polland recommends that you don’t eat anything that your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food should be a mitigating point about not trusting your own mother’s advice. After all, your mother supposedly learned everything she knew about food from your grandmother. The best advice I have is to be your own advocate and take responsibility for your diet. Read everything you can concerning your food and nutrition, moderate your intake, and enjoy life.

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:50:06 +0000

Agreed! 5 yrs of training definitely counts

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:50:54 +0000

Great post, as usual. However, I don’t agree with your comment that you need more than a bachelor’s degree to understand scientific studies. Although this may be true with a lot of BSc degrees, dietetics graduates (as Linda Simon eluded to) are highly trained to read and interpret these studies within our 5 years of training, because it is so imperative to our work.

I can’t speak for all University dietetics programs, but I know this is how it is for most in Canada.

Keep up the great work!!

By: Sarah @ Semi-Sweet

Sarah @ Semi-Sweet — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Couldn’t agree with you more, Darya! I try to understand the studies, I’ve read all those books, am under 50, and am always hungry for more. But I was a lawyer for years, so I can read complicated stuff, and I’m also personally interested in those things. I think for the average person, however, it’s complete information overload/jibberish, and that coupled with the fact that their caregivers are usually clueless, leaves them acting on hearsay from friends, family & colleagues and relying on front-of-package claims from food manufacturers.

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:28:03 +0000

Thanks for asking aboug Dr. Weill, Linda. I have heard a lot about him, some good some bad. I have been meaning to read his biggest book, but still haven’t gotten around to it. I will certainly keep you posted when I do!

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:25:56 +0000

Funny you should mention the China Study, I was planning to write a review of it this week

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:25:08 +0000

Excellent point as usual, Steve.