Category: Fact or Fiction?

The straight dope on nutrition myths, trends, and fads

How is Alcohol Metabolized?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Nutrition Tips from Monica Reinagel

We’ll be ringing in a new year soon and I daresay a few glasses of champagne or other spirits will be enjoyed by many Nutrition Over Easy readers. So this seems like the perfect time to address some of the lore about alcohol and nutrition. For example, is it a good idea to eat a big meal if you’re going to be drinking? If you’ve over-indulged, can certain foods ward off a hangover? Is it true that alcohol is metabolized into sugar or that it blocks your body’s ability to burn fat? Answers to these and other frequently asked questions about alcohol—along with my tips on how to indulge safely—are in this week’s Nutrition Diva Podcast. Read or listen to it here.

Do Grains Decrease Colon Cancer Risk?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Do Grains Decrease Colon Cancer Risk?

Q.  After doing some research, I have been trying to reduce my intake of grains. But the big thing in the news this week is a new study finding that fiber from grains reduces the risk of colon cancer and that fiber from fruits and veggies doesn’t have the same effect. Have you looked at this new research? Do you still recommend reducing grains?

A.  Just to be clear, I’m not anti-grain.  Although I suspect that most Americans consume an excessive amount of grain products (especially refined grains),  and I believe that grains are not essential to a healthy diet, I still think that a healthy diet can include grains (especially whole grains).

I have, however, questioned  the dogma on the “benefits of whole grains” on the basis that the research doesn’t really distinguish between the benefits of adding whole grains and the benefits of reducing refined grains. (The two virtually always go hand in hand.)

Does this new study change my position?   Not really. Continue reading “Do Grains Decrease Colon Cancer Risk?” >

Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Can eating more often help you stay thin?
Can eating more often help you stay thin?

A study in this month’s  Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that people of normal weight eat more frequently (5 times per day on average) than overweight people (who average 4.2 times per day), suggesting that eating more frequently may be a key to maintaining a healthy weight.  At least, that’s what all the headlines will say–and this will fuel the popular myth that eating more frequently “revs up your metabolism.”

See also: Metabolism Myths

But let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?   Continue reading “Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?” >

Is MSG Bad for You? Part 2 of 2.

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThe FDA and EU consider MSG to be a harmless flavor enhancer; critics claim it’s a dangerous toxin. Who’s right? Last week, I explained what MSG is, how it acts in the body, how it’s used in the food supply.  This week, I take  a closer look at charges that MSG causes headaches (“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”), neurological damage, or has harmful effects on insulin, diabetes risk, or even obesity.   Read or listen to Part 2 here.

Is MSG Safe? (Part 1 of 2)

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling FabulousThe FDA and EU consider MSG to be a harmless flavor enhancer; critics claim it’s a dangerous toxin. Who’s right? In this article, I take a look at what MSG is, how it acts in the body, how it’s used in the food supply.  In Part 2 , I’ll take a closer look at charges that MSG causes headaches (“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”), neurological damage, or has harmful effects on insulin, diabetes risk, or even obesity.   Read or listen to Part 1 here.