Nutrition & Healthy Living
Evidence-based nutrition guidance translated into practical, real-world application for both individuals and healthcare professionals. Nutrition science, healthy eating, medical nutrition therapy, protein intake, supplements, preventative nutrition.
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Is Allulose the Next Big Sweetener?
Allulose is gaining attention as a sugar alternative for people looking to reduce added sugar, support blood sugar management, or manage weight. As a dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist, I’m increasingly asked whether allulose is actually healthier than sugar and whether the evidence supports the hype. And honestly, I understand the appeal. I still have a major sweet tooth myself. While I’ve been more consistent about reducing alcohol and caffeine, I still enjoy sweet foods and often use low- and non-nutritive sweeteners to satisfy cravings without completely derailing my health goals. Unlike many artificial sweeteners, allulose tastes and…
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Probiotics vs Digestive Enzymes: Which Is Better for Gut Health?
If you’ve ever searched for ways to improve gut health, you’ve likely come across both probiotics and digestive enzymes, often marketed for similar symptoms like bloating, irregularity, and poor digestion. This overlap can make it difficult to know which one is actually the right fit. One product that keeps coming up is Seed’s Daily Synbiotic, a probiotic and prebiotic supplement positioned for microbiome support. I usually scroll past these ads, but this one caught my attention, especially when I saw they offer clinician samples, so I decided to try it myself. After a few weeks of using Seed, I found…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: Integrating CGM Into Personalized Meal Planning
It may be the last day of March, but it’s not too late to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages individuals and communities to make informed food choices and build sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns closely with the direction of the American Diabetes Association 2026 Standards of Care. We’ll use one final opportunity to take a closer look at updates to nutrition guidance in the 2026 Standards of Care. This week, we’ll explore updates on the expanded role of CGM. As CGM and…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: Strengthening Safety During Religious Fasting
March is one of my favorite months. Along with several family birthdays, it is also National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages individuals and communities to make informed food choices and build sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns closely with the direction of the American Diabetes Association 2026 Standards of Care. To celebrate, each week this month I will take a closer look at updates to nutrition guidance in Section 5 of the 2026 Standards. This week, we will explore important updates related to safety and…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: Adequate Nourishment During Weight Loss
March is one of my favorite months. Along with several family birthdays, it is also National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages individuals and communities to make informed food choices and build sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns closely with the direction of the American Diabetes Association 2026 Standards of Care. To celebrate, each week this month I will take a closer look at updates to nutrition guidance in Section 5 of the 2026 Standards. This week, we will explore shifts in the language and…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: A Shift Toward Food Quality Over Quantity
March is one of my favorite months. Along with several family birthdays, it is also National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages individuals and communities to make informed food choices and build sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns closely with the direction of the American Diabetes Association 2026 Standards of Care. To celebrate, each week this month I will take a closer look at updates to nutrition guidance in the 2026 ADA Standards. This week, we will explore the continued shift away from rigid macronutrient targets…
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Diabetes and Nutrition: What’s New in the 2026 ADA Standards of Care
March is near and dear to my heart. Not only does it include several family birthdays, it’s also National Nutrition Month! Established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month encourages the public to learn more about making informed food choices and developing sustainable eating habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive. It also plays an important role in cardiometabolic health and chronic disease prevention. To celebrate the month, I’ll be taking a closer look at updated nutrition recommendations in the American…
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[Updated] Longevity Medicine Beyond the Messenger
Originally published November 4, 2025. Updated February 2026. As clinicians and scientists, we often engage with ideas, frameworks, and data that are communicated through books, podcasts, or public figures. It is critical to be clear about where our professional endorsement begins and ends. This article reflects a review of the scientific concepts presented in Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. It does not represent support for, or alignment with, the personal actions or conduct of Dr. Peter Attia. Recent reporting has raised serious ethical concerns, and I want to state clearly that I do not condone or excuse any…
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Dietary Guidelines vs. Diabetes Care: What Works, What Doesn’t
If you work in the nutrition, wellness, or public health space or honestly if you were just on the internet this week, you probably noticed the stir around the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2025–2030 update has arrived with no shortage of commentary, critique, endorsements, and of course, funny and creative memes. Love them or hate them, these guidelines are clearly fueling plenty of online chatter. But what does all of this actually mean for people living with diabetes? Are these new guidelines helpful or harmful? And how do they stack up against the nutrition guidance outlined…
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What Are Peptides and Why Is Everyone Talking About Them?
In keeping with the latest viral TikTok trends, I couldn’t help but notice the surge of content tagged with #peptides. This isn’t simply encouragement to eat more protein-rich foods like meat, fish, or eggs. Instead, the conversation has shifted toward pills, powders, tinctures, and even injections of various peptides, many of which were never covered in my dietetics training. Naturally, that raised questions. If we’re not talking about the peptides that come from whole foods, what exactly are people taking? I dug into the literature to better understand what peptides are, how they’re being used, and what we actually know…
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My Thanksgiving Menu (From a Dietitian Who Can’t Cook)
It’s true. I’m a dietitian who can’t really cook. That doesn’t stop me from trying, of course. Just be warned: I rarely taste as I go, and I almost never follow directions. I like to live on the wild side. So with that in mind, here’s what I’m preparing for Thanksgiving this year!
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: Supporting Safe and Sustainable Weight Loss
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I wanted to share a preview of what makes weight and fat loss in type 1 diabetes uniquely complex and highlight evidence-based strategies for supporting safe, sustainable weight management in this population. I hope this sneak peek sparks curiosity and encourages you to consider adding this valuable resource…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: What Are Best Practices for Insulin Dosing?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I want to share a preview of some best practices for insulin dosing for individuals on multiple daily injections (MDI). What are the strategies for dosing insulin with meals? How can doses be adjusted? And how do factors like exercise, alcohol, or stress come into play? I hope…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: What about Protein and Fat?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I want to share a preview of my key findings on the role of fat and protein. Does fat and protein impact glycemic? What is the ideal amount? Does it require additional insulin? I hope this sneak peek sparks curiosity and encourages you to consider adding this valuable resource…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: Do Carbohydrates Matter?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I’d like to share a preview of some key findings on carbohydrates. Is carbohydrate counting still relevant today? Does the type of carbohydrate make a difference? And how do approaches like low-carb or keto eating fit in? My hope is that this sneak peek sparks curiosity and inspires…
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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: A Four-Part Series
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on medical nutrition therapy for the management of diabetes. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and substantially rewriting a chapter focused on nutrition therapy recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. This was by far one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I’ve taken on, rivaling even my graduate thesis (which included over 110 citations!). The chapter is deeply researched and reflects countless hours of work, reflection, and revision, though at this point, it all feels like a…
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Is Full-Fat Dairy Back on the Table?
I’d be lying if I said the thought of drinking milk didn’t make my stomach grumble, and not in a good way. Admittedly, I’m one of the growing number of Americans who has mostly phased dairy out of my routine (for the comfort of myself and those around me; if you know, you know). But that doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed the rising trend of full-fat dairy products popping up on store shelves and social feeds. After what feels like decades of low-fat everything, including yogurt, dips, buttery spreads, and salad dressings, we seem to have come full circle, welcoming…
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Food Connects Us: A National Nutrition Month Celebration
It’s March already, which means it’s National Nutrition Month—a time to celebrate the power of food and nutrition and recognize the vital role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in promoting healthy eating through expert guidance and resources. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights how food brings us together—linking us to our cultures, families, and communities. Sharing a meal is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to learn about its preparation, the people who made it, and where the ingredients come from. Here are a few meaningful food connections that resonate with me! Creating Connections in the Kitchen Cooking at…
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Book Review: Saturated Facts by Dr. Idz – A Deep Dive into Nutrition Myths
This may come as a surprise—but I’m not much of a book reader, at least not when it comes to novels. After working through 2-3 peer-reviewed articles, reading daily nutrition briefings, sorting through countless emails, and keeping up with the news, my eyes need a break. More often than not, I turn to podcasts instead. However, I genuinely enjoyed Dr. Idz’s new book, Saturated Facts. His casual and frank approach to busting diet and nutrition myths, along with his breakdown of trending nutrition research, made for an enjoyable and informative read—something I actually looked forward to at the end of…
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Do Food Warning Labels Really Work?
On a recent trip abroad, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of food warning labels on items at the local mini-mart. Bold, bright labels reading “Danger: High Fat” or “Excess Sugar” were stamped across the front of snack packaging. I wasn’t surprised—I knew full well that the bag of chips I grabbed wasn’t the healthiest choice, but I really wanted to try them. When in Rome! Still, it made me wonder—do food warning labels actually deter consumers? Do they influence purchasing behavior, or do people, like me, simply ignore them when cravings strike? Let’s explore when and why food…
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