Portion Tips and Tricks
Dietary advice often includes measurements. For example: for someone consuming a 2,000 calorie diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend two-and-a-half cup-equivalents of vegetables and two cup-equivalents of fruits a day. But what does that actually look like on your plate? Additionally, Nutrition Facts labels contain a suggested serving size (see “Portion or Serving Size?” […]
Ask Tufts Experts: January 2023
Q: What is an elimination diet? Can it be used for weight loss?
A: Alicia Romano, MS, RD, CSNC, a registered dietitian/nutritionist with the Frances...
Beware of “Health-Washing”
Some health claims on packages or in advertising may be inappropriate or even misleading. This is sometimes referred to as “health-washing.” Common Claims. Even FDA-approved claims (like organic, “non” or “free,” reduced, light, natural, and naturally raised) don’t guarantee the food or beverage is an overall healthy choice. Here are some red flags to look […]
Special Report: Our Holiday Favorites
Our traditional winter holiday foods can nourish us both nutritionally and spiritually. Get inspired by these recipes based on the holiday favorites of our Editorial Advisory Board members!
Grain Products: Don’t Be Fooled by Healthy-Sounding Labels!
Eating more minimally processed whole grains and less refined grains is good for your health. But how do you know which grain products are the best choice? Big, front-of-package words like wheat and multigrain can be misleading, the color is not a good indicator, and other ingredients contained in the item can torpedo an otherwise […]
Give Thanks for Good Health!
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, casseroles, turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, creamy green beans, pies and more pies…it can be confusing to determine which traditional Thanksgiving foods support good health. While one day of splurging will not ruin the benefits of an otherwise healthy dietary pattern, approaching the annual feast armed with knowledge and a plan […]
Relative Heath of Processed Foods … Calcium Intake Recommendations
Q: On the spectrum of processed foods, where do supposedly healthy foods such as plant milks, frozen veggie burgers, and seasoned frozen fish fit in? A: Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, managing editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “According to the most commonly used criteria, minimally processed foods are whole foods that have […]
Top Reasons to Avoid “Top Foods” Lists
You see them everywhere: “The ten best/worst foods for your health.” “The top five reasons you should eat/avoid particular foods.” These lists are eye-catching and can be fun to read, but they may not be the best way to get your nutrition information. And we’re going to give you the top three reasons why! 1. […]
Nitrates in “No Nitrate Added” Meats
Q: You have stated that cured meats that say ‘no nitrate or nitrite added’ still contain these potentially cancer-causing compounds. Can you please explain this? A: Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, Stanley N. Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at the Friedman School and executive editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “Adding nitrates […]
Red Meat Associated with Increased CVD Risk Through the Gut Microbiome
A recent study by Tufts researchers and colleagues looked at the dietary habits of nearly 4,000 participants aged 65 and older and measured the level of specific metabolites in their blood. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events—like heart attacks and strokes—were recorded over 12.5 years follow-up. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and dietary factors, higher […]