Are you feeling overwhelmed when looking for food and nutrition information on the internet? Ask yourself these 7 questions to find reliable information on healthy eating online.
- Is there a promise of a quick fix? If a diet or product sounds too good to be true, then it likely is. Making changes in your habits means a long-term commitment to healthy eating and physical activity.
- Is information based on personal stories or testimonials? It may be nice to hear a success story from a celebrity or friend, but it's not proof that something works or is true. Nutrition advice should be based on the best available research.
- Is the advice based on a single study? More research that shows the same results, makes the advice more trustworthy. Also, look for studies that include large numbers of people and longer durations.
- What are the qualifications of the writer? You wouldn’t ask a celebrity how to design a bridge, you’d ask an engineer. The same thinking should apply to nutrition advice. Check the website section “about us” to find out more about the people or company responsible for the website.
- Does the advice include buying special products or replacing foods with supplements? Food is the best source of nutrients. Special products and supplements are usually not needed to improve your health.
- Does the advice emphasize a single food or nutrient? Current food and nutrition evidence shows greater health benefits from eating a variety of nutritious whole foods rather than focusing on single foods or nutrients.
- Is the information on the website current? Reliable websites will include the date of when a webpage was written and are regularly updated to reflect the most current nutrition information and advice available.
Get free trusted advice from a Dietitian by calling 📞 8-1-1 or contact a Dietitian online on www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian (anywhere in BC). Interpreters are available in over 130 languages.
Check out these sources of reliable healthy eating information:
- Canada's Food Guide
- BC’s Healthy Eating Resources
- Unlockfood – Dietitians of Canada
- Cookspiration – Meal Plans & Recipes
This information was adapted from HealthLinkBC. Dietitian Services at HealthLinkBC (formerly Dial-A-Dietitian), provide free nutrition information and resources for BC residents and health professionals. Go to Healthy Eating or call 8-1-1 (anywhere in BC). Interpreters are available in over 130 languages.
