When it comes to food and nutrition, making sure you have the correct information helps lead to smart choices.
A lot of information is out there - whether it's from your next-door neighbor or from a Web site that looks reputable. The focus of this column is to equip you with the knowledge of reviewing information you get off the Internet for accuracy.
1. Reputable sources: Look for sources of information that have research behind them, such as the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and Web sites that end with .gov or .edu. You still want to thoroughly review what you read and have a healthy sense of skepticism along the way.
If you have a knack for understanding research and enjoy reading research articles, check out www.pubmed.com and do searches for actual research on a lot of things, not just nutrition and food. The only downside to this Web site is you typically have to pay for a copy of the article if you do not have a membership to the medical journal of interest - but a lot of times you can read the abstract for free. I like to begin my research of specific topics with this Web site before I hit Google.
2. Watch these words: "Miracle," "never," "only," etc. The only miracles out there are those supplied by the good Lord above. No diet will ever be able to constitute a miracle, and "never be hungry again" is best reserved for satirical movies. "Never eat this/that" only means possible elimination of vitamins and minerals that could be obtained from that particular food group.
3. Don't always take the advice of "expert's": If a Web site does not provide credentials that can be double checked, question the accuracy and authenticity of a person's advice. Just because the Web site says they are a doctor, clinical nutritionist, nutritionist or dietitian doesn't mean that they have the education and expertise to give out guidance.
In Florida, a nutritionist or dietitian has to be licensed to practice. This information can be found on the Florida Department of Health's Licensee Lookup: (http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/IRM00PRAES/PRASLIST.ASP). Feel free to ask the Web site moderator for information on education and license number of the person being featured. And in case you're wondering about me, my license number is ND4621 in Florida, I graduated from the University of Florida with a master's degree in food science and nutrition and I am registered with the Commission of Dietetic Registration, #923905. :o)
The Internet can be a very useful source of information, but it also can be very misleading and confusing. Anyone with access to the Internet potentially could set up a Web site and begin marketing themselves or their "diet." Know where your food and nutrition information is coming from and don't hesitate to talk it over with your doctor or a dietitian.
Lisa Fish is a registered dietitian with Winter Haven Hospital.
