mind issues for consumers

• Are fired up peppers better than sautéed?
• Is fried brussels sprouts better than not eating sprouts at all?
• Is stevia equal to sugar in benefits?
• Is organic food better for you than conventionally produced food?
• Is fresh produce better than frozen?
• Are organic grapes better tasting than conventionally grown grapes?
• Pesticides residues: Are people being scared away from healthy affordable fruits and veg over concern about pesticide residues?

Every day I am asked questions like these. It’s about choice, options and balance over your single day.

Moderation is key! Moderation to means is to keep portion size in mind, variety in color, textures and cooking preparation and balance in the daily intake. Sometimes we overdo it in one meal but are able to provide a better balance throughout the rest of the meal dayparts.

When it comes to organic, nutrients are about the same depending on how you cook these fruits and vegetables. The  nutrition from organic or conventionally grown foods are about the same. The key is how you handle and cook the foods. Remember your body breaks down all food into carbon, hydrogen and oxygen into glucose which is utilized by your body for the tasks it has to undertake (For energy and body processes).Remember whatever is in season! Wild or farmer grown, conventional or organic, packaged or loose, you can choose and eat and enjoy!

Consumers, where do you get your food information? How do you know it’s right and valuable for you and your family?

Misinformation is prevalent. Check your resources-make sure blogs, websites, pods, Instagram, etc.. are valid by checking credentials of parties involved.  Opinions are opinions and everyone has them but facts should be science based and substantiated with a resource. Criteria that I look for it are credentials of the person writing the piece, what type of background (education, expertise, etc..) in the subject does that person(s)have, and/or credibility of person/brand on other information on this site.  Is their information opinion or belief base or backed by scientific facts? Weed out the misinformation.

Passionately,

Marsha Diamond, MA, RDN

Food and Foodservice is my specialty