Resources

It can be difficult to find reliable nutrition information. The best sources are evidence-based and from people who have training and experience in nutrition. The best sources are never trying to make money off of you. When assessing whether a source is creditable, ask the following questions:

• Is this source trying to sell me something (book, course, supplement, product, service) or make money off of me?
• Does this source cite medical literature and scientific studies?
• What are the training, qualifications, and work experience of the experts behind this source?

1. Harvard Nutrition Source

2. Canada's Food Guide: In addition to the the Eat Well Plate and 9 healthy eating recommendations, the website for Canada's Food Guide offers info on eating mindfully, meal planning, grocery shopping, reading food labels, eating well on a budget, recipes, cooking, dietary guidelines, making environmentally-friendly food choices, the evidence behind the food guide, being aware of food marketing, food safety, and many other nutrition topics.

3. A Registered Dietitian (RD) : Consulting with an RD is especially helpful if you would like personalized nutrition information suited to your health status, medical situation, tastes, preferences, lifestyle etc. Dietitians have a 4-year undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences followed by a year of interning in hospital and community settings. Dietitians are licensed ('registered') by a regulatory body who ensures that dietitians are qualified to offer safe, up-to-date, and ethical dietetic services. Ask your doctor for a referral to an RD. You can also find an RD online through 'Find a Dietitian' webpages maintained by professional organizations such as Dietitian's of Canada and the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia. You can also follow RDs on social media.

If you have a medical condition, it is especially important to get your nutrition advice from an RD who will incorporate your medications, medical test results, and treatments into your nutrition plan.

More content coming soon!