1. Is the person or product promising a quick fix like massive strength gains, performance increase, fast weight-loss or a miracle cure?
​If it sounds too good to be true, then it likely is. It’s about the long haul and true commitment to sustainable change that will lead to results. Those 10 day cleanses may lead to less weight on the scale, but it’s basically water weight. Plus, any fat loss will readily be re-gained once you begin eating food again. 

2. Are they trying to sell you products such as a product or supplement instead of teaching you how to make better food choices for your life? 
Supplements are mean to do exactly that – supplement a diet! Fat loss pills or other quick fixes are NOT the way to go. Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations which are realistic and sustainable are the ones we should be interested in.

3. Do they provide information based on personal stories rather than on facts?
Although it’s nice to hear about a success story from a celebrity, BUTTTT it’s not proof that something works or is true. Nutrition advice should be based on the best available scientific research.

4. Is their claim based on a single study or a few research studies? Were the studies with animals or humans? Are you similar to the humans that were studied (age, gender etc.)?
The stronger the study design, and the more studies available that draw the same conclusions, the stronger the evidence that something it true. 

5. What are the person’s qualifications? Do the people providing the information have biases?
You wouldn’t ask a celebrity for medical advice, so why take their nutrition tips? Dr. Oz was a cardiologist NOT specializing in nutrition. Yes he was very knowledgable but in a different field. Just like the producers for Game Changers are founders of a plant-based product company.

1. Select a nutrition topic you are curious about and use credible sites to research it.

• Choose primarily government and educational sites with URLs that end in “.gov” or “.edu.”
• Examples include Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org) and the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov).

​2. The next time you encounter nutrition information you are unsure about, ask these questions:

• Are they trying to sell me something?
• Does it sound too good to be true?
• Are studies cited?

3. Look beyond the headlines.

• Is the article supported by research published in well-known (scientific) journals?
• Does it list the references and studies used to support the claims?

You don’t need to be a dietitian or scientist to be inquisitive! Trust your judgement and don’t be afraid to ask questions (especially why)! 

​DISCLAIMER: For those of you who have watched Game Changers…proceed with caution. Perhaps watch it again and ask yourself some of the questions above. Then, see if your opinion has changed.

Feeling overwhelmed or lost?
Come and chat with one of our Dieticians & they’re happy to lead you in the right direction!
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