Making Sense of Food Information: Navigating Nutrition Month
March is Nutrition Month, and Student Health and Wellness will be sharing information on our social media accounts and hosting events on how food supports your well-being and how you can get the nutrition you need on a student budget and schedule. As we wade into these topics, we wanted to acknowledge that making informed food choices isn't always as straightforward as it should be. The vast amount of nutrition information available—especially in the media and on social media—can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Sensationalized headlines, conflicting advice, and viral food trends often contribute to confusion rather than clarity and so we wanted to offer some guidance on how to navigate nutrition month (this month and every month!).
Be Critical of Sensationalized Headlines
We’ve all seen them: “This New Superfood Will Change Your Life!” or “Can Tomatoes Prevent Cancer?!” These kinds of headlines are designed to grab attention but rarely tell the full story. Nutrition science is complex, and single studies are often oversimplified in the media. A food that is demonized one day might be praised the next (poor eggs have been through the wringer), leaving many people unsure of what to believe. It’s important to approach nutrition information with curiosity and critical thinking, looking beyond the headline to understand the full context. Look for credible sources, such as registered dietitians or peer-reviewed research before re-vamping your grocery list.
Moving Away from “Good” and “Bad” Labels
Another common trap in nutrition conversations is assigning moral value to food—labelling it as “good” or “bad.” This mindset can lead to guilt and anxiety around eating, rather than fostering a balanced and sustainable relationship with food. Instead of viewing food choices in extremes, consider a more flexible approach that acknowledges balance, moderation, and personal preferences. All foods can have a place in a well-rounded diet, and enjoying what you eat is just as important as meeting nutritional needs.
Being kind to yourself
Nutrition isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding what works for you and making choices that support your well-being. University students, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to food—tight budgets, limited time, and varying levels of cooking skills can make balanced eating feel overwhelming. Building skills, experimenting with affordable meals, and giving yourself grace along the way are all part of the process.
By shifting the conversation away from extremes and toward a more nuanced understanding of food, we can build healthier and more positive relationships with what we eat. Let’s use this month as an opportunity to learn more about nutrition—without the noise of misleading headlines and rigid food rules.
-Lindsey Wachter, Health Promoter, R.Kin
