Build A
Better Body
Volume IV
2008
Finding the Truth
Nutrition information is available all around us. When
we make nutrition choices, we want up-to-date, reliable
advice. We can become confused simply by the many
articles, infomercials, ads and internet sites. Believing
untrue or unreliable information can lead to problems
like buying worthless products or overpaying for common
items.
Actions
When you make decisions
about nutrition information
do you:
• Search for several sources
or get all your information
from one place?
• Rely on sources with
little to no experience or
training?
• Visit sources that have no
nutrition connection?
• Spend money on
unnecessary items or
products?
• Check to make certain the
people giving advice are
creditable and educated
in nutrition?
Caregivers teach children about their health and provide
opportunities to develop knowledge and skills that form
the foundation for making healthy food choices. You need
accurate, timely and appropriate materials like books,
songs, pictures, and hands-on activities that help children
learn.
Sources may include local libraries, professional
organizations (American Dietetic Association, School
Nutrition Association, American Academy of Pediatrics),
national organizations (American Cancer Society,
American Heart Association, National Dairy Council),
government organizations (United States Department
of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control, Department
of Health and Human Services), state agencies
(Bureau for Public Health, Department of Education,
Department of Health and Human Services, Women’s,
Infant and Children Agency-WIC), universities, colleges
and Cooperative Extension Services.
West Virginia Department of Education
TIP
Be skeptical of news stories
that
• Sound too good to be
true;
• Use dramatic words
like best, longest,
most, worst;
• Make vague claims or
offer cures for many
health problems;
• Make claims based
on testimonials
from people rather
than refer to actual
research;
• Offer a quick fix;
• Push a product by
the person providing
the information;
• Give examples of
foods to avoid or label
certain foods ‘bad
for you’ or tell you to
eliminate an entire
food group; and
• Offer advice different
from the healthy
eating guide,
MyPyramid.
Build A
Better Body
Remember the Adage
‘If it sounds too good to be true, it
probably is too good to be true’.
Careful listening and reading will help determine which nutrition
information is valid and true. Rely on information from government
agencies, nutrition departments of colleges and universities,
Cooperative Extension Services, well known medical journals or
scientific and professional associations.
The Internet has become a very popular means for obtaining
information. Web sites exist for practically every subject and
anyone can publish their opinions and ideas. So, when deciding if
a web site contains reliable information, answer the following:
• Who is responsible for the site? The tag at the end of the
address, “.gov” or “.edu”, indicates government or university
sites which are usually science-based reliable sources.
• Are names and credentials of information providers listed?
(Examples may include RD- Registered Dietitian, PhDDoctorate degree, MD- Medical Doctor, RN- Registered Nurse,
DO- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Many times email
addresses or other ways to obtain more information are given,
however many web sites list phony journals and meaningless
credentials.
• Are other links with reliable information sites provided?
Reputable organizations may provide links to similar sites to
help you get more information.
• Is the site updated regularly? Nutrition information changes,
so sites should be updated regularly.
• Is there a fee for information? Most government and academic
sites offer the best information for free.
Be a smart nutrition consumer- your well being depends on it!
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. 6th Edition, Washington, D.C: U.S.
Government printing Office, January 2005.
Team Nutrition, U.S. Department of Agriculture
American Dietetic Association
Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service
Journal of American Medical Association
www.mypyramid.gov
Build A
Better Body
NUTRITION
TOOL!
Pyramid-style Toast
Ingredients:
2 eggs ½ cup fat-free milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 slices whole wheat bread
Method:
Preheat skillet over medium heat.
Put eggs, milk and vanilla in shallow bowl, beat with fork until
well mixed.
Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
Dip bread, one side at a time, into egg mixture.
Place in skillet and cook each side until golden brown,
approximately 4 minutes per side. Cut into pyramid shapes
(triangles). Serve warm with fruit spread.
ACTIVITY
TOOL!
Dancing Pyramids
Give children pyramid shaped construction paper.
Using food stickers or pictures, ask children to
create their personal Pyramid. Then, put on some
lively music (Walk like an Egyptian, perhaps) and
have them dance with their pyramids, making up
their own steps or ones you decide. The idea is to
move and have fun!
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, disability or retaliation. If you require information about this program, activity or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency
responsible for the program or activity, or any USDA office. If you require this information in alternative format (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) contact the USDA’s
TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (Voice or TDD).
To file a complaint of alleging discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call toll
free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact the USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users).
Build A
Better Body
Finding the Truth Assessment
Answer the questions to judge your knowledge of reliable nutrition information.
1. How has your search for information changed since reading this fact sheet?
2. How many of the nutrition sites you visit are marketing a product that is related to the site’s
information? Remember sound advice from reliable sources is generally free.
3. Name two nutrition sites you frequently visit. Why do you like those sites?
4. Name two indicators that might lead you to believe the nutrition news you read
may not be reliable.
5. Name three likely sources of reliable nutrition information.
6. Check out the web site, www.mypyramid.gov Describe something you found interesting
and how you could use that with the children.
West Virginia Board of Education
2008-2009
Dr. Steven L. Paine
State Superintendent of Schools
Delores W. Cook, President; Priscilla M. Haden, Vice President; Jenny N. Phillips, Secretary
Robert W. Dunlevy, Member; Barbara N. Fish, Member; Burma Hatfield, Member
Lowell E. Johnson, Member; L. Wade Linger, Jr., Member; Gayle C. Manchin, Member
Brian E. Noland, Ex Officio; James L. Skidmore, Ex Officio; Steven L. Paine, Ex Officio