Finding consensus among diet experts

If you read anything about diet and nutrition, or see anything on TV about it, you'll know one thing for certain: Experts cannot agree on anything when it comes to diet and nutrition. Some will tell you not to eat carbs; others tell you they're a necessity. Some say to eat like a caveman. Still others say not to eat fruits because they're high in sugar while others say to eat a lot of fruit.

The problem seems to be that research comes out supporting one theory or another, then some people jump on the bandwagon while others take the opposite approach and refute the findings.

There are some things that nutritionists can agree on.

1.    You should eat more often. Have a meal or small snack every three to four hours. This keeps your metabolism going and gives you energy throughout the day. It also helps you prevent the need to overeat and blood sugar crashes.

2.    You should include protein at every meal. Consumed at the same time, these foods take longer to digest than simple carbohydrates. You'll stay fuller longer, and avoid the urge to snack.

3.    Get moving! Everyone knows that exercise burns calories. It helps your metabolism and your mental awareness.

4.    Drink more water. As a rule, most Americans subsist in a state of low-level dehydration.

5.    There are some foods that most nutritionists eat, according to a recent Redbook article.

·         Avocados – A great source of healthy fats

·         Almond milk – Consistency of cow’s milk, with half the calories

·         Cinnamon – Can help regulate blood sugar

·         Dark berries – Can help curb the craving for something sweet, contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

·         Greek yogurt – Two times the protein and less sugar than regular yogurt

·         Eggs – High in protein, vitamins and minerals, and only 70 calories

·         Extra-virgin olive oil – Great for sautéing vegetables, with antioxidants and mono unsaturated fats

·         Hummus – Snack filled with fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fat from the olive oil

·         Nuts – Full of fiber, protein, antioxidants and healthy fat, taken in moderation are a great snack

·         Kale – Versatile, nutrient-dense leafy green, fiber-rich, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins… truly a superfood

·         Quinoa – High in fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it more complete than brown rice or whole-grain pasta

While we may be no closer to a consensus among nutrition experts, maybe it’s a place to start.