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Nutrition FAQs

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Do you have a question about nutrition and healthy eating? Check out the FAQs below to see if our dietitian has an answer for you. If your question isn't answered here, submit it using the form at the bottom of this page, and our dietitian will add it to the FAQs. Please note, this tool is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician if you have medical related questions.

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I heard that sea salt is healthier than regular salt. Is that true?

There is really no difference nutritionally between the different kinds of salt. All of them contain the same amount of sodium, which is the mineral that you want to limit. For the same amount -- like a teaspoon, there’s not much difference.

One advantage of some salts like sea salt or kosher salt is that they have bigger crystals than regular table salt, and your taste buds pick up the salty flavor better from those bigger crystals. Sometimes you can use a bit less of those salts and your food will still taste just as salty.

I’ve been hearing a lot about the keto diet, should I be following that diet?

The keto diet is a restrictive diet that recommends eating a very low amount of carbohydrates, well below the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. There is limited and conflicting research on the benefits of the keto diet for weight loss. Some people have great success following this type of diet, while others have a hard time maintaining such restrictions long term. There is also not enough research on the long term impacts of following these restrictions; there is the potential for damage to renal (kidney) function as well as potential loss of bone density.

There are some concerns about a diet that limits fruits, vegetables, and fiber-filled foods -- all of these things provide health benefits! It's most important that you eat a balanced diet within your recommended calorie level. Check out the MyPlate page for more info. If you really want to try a keto diet, please consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need.

I’m trying to eat less sugar so I’m using honey and agave syrup instead. Are those better choices?

There really isn’t much different between the different kinds of added sugar. They may have different names, and come from different sources, but things like honey, agave and maple syrup all add the same amount of calories without providing any helpful nutrients. Our bodies don’t know the difference and treat all added sugar the same way. For more info, check out the sugar page.

Which is the healthiest option for veggies: fresh, frozen or canned?

All three options have pros and cons and can fit into a healthy diet. The best choice is the one you like and will eat! Here are some things to keep in mind:

A benefit of fresh vegetables is that you have control over how to prepare them; from raw to sauteed to roasted you can find a way that tastes the best to you. But they don’t last as long after you purchase them and sometimes can be more expensive.

Frozen vegetables are lightly processed just after they are picked, which locks in the nutrients that make veggies so good for you. They will last a long time in your freezer so you can stock up when they’re on sale, and always have some on hand to add to your meals. Watch out for frozen veggies with added sauces and seasonings which can add too much extra fat and sodium. Since they are blanched before freezing, you also have fewer options on how to cook frozen vegetables.

Canned vegetables can be stored at room temperature for several months making them another great option for stocking up to have around. Look for lower sodium versions since canned vegetables can be pretty high in sodium. Canned vegetables are the most cooked of the three choices.

For more about fresh, frozen and canned vegetables check out the videos in the grocery store tour.