Truth Over Nutritional Trends
Bad nutrition advice is everywhere. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (74%) say myths like social media fads make eating well harder. Our new survey cuts through the bad science to fuel your reset with real facts. 61% of Millennials and 70% of Gen Z rely on social media for advice, giving misinformation plenty of space to spread.
Myths and Facts
The Health Myths You're Falling For
Protein
Myth 1
Only 1% of Gen Z and Millennials can tell protein fact from fiction. 75% don’t realize animal protein is more complete than plant, and nearly 80% don’t know excess protein is stored as fat.
What Our Dietitians Say
Protein needs vary based on age, activity, and health. The right amount supports muscle repair, immunity, and staying full. But eating too much can cause digestive issues and dehydration.
Only 1% of Gen Z and Millennials can tell protein fact from fiction. 75% don’t realize animal protein is more complete than plant, and nearly 80% don’t know excess protein is stored as fat.
What Our Dietitians Say
Protein needs vary based on age, activity, and health. The right amount supports muscle repair, immunity, and staying full. But eating too much can cause digestive issues and dehydration.
GLP-1 Medications
Myth 2
Less than half (42%) know that long-term weight and metabolic health rely on healthy eating habits, and only 30% realize protein and fiber can make GLP-1s more effective.
What Our Dietitians Say
GLP-1s can aid weight management, but building healthy habits are key. Eating enough protein and fiber supports fullness, gut health, and muscle recovery to help GLP-1s deliver stronger results.
Less than half (42%) know that long-term weight and metabolic health rely on healthy eating habits, and only 30% realize protein and fiber can make GLP-1s more effective.
What Our Dietitians Say
GLP-1s can aid weight management, but building healthy habits are key. Eating enough protein and fiber supports fullness, gut health, and muscle recovery to help GLP-1s deliver stronger results.
Diet Supplements
Myth 3
While 42% take dietary supplements daily, 31% think they can replace a poor diet, and 25% believe they must be FDA-approved.
What Our Dietitians Say
Supplements can’t replace real food or bad dietary habits. What’s more, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so quality can greatly vary. Talk to your doctor and choose certified options.
While 42% take dietary supplements daily, 31% think they can replace a poor diet, and 25% believe they must be FDA-approved.
What Our Dietitians Say
Supplements can’t replace real food or bad dietary habits. What’s more, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so quality can greatly vary. Talk to your doctor and choose certified options.
Protein
Myth 1
Only 1% of Gen Z and Millennials can tell protein fact from fiction. 75% don’t realize animal protein is more complete than plant, and nearly 80% don’t know excess protein is stored as fat.
What Our Dietitians Say
Protein needs vary based on age, activity, and health. The right amount supports muscle repair, immunity, and staying full. But eating too much can cause digestive issues and dehydration.
Only 1% of Gen Z and Millennials can tell protein fact from fiction. 75% don’t realize animal protein is more complete than plant, and nearly 80% don’t know excess protein is stored as fat.
What Our Dietitians Say
Protein needs vary based on age, activity, and health. The right amount supports muscle repair, immunity, and staying full. But eating too much can cause digestive issues and dehydration.
GLP-1 Medications
Myth 2
Less than half (42%) know that long-term weight and metabolic health rely on healthy eating habits, and only 30% realize protein and fiber can make GLP-1s more effective.
What Our Dietitians Say
GLP-1s can aid weight management, but building healthy habits are key. Eating enough protein and fiber supports fullness, gut health, and muscle recovery to help GLP-1s deliver stronger results.
Less than half (42%) know that long-term weight and metabolic health rely on healthy eating habits, and only 30% realize protein and fiber can make GLP-1s more effective.
What Our Dietitians Say
GLP-1s can aid weight management, but building healthy habits are key. Eating enough protein and fiber supports fullness, gut health, and muscle recovery to help GLP-1s deliver stronger results.
Diet Supplements
Myth 3
While 42% take dietary supplements daily, 31% think they can replace a poor diet, and 25% believe they must be FDA-approved.
What Our Dietitians Say
Supplements can’t replace real food or bad dietary habits. What’s more, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so quality can greatly vary. Talk to your doctor and choose certified options.
While 42% take dietary supplements daily, 31% think they can replace a poor diet, and 25% believe they must be FDA-approved.
What Our Dietitians Say
Supplements can’t replace real food or bad dietary habits. What’s more, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so quality can greatly vary. Talk to your doctor and choose certified options.
Detox/Cleanse
Myth 4
Shockingly, 72% believe detoxes are a great way to remove toxins from the body. Yet there’s no strong medical evidence to support this.
What Our Dietitians Say
The body has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system work 24/7 to remove waste. Focus on fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep.
Shockingly, 72% believe detoxes are a great way to remove toxins from the body. Yet there’s no strong medical evidence to support this.
What Our Dietitians Say
The body has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system work 24/7 to remove waste. Focus on fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep.
Hydration
Myth 5
Over half of adults (54%) still swear by the “eight glasses a day” rule, and 42% believe caffeine dehydrates your body.
What Our Dietitians Say
Hydration needs are based on body, activity, and weather. Monitor thirst and urine color—pale yellow is a good sign. Moderate coffee and tea consumption can also count toward fluid intake.
Over half of adults (54%) still swear by the “eight glasses a day” rule, and 42% believe caffeine dehydrates your body.
What Our Dietitians Say
Hydration needs are based on body, activity, and weather. Monitor thirst and urine color—pale yellow is a good sign. Moderate coffee and tea consumption can also count toward fluid intake.
Mediterranean Diet
Myth 6
More than half of people (53%) correctly identify olive oil as a staple, but nearly as many (51%) mistakenly think red meat is off-limits.
What Our Dietitians Say
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance, with staples like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Red meat can be eaten occasionally, but the focus is on plant- forward meals and heart-healthy fats.
More than half of people (53%) correctly identify olive oil as a staple, but nearly as many (51%) mistakenly think red meat is off-limits.
What Our Dietitians Say
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance, with staples like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Red meat can be eaten occasionally, but the focus is on plant- forward meals and heart-healthy fats.
Detox/Cleanse
Myth 4
Shockingly, 72% believe detoxes are a great way to remove toxins from the body. Yet there’s no strong medical evidence to support this.
What Our Dietitians Say
The body has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system work 24/7 to remove waste. Focus on fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep.
Shockingly, 72% believe detoxes are a great way to remove toxins from the body. Yet there’s no strong medical evidence to support this.
What Our Dietitians Say
The body has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system work 24/7 to remove waste. Focus on fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep.
Hydration
Myth 5
Over half of adults (54%) still swear by the “eight glasses a day” rule, and 42% believe caffeine dehydrates your body.
What Our Dietitians Say
Hydration needs are based on body, activity, and weather. Monitor thirst and urine color—pale yellow is a good sign. Moderate coffee and tea consumption can also count toward fluid intake.
Over half of adults (54%) still swear by the “eight glasses a day” rule, and 42% believe caffeine dehydrates your body.
What Our Dietitians Say
Hydration needs are based on body, activity, and weather. Monitor thirst and urine color—pale yellow is a good sign. Moderate coffee and tea consumption can also count toward fluid intake.
Mediterranean Diet
Myth 6
More than half of people (53%) correctly identify olive oil as a staple, but nearly as many (51%) mistakenly think red meat is off-limits.
What Our Dietitians Say
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance, with staples like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Red meat can be eaten occasionally, but the focus is on plant- forward meals and heart-healthy fats.
More than half of people (53%) correctly identify olive oil as a staple, but nearly as many (51%) mistakenly think red meat is off-limits.
What Our Dietitians Say
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance, with staples like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and nuts. Red meat can be eaten occasionally, but the focus is on plant- forward meals and heart-healthy fats.
How We Learn About Nutrition
Trusted Voices Matter… But So Does Social Media.
Americans turn to healthcare professionals (59%) almost as frequently as they do to health and wellness blogs (47%). Social media (45%) and friends and family (43%) are close behind, with a clear drop to traditional media (27%) and podcasts (19%). Notably, just 9% of Americans get their nutrition advice from the government.
The Role of Social Media in Health Trends
Over a third (38%) say “What I Eat in a Day” videos from influencers help them eat healthier.
Health Truths You Didn’t Know
Cold plunges, where you submerge your body in cold water for a short period of time, may be all the rage, but people don’t know all the facts. Only 20% know that cold plunges can alleviate depression, and just 33% believe they can provide a quick burst of energy—both are true!
Health Truths You Didn’t Know
Cold plunges, where you submerge your body in cold water for a short period of time, may be all the rage, but people don’t know all the facts. Only 20% know that cold plunges can alleviate depression, and just 33% believe they can provide a quick burst of energy—both are true!
A Rising Interest in Gut Health
The Health Myths You're Falling For
28% Say - "I understand it very well and can explain what it means."
46% Say - “I have some idea, but would have trouble explaining it.”
19% Say - “I’ve heard the term but don’t really know what it means.”
8% Say - “I don’t know anything about gut health.”
28% Say - "I understand it very well and can explain what it means."
46% Say - “I have some idea, but would have trouble explaining it.”
19% Say - “I’ve heard the term but don’t really know what it means.”
8% Say - “I don’t know anything about gut health.”
How Much Do We Actually Know About Gut Health?
While “gut health” may be a buzzword, a significant 73% don’t know what it means, never heard of it, or could not explain it to others.
What Our Dietitians Say: Gut health is about how well your digestive system works. A healthy gut supports digestion, immunity, energy, mood, and long-term health. Simple steps like eating fiber-rich and fermented foods, and managing stress can help keep your gut happy.
Health Truths You Didn’t Know
While 55% know fats like avocados support fullness and nutrition, 28% think fat-free foods areautomatically healthier. Plus, nearly a third of Millennials believe eating fat makes you fat.
Health Truths You Didn’t Know
While 55% know fats like avocados support fullness and nutrition, 28% think fat-free foods areautomatically healthier. Plus, nearly a third of Millennials believe eating fat makes you fat.
Seasonal Health Trends
What Does Fall Mean for Nutrition?
Fall As a Reset Button
Nearly three-quarters (74%) see fall as the
perfect time to start fresh with healthier routines.
perfect time to start fresh with healthier routines.
Wellness Over Wealth
This fall, 68% of adults would rather
have a fit, healthy body than a pay raise.
have a fit, healthy body than a pay raise.
Fall As a Reset Button
Nearly three-quarters (74%) see fall as the
perfect time to start fresh with healthier routines.
perfect time to start fresh with healthier routines.
Wellness Over Wealth
This fall, 68% of adults would rather
have a fit, healthy body than a pay raise.
have a fit, healthy body than a pay raise.