The International Food Information Council (IFIC) conducts consumer research focused on attitudes and behaviors surrounding nutrition, food safety and food production. Their popular annual Food & Health Survey provides information about how Americans connect food and food purchasing decisions to physical health and overall wellbeing. Other consumer surveys IFIC conducts, called “Spotlight Surveys”, focus on various topics and also inform federal regulatory decisions, provide members with insights into consumer values and behaviors and help to shape public communications and education initiatives.

Tune into this episode to learn about:

● key takeaways on surveys focused on three trending topics

● why IFIC wanted to do a survey on snacking

● if snacking is becoming more prevalent

● what constitutes a “snack”

● what consumers are looking for in a snack

● opportunities to leverage snacking for better nutrition

● how sodium impacts our eating experience beyond “taste”

● how much sodium Americans are consuming compared to recommended intakes

● the top sources of sodium

● recommendations for decreasing sodium intake

● where public sentiment is about the safety and healthfulness of low and no calorie sweeteners (LNCS)

● what consumers think about Stevia and Monk Fruit

● thoughts on where the evidence is on safety and effectiveness of LNCS

Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/280

The public continues to have a strong interest in food and health information, yet media sources vary in their credibility. Health professional communicators help shape public knowledge and attitudes by translating complex information while facing the challenge of processing large and often complex amounts of information in order to provide clear guidance to audiences with diverse literacy levels. This transmission of information influences public health outcome trends, scientific understanding, and information-sharing. The International Food Information Council has created a scientific communication guide with the goal of enhancing communicators’ ability to interpret scientific publications, ultimately helping the public make informed food and health choices.

Tune into this episode to learn about:

● who consumers trust for food/nutrition advice

● the difference between misinformation, disinformation and malinformation

● what it is about the scientific process that makes communicating science challenging

● hierarchy of evidence

● different types of research studies and how those differences impact science communication

● 11 common fallacies in reasoning and thinking

● critically reviewing scientific studies

● communicating more effectively and communicating with context

Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/279

There are many essential aspects of diabetes management, but it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions people have about diabetes is “What can I eat?” The American Diabetes Association’s nutrition philosophy is: “informed food choices are essential for living well” and there are 7 key meal patterns as well as the Diabetes Plate to help guide food choices. However, food is more than just simply nutrients – it plays an important role in our culture, communities and celebrations – and it’s only one of many factors that influence our health.

Tune into this episode to learn about:

● seven key meal patterns for managing diabetes

● the Diabetes Plate and who might benefit from using it

● the ADA’s new sister organization focused on obesity

● the ADA’s approach to “food as medicine”

● diabetes distress and how it impacts behaviors and outcomes

● fasting and diabetes

● including cultural and celebratory foods into healthy meal patterns

● lifestyle factors beyond food

● benefits of medications

● GLP-1s for diabetes vs weight management

● important takeaways and resources for the public and health professionals

Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/278