Keynote by Dr. Julia Nordgren

We have never had this discussion before at the IFBC and we do not believe there is a definitive answer. But we think it is a question worth exploring! Here are just a few things to consider:

- Do writers in general have a responsibility for what they write or is it the reader’s responsibility to judge what they read?
- What does responsibility mean in this context anyway?
- Can you think of any writing that you would consider irresponsible?
- In the world of food and health, is “healthy” just one’s person opinion versus another or should we be driven by the facts and data?
- If you do agree you have a responsibility to consider health in your food blogging, what can you do?

These questions are just a prelude to Dr. Nordgren’s talk. If you have any ideas on this subject, please share them here and we will be sure to pass them on. And come prepared June 20-23 in Juneau with your questions!

Transcript

1. FOOD & HEALTH the science, the art, and the role of the food blogger Chef JULIA NORDGREN, MD
4. chef Julia Nordgren MD
5. Food & Health: OUTLINE Lifestyle changes – the art and science Impact of diet trends Crafting your narrative Pearls of wisdom Handoff chef Julia Nordgren, MD
6. https://www.stateofobesity.org/childhood-obesity-trends/ Childhood Obesity – Where We Are A child with a BMI over 95th percentile at age 5 has less than a 50% chance of being a non-obese adult.
9. Lifestyle Changes: 5 things Families Need • Knowledge: how food is essential to health, and which foods support good health and prevent disease • Motivation: the desire and commitment to make changes • Skill: planning, prepping, cooking, PARENTING • Resources: time, money, family, support • Feedback: It has to feel good to eat well chef Julia Nordgren, MD
10. What Families DON’T Need • Judgement • Scare tactics • General advice that isn’t actionable • Hopelessness chef Julia Nordgren, MD
11. When People Need Help • Physicians play a role and a medical condition can be a motivator for change. Physicians generally seen as a trusted source of knowledge. • Time, money, insurance are all barriers to seeking medical care and nutritional support. • The internet plays a huge role in people seeking dietary advice. People turn to bloggers, health sites, and social media for advice and connection about health issues. chef Julia Nordgren, MD
12. Case Study – the Keto Family • 14 year old boy with obesity, high cholesterol • Both parents struggle with obesity, mom had gestational diabetes, dad has hypertension and high cholesterol. Mom has been told to consider gastric bypass surgery but wants a “natural” solution to weight loss. • 2 weeks ago they all started a Keto diet. It wasn’t going well. chef Julia Nordgren, MD
13. DECONSTRUCTING “KETO” • History: Developed in 1920’s as a treatment for epilepsy • A high-fat, high-protein diet very restricted in carbohydrates (starches and sugars) • Deprives body of immediate energy source (glucose) which shifts the way cells obtain energy • Promotes “lipolysis,” breakdown of fat cells, which releases ketone bodies. These are excreted via respiratory and urinary systems. chef Julia Nordgren, MD
14. Ketogenic Diet: Medical Evidence Data - Harvard Nutrition Source • Effective treatment for certain forms of childhood epilepsy • Can promote short term improvements in glucose control for diabetics, longer term control uncertain • No data for children or teens as a weight loss strategy • It promotes more rapid weight loss in initial phases than Mediterranean diet in adults, although these losses are not maintained chef Julia Nordgren, MD
15. Ketogenic Diet: Anecdotes • Individuals with success stories on Keto diet (or others) is very compelling. People want roadmaps to successful weight loss and better health. • Consumer demand has led to keto-friendly products and meal kit services • Celebrity endorsements for dietary trends is very impactful chef Julia Nordgren, MD
16. *********************** What can a food writer promise?
17. “Unfortunately, many women rely on word of mouth or what they read on the internet to help them make decisions about their health, rather than seeking out better information about keto and how it affects women’s hormones…many women would benefit significantly from a ketogenic diet, especially those who suffer from conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Read on to learn more about how a ketogenic diet can impact your hormones….” ”Totally rock your high-fat life!”
18. The Fine Print • ”[The author] has experienced success in using her recipes and keto-based diet. It works with her lifestyle but there are no assurances or representations of any kind made by [the author or her company] that you will attain any success in using the same recipes or adopting a keto-based diet. This website provides information in respect to healthy living, recipes, nutrition, and diet and is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor is it to be construed as such. We cannot guarantee that the information provided by {this site} reflects the most up-to- date medical research. Information is provided without any representations or warranties of any kind. Please consult a qualified physician for medical advice, and always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health and nutrition program.” chef Julia Nordgren, MD
19. Shifting Focus – Skill Development 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt, pepper to taste
21. What is YOUR voice? • Do you have a health journey to share? • What is your level of expertise, and how will readers know? • How to you provide sound advice that isn’t misleading? chef Julia Nordgren, MD
22. 5 ESSENTIAL TRUTHS OF FOOD AND HEALTH • Vegetables and Fruits promote good health • Chronic excess intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods promotes disease • The economics of our food industry promote consumer behaviors that don’t foster good health • Diet trends very rarely lead to sustained weight loss • Connecting over meals promotes emotional and psychologic well being. chef Julia Nordgren, MD
23. Lifestyle Changes: 5 things Families Need • Knowledge: how food is essential to health, and which foods support good health and prevent disease • Motivation: the desire and commitment to make changes • Skill: planning, prepping, cooking, PARENTING • Resources: time, money, family, support • Feedback: It has to feel good to eat well chef Julia Nordgren, MD
24. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR FOOD BLOGGERS • Being a source of inspiration • Using expertise and desire to connect your content to people who enjoy it or benefit someone • Bringing joy and passion about food to your readers • Encouraging connection around food chef Julia Nordgren, MD
25. CREATING YOUR FOOD & HEALTH VOICE • Be purposeful and clear about your intention • Be transparent about your experience and sources of knowledge and information • ”Don’t deceive your audience.” • Be aware and respectful of differing opinions chef Julia Nordgren, MD
26. RELIABLE, EVIDENCE-BASED NUTRITION SITES 1. Harvard Nutrition Source https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/ 2. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/ 3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org 4. Nutrition.gov: links to many other evidence-based sites for information on a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions 5. MayoClinic.org chef Julia Nordgren, MD
27. Your Audience is Human chef Julia Nordgren, MD
29. FINDING “BALANCE” chef Julia Nordgren, MD Web: drjuliacooks.com Ingstagram: @drjuliacooks My book, The New Family Table On Amazon and drjuliacooks.com