Nutrition Insights: Your Key Questions Answered by Expert Dietitians

Nutrition Talk: Q & A with Healthline and PlateJoy Dietitians

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re launching our monthly column—Nutrition Talk! This is your go-to spot for science-backed advice that fits real life, even on your busiest days or tightest budgets. Have you ever wondered how to balance your cravings with healthy choices? Let’s explore your most pressing nutrition questions together, with insights from both Healthline and our friends at PlateJoy.

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This detailed process ensures you can trust the recommendations we share.

Q: Is a Vegan or Plant-Based Diet Really Better for Health?

Lisa Valente, MS, RD, from Healthline explains that while adding more plant-based foods is undeniably beneficial, you don’t have to go completely vegan. The term “plant-based” can mean different things:

• A vegan diet excludes all animal products.
• A flexitarian or plant-forward diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds without completely cutting out animal foods.

Remember, filling half your plate with fruits and veggies, one-quarter with whole grains, and one-quarter with protein is a simple way to build a balanced meal—even if that protein comes from meat, fish, or dairy.

Q: I Have Intense Cravings. Is It a Lack of Nutrients?

Natalie Holzhauer, MS, RDN, LDN, from PlateJoy, clarifies that while it’s tempting to blame nutrient deficiencies for those midnight cravings (like the myth about needing chocolate for magnesium), the reality is more complex. Cravings often stem from a desire for foods high in salt, sugar, or fat—especially after a day of calorie restriction.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Are you eating enough calories throughout the day?
• Is your sleep schedule affecting your hunger?
• Could stress be driving you to seek comfort in food?

It might help to adopt a gentle nutrition approach—nourish your body without strict restrictions—and incorporate routines that ease stress and improve sleep.

Q: Any Quick Breakfast Ideas?

Jennifer Husson, RDN, LD, from PlateJoy, loves a quick, nutritious breakfast and shares that a little planning can set your morning up for success. A healthy breakfast should include:

• Whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread, for fiber and steady energy.
• A good source of protein like eggs, nut butter, or Greek yogurt to keep you full.
• A serving of fruits or vegetables for added vitamins and natural sweetness.

Try prepping protein oats in a Mason jar, topping whole-grain toast with almond butter and banana, or enjoying a yogurt parfait loaded with fresh fruit and nuts. And if you’re ever in a pinch, last night’s dinner leftovers can work as a creative breakfast!

Q: I Feel Addicted to Sugar. How Can I Cut Back?

Brittany Cardwell, RDN, LD, from PlateJoy, understands that battling sugar cravings can be challenging. With the average American consuming far more than the recommended daily sugar intake, it’s no surprise that cravings can become a habit.

When you eat sugar, your brain releases dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure—and a cycle that fuels further cravings. Here are a few practical tips to help manage your sugar intake:

• Read food labels to identify and cut back on added sugars.
• Replace sugary drinks with water to keep hydrated and curb hunger.
• Pair carbohydrate-rich foods with proteins or healthy fats (like an apple with peanut butter) to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Small adjustments, like cooking more meals at home and choosing unsweetened options, can make a big difference. And if meal planning feels overwhelming, tools like PlateJoy can lend a helping hand.

Got more questions, healthy tips, or something you’re curious about? Drop us a line at nutritiontalk@healthline.com. We’re here to help you make nutrition simple, relatable, and fun—one question at a time!