Version July 2025
| Common question | Counseling points |
| Should I avoid fats, sugars, and/or carbohydrates as much as possible? | Healthy eating can include all of these types of foods, in moderation. To balance the food groups, mostly choose foods that are lower in fats and sugars and healthier types of carbohydrates (such as whole grains). |
| Are artificial sweeteners healthy? | Artificial sweeteners, including "diet" sodas, are probably safe in moderation (eg, 1 or 2 servings a day)[1]. They might help reduce sugar intake if they are used instead of sugar-containing drinks or foods. However, it's not clear if they help with weight control. Some studies suggest that they might be slightly helpful to people who are trying to lose weight, while other studies suggest that they might actually increase sweet cravings because they are sweeter than sugar. Whether artificial sweeteners have a positive or negative effect on the risk for diabetes or heart disease is unknown. |
| Are fresh fruits and vegetables healthier than frozen or canned products? | Healthy eating includes plenty of vegetables and fruits. The nutrient contents of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits are similar. In general, it's healthier to have whole fruit rather than fruit juice. |
| Does caffeine stunt growth? | A moderate amount of caffeine (eg, 1 cup of coffee daily) can be part of a healthy diet and does not affect growth. Having caffeine in the afternoon or evening can disturb sleep. High amounts of caffeine (eg, 200 mg, which is the amount in many so-called "energy" drinks or in 2 standard cups of coffee) make some people feel anxious or have headaches. Also, try to limit drinks that have a lot of sugar ("energy" drinks or sweet coffee drinks). |
| What foods cause acne? | Although many people think that chocolate or other foods cause acne, this has not been proven. Acne often happens during puberty. Your doctor can prescribe medications (creams or pills) to help with acne. |
| Does yogurt fight yeast infections? | Yogurt is a healthy food because it provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein. However, it does not prevent yeast infections. |
