By: Paige Valentik MPS, RD, LDN

If you’ve ever told someone you’re a dietitian, you know what happens next. Suddenly, everyone clutches their snack like I’m about to write them a citation. Don’t worry — I’m not judging your mac and cheese.

Here are a few of the most common — and “silly but teachable” — questions and comments I get when people find out what I do. Let’s clear a few things up, shall we?

1. “Oh don’t worry, I only eat organic.”

Cue the dramatic whisper, like they’re revealing a family secret. Here’s the truth: organic food isn’t automatically healthier. It’s about how the food is grown — not its nutrient content. Organic chips are still chips, and a non-organic apple is still a fantastic snack. If you like organic, go for it! But if it’s stretching your budget, rest easy — conventional produce is safe, nutritious, and still a great choice. (The real goal is to eat more fruits and veggies, not stress about the label on them.)

2. “I stopped eating eggs — they’re bad for you, right?”

Ah, the egg debate. It’s been going on longer than any family feud. Here’s the deal: eggs do contain cholesterol and a small amount of saturated fat, but research shows that for most people, eating eggs doesn’t significantly raise blood cholesterol levels. Eggs are actually packed with protein, vitamins, and choline (which your brain loves). So go ahead — scramble, poach, or hard-boil away. Just don’t pair them with a side of bacon every morning.

3. “You must never eat carbs.”

Oh yes — the classic. When someone finds out I’m a dietitian, they assume I live off kale and air. Let’s get this straight: carbs are not the enemy. Your body and brain need them for energy. The key is choosing the right kinds — think whole grains, fruits, beans, and veggies over sugary drinks and refined snacks. Balance is everything. And yes, pasta can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. (I wouldn’t survive without it.)

4. “So… what’s the one food I should never eat?”

This one’s my favorite — as if there’s a secret forbidden food locked in a dietitian vault somewhere. The truth? There isn’t one! No single food is going to make or break your health. What matters is what you eat most of the time, not the occasional cookie, slice of pizza, or margarita. Restrictive rules usually backfire — and take the joy out of eating. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared.

5. “I don’t eat after 7 p.m. — that’s when it all turns to fat, right?”

Ah yes, the magical 7 p.m. metabolism shutdown theory. Spoiler alert: your body doesn’t own a clock that suddenly stops burning calories at night. What matters most is what and how much you eat over the course of the day — not the exact time.

If late-night snacks are usually chips or cookies in front of Netflix, that’s probably more about habits and portion sizes than your internal fat-storing alarm. If you’re genuinely hungry at 9 p.m., it’s okay to eat! Try something with protein and fiber — like Greek yogurt with fruit or a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter. The real takeaway? It’s not about when you eat — it’s about making choices that work for your body.

So next time you meet a dietitian, don’t hide your snack or apologize for your coffee order. We promise — we’re not judging. Unless you say “I don’t eat carbs.” Then we might lovingly hand you a bagel!