By Heidi Obermark, MSAND student
As a dietetic intern, I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations across a variety of settings, including community nutrition, food service and clinical practice. For National Nutrition Month, I wanted to create a project to celebrate the month and raise awareness at my cardiac rehab rotation at the Heart Care Institute in Creve Coeur, Missouri, where I work closely with patients recovering from cardiac events, helping them make meaningful lifestyle changes.
I developed a “Nutrition Myth Vs. Fact” flyer, featuring a different topic every week. My goal was to address common nutritional misconceptions that often create confusion, especially for individuals navigating heart-healthy eating. I wanted this to be more than just another handout—I wanted it to be a conversation starter, something that would actively engage patients in their learning.
I reviewed the fact sheets with patients at the Heart Care Institute during their one-on-one meetings or in small group sessions. I found this setup to be ideal as it allowed for casual, open discussions. Patients would pedal on stationary bikes, walk on the treadmill or on the track while we went through the flyer and identified if the statement was fact or myth. As we talked through different myths, I encouraged them to share their own thoughts and experiences.
One specific topic we discussed was weight management. I found many patients believed in the myth about skipping meals to lose weight, and they were surprised to learn that skipping meals can lead to excessive hunger, making it more likely to overeat or choose unhealthier options later in the day.
I shared information on how balanced, consistent meals and snacks support steady energy and appetite control. Patients who have been in the program a little longer and have implemented dietary changes agreed that foods high in fiber—such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains—help to keep them full for longer. They also noticed the benefits of the gradual, sustained energy release that these foods provide.
It has been great to see patients engage with the fact sheets. Many have asked questions or shared personal stories, and some have even challenged the information based on what they heard from friends, family or the internet. The in-person discussion has allowed me to clear up misunderstandings in real time, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see patients have those “aha” moments.
One of my favorite moments at the Heart Care Institute was when a patient told me our discussion helped her feel more confident in making food choices. She said breaking things down in the myth vs. fact format was a fun way to explore the nutrition topics and helped clear things up.
Moments like that remind me why I love this field. Nutrition is not only about science and evidence-based practice but also about making that science accessible and applicable in real life.