President's page: nutrition education philosophies--why we do the things we do. (ADA Reports).

In 1992, The American Dietetic Association (ADA) adopted a mission to serve the public through "the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being." Reaching this ambitious goal requires an unwavering commitment to educating the public about the role of food and nutrition in health.

ADA's approach to public education could take one of two forms. ADA and its members could tell consumers what to eat and, more importantly, what not to eat, irrespective of cultural differences or personal preferences; or dietetics practitioners could accept the challenge of helping consumers understand the basic principles of a healthful diet and empowering them to achieve it.

Your professional organization has opted for the latter approach. ADA's efforts to educate the public about food and nutrition in overall health are guided by five philosophies:

* There are no good or bad foods, only good or bad diets;

* Key to a healthful eating style are balance, …