Patient Resources & Education

Nutrition Guidance,
Trusted Resources

Evidence-based nutrition information and curated resources to help you make informed choices about food, diet, and healthy eating.

Fresh vegetables and healthy ingredients on a wooden surface

Nutrition Education

Where to Start with Nutrition

Two authoritative starting points recommended by Dr. Varenbut for patients beginning their nutrition journey.

Government of Canada

Nutrition Education — Canada Food Guide

Canada's official guide to healthy eating, updated with the latest evidence-based recommendations for all Canadians.

food-guide.canada.ca

Physician & Nutrition Expert

Dr. Mary Sco MD, PhD — Physician & Nutrition Expert

Mary Sco is a "double doctor" devoted to nutrition and disease prevention. An incredibly useful resource on "all things nutrition."

drmarysco.com

Diets & Eating Patterns

Practical Guides to Healthy Eating

Curated guides from leading health institutions to help you build sustainable, evidence-based eating habits.

Cleveland Clinic

Mediterranean Diet

One of the most well-researched dietary patterns in the world, associated with reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Read the guide

Heart & Stroke Foundation

Healthy Eating Basics

Foundational guidance on building a heart-healthy diet from Canada's leading authority on cardiovascular health.

Read the guide

Dietitians of Canada

Unlock Foods

Expert guidance. Everyday eating. A comprehensive topic library from Canada's registered dietitians covering all aspects of nutrition.

Browse topics

Vitamins & Supplements

Understanding Your Vitamin Needs

Vitamin and supplement decisions are personal. These trusted resources help you understand what the evidence actually says.

Harvard Health

Listing of Vitamins

A comprehensive reference guide to vitamins — what they do, where to find them, and how much you need — from Harvard Medical School.

View resource

Cleveland Clinic

What Vitamins You Should Take Is a Personalized Decision

Not all supplements are right for everyone. This guide helps you understand how to make informed, individualized choices.

View resource

Cleveland Clinic

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Canada. Learn about symptoms, risk factors, and how to address low levels safely.

View resource

Digestive Health

IBS, FODMAP & Gut Health

Evidence-based resources from Johns Hopkins Medicine on managing digestive conditions through diet.

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition characterized by abdominal discomfort associated with altered bowel movements and is currently diagnosed according to the new Rome IV criteria.

Learn about IBS

Johns Hopkins Medicine

FODMAP Diet: What You Need to Know

The low FODMAP diet helps those with IBS or SIBO discover what foods cause symptoms like cramping, gas and diarrhea.

Explore the FODMAP diet

Professional Guidance

Find a Dietitian Near You

Professional nutrition guidance is available to all Ontario residents — often at no cost.

Looking for guidance about food and healthy eating? Food and healthy eating are key to good health.

Free Dietitian Access for Ontario Residents

Connect with a Registered Dietitian to access free nutrition information and advice by calling 811 or starting a chat online.

health811.ontario.ca

What can I talk to a Registered Dietitian about?

Digestive issues — constipation, bloating, IBS, Crohn's & colitis, celiac, diverticular disease, fatty liver, gallstones, kidney stones
Infant and child feeding — formula, introducing solids, picky eating See children's health resources →
Diabetes and managing blood sugars Learn more about diabetes care →
Chronic diseases — arthritis, osteoporosis
Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding Explore pregnancy care →
Food allergies, infant cow's milk protein allergy
Heart disease and stroke — high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low sodium diet See our cardiovascular care resources →
Kidney and liver disease — low potassium diet, fatty liver
Vegetarian and vegan eating
Vitamin and mineral needs — low iron/anemia, vitamin B12, vitamin D
General eating for physical activity
Food safety, food storage