My last few blogs have focused on some of the negative voices out there trying to convince consumers that they should be taking meat off of their plate for their own health, such as PCRM pushing a “Power Plate” of just legumes, vegetables, fruits and grains at FNCE or a parade of “experts” affiliated with vegan companies proclaiming we all need to go plant-based for our health in “The Game Changers.”

It’s not surprising that many activist groups are now focusing on making consumers question whether meat, poultry, eggs and dairy belong in a healthy, balanced diet – their calls to just “go vegan because it is wrong to eat animals” have never worked for them, so they are looking for any way to try to accomplish their goal of getting consumers to turn away from eating the animal proteins the vast majority find delicious and nutritious.

But enough about them – I spend more than enough time in this blog telling you about what our detractors are up to. Given my recent focus on myths about meat’s nutritional value, and last week’s celebration of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d offer my thanks to some of the science-based nutrition expert voices out there debunking myths and encouraging consumers to make their food purchasing decisions based on facts, not fear and activist group claims. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some dietitians we should all be following and helping to amplify their voices.

Nicole Rodriguez, RDN - @NRodriguezRDN on Twitter and Instagram, www.enjoyfoodenjoylife.com.

Recent post: “Meat substitutes are just that. Ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby. Vegan or vegetarian? Enjoy those substitutes! But if you’re living that omnivore life, pivot toward plant-based in a healthful way that puts – wait for it – fruits, vegetables and whole grains front and center right alongside those high-quality lean proteins. Oh, and don’t you ever go forgoing that occasional cheeseburger!”

Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD - @NevaRDLD on Twitter, www.nevacochranrd.com.

Recent post: “Farmers from all sectors of the industry are working toward sustainability in their practices to protect and enhance the land and conserve water and other resources so their farms can continue to produce food for future generations. And equally important, creating a sustainable farm allows them to make a living so they can stay in business so we’ll all have food to eat.”

Leah McGrath, RD - @LeahMcGrathRD and @InglesDietitian on Twitter.

Recent post: “Dear people...I've grown tired of this 'all or nothing' approach to food... a series of can't eat/don't eat & "free-from" restrictions & labels that you are putting on yourself & food... for no good reason. Lighten up. Enjoy your life. Be thankful for food. Take a walk. Smile.”

Cara Harbstreet, RD - @StreetSmartRD on Twitter, http://www.streetsmartnutrition.com.

Recent post: “It’s trendy to talk about sustainability. We all like to try to reduce food waste. We want to be conscious of how our food decisions impact the environment. No one wants to eat a product that was grown or produced inhumanely or in a way that harms the environment. But what if it isn’t as simple as recommending that everyone turn to a plant-based diet? I’ve tried my best to hear both sides of the story – that’s why I made it a point to have a seat at the table for conversations about the merits of eating plants AND animals.”

Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, LD - @MSmithEdge on Twitter, https://agrinutritionedge.com.

Recent post: “So, do we need to worry about antibiotics in our meat? From my viewpoint, no. Farmers and ranchers follow strict measures to ensure their meat animals are raised in environments that prevent or limit the need for antibiotics. (Ask me about the shower in/out at a hog operation!) And if antibiotics are needed, strict guidelines and oversight are followed along with monitoring by government agencies.”

Unfortunately, speaking positively about meat is apparently controversial to a small but loud segment of the population who these individuals hear from all too often.

In addition to helping amplify the positive voices I’ve listed, I’d also encourage you to drop them a line and offer your thanks for all they do to answer consumer questions and be credible voices on the complex subject of nutrition.

Thankful for science-based voices

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