Making sense of food science and nutrition news can be a challenge. But overwhelming evidence shows what we eat and drink may make a substantial difference in the length and quality of our lives. On the Table is dedicated to bringing you information and commentary that helps you make sense of diet and health news, providing insights and tools to help you make informed decisions that support your health and the health of your family and community. The column appears every Wednesday in The Charlotte Observer and every Thursday in The News & Observer of Raleigh.

Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, MS, RD is a nationally recognized author on topics concerning food, nutrition and health policy. Among the topics addressed in her column are meal planning and cooking tips, food trends and federal policies on dietary guidance and food safety. She is a licensed, registered dietitian and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. {more}

Diet study raises questions
Recent stories trumpeting a vindication for the Atkins diet failed to ask key questions about a research study. {more}

My latest book, "Get the Trans Fat Out: 601 Simple Ways to Cut the Trans Fat Out of Any Diet," explains what trans fats are and easy ways to avoid them. {more}