Balanced pattern
An overall way of eating that includes a range of foods and nutrients over time, rather than requiring every meal to contain everything.
Plain language index · 2026
A glossary for nutrition reading
Health and nutrition articles often use familiar words in precise ways. This glossary gives each term a short working definition and explains why the distinction matters in ordinary reading.
Definitions are not diagnoses and should not be used to interpret a personal symptom without professional context. A term may have a different meaning in a research paper, a public-health document or a conversation with a clinician.
Food and pattern
Portion
The amount served or eaten on one occasion. It is not the same as a standard reference amount.
Fibre
Plant components that are not fully digested in the small intestine and can contribute to the structure of a varied diet.
Hydration
The balance of fluids in the body. Needs can vary with weather, activity, age and personal circumstances.
- Read a definition alongside the sentence in which the word appears.
- Check whether the term describes a food, a pattern, a measurement or a study method.
- Ask a professional when a definition is being used to guide an individual decision.
Evidence and measurement terms
| Term | Plain meaning | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Association | Two observations appear together. | Could another factor explain the pattern? |
| Outcome | The result being measured. | Was it measured directly and over what period? |
| Risk | The possibility of an outcome in a defined context. | What is the timeframe and baseline? |
| Review | A summary or assessment of existing material. | Which sources were included and why? |
18plain-language terms
4reading categories
2026review context
How to use the index
- Find the word that feels unclear.
- Read the definition and the example sentence in the related guide.
- Notice what the definition does not claim.
- Write down a specific question if the topic affects a personal decision.
Words that need context
Terms such as “natural”, “normal”, “healthy” and “processed” can sound self-explanatory while hiding important detail. Lorena avoids treating them as automatic judgements. A food’s preparation, quantity, frequency and role in a wider pattern may all matter. The same word can also be used differently by a study, a regulator and a reader.
“Clear language is not a shortcut around complexity; it is a way to make complexity visible.”