A Question of diet.

[Katelb]

:confused: What do people think about the constant advise being issued by various so-called experts on what to eat and what to avoid,how much to drink and be safe etc. there seem to be new, and often contradictory guide lines on some food or another nearly every day and unless you use common sense you would starve!
I eat exactly what I want which I like to think makes up a reasonably balanced diet as taught to me by my Mum,as she was taught by hers as with most families,but in this day and age,I can't help but feel there is too much information being given out which is counterproductive to good diet.

[jazzactivist]

Hi kate, I think that we are being overwhelmed with advice on what to eat. Most people know what makes up a healthy diet. There are other factors that mean that we don't manage to eat that way all the time, such as work demands, poverty, lack of local shopping choice, lack of time to properly exercise etc. The advice is contradictory in the wider picture too, as at the same time as we are now being told not to eat bacon sandwiches and to keep our weight on the thinner side for our height, the Competition Commission decides that more supermarkets are the answer to single supermarket monopolies, and their sole intention is get us to enhance their profits through buying more and more!

I agree with you that once you have the basic knowledge of what makes up a balanced diet then it is best to just do your own thing, and balance your life as best you can.

[sheddie]

My daughter went to her slimming club to get weighed last night and has now hit the target of 5stones 4lbs weight loss, although she still intends to carry on to get to her target weight. This morning she informs me she is going to write a kind of modern self help book to help younger people as well. Her weight went on through being a driving instructor and eating takeaways at drive in's etc.Also not having the time to buy and plan for sensible meals in her busy day.It's all about lifestyle and fitting it into a working day. Needless to say I am so proud of her!!!

[gothfairy]

I think it can be confusing, when different reports come out on a regular basis telling us what to eat, what not to eat, and then a while later another one maybe refuting what has already been said. Personally, I eat a little of what I fancy now and then, make sure I get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, very little red meat, everything in moderation. I don't drink, don't smoke, and don't take enough exercise. But to be honest, although obviously eating healthily is important to a degree, there are some people I know, who have lived well into their seventies, smoked like a chimney, ate takeaway regularly twice a week, didn't have lots of fruit and veg, yet were active and happy and fulfilled... until cancer took over. We can all help ourselves, but would it be true to say that in the end, when it's your time to go, through whatever cause, it may have absolutely no bearing on your lifestyle at all.

[eleanor2]

i believe in trying to eat healthy.i think a degree of the hyper activity in children is linked to all the modern day additives.there is way to much sugar consumed by youngsters.convenience foods are full of sugar and salt.etc etc.the good old fashioned meat and veg dinners.sitting round the table as a family.small puddings cus you couldn't afford much.not many could afford fizzy pop.sweets were a treat not a daily expectation. oh dear can you tell i am sensitive about this subject. did you know butter is healthier for you than margarine.i say go for food as near to its natural state as possible....

[sunflower]

I personally think, that it would be good to go back to the meat and two veg dinners, with a healthy breakfast and light tea. I believe, people snack between meals, because the main meals no longer satisfy. I think that people can even eating dumplings and Yorkshire puds if they do'nt snack in between.

[Crocus]

On a local radio programme in an internview with a nutritionist, she categorically said that the 3 most unhealthy foods you can have in your fridge and larder, are margarien, fizzy cool drinks and sweets.

[sheddie]

I also heard some advise on the radio, a lady said buy the smallest fridge you can it will stop you buying too much and eating ice cream etc.

[eleanor2]

mmmmmmmm ice cream is my weakness.carte dor mascapone and mackies scottish ice cream.i do make them into banana boats with soya cream and chopped almonds.so they are filling and quite healthy.

[Crocus]

.......... ice cream ..........! We had some with our pud this afternoon. Lunch was leg of mutton, potatoes, rice for one rice crazy son, veggies and green salad.