Think you have a healthy diet?  Lots of people I meet say that they do and I listen………..until I see their food diary!

So I thought I would put together a simple outline of what a healthy diet should look like, along with some common questions that get asked often.   For example:

Is it better to have full fat or low fat yoghurt?

The answer is full fat – because low fat is usually loaded with sugar – check the label to be sure.

Which sugar is best for you?  Brown, Agave, Maple or Honey?

The answer is honey, this is the most natural form of sugar.  The others have a high GI.

What is the ideal amount of fruit and vegetables to eat every day?

The answer is 1 – 2 portions of fruit each day [otherwise too much sugar] and 10 or more vegs each day

Does eating fat make you fat?

The answer is – a big No! Not all fats are created equal!  There are bad and good fats.

A diet that’s too low in fat—especially essential fatty acids, which your body can only get from food—might affect your mood. Both omega-3s and omega-6s are important. There is a lot more to discuss here so look out for my next post on fat!

So what is a healthy diet?
It certainly is not comprised of raw veg, cottage cheese, crackers and seeds!  It means eating the right amount of a wide range of foods from the 5 main food groups [carbohydrates, protein, milk & dairy, fruit & veg, fats].

Meals should be pleasurable and if we know we are choosing to eat ‘healthy’ food, we will enjoy eating all the more.  This means it is fine to eat small amounts of our favourite foods occasionally, so as not to feel we are depriving ourselves.

If you are not sure about this, simply ask yourself, “Is there a healthier choice I could make without feeling deprived?” You may discover that you are just as satisfied with frozen yogurt in place of ice cream, whole grain crackers instead of chips, or a small piece of very dark cholocate instead of a large Snickers bar.

It all boils down to balance, variety, and moderation!

If you would like some individual guidance regarding your own eating habits and choices, you are welcome to get in touch.

Tags: carbohydrates, choice, dieting, fattening, healthy, nutrition, protein, snacking, weight loss