So what is this balanced diet? It is taking food from as
many different sources as possible and eating food in its natural state - that
is fresh, unprocessed and , where possible, raw. The problem is that our diets
normally centre on our concentration on foods, which narrow down the spectrum
of our diet and contain many foods that are unhealthy. Too many processed
foods, preplaced, precooked, junk food, fast food –whatever they are, they
contain too much animal fat, salt, additives and too little fibre. The food
companies are now coming under pressure to reduce to salt sugar and additives
in their products. This is easier to monitor with improvements in labeling.
Our methods of cooking are also hazardous to health. Frying
is a common method of preparing food, adding butter to vegetables is almost a ritual,
sauces are progressively richer, and creamier. So, changing to grilling food
instead of frying, limiting butter on vegetables and reducing sauces instead of
thickening them with butter, cream of flour would lead immediately to healthier
eating. If you feel that you need the discipline of a diet programme, look at
it carefully: is it too expensive? Will it fit in with your family catering?
There is no point in preparing two meals and watching the others eat your
favourite foods. Is the diet balanced nutritionally? Stay clear of diets that
confine you to one or two foods. Nobody is meant to survive on a limited number
of foodstuffs and it could throw your metabolism awry. Do you like the foods
that are permitted in the diet? Are there any indulgences? You know yourself. Do
you want to stretch indulgences? You know yourself. Do you want to stretch your
willpower to the limit of adopt a more flexible attitude? Your responses to these questions should help
you organize a plan for reducing weight by yourself.
