If all diets were as successful as they claimed, why is there an ever-increasing market for the next best diet and why do people in the western world seem to be getting fatter and fatter? In the end, it's all about a healthy balance. But what exactly is this?
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A balanced eating pattern should: be consistent and help develop healthy eating habits permanently; include three meals spread throughout the day with small snacks in between; consist of 50-55% carbohydrate (fibre rich), 15-20% protein and about 30% or less fat; include a wide variety of foods from all food groups (dairy, meat, fish, poultry and eggs, starches, fruit and vegetables and fats); be practical and implementable for your individual situation and needs; be combined with increased physical activity and behavioural changes where necessary; and be about moderation.
QUIZ: Am I eating to optimise my health?