Currently there are talks into a review of the UK’s Healthy Eating Guidelines, more specifically the Eatwell Plate:
Some current thoughts on how the guidelines need to change are as follows:
– Food pyramids are more user-friendly way of representing healthy eating guidelines
– Little cultural diversity is seen on the current guidelines
– Advice on what each food group contains and represents is not clear
– Foods in each food group are all grouped as one, regardless of their health benefits
– The proportions of the food groups may not be accurate in light of recent findings
– The current plate doesn’t take environmental aspects of food into account
– No information on portion sizes are evident from the current guidelines
– Meat should not be grouped with fish, beans and other highly healthful foods
– The concept of a ‘plate’ is confusing for the public as it may suggest foods needed to be eaten in one meal
My thoughts:
– The incorporation of the “high fat, high sugar” food group needs more explanation
– The high fat, high sugar group should include every day foods such as oil and spreads BUT
– Highly processed foods such as cola, ready meals, crisps should not be featured on the plate and need to be explained in a separate or ADDITIONAL section
– The guidance needs to also incorporate explanation and recommendations on high salt foods
– Portion sizes need to be incorporated into our Healthy Eating Guidelines
– The starchy foods group should specify TYPES of starchy foods and focus on promoting wholemeal, un-processed carbohydrates high in fibre, rather than processed foods such as processed cereals and white bread
– More of a focus on plant-based foods is needed and less on manufacturing
– Our Healthy Eating Guidelines need more evidenced-based explanation and need to be developed with public health in mind (not the food industry)
What are your thoughts on the Eatwell Plate? Let us know your comments and thoughts below.