We have all heard the expression “You are what you eat”. This may be very true, but the big problem is that we are not always aware what we actually are eating. Food labelling has progressed in leaps and bounds, but there is a long way to go. Do we know, for example, when we eat an orange if it has been in storage for almost a year – and its vitamin C content totally depleted? Do we know exactly what has been pumped into that plump, moist, but almost tasteless chicken? Do we realise that the wonderful cereals we give our children, the ones with lots of added vitamins and minerals, also contain huge amounts of sugar?
We hope Healthy Life Essex articles will provide useful information and help reverse the growing trend towards an obese nation.
Unfortunately, GPs receive virtually no training in nutrition and their knowledge is limited. You may be referred to a dietician if you have specific health issues and there are also many Food and Diet Guides on the NHS Choices web site. Do consider visiting a private nutritionist or nutritional therapist. Please note that there is a difference between Nutritionists, Nutritional Therapists and Dieticians. Find out more by visiting the info page in therapies for Nutritionists, Nutritional Therapists and Dieticians.
To ensure we are actually getting all the nutrition our body needs we need to eat a broad range of fresh, unprocessed foods, but many people may also wish to consider additional supplements.