BANT backs Jeremy Hunt's restaurant meal initiative
BANT welcomes the Government’s initiative to encourage the reduction of sugar in restaurant meals to support a decrease in obesity.
BANT is not surprised that the British public is confused about sugar consumption. Public Health England’s (PHE) advice ‘to have less often and in small amount’ promoted via its ‘Eatwell Guide’ model for a ‘healthy balanced diet’ gives advice that is too vague in relation to consumption of foods high in sugar and individuality. What is a small amount? Is the same ‘small amount’ suitable for a 4 year old girl as a 35 year old man?
BANT Registered Nutritional Therapists take into account individuality that enables personalisation of dietary advice based on the most up-to-date research available. Recent research has found, for example, that eating potatoes may raise the blood sugar of one person, but have no effect at all on another, highlighting the importance of taking a person not a food centred approach.
BANT experts have carefully developed a set of Wellbeing Guidelines, based on the latest science and research in the field of nutrition for optimal health. The BANT Wellbeing Guidelines were specifically designed to provide clear, concise, easy to understand information for the general public, avoiding out-dated information and research, and addressing some of the most common health concerns. The most common reasons people seek nutritional advice is to address weight loss and/ or for general health and wellbeing. These issues are addressed by BANT with the following:
The clear, concise format of the BANT Wellbeing Guidelines enables people to see easily what food choices they should be making. More detailed information is also given to guide people in how to make these choices and which other lifestyle factors they should be addressing.
Key advice provided by the BANT Wellbeing Guidelines includes the following:
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Eat a Rainbow: a varied diet of 7 differently coloured fruit and vegetables per day.
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Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, green and black teas. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and too much caffeine.
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Ensure protein is lean: fish, poultry, eggs and vegetable sources. Limit red and processed meat.
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Include healthy fats: avocados, nuts, olive oil. Cook with healthy saturated fats: coconut oil and butter.
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Choose root vegetables and whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates and grains:
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Eat sparingly.
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For Weight Loss: include exercise, limit portion sizes, don’t eat between meals. Avoid: Sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and refined carbohydrates.
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Include the right supplements: vitamin D, in particular, for most people and probiotics as advised by your Registered Nutritional Therapist
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Sleep and Exercise are an important aspect in overall Health and Wellbeing and Weight Management.
