Throwback Thursday

 

This is the time of year when the signs of spring are on their way and the idea of summer holidays and looking our best is most definitely on our minds. I don’t know about you but after all the easter chocolate and warming hearty winter bowls of food we have been eating, I feel in need of a little reminder of what really is the best mix of food types to be eating every day. With that in mind I thought I would turn back the clock to my post last year about the food pyramid as a reminder of the balance of different foods that we should aim to have on our plates at each meal.

The UK Food Pyramid which has cereals and grains as the bulk of our diet is crazily out dated in my opinion (seriously, don’t even google it!). I think the Australians are way ahead of us in their thinking about healthy eating and as some of you have been asking me, “what should a balanced plate of food contain”, I thought you might find this information below a good place to begin.

This pyramid was updated in Australia back in 2015 by Australia Nutrition. Interestingly enough this new pyramid was developed by them in response to the endless “fad diets” that had been flying about the media and it certainly makes a lot of sense to me.

The main differences to our old style food pyramid are as follows:-

• The 2015 food pyramid is separated into five sections rather than three. This helps to give a much clearer picture of what our diet should look like on a plate and give us a larger variety of foods to eat at every meal.
• This new pyramid gives those gorgeous veggies precedence over breads and cereals.
• Nutrient-dense whole grains have made an appearance. Eating the likes of quinoa, couscous, soba noodles and oats are so much better for us than the standard white breads and pastas of decades past.
• Thank goodness margarine has been removed all together.
• Added sugar does not appear anywhere on the pyramid !
• Fruit and vegetables have different percentages. The newer food pyramids suggest about three times more vegetables to whole fruit should be eaten each day. If in doubt veg it out – go for veggies over fruit where you can.
• No junk food is mentioned at all.
• Good fats are, yes you guest it, good for us ! Most old pyramids had margarine and reduced-fat spreads mentioned, now the only fats on the pyramid are healthy full fat ones e.g. butter, olive oil, nuts etc..
• Don’t forget your herbs and spices. These lovelies are a highly nutrient-dense addition to a meal and are an explosion on your taste buds which helps to bring enjoyment to eating delicious, natural, fresh whole foods.

Obviously this is a generic food pyramid and it can’t take every individuals needs into consideration but it is a great place to start for those of you out there who want to eat a balanced plate of food at every meal.

Personally I would hold back on the grains in favour of more veggies and good quality meats and fats but thats my own preference as I find that works best for my body. Remember, “if in doubt veg it out” and add another handful of the green stuff over something naughty.  I hope this has clarified things a bit and that you feel motivated to try out a few new dishes over the coming weeks which are top heavy with veggies, have a handful of quality protein, a small amount of whole grains if you need the energy and some delicious fats too.

To add to your recipe inspiration bank I will be posting up loads of veggie based recipes on my new website which is in the pipeline so watch this space for when that goes live.

If your aim is for glowing skin, great energy levels that don’t let you down, weight maintenance, that sensation of just feeling good, being at your best and with an immune system that is fighting fit and ready for anything then there is no time like the present to make that shift in mindset. Focus on that updated food pyramid idea and you will feel the benefits quicker than you can imagine – thats a promise !

P.S. These are some cookery books the are inspiring me to cook with more fresh veggies at the moment. There is no need to dash out and buy the latest “must have cookery book”, there is plenty of inspiration in the books you have already living in your kitchen cupboard, you just need to dust them off, open them up and be re-inspired:-

• This is a lovely one from Sarah Raven I love how it is set by season and veggie type and I always revisit her books again and again.
• Anything Ottelenghi just because he is awesome for veggie dishes that can go with loads of different protein main courses.

Let me now how you get on and who inspires you. Be well. Sophie xo