- When it comes to a 'healthy eating' are there any things that you feel particularly confused about? If so, what are they? Why are they confusing?
I don't feel confused personally, as I take time to research healthy food choices for myself and my family. But I have to actively seek this out, if I trusted the supermarkets or even the current government healthy eating advice we'd be eating very unhealthily, be tired, overweight, puffy and have no energy. The lack of government belief and backing in high protein, low carb lifestyles and its continued push to sugary cereals and butter substitutes is a real irritant for me. I try to cook from scratch always and base meals around a protein, whether that's meat, fish, eggs, cheese or pulses. Then I add veg and some carbs. I get veg and meat boxes delivered weekly from Abel and Cole which challenge me to be creative. Their recipe cards included in every box are always excellent and inspiring.
- Is providing your family with a healthy and balanced diet something that you feel confident about? If so why, if not, why not?
Yes I feel very confident in this. See above. I would also add that I did baby led weaning, which has helped me get off to a great start with attitudes to eating - I see it as my job to dish up healthy food, whether my toddler eats it or not. Often not, but I honestly don't stress about it! I never serve up bland or processed food to make him eat. And it cheeses me off when my MiL serves him a massive bowl of custard, I mean really?! I feel like my generation have. Very different attitude to food for children (as in not stuff them as full of carbs as possible then magically expect them to eat a wide and varied diet when they are older) but I do meet many mums who still think like that. There is lots of wisdom in the BLW books and one stands out - that we have a society full of food, so they won't starve. It upsets me to see children cajoled into eating, especially at nurseries and preschools where they should be up to date with healthy eating and healthy attitudes to eating.
- Please share your experiences on how you go about sourcing the right nutritional advice on providing a healthy diet for you and your family.
Instinct really. I did 'Atkins' about ten years ago and although I don't do it now, it revolutionised the way I think about food. Centring meals around a protein wherever possible - but we do have a rich creamy pasta or huge homemade pizza at least once a week too! I love the recipes in my Abel and Cole boxes and watch Saturday Kitchen - I also like Pinterest for random viral recipes. If I want to cook scones or cake or biscuits, I just google and usually end up on the BBC website.
One more thing to add - water only in our house, no juice, fizzy drinks or squash. No need.