AIBU to no longer know what a healthy diet looks like?

[iloveruby]

I'm just so confused about all the various diet / health information that I no longer know what is considered healthy, or how to plan my meals so that they are nutritious.

I suppose the background to this is that I'm about 4 stone overweight and have tried various diets to no success but in the process have become so confused about what I should or shouldn't be eating.

I no longer know what is the right choice. For example, the 5 a day message is simple but then fruit is considered too sugary and sugar is bad so does that then mean 5 a day is just veg?

Then there is the message to cut down on refined carbs and increase protein, but at the same time to consume less meat (one of my main protein sources).

Am I the only one who is confused and if not, what does a healthy diet actually look like?

So today I have had:

Breakfast - Banana and yoghurt

Lunch - Salad consisting of spinach, salmon, red onion, olives, sun dried tomatoes, seeds and a splash of olive oil.
Smoothie with spinach, kale, blueberries and apple, linsead ans mint.

I've also drunk 500ml water.

This is so much better than normal and has actually been quite tasty.

I haven't counted any calories but have enjoyed looking up the nutritional values in the food and how that helps my body. Portions have been smallish.

That sounds good. So 3 of your 5 a day so far.

Personally I struggle with no or low carbs but not everyone is the same.

Well done! Even if you lapse remember it's a temporary lapse not a relapse.

Great. I rally think it's key to enjoy your food. Don't just eat things because they're low calorie or 'healthy'.

I think if you stay off the booze longer term you'll see some changes. I don't drink and my body shape gradually changed. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a slightly tubby little pear (not overweight though) but my pearness is much less pronounced than it used to be. Not drinking is the best thing I've done for my overall health. You may find the benefits take a while to kick in.