Which diet advice is to be believed?

[TheDeadlyDonkey]

I've started reading John Briffa's Escape the Diet Trap. It makes for very interesting reading, but has made me question the usual run of the mill low fat type diet advice.
If Briffa is to be believed, low fat diets are unsustainable and can contribute to ongoing obesity issues and increasing the risk of diabetes.

I've also recently heard that if milk is to be drunk, full fat milk is better, as the majority of vitamins and minerals are in the fat.

I'm also hearing varying reports on cholesterol, and how it maybe isn't playing the dangerous role that many drs are telling us.

So, after DH's stroke (which wasn't in any way a lifestyle issue) he has been advised to be cautious and cut down on fat and use benecol spread and yoghurt drink (I have read that these aren't good for you, but can't remember where, could have been on here)

So when there is so much conflicting advice, who do you trust? What do you believe?

John Briffa's book is really convincing, quotes trials, uses scientific charts etc, and makes sense.
I myself have struggled with low fat diets, and failed more times than I care to admit.
I am in no way qualified to interpret scientific trial data (along with the majority of the population) and am growing more and more confused about the conflicting advice that is out there.

I'm not really sure what I'm expecting from this thread, but I'm interested to see what others think about this, and who you trust when it comes to diet advice?

[Xenia]

I'm not down on fruit. I am just down on overeating it. I've said above it is much better for you than processed foods. however those addicted to sugar do often replace sugar with fruit and eat more than is good for them of fruit, that's all. I would encourage everyone to replace junk food with fruit and replace fruit juices with fruit.

yes, I agree with what is being said about sunlight, exercise and getting loads of sleep (although the latter is almost impossible with small children) although by the time they are the age of mine (teenagers) it's much easier to get yourself to bed early. Drink a lot of water too. All those things cost very little - sunshine, moving and sleeping and drinking water.

[TwasBrillig]

I was trying to wait until Wednesday but weighed myself just before lunch . . Already lost 4 pounds! Its about long term health rather than weight but there's quite a lot of weight to shift. I'm hoping its going to keep falling off . . .

[TwasBrillig]

I went to bed early, walked in the sun. Now I just want to sleep . . .but need to do things.

[BIWI]

That's great going, Twas!