Kevin Roberts, chair of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has urged those looking to make January lifestyle changes, to reject food fads in favour of a healthy diet.
According to Roberts, who recently criticised the ‘food fake news’ which is promoted through social media, the NHS’s Eatwell Guide offers common sense advice on how to ensure a balance of nutrients as part of a healthy lifestyle.
His comments arise as many media sources are coming under fire for unbalanced and sensationalist coverage of food.
“This is a time of year when people are bombarded with confusing messages, often by groups and companies with an agenda,” said Roberts.
“During January, the media indulges in a frenzy of coverage on veganism or other fad diets which obscure the reality – that a balanced diet with exercise is what experts would recommend.”
“The NHS Eatwell Guide shows the benefits of a balanced diet,” he said. “It advocates five portions of fruit and veg per day, plus dairy products and beans, pulses and meats as part of a balanced plate.”
Roberts added, “Nutritional experts say that, in contrast to some of the irresponsible claims on social media, there is no direct evidence that unprocessed red meat causes cancer.
“The guidelines say that 50g of red meat per day can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. Red meat brings lots of nutrients into the diet and it’s unprocessed and natural. Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef contain Iron, Potassium, Niacin, Vitamin B12 and Zinc.”
HCC is part of campaigns which emphasise the positive role that red meat can play as part of a healthy diet, and has recently worked with rugby stars Shane Williams and Elinor Snowsill to raise the profile of lamb and beef as excellent natural sources of protein and iron.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
