If you’re not confused about what constitutes a healthy diet, there was never a better time than now. The internet and the media in general are bursting at the seams with a flood of contradictory information. Many people spend a significant part of their lives testing out the multiple recommendations one by one, frequently to find that none of them seem to work. That magic formula is very elusive.

The truth is that whatever you may wish to believe, it will be an easy matter to find justification somewhere. Even so-called scientific research can be manipulated to arrive at any desired conclusion. Just consider some of the advice that bombards us:

• A diet based on protein with total avoidance of carbohydrates is healthy.

Result: Lack of energy and the skin is unable to rejuvenate, so dries and cracks.

• Avoid saturated fats:

Result: Saturated fats have many vital functions, particularly in energy and hormone  production. People who avoid them tend to be always hungry, and dehydrated.

• Gluten-free is best:

Result: The digestion may appear to improve but grains are essential for physical strength.

• Whole grains are good:

They are, but only when balanced by appropriate amounts of vegetables, or the system will become acidic – 75% vegetables is a good guideline.

• Organic foods are best:

Undoubtedly, as long as they are truly fresh, or they will gradually lose their vitality.

• Avoid sugar:

Certainly, if this means refined sugars, but sugar is a vital life support – without it there will be no energy. One just needs to be careful about where it is coming from.

There is a serious need to see the bigger picture – in the end it’s all about balance.