What is the Best Diet?

Over the last few days I have read the following:

• The Glycemic Index is ineffective (ref).
• A low-fat diet doesn't really help much (more).
• Men who eat more chocolate are in better health (ref).
• Taking calcium supplements won't prevent fractures in women (more).

Every one of these statements is backed up by "authoritative" research. These are not the findings of a tabloid magazine survey.

It's too much, too confusing, too bewildering. Let's go back to the basics - what is the best diet?

That is an ambiguous question - best diet for what? and for whom? However there are common themes that run through many of the better diets:

Eat more of:

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Whole Grains

Go easy on:

• Meats
• Foods based on white flours / sugars (effectively most processed and junk food).
• Full-fat dairy

Enjoy an active lifestyle (i.e. consistent exercise).

There is no "one size fits all". There is no perfect diet. People are complex, and our health and weight are not just the result of diet alone. I may eat the "perfect" diet (for example) - but I stress out so much - that I can make myself sick despite the diet.

Despite the overload of dietary information - I believe we have an obligation to (at least) learn what is in the foods we eat. Whether a food is good for us will always be in contention. However, if we at least know what we are putting in our mouths - we can then make an informed decision (based on our own experiences).

Comment submissions welcome: What do you think is the best diet? (for the general population - rather than for you individually).