The clean-eating trend is proving to be on the up and up. According to The Australian, raw, organic and vegan foods are making up the diets of more young women all over the country.
This clean, green diet has been promoted by famous figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman, who speak openly about the benefits they have found from eating unprocessed and uncooked whole foods.
Amanda Lee, professor of public health and nutrition at Queensland University of Technology states that the motivation behind the diet change could be responsible for it doing more harm than good. Young women who choose a raw food or vegan diet in a bid to lose weight may not get the nutrients they need. This can lead to health problems such as low-iron or anaemia which can have lasting affects.
Cutting out junk foods is necessary and will promote good health, said Professor Lee. These foods, such as fried chicken and chips, are energy dense and nutrient poor, high in saturated fats and added salts. Fizzy drinks and alcoholic beverages are also proven to be bad for your overall health.
However, the idea behind the craze is entirely in line with a healthy lifestyle. Australian citizens, particularly these young women, need to get the sustenance they need from their food. For instance, the juices that are a staple of veganism and raw food diets, are stripped of fibre and other important components.
Along with raw vegetable smoothies and leafy salads, they should continue to incorporate organic meat and dairy, both of which contain crucial nutrients, states Professor Lee. Even if you do decide to cut out dairy, you need to find an alternative that will provide you with the necessary nutrients, such as calcium-fortified soy milk.
Enjoying a variety of foods in moderation is important in maintaining health and getting the energy you need. A fresh juice along with a hearty steak once in a while could do you good!
