Advice from health experts on what food is good for you and which is bad, changes constantly. Muhammad Shahid asks the question


Lynda StockLynda Stock, Slimming World consultant, Carlisle: I am a strong believer in having a moderate diet plan. I recommend people to have a balanced approach towards life.

The report of the UK obesity forum that has claimed you can eat fat is not based on reality and I think it is misleading. One of the major issues with the people who are over weight is lack of time to attend the gym.

Not every one of us has five days at work; some people are busier than the rest and some do not like going to the gym.

It is difficult to follow exercise on a daily basis and not many can do it.

In these circumstances it is vital that you have a proper diet that can fulfil your body needs and which at the same time keeps you fit.

We have diet plans especially designed for those who do not do much exercise.

Our recipes are highly recommended in keeping obesity low. Calorie count is very important for your fitness and keeping fat in control.

There are very good food calorie apps available online that can give you the exact calorie consumption on a day to day basis. Everyone has different calorie needs according to their lifestyle.


Debbie JackmanDebbie Jackman, a personal trainer with Get-Active, of Penruddock:  I believe in people eating a real diet rather than using food supplements. 

Millions of people use supplements for weight loss or muscle-building as an easy remedy.

But some supplements have harmful effects on health.

Many teenagers find supplements attractive. Parents should take responsibility in generating a healthy diet plan for their children.

A protein-rich natural diet that includes red meat, eggs and beans is the perfect alternative to supplements.

People should eat according to their lifestyle and needs.

Everyone has different vitamin needs so one person’s diet plan might not be suitable for another person of the same age.

People from all walks of life attend training sessions. Women are more concerned than men about losing weight.

Most men work on muscle-building rather than weight loss.

While choosing between a low-fat and high-fat diet most people will not pay much attention to the National Obesity Forum report.

The majority of men do not care much what they are eating while comparing a high-fat and low-fat diet.


Christine HolmesChristine Holmes, runs Border Warrior training at Atlas Works in Carlisle:  I don’t agree with the National Obesity Forum report.

A diet high in fat could cause obesity and illness.

A healthy diet is good for the mind and body. A poor diet can have dreadful consequences.

I would encourage everyone to have a balanced diet as excess in anything is bad.

A balanced diet and regular exercise is one way of avoiding obesity.

Most people who have successfully reduced weight have taken a balanced diet and exercise together.

Keeping count of the number of calories consumed in a day is crucial towards maintaining a balanced diet.

I always plan my exercise according to my diet. There are certain foods and drinks that can cause weight gain quite fast.

It has been proved that consumption of fizzy drinks is one major difference between obese people and those with a healthy body weight.

The kind of warning messages that we see on tobacco packets should be put on drinks that can cause obesity.

There should be a warning on every drink with added sugar that it could contribute towards obesity.


Frank BeattieFrank Beattie, of Carlisle, changed his lifestyle after a heart attack in 2005:  The quantity eaten should be taken into consideration as well as what is eaten.

You cannot go and have a pizza every day. I’d recommend people eat vegetables on a daily basis.

Wholefoods such as meat, fish and dairy do not cause heart attacks.

But too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which can increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Unsaturated fats, which can be monounsaturated (for example olive oil, rapeseed oil, almonds, unsalted cashews and avocado) or polyunsaturated (including sunflower oil and vegetable oil, walnuts, sunflower seeds and oily fish) are a healthier choice.

One thing that should be avoided is added sugar as it has negative effects on health.

Fruits like strawberries and raspberries are an essential part of my diet.

Eating too much salt is not good for people who have any heart problem as it can increase blood pressure.

Exercise is vital for healthy living as you cannot always rely on a low-fat diet. I go to the gym at least three days a week to keep my body in shape.