Not since the 1920s have we been bombarded by so much rhetoric about dietary fiber and the wholesomeness of grains as we are today. Unquestionably, medical studies have conclusively proved that many health benefits accrue from consuming less saturated fat and red meat, and more natural grains and complex carbohydrates. Yet we mustn't yield to fads and commercialism in the form of macrobiotic diets, megadose vitamins and the worship of roughage. In short, perhaps we should resist the temptation of dietary excesses that merely reflect our fear of illness and our need for personal control over our lives and futures. For example, although dry breakfast cereals are often marketed as sound modern nutrition, their manufacturers tend to work both sides of the street.
Many brands contain huge amounts of sugar and unacceptably high levels of salt.
Clearly, in terms of balancing our diets, we need to read labels carefully and to distrust advertising claims. This dietary balancing act requires moderation, common sense and variety in what we eat.