So I realized recently that my definition of a 'healthy meal' (I'm on a keto diet) was very different from the one my friend had (vegetarian on a high-protein diet) and I find it confusing that so many people have a different idea of what healthy food looks like.
Was wondering when you go to the restaurant for example, what does a meal need for it to be considered 'healthy'?
Hi Gabzerr I define a healthy meal as part of a healthy lifestyle for us and our needs. I’m a coeliac so have to eat a strict gluten free diet and choose a whole food diet as well.
It’s only because of medical needs or ethical choices that we should need a special diet but sadly because of fast and processed foods and drinks lots of people are suffering the consequences of a poor diet and have to resort to an extreme diet to lose weight and often live with diabetes.
So my definition of a healthy meal is all part and parcel of eating well and sustaining a healthy weight and lifestyle by having plenty of exercise so we’re not over fed or over weight and out of condition physically.
Very helpful thank you Jerry!
Well I think the main thing is, a "healthy diet" is open to interpretation.
In my interpretation, it's a largely whole food diet, with occasional less healthy foods thrown in to avoid it being too monotonous. But there were times where I interpreted it as toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and a pasta salad for dinner, as long as it only added up to 1400 calories a day, so I accept others may be somewhere else on the spectrum.
In terms of restaurants, I think the healthy option means it's below a certain calorie count.
Hi and welcome to the group, Gabzerr . 
My personal definition of a healthy diet would be eating meals and snacks that are low carb.-high protein and gluten free since I have both Type 1 Diabetes and a gluten/wheat intolerance. I count carbs. for each meal and snack to keep the blood sugars from going too high and/or low, but still find foods that are healthy to cook/buy each week. I eat some pasta, but it's gluten free and low carb..
Has your doctor suggested that you change your diet? What are your favorite foods/drinks when having meals/snacks? Are you allergic to any food/type of drink?
I think it's more about what you leave out that makes it healthy. Ideas about whatyou should leave out have changed since the old idea that eating fat makes you fat and now it can be scientifically proven that carbs ate the culprit (though most restaurants still haven't caught up).
It's worth looking at reputable sources to define healthy eg British Dietetic Association, WHO. There is no right or wrong diet, no bad or good foods, only natural or processed. Individuals vary widely and so do special dietary needs due to health conditions, but it's generally acknowledged that a healthy diet is one that provides the nutrition we need for our bodies to function , through a wide range of different foods, well that being:
- plenty of natural whole foods - fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, whole grains, some meat or fish if liked
- natural carbs like potatoes, brown rice, fruit, rather than processed like bread, pasta (nothing wrong with those at all though!!)
- very little sugar (we can get all our sugar from the natural foods)
- Unsaturated fats eg fish, avocado, olive oil, preferable to saturated (meats), preferable to trans-fats (processed eg cakes)
- Calories very by a person's needs and a low calorie diet for some can be healthy and for others dangerous
But being human I need to keep my mind healthy too and in doing that I enjoy baking and eating out and treats - it's part of how I enjoy my life. I know I'm maintaining healthy by eating naturally probably 80% of the time and the rest of the time is some chocolate or a home made cake or cookie (then I know what's in it) or a beer.
I used to eat a lot of processed foods and became quite ill. Only in changing to a largely whole food diet - not at all difficult and I am happy to share a food diary with anyone - did I realised how crap I felt.
I think if we eat as close to nature as possible we’re doing okay - limit processed foods and stick to fresh veggies and fruit.
I eat a little fish (wild caught - my husband loves his fishing), occasionally meat (grass fed), chicken and eggs (free range). And healthy fats - olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados.
I’d describe our diet as Mediterranean.
Ha ha...I'm pretty certain in most restaurants a healthy meal is going to be nearly the opposite of keto: as low fat as possible. Often it will be sweet, because (still) in order to make things tasty without any fat they often resort to sugar.
That doesn't mean folks here define it that way! Pretty much everyone agrees green vegetables are good for you. More and more folks are up for fats like olive and avocado oil. More and more folks are anti-sugar (in all its forms)
We split on carbs vs. calories (which for the most part means fat). Oatmeal, whole grain anything, root vegetables, most fruit, low-fat anything, sweetened anything is a no-no on keto.
Fat, for the most part, (cream, cheese, butter, eggs, fatty meat) is a no-no on everything else...at least in any kind of serious quantity. As I said, mono/unsaturated fats are becoming ok, but still considered "fattening" so limited.
Everyone needs protein...probably about the same.
Does that sound about right? (I eat keto btw)
Its not easy finding healthy choices when eating out, especially if u follow a vegan and/or wholefood diet. It may look faddish to most people but its what im used to and like. I look for options with most vegetables and least refined carbs and fat. Whats annoying are places that offer a bean burger, then put it in a brioche bun, or a vegetable curry and add cream. I dont eat out often and wd like to have the choice of a nice dessert, but usually either there isnt a vegan option or its spoilt by being too sweet.
What healthy take aways do you order? 
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