by Suellen Morris | Apr 27, 2023 | Hot Topics in nutrition, Thoughts, The Nation’s Health, Education
This month, we are pleased to see the publication of a paper that Nutrilicious were commissioned to create. While our nutrition and science team at Nutrilicious strongly believes that we must now update the Eatwell Guide we also believe that more focus must be given to communications of the Eatwell Guide. The new rapid review explores communications around food based dietary guidelines (FBDG), including the Eatwell Guide. The paper has been published in the journal ‘sustainability’ , authored by Amy E Culliford, Jane Bradbury and Elphee B. Medici. As a nutrition and sustainable diets communications consultant at Nutrilicious, Elphee was part of the core research team for this project.
Improving Communication of the UK Sustainable Healthy Dietary Guidelines the Eatwell Guide: A Rapid Review
Background
In the UK, FBDG are reflected by the Eatwell Guide, developed by Public Health England (PHE), last updated in 2016. The Eatwell Guide replaced the Eatwell Plate and continues to define the government’s advice on a healthy balanced diet. The visual guide provides a representation of healthy eating by splitting the food we eat into five food groups and shows how much an individual should eat from each group. The supporting guides that can be found on the government’s website include A colour Eatwell Guide PDF, Government dietary recommendations, The Eatwell Guide Booklet and A quick guide to the government’s healthy eating recommendations
Currently, only 0.1% of the UK population are meeting all nine recommendations provided by the Eatwell Guide. Improving adherence is of upmost importance not only to improving health and reducing rates of non-communicable disease in the UK but also to supporting a reduction in the environmental impact of what we are eating, to help meet the UK’s targets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) by 68% by 2023, compared to 1990 levels.
The Findings
Key themes were pulled out as part of the review as being significant in effective communication of FBDG. The following five recommendations were made, with the aim of helping to improve adherence to the Eatwell Guide:
(1) Review of language and tone of nutrition and sustainability related messages
Short, simple, specific and easy to understand communications should be utilised, using an empathetic and empowering tone. Specific messages relating to sustainable diets should be recommended and incorporated into guidelines offering benefits for the people and the planet.
(2) Targeting of FBDG and communications to specific population segments
Communication needs to be tailored and appeal to different population groups including age, gender, cultural background and motivation style. Further research is warranted to explore factors which influence food choices within specific target population segments.
(3) Addressing barriers to and benefits of adopting the Eatwell Guide recommendations
Barriers need to be addressed to guide in effective communications. Barriers identified included taste preferences, cost, time and habits.
(4) Development of practical tools and resources to support implementation of the guidelines
Compared to other countries’ FBDG communication strategies, the UK is currently lacking in producing supporting resources to assist in the implementation of the Eatwell Guide. For example, portion size guidance for various population groups, healthier and tasty substitutions for unhealthy and/or unsustainable foods would be beneficial and also recipes and practical approaches to meeting FBDG.
(5) Leveraging social media and social marketing techniques to increase public engagement
Social media and the internet are a key target area to communicate to individuals. The digital space should be utilised to form a key part of the Eatwell Guide communication strategy, alongside traditional media.
As can be seen, multiple elements need to be considered when communicating the Eatwell Guide to the public, health professionals and other stakeholders.
Moving On
The review provides such valuable lessons into the effective use of FBDG, including what has been working well globally. Research findings from this new rapid review can help to drive better and more effective communication strategies in order to promote sustainable healthy eating guidelines. Policy makers, the food industry and health professionals should use this to drive dietary behaviour change. The authors conclude that further research is needed in this area, with a particular focus on ‘research into the motivations, perceived barriers and preferred communication style for target population groups and a more detailed analysis of social marketing and industry strategies which could be adapted to promote sustainable healthy diets.’
“Healthy eating guidance including the Eatwell Guide need to be brought to life through a strategic and creative marketing strategy designed to resonate with different population groups and on a level similar to how food marketing is successfully done. Government needs to go beyond current guidelines and campaigns and embed this into an always-on public health strategy to make this happen. Those involved in such a strategy would benefit from the learnings in this paper” – Tanya Haffner, Registered Dietitian, CEO Nutrilicious
by Nutrilicious | Sep 20, 2019 | Thoughts, The Nation’s Health, Education
When it comes to food choices, what should we be advising those suffering from type 2 diabetes to help them manage weight and glucose?
Do we focus on a low carb diet?
Cutting out fat?
Or just the simple principle of sticking to Eatwell guidelines?
Media headlines continue to offer 101 different – conflicting – solutions. So what’s the truth? How can we piece together this apparent mess to best support those with diabetes?
Next week, in the second in our series of diabetes NutriWebinars, expert Dr Duane Mellor, RD, Senior Teaching Fellow at Aston Medical School, Aston University will be exploring these topics.
Looking at how advice has shifted over the past few decades, he’ll be talking through the latest evidence and explaining what health professionals can do to actually help people living with type 2 diabetes.
The webinar will also cover evidence from the last couple of years that shows that type 2 diabetes is not necessarily always a condition for life: through weight loss and maintenance, we can actually help people go into remission.
Fundamentally, it’s about putting the person with the condition at the centre – rather than trying to force them into eating habits that don’t suit their lifestyle, culture or preferences. Instead of concentrating on specific nutrients at specific times of the day – ‘you must have starchy carbs at breakfast’ – it’s working out what works for them, at the same time as creating an overall balanced diet.
Inviting questions and ideas from participants, the NutriWebinar is set to be an interesting, informative and empowering evening. (Plus, it’s free and counts as CPD.) We hope you’ll join us and encourage colleagues to join in too: register now
by Tanya HAFFNER | Dec 7, 2018 | The Nation’s Health, Surveys and insights, Education
As Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said more than 2,000 years ago, ‘All disease begins in the gut’. And modern science is proving it as true today as it was then.
In this blog we outline the importance of gut microbiota and the use of diet to affect them to try to improve health and welfare.
For a detailed exploration of the topic, register for our free, CPD-accredited NutriWebinar. Led by experts Professor Glenn Gibson and Laura Tilt, it will give you both incredible insight into the science and practical tips on how to help balance gut microbiota for real health benefits.
The importance of the gut microbiome
We have more than 1,000 species of bacteria in our gut. And there’s been an increasing realisation among scientists that these can have a profound effect on our health – from Irritable Bowel Syndrome to infections, asthma and inflammatory disease right through to bone health and cognitive function.
This understanding has led researchers to investigate what we can do to affect the microbiota, to be applied to this wide range of health problems. A steady stream of scientific publications over the last 15 years address the topic, alongside research into probiotics and, more recently, prebiotics – which selectively fertilise the ‘good’ bacteria.
Our gut microbiome status changes throughout our lives. We acquire our gut bacteria mostly at birth. Moving through the milk years, there are differences in acquiring bacteria between breast-fed and infant formulae fed babies: human milk.
There is change again at the weaning stage, after which the gut microbiota remains fairly stable. As we get older there is then a decrease in the largely in beneficial bacteria like the bifidobacteria.
The gut microbiota can be susceptible to various challenges: stress, infection, antibiotics and poor diet all amongst the factor coming into play on a daily basis.
How does diet affect our gut microbiome and our health?
Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and lipids are all metabolised by microbiomes in different ways, with different outcomes for our health.
Carbohydrate metabolism – especially that of fibre – leads to organic acids, short chain fatty acids, that have shown to be beneficial in the gut. For example:
- Acetate is metabolised by the muscle, kidney, heart and brain
- Propionate, cleared by the liver, is an appetite regulator also said to be involved in cholesterol synthesis
- Butyrate is a fuel and regulates cell growth
Fibre itself can stimulate the growth of good bacteria. It’s been estimated that per 100g fibre fermented, 30g of bacteria is produced.
Metabolism of excess protein, on the other hand, leads to less positive end products:
- Ammonia induces quick cell turnover
- Phenols/indoles may act as co-carcinogens
- Amines are linked to migraine, cancer, schizophrenia
Balancing our gut microbiota
- Increased fibre intake
To help ensure balanced gut microbiota, our diet needs to include enough fibre. As discussed in our recent blog, government recommendations advise 30g per day for adults, representing a 60% increase in intake for most. Laura Tilt provides excellent advice on how this can be achieved in the NutriWebinar.
- Probiotic and prebiotics
Much work has been done into probiotic supplements: live ‘good’ bacteria that bring health benefits, especially lactobacilli and bifido bacteria.
More recently, scientists have found that prebiotics could have an even more profound effect on our health. They work by selectively proliferating beneficial bacteria, which in turn inhibit pathogens. They may also have a more general effect, including dampening inflammatory issues.
Prebiotics are found naturally in human breast milk and in fructans and inulins in vegetables including asparagus, onion, banana and leeks. They can also be taken as supplements, especially in GOS forms.
Takeaway message
As our understanding of the link between gut microbiota and our health has grown, researchers have increasingly looked to see where we can have the most impact.
We’re in a position where health and nutrition professionals can advise clients on what they can do to improve their gut health and therefore overall wellbeing. We look forward to our research widening and deepening further to improve our understanding in this vital area.
Get involved in the discussion on social media: @Nutrilicious @NutriWebinar #lifelonglearning #feedingthegut
by Tanya HAFFNER | Sep 12, 2018 | Hot Topics in nutrition, The Nation’s Health, Education, Changing mindset
The government recently announced new measures to halve rates of childhood obesity by 2030 and significantly reduce the health inequalities that persist – closing the gap in obesity rates between children from the most and least deprived areas.
This proposal builds upon the first chapter of the Childhood Obesity Plan, which was widely criticised at the time as lacking the breadth and depth of initiatives needed to effectively tackle such a widespread and entrenched issue.
Steve Brine, Public Health Minister has stated: “One in three children are now overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. Overconsumption, combined with reduced activity, is having a catastrophic effect on our children’s health. As both a parent and minister, I am committed to driving today’s pledge of halving obesity over the next 12 years with bold new action.”
“Our updated plan will put parents in charge, providing more information and support. Our aim is to help families make healthier choices, which will in turn provide a better chance at a longer, healthier life for our children.”
Obesity – A systems issue
The financial burden of obesity is too great to ignore: it’s estimated that the NHS in England spent £6.1 billion on overweight and obesity-related ill-health in 2017/18, which, to put into context is more than was spent on the police, fire service and judicial system combined. The wider costs to society of these conditions are around £27 billion a year, if not higher.
Ever since the Foresight report was published over a decade ago, it has been recognised that obesity is a systems issue and one that therefore requires reform at many points, to deliver change. This idea and the fact that no plan to date has sought to address childhood obesity in a multi-sector way, was reiterated in the recent inquiry by the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee into childhood obesity. Childhood Obesity: Time for Action argued for a change in narrative, making clear that obesity is everyone’s business and “an effective childhood obesity plan demands a holistic, joined-up, ‘whole systems’ approach with clear and effective leadership”.
How does the Childhood Obesity Strategy measure up?
This update to the Childhood Obesity Strategy is a welcome step forward. It contains a raft of proposed measures that seek to tackle the issue using a co-ordinated range of policy levers. What is also good to see is that this new plan takes a firm but fair approach in how it will deliver change: using voluntary measures in the first instance but being clear that a harder tact with the likes of regulatory and fiscal measures will be considered where progress is deemed insufficient, or where a level playing field is required.
Here at Nutrilicious, we’ve taken a closer look at what’s in store and benchmarked the new childhood obesity plan against the World Cancer Research Fund’s NOURISHING framework, as well as the recommendations from the Health and Social Care Committee’s report mentioned earlier.
The NOURISHING framework
The NOURISHING Framework sets out that policies are needed within three core areas to improve diets: the food environment, food system and behaviour change communication.
N – Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
O – Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
U – Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives
R – Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion
I – Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply
S – Set incentives and rules to create a healthy retail and food service environment
H – Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health
I – Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
N – Nutrition advice and counselling in health care settings
G – Give nutrition education and skills
Bearing in mind that some policies and actions targeting childhood obesity were in place prior to this strategy update, overlaying the new measures show how broad their impact alone intends to be:
| New measures |
N |
O |
U |
R |
I |
S |
H |
I |
N |
G |
Nutrilicious notes |
| Improved food labelling to display ‘world-leading, simple nutritional information’ as well as information on origin and welfare standards following Brexit |
X |
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| Strengthen School Food Standards to reduce sugar consumption |
|
X |
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X |
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We would like to see these universally applied and close the loophole that exists for some academies |
| Strengthen Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services* |
|
X |
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X |
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| Ban price promotions such as buy one get one free, multibuys or unlimited refills of unhealthy foods and drinks in the retail and out of home sector* |
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X |
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It is good to see a mandatory approach applied here, as this is what is undoubtedly needed when policies will impact businesses’ bottom line. |
| Ban the sale of energy drinks to children* |
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X |
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| Ban promotion of unhealthy food and drink by location e.g. positioning – checkouts, end of aisles and store entrances, in retail and out of home sector* |
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X |
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| Introduce a 9pm watershed on unhealthy food and drink advertising and similar protection online* |
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X |
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We would like to see similar controls applied to sports advertising |
| Review governance arrangements for advertising rules (currently overseen by the Committee of Advertising Practice and Advertising Standards Authority) |
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X |
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| Potentially bring ‘sugary milk drinks’ into the soft drinks levy if insufficient action on sugar reduction takes place |
|
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X |
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X |
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| Introduce mandatory calorie labelling for out of home sector in England* |
X |
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X |
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| Sugar reduction plan for products aimed exclusively at babies and young children due in 2019* |
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X |
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| Calorie reduction plan due mid-2019* |
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X |
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| Develop trailblazer programme with local authority partners to highlight what can be done within existing powers |
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X |
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We would like to see greater powers for local authorities and health services |
| Develop plan to use Healthy Start vouchers to provide additional support to children from lower income families* |
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X |
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| Ofsted will review school curriculum to understand how it can better support healthy behaviours, including food choices |
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X |
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X |
We would like to see improved early years education for parents to support a healthy first 1000 days and compulsory home economics with healthy cooking skills at the core in both primary and secondary schools |
*Proposal for further consultation
Is it enough?
While we applaud this latest round of the childhood obesity plan, we would also draw attention to the fact that there is still some way to go.
By mapping the proposed policy options against the NOURISHING framework, we can see that in this latest iteration of the plan much more focus has been given to shaping an environment that enables and supports healthier choices, which is great to see.
However, what is noticeably absent is the ‘I’ in terms of improving food and health literacy of the population. In a ‘post truth’ world where consumers are increasingly sceptical of messages coming from the scientific community, and when social media influencers are capturing the hearts and minds of the masses with questionable dietary advice, never has it been more important to provide clear, simple and authoritative information and advice. As such, we’d like to the see the government step-up their efforts on social marketing and educational campaigns.
What is more, a number of recommendations made in the Health and Social Care Committee are notably absent, including:
- Establishing a Cabinet-level committee to review the implementation of the plan, ensuring it gets the high-level traction it requires
- Proposing further measures around early years and the first 1,000 days of life, including targets to improve rates of breastfeeding
- Banning the advertising and promotion of follow-on formula milk
- Providing local authorities with further powers to limit unhealthy food and drink advertising near schools (the only powers available to local authorities extend to the positioning of the billboards themselves, not the content of the advertising)
- Introducing services for children living with obesity
Finally, while this plan is overtly focussed on limiting unhealthy foods and drinks and making processed, packaged foods a little better through reformulation (lower in salt etc), we would also like to see equal attention given to measures that work improve the quantity and quality of foods that we do want people to eat more of. Changing the dietary landscape will require strong efforts to provide families with the tools and knowledge to instil these healthier behaviours in a sustainable way.
The full plan for action can be viewed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action
by Tanya HAFFNER | Mar 7, 2018 | Hot Topics in nutrition, Food category comment, Media in context, Education, Resources worth having
Below is a Press Release from the Alpro Science & Nutrition Team this week which we felt was worth sharing as it highlights a new and extensive review on the nutrition of plant-based drinks addressing a number of nutritional misconceptions.
PRESS RELEASE: 7TH March 2018
THE DEBATE OVER THE POWER OF PLANT-BASED DRINKS:
PUTTING THE MISCONCEPTIONS TO BED
7th March 2018: The debate on the benefits of plant-based eating, including plant-based drinks, is a hot topic with opposing messages from supporters and sceptics on the quality and quantity of protein, vitamins and minerals, and their role within the government’s Eatwell Guide. Hardly surprising then that the subject of plant power and placing plant foods first get regular column inches focusing on everything from the environment to health and, of course, the government guidance perspective.
So what is the truth and how confident can you be in championing plant foods to consumers?
Well, the good news is that consumers have already come to the smart conclusion and are considering plant power more and more in their diets. In fact, a plant based white paper, authored to celebrate this week’s Plant Power Day on 7th March, shows that more than half of UK shoppers say they are planning or considering adding more plant-based food and drink into their diets over the next year, with, health, weight loss and the environment being the biggest motivators for buying plant-based.1
One of the most accessible ways of doing this, is through the consumption of plant-based drinks, the production of which makes more efficient use of the earth’s resources using less land, water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than dairy. They are, in the main, low in saturated fats, which is good news for heart health (heart disease remains UK’s no.1 killer) and the fortified drinks provide important nutrients for bone health: calcium and vitamin D.*
But, never one to sit smugly on our laurels, to resolve any continuing misconceptions around plant-based drinks and plant-based eating, Vanessa Clarkson, independent expert, registered dietitian and nutritionist, was invited to take a deep dive into the scientific evidence and provide a balanced critique of the role of plant-based drinks in the UK diet.
The evidence was vast (over 60 of the most up to date publications were reviewed) resulting in the production of an 8-page review fact sheet. The conclusion clearly indicates that plant-powered drinks should be on everyone’s shopping list alongside an array of other healthful plant-based foods.2
To read the fully referenced 8-page scientific review please click here.
Key findings:
• Soya and other plant-based drinks provide many nutrients and can thus contribute positively to overall nutritional intakes.
• In the main, plant-based drinks have low levels of total fats that are predominantly unsaturated.
• Cow’s milk is not a crucial provider of protein in the UK or Irish diets (with the exception of toddlers) – therefore switching to a non-soya plant-based drink will impact little on total protein intake.
o Cows’s milk contributes just 7-8% of protein intakes in UK 11-65+ years and just 10% of Irish adult population intakes.
• Sugars: consumers have a choice to opt for sweetened or unsweetened plant-based drinks. Even sweetened plain plant-based drinks provide just 2.8g sugars per 100ml (range 1.2g–3.8g).
• Vitamins and minerals.
o With the exception of organic variants, all leading brands of plant-based drinks are fortified with calcium to a level comparable to that found in cow’s milk and with a similar bioavailability. Moreover, many are also fortified with vitamin D, which further supports calcium absorption.
o With the exception of organic variants, most soya and other plant-based drinks are fortified with vitamin B12.
o Iodine, not normally found in plant-based drinks, can be found a balanced diet which includes other sources such as dairy products, sea food and eggs.
• Plant-based diets support population health outcomes for cardiovascular health, body weight and blood glucose control. Furthermore, nutrients needed for optimal bone health are also readily available in plant foods.
• Plant foods in general, make more efficient use of the earth’s resources – a key point which should not be overlooked in light of global population growth and climate change.
So, in short, you should confidently recommend plant-based drinks and eating as a healthy source of nutrition and finally put the ongoing debate to rest.
– – END – –
1. Alpro Censuswide survey of 1,568 consumers, conducted between 21-23 February 2018.
2. Vanessa Clarkson RD, RNutr. Fact sheet March 2018: The Role of Plant-based Drinks in the British and Irish Diet. Alpro Health Professional website/resources. Available by clicking here.
The fact sheet was sponsored by an education grant from Alpro UK Science and Nutrition department.
* Calcium & vitamin D, as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. In children, calcium and vitamin, as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.
Plant Power Day – 7th March 2018: We’re asking you to put plants first on 7th March 2018.
This means, just for one day, thinking about plant-based foods first when it comes to your food and drink choices… And making every meal a PLANQUET.
A planquet can be big or small, from a plant-based feast with friends or family, to a plant-based breakfast al desko. It just needs to make plants the star of the show. You can do it all day, or just the once. For example:
• Making your porridge with almond drink and topping with berries, nuts and seeds
• Whizzing an oat drink into your morning smoothie
• Picking up a soya, coconut or almond latte on your way to work
• Sprinkling almonds, walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds onto your favourite salads, then adding other protein sources, if you fancy
• Packing out tomato-based sauces with lentils, split peas and grated veg first. Then, trying your chilli or bolognese veggie – or adding meat, if you like
• Adding beans, lentils, chickpeas and spices to soups, stews, curries and casseroles
Press contact: Tanya Haffner – Nutrilicious – tanya@nutrilicious.co.uk – 020 8455 2126
