I watched a show last night on BBC called “Clean Eating’s Dirty Secrets‘ where vlogger (video blogger) Grace Victory dived into the subject of healthy food bloggers and asked some pretty compelling questions. LLG is not as well-known as the likes of the lovely Deliciously Ella, but I also follow a slightly different approach to Ella and felt that as a clean eating blogger myself, it was important to address some of Grace’s questions.

The most pertinent question being; Do we even know what we’re talking about and are we within our rights to give people advice? Well, I have to say, she did raise some really interesting examples where bloggers have said things about foods that have absolutely no support or evidence. Just because one states they have no official qualifications, is this okay? As the great Voltaire once said;

“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”

If you are a person of huge influence, I think it’s really important to recognise that what you say has bearing … whether it’s simply your opinion or a proven study; people who have less knowledge in the subject will more often than not take your word for it. It was a wake up call for me, and I’m sure many others, that actually words written down can be taken as gospel.

Ella Woodward believes in a plant based diet … It has changed her life and so she shared her story and rightly so, it’s an impressive one to read about. I see the advantages that a plant based diet can bring but I chose to not follow her path because there are a few elements I disagree with. The point is, the readers (including myself) have a choice that they are free to make and therefore responsibility cannot lay with the blogger if they have done their due diligence – like the one that a female on the show came forward with. I think it’s crucial that if we are suggesting a change, and some relatively extreme ones, we should always revert back to the significance of one size doesn’t fit all whilst sharing our personal beliefs.

So, should health bloggers be imparting their opinions?

I felt this was the underlying question of Grace Victory’s programme, and I suppose a fair question to ask.

My response is this;

At the end of the day, we are constantly showered with new pieces of information and as individuals, we have two choices – to accept it or reject it. All we are doing as health bloggers is simply sharing what we know works best. Should that come with clear messages that it might not be for everyone? Yes, absolutely. But wonderful is the freedom of speech and just as Grace has built her community through sharing her most personal moments, we choose to share something else. Who wants to look at it, and pay attention to it, is down to the eye of the beholder. I believe I’m sharing something beneficial, a message that promotes freedom, happiness and a way to show people that healthy eating doesn’t actually have to be so drastic or hard. Will some disagree with the way I eat? Of course, but I’m simply sharing what I believe.

I think life is about moderation, it’s about balance. Can I imagine going through life never drinking alcohol, never eating meat, cutting carbohydrates and never ever having a birthday cake that was bought from a shop? God, no, but this is my opinion which everyone is entitled to.

Will all this healthy chat blow over?

I hope not, because on the whole I think we are moving towards a healthier and more aware nation which is brilliant in every aspect. However, do I think these specific ‘healthy ways of eating’ will die down? Yes I do.  I get far too much enjoyment out of dining out and having the freedom of choice …  and I think a lot of other people are like me too. And in my eyes, the fact I also feel healthy and fit is the ultimate win!

I think cookery books should come back to the 80/20 rule. We’ve only have one life, so let’s live healthily and happily and not worry about that occasional hollandaise sauce you want drizzled all over your Eggs Benedict!

Did you watch Grace’s show on BBC? Let me know what you thought in the comments box below.

LLG x