Ian has been working within the field of nutrition and healthy eating since the late 90’s.
After graduating from the Institute of Optimum Nutrition he founded The Food Doctor consultancy along with fellow nutrition therapist Vicki Edgson. Ian went on to design a best-selling range of healthy foods, which is still available in shops today. In January 2024 Ian left the Food Doctor to pursue his career as an independent nutrition consultant.
Over the years Ian has worked with thousands of private clients and in an advisory capacity with major corporations.
A prolific writer of many bestsellers and a regular contributor to the national press, radio and television makes Ian is a major personality in the healthy eating arena.
About Ian Marber
1. What is your role within the healthy eating arena now?
I still write regularly for a number popular columns and specialise in nutrition consulting for various corporation both here in the UK and abroad. I also consult for various food businesses and advise brands on ingredients, marketing and, more recently, EFSA regulations and associated health claims
2. What brought you into nutrition and healthy eating?
I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and became very aware of food and nutrition. I decided to pursue a career in this area to initially find solutions and improve my condition.
3. Are you a vegetarian/vegan?
No.
Food
4. What are your top (5 minimum) important food choices to incorporate to maintain/support/maximise health that you feel should be a daily part of a good diet?
- Fish
- Lean protein sources
- Fibre: complex carbs – i.e. vegetables and grains
- Plain yoghurt
- Vegetables
5. As a general rule of thumb Ian, what is your preferred ratio of vegetables (not potatoes) to flesh foods.
35% good protein
65% vegetables (part of which is complex carbs)
6. Are there any foods/drinks/habits that you think should be avoided completely?
I am evangelical about avoiding second-rate alternatives. People often replace what they think is unhealthy with options that still has the same negative impact on the body. Examples include granola (high sugar and high fat) maple syrup (essentially still sugar) and low fat sweetened yoghurt, which commonly contains more additives including sugar.
On a limited budget
7. As many people are on a limited budget Ian, which specific foods do you think are very important to include even if others have to be omitted?
Oats and legumes (pulses) offer considerable health benefits and are inexpensive. They can be used in a variety of ways too.
8. However if money were no object, which top foods do you think people should eat on a regular basis (not every day!)
Fresh Tuna
Seafood/fish generally
Matcha Tea
9. Which foods do think people should avoid spending money on, with a limited budget?
I would prefer people to spend money on a wider range of fresh food than a limited amount of organic.
Healthy eating for the nation
10. What do you think people find most challenging about adopting a healthier diet?
The problem is there is no single simple message that people can follow. There is so much ‘noise’ out there around healthy eating it causes confusion.
11. What solutions do you feel would be most effective for helping them?
One message that was free from commercial influences.
12. Are there any current incentives that the government is offering that you feel are genuinely useful to the public?
I think the 5 a day campaign has been very useful in helping people understand what their minimum intake needs to be, even if they don’t fulfil that quota.
13. If you had the power to implement a strategy countrywide to inspire the nation to embrace healthy eating; what would it be – money no object?
I would start implementing healthy eating education in schools in a proactive way, including ensuring an understanding of glycaemic index. I would aim to inspire and cultivate a real interest.
14. Who do you think are the biggest influencers of eating habits and food choices (rightly or wrongly)?
Celebrities………………
15. Who inspires you in the current healthy eating arena?
Frankly, no one really gets my full vote although I do admire what Jamie (Oliver) is doing right now.
And finally Ian……
16. Is there anything else you feel is important to say around healthy eating?
I am still disappointed how badly informed the public are but that’s no surprise when we consider that the majority of advice on healthy eating comes from the food industry via marketing and advertising.