Healthy choice the food debate rumbles on

The responses to my last blog about the BHF conclusion that leisure centres they surveyed offer “... a barrage of unhealthy products through vending machines and junk food meal deals...” have been flowing in thick and fast. The overall mood is that in an ideal world they would be right, but we live in a world of real people, who want to and like to make their own choices.

To gain a better understanding of the issue we are conducting our own survey of leisure centres and, despite trying to be impartial, our findings add a lot more ‘colour’ and realism to the issue. For example, visitors are offered both ‘healthy foods’ and, what the BHF would deem “unhealthy foods”. As we start to unpick this conundrum we realise that a simple “unhealthy = bad= out” is an unrealistic equation and not one that can be used by organisations that are involved in the commercial delivery of exercise/activity.


It is as unrealistic and untenable as suggesting that GPs should cease prescribing medication to anyone who does not achieve their 5 x 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. So let’s not get lost in the ether of hypothetical debate.


Our research has shown that:


• Facilities have to sell “..quick food which is affordable...”
• Menu choice is key, which is why food, snacks and drinks from both ends of the spectrum are offered
• Healthy living and”..holistic positive life choices..” are promoted
• Low fat/healthy snacks and low-sugar drinks, as well as fruit juices and smoothes are offered extensively, as are fresh fruit and vegetables
• Baking v deep fat frying is extensively used
• Some places don’t sell “fizzy drinks” or crisps at all


But perhaps the most compelling feedback was from a Manager who said “... the vending machines support the cafe operation which does offer healthy products – which do not sell. The so called ‘unhealthy’ foods, like chips, pizzas and burgers sell much more (than ‘healthy’ foods). If these were taken off the menu then the cafe would close.”

That is the issue. We must give our visitors a choice, but we cannot force them to make the ‘right choice’.


As someone commented, “It’s naive to hold the ‘healthy school meal’ example as one we should follow because the reality is those most at risk simply stopped eating school meals and instead, went round the corner to the fish and chip shop.

“We must not patronise or force this choice.”


Another interesting decision is that in one location, fizzy drinks outsold energy drinks by up to 50% a day and chocolate bars outsold healthy bars by 150% a day.

Is it wrong to offer a choice and let consumers make their own decision? Or should we make that decision for them and introduce our own era of prohibition?


On December 8th I will meet the BHF and need to present a balanced industry view ....... so what would you like me to tell them?

David Stalker, COO at the FIA