Discussing Nutrition Problem

Simon:I've been living in this country for more than  seven  years,   but I don't yet understand why there is so much talk about nutrition      
as a growing sciense.

Tom(his American friend):Americans want to be healthy. But most of us  have no understanding of nutrition problems.

Simon:Whenever I see my family doctor, he advises me  to  stick to a low cholesterol diet.                    

Tom:And do you follow his advice?         

Simon:It's hard to stick to a diet  with my busy schedule.                  

Tom: For your health, it is very important to get a balanced diet.  
      
Simon:What is a balanced diet?           

Tom:Adults can get a balanced diet by including foods  from the  four  main food groups. These  are: the milk group (milk,cheese,yogurt,and        
other dairy foods); the meet group (meat,poultry,fish,eggs, and meat alternates such as beans, lentils,  and nuts); the bread group (bread,      
cereals,noodles etc.); and the vegetable and fruit group.                  

Simon:Can people who don't eat meator fish stay healthy?                

Tom: Absolutely. By  eating enough  dairy  foods and  meat alternates, people can get essential proteins.      
 
Simon: What about the nutritional  value of canned vegetables that we   buy at the supermarket?                  

Tom:The nutritional difference depends more on how vegetables  are prepared than on whether they are  bought fresh or canned.                 
                                          
Simon: I wonder how knowledgeable  you are.You could become a professional dietitian.                        

Tom:It's just my hobby to read about food and health.                      

Simon:I was told to avoid such foods  as bread or potatoes.  What's your  view?                                  

Tom: By avoiding bread and potatoes  you cut out several B vitamins, vitamin C and other nutrients.          

Simon: Are extra vitamin  dosages  useful?

Tom:You shouldn't take more vitamins than the body needs.                      

Simon:Thank you for  your  valuable  information.