Audrey Eyton was a remarkable figure known for her contributions to animal welfare and her influence on dietary trends. Born in Blackburn in 1936, Eyton's passion for animals and health led her to become a prominent campaigner and writer. Her most notable achievement was the creation of the F-Plan diet, a high-fiber diet that gained significant attention in the 1980s. Eyton's life was marked by her dedication to animal rights and her innovative approach
to nutrition.
Early Life and Passion for Animals
Audrey Eyton's early life in Blackburn was characterized by a deep love for animals. This passion would later define much of her life's work. In 1969, she co-founded Slimming Magazine with her husband, Tom Eyton, in Caterham, Surrey. The magazine became a platform for promoting healthy living and dietary advice. Despite selling the business in 1980, Eyton's influence in the field of nutrition continued to grow.
Tragedy struck in 1991 when her son Matthew, a dedicated vegetarian, died by suicide. In his memory, Eyton established the Matthew Eyton Animal Welfare Trust, which raised significant funds for animal charities. Her commitment to animal welfare was further demonstrated through her participation in animal rights demonstrations and her role as a trustee of Compassion in World Farming.
The F-Plan Diet Phenomenon
In 1982, Audrey Eyton authored "The F-Plan Diet," a book that promoted a high-fiber diet. The book became a bestseller, selling over three million copies by 1985 and being translated into sixteen languages. The F-Plan diet emphasized the consumption of 35-50 grams of fiber per day, theorizing that fiber's ability to fill the stomach would reduce overeating. This diet was not vegetarian, allowing for small amounts of dairy and meat.
The F-Plan diet's popularity was bolstered by media promotion, leading to increased sales of bran-based cereals, wholewheat bread, and pasta. Despite its success, the diet faced criticism for its extreme emphasis on fiber, which some experts labeled as a fad diet. Nonetheless, it aligned with mainstream nutritional advice on the benefits of high-fiber foods.
Continued Advocacy and Later Years
Audrey Eyton's advocacy extended beyond her dietary contributions. She was a vocal opponent of factory farming, as evidenced by her 1991 book, "The Kind Food Guide." Although not a vegan herself, Eyton supported vegan organizations long before the movement gained mainstream traction.
In her later years, Eyton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but remained committed to her causes. Her legacy is one of innovation in dietary practices and unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Audrey Eyton passed away in 2019 at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting impact on both the fields of nutrition and animal rights.
