Fasting has become more mainstream in the last three years thanks to books like The Fast Diet. New research suggests that fasting for 18 hours a day offers better results such as improved insulin sensitivity, lowered cholesterol and weight loss but of course eating only between 8am an 2pm, burning six per cent more calories that […]
When it comes to health-boosting properties, cocoa content is key. Therefore, the darker you eat your chocolate, the better. Bittersweet chocolate contains up to 75 per cent of cocoa solids. However, some people may find this too bitter to eat on its own. Dark chocolate, which contains around 70 per cent cocoa solids, is tasty […]
I lead the colourful life of a nutritionist. I am a living experiment and I definitely practice what I preach. I would not expect anyone to do anything that I would not be prepared to do myself. I haven’t always been slim and fit. When I was a teenager, I was a stone overweight. It happened gradually, […]
The evidence of diet playing an important factor in the control and relief of Crohn’s disease symptoms is much stronger in children. But there is general dietary advice which, if followed, can make a difference in easing symptoms. Drink lots of fluid to keep your body well-hydrated and to prevent constipation, sluggishness and aching muscles. […]
Conference calling has been used by the business community for great effect for years, but it has also been helping women and men lose weight with excellent results. As a specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy counsellor working on the LighterLife 2U programme, I personally support around 100 women a week this way – not meeting in […]
Alcohol has no nutritional benefit. It is a toxin that contains excess calories and contributes to weight gain without any positive outcome for health. There have been some scientific studies that moderate intake of red wine, which contains polyphenols and antioxidants, may help to reduce oxidative damage in the body, but a landmark report by […]
There are dozens of supplements available from health food stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, the Internet and via mail order. All can be bought without any medical advice. This seems amazing when you consider that certain supplements can be harmful when taken in excess, others interact badly with prescribed drugs, or can be affected when taken with drinks […]
A major weakness in all nutrition and diet studies is that we have no true measure of what people eat. We rely solely on people keeping logs of their daily diets – but studies suggest around 60 per cent of people misreport what they eat to some extent. So although we have big data collections […]
Last month, the UK government published draft legislation for a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, which is set to begin from April 2018. The rate has yet to be set but it is hoped the move will help tackle the nation’s obesity problem. What is clear, however, is that the drinks industry is seeking to make any levy […]
With increased awareness among the general public regarding obesity, many people are looking to adopt healthier lifestyles. But, despite our best intentions, it’s all too easy to set about this in the wrong way. Initiatives like JanUary, the annual campaign by the National Obesity Forum, help to ensure our self-improvement drive doesn’t go to waste, […]