Diets & Weight Loss

When we classify foods based on how much carbs, fat and protein they contain, is it really helping us determine how healthy they are? In decades past we blamed fat for our expanding waistlines and it became the dietary demon. Out went any food with significant levels of fat and in came a flurry of fat-free and low fat foods to fill our shopping trolleys.

Unfortunately, we threw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater and although going low fat meant no more croissants, pies and chocolate bars, it also meant no nuts, avocado or extra virgin olive oil – all foods that are fabulously nutrient-rich and that are not only good for health but can actually help us to control our weight.

Read more...

Forget about the pictures on social media of celebrities bouncing back into their teeny tiny bodies in the blink of an eye after giving birth. They don’t live in the same world as most of us. Actually, you shouldn’t feel envy at their seemingly easy return to their pre-baby body, just imagine the pressure they were likely under to give that impression.

Read more...

In the colder winter months it’s easy to let good nutrition slip as you seek more comforting, hearty meals. Chopping up a whole bunch of vegies to throw together into a salad probably doesn’t appeal and so vegie intake can really take a dive. This is where soup comes to the rescue. A hearty meal in a bowl that warms you up, while when made with the right ingredients, packs in good nutrition. Here are 5 benefits of soup.

Read more...

You’ve probably heard the expression ‘summer bodies are made in winter’ and while I really dislike the whole emphasis on getting your body beach ready for the warmer months, there is some truth to the expression.

Winter is a time when many of us tend to gain a kilo or two. Colder weather makes heartier, comfort food more appealing and extra layers of clothing makes it easier to ignore a little extra fat storage. At the same time inclement weather – I’m looking out at sheets of rain as I write – makes it tougher to get out to exercise, particularly if you’re a fan of outdoor exercise. Bootcamp on the beach is not such an attractive option in the cold, wind and rain.

Read more...

Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows how hard it can be, but the even harder part of the weight control journey is keeping the weight off. The cycle of yo yo dieting is frustrating and pretty soul destroying. Each effort to lose weight feels terrific when you do, but when the kilos start to creep back on it can leave you feeling like a failure.

Don’t let yo yo dieting bring you down. You can stop the cycle and achieve weight control that brings a wealth of health and wellness benefits.

Read more...

I’ve been amazed at how many people over the years have told me they aren’t really ever hungry. But when you think about it, perhaps it’s not so surprising. We have access to food pretty much 24/7 and there is little risk that it is going to run out. This  is a relatively new situation for the human race and one that we are not collectively coping with terribly well.

If you never truly feel hungry you are most likely overeating or at the very least you are not responding to your body’s cues to eat, but when society norms tell you to – does 1 o’clock mean lunchtime regardless of how hungry you are? Does 3pm signal a cuppa with a biscuit or some other sweet treat for afternoon tea?

Feeling hungry is a good thing though. In fact, I would even go so far as to say it’s essential for optimal health and wellbeing. Here’s why.

Read more...