Latest articles on Nutrition

The menopause occurs when ovulation ceases and oestrogen production decreases; it usually happens at an average age of 51 (range 40–58). Approximately 75–80% of women suffer some menopausal symptoms; it normally lasts for two to five years, but sometimes longer.  Symptoms of the menopause The most common menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbance, mood swings, forgetfulness and lack of concentration. Despite there being quite a...

Have you heard of mindful eating and wondered 'what’s all the hype about?'. Well, there really is a lot of sense (and science) behind it. In short, it is really another way of saying slow down, pay attention to what you are eating, and focus on the act of chewing. It is easy to eat too much too quickly if you’re not paying attention, which can lead to bloating, gas, heartburn and indigestion, and indirectly to weight gain. Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to...

What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is the most common de-pigmentation disorder of the skin, hair and mucosal surfaces, which manifests with white patches as a consequence of the destruction and selective function loss of melanocytes. Melanocytes are very specific cells located at the bottom layer of the skin that, through a process called melanogenesis, produce melanin, a dark pigment responsible for our skin colour. Its function is to protect against UV light; put simply, the darker your skin, the...

Most of us suffer from insomnia at one time or other, but what are the most effective ways of addressing the problem? To reap the full benefits of sleeping both the quantity, quality and timing of sleep are important.

The optimal sleep quantity is for most people between 7-8½ hours. This is time spent sleeping as opposed to just time spent in bed. The optimal sleep quality relates to four stages of sleep with stage one being the lightest type of sleep, basically dozing,...

People often ask me why they are tired all the time. The simple answer is that they are using all the energy they are producing, so it is a matter of using less energy or making more. If you work too hard or exercise too hard, you may be able to reduce that energy expenditure. However, life often forces you to do things even when you are tired out. You may not be able to escape long commutes, an unreasonable employer, or care for a sick relative. Bereavement may be exhausting you. Severe...

Why are we eating the same foods week in, week out? Food is so versatile! So why do we end up eating the same stuff on a regular basis? Not anymore - I hope. Writing down your weekly meal planner and a shopping list will help you to change your eating habits and encourage you to try new and exciting foods and recipes. 10 reasons why you should plan your meals 1. Help you to eat more variety, seasonal and more exciting foods It will stop the majority of us getting caught up in eating the same...

Do you go to bed tired but then have difficulty falling asleep? Or fall asleep quickly but wake up a few hours later, lying there looking at the ceiling? Do you wake in the morning feeling like you need another few hours sleep? Well, you are not alone!  Shockingly, it is reported that one in three people in the UK is regularly affected by insomnia. Furthermore, a research paper printed in the journal Nutrients (2017) reported that almost one-third of the world’s population is...

Ever felt like you’re running on empty as the day wears on? Or feel sluggish and lethargic after eating? Or maybe you’ve given in to those persistent cravings, only to munch on some chocolate or bread – then feel hungry and tired again soon after! It could be a blood sugar imbalance that’s causing your energy levels to crash (and your mood with it) so here’s how to stop the slump – and keep your metabolism steady and stable throughout the day.   But...

Good fats, bad fats, low fat, essential fats, saturated fats In many of my consultations, I find myself explaining:

Why fat is important for our bodies. Providing information about different types of fat. Convincing clients that eating fat as part of a balanced diet will not make them fat!

So here is a short article to dispel any myths that still abound regarding dietary fat. What function does fat play in our bodies? 1. Energy Fat is a concentrated source of energy for our body...