About My Eating Plan
Over 20 years of private practice I have witnessed the comings and goings of dietary trends: from Atkins (high protein) to Banting (high fat) to fasting (low calorie) to ketogenic diet (very low carbohydrate) and, more recently, to plant–based eating (high carbohydrate). With each new trend claiming to unlock the door to eternal weight loss and optimal health.
It is little wonder people are confused!
The truth is there is no such a thing as one-diet-fits-all. A lifestyle programme will only work if the individual can “work it”.
Each client is an individual, and as such is guaranteed an eating plan that fits into their unique lifestyle. The client is the driving force behind the eating plan, with each individual dictating the most appropriate dietary rules. Although the initial meeting will demonstrate what changes are needed, it is through the regular follow-ups that long-term change is cemented. Regular meetings provide an opportunity for myself to monitor progress, overcome any difficulties, provide ongoing motivation and support and extend the nutrition education process.
When it comes to health and weight management there is no truer saying than “One day at a time for the rest of your life”. Together we ride your journey to improved health and well-being.
MY PROMISE TO YOU…
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Encourage a healthy approach to eating that will become a way of life
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Determine optimal macronutrient balance
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Ensure optimal vitamin and mineral adequacy
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Ensure optimal gut health
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Help you understand your body and recognize the difference between true hunger and psychological hunger (boredom, anger, loneliness, stress, tired)
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Help you understand the effect different foods have on your body and mind
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Design a programme that is live-able, do-able, adjustable and affordable
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Assess physical needs
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Give practical advice on eating out, shopping and cooking
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Educate you on how to read food labels to make better informed choices
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Guide you every step of the way
I am passionate about unlocking each client’s personal keys to success
Size does count
Too much of a good thing can be a problem. In today’s modern world, we are bombarded with ‘super-sized’ portions. 2-for-the-price-of-1 specials. Eat as much as you like promotions.
It is estimated that the average restaurant meal has tripled in size over the past 40 years. We have become so accustomed to Westernized eating that nutritionists have coined the scientific term ‘portion distortion’ when it comes to what people think is a “normal” serving of food. Even a regular portion of pasta, a pizza, a foot-long sub, or a 300g steak is far too much for the average person.
Size does count! Cutting down on your portions (particularly of carbohydrates and protein) and ensuring proper balance on your plate, can go a long way to making a difference to your weight, your health and your vitality.
Colour is Crucial
If the only thing you do TODAY to improve your health is eat a rainbow of foods, you are doing well. A colourful plate of food does more than just make your meal look appealing. Different colours impart different health benefits. Trying to eat 5 different colour foods per day can go a long way to improving your health.
All brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contain disease fighting compounds called antioxidants. But the purple/ blue range of foods somehow have an extra “punch”. These foods (such as berries, cherries, red onion, aubergine and even red wine) are high an anti-oxidant called ‘anthocyanin’ which have been hailed as a “superfood” for its disease fighting abilities.
Adding a dash of bright red foods (such as tomatoes or red pepper) will furnish your body with a good measure of lycopene, which fights against many cancers. Don’t forget about your dose of “youth-enhancing” beta-carotene from your orange/ yellow foods (such as carrots, pumpkin, apricots). And then your quota of essential folic acid from your green foods.
So colour is crucial to ensure a healthy, nutritious diet. I always advise my clients to make sure there are at least 2-3 DIFFERENT RAINBOW colours on their plate for their main meals.