Food Glorious Food

When the subject of weight loss, lifestyle, or health is discussed, food is generally the star of the conversation. We love food and we strive to master the perfect 'diet', but what is it that drives our decision to eat in a certain way?

These days it's not so much a lack of information but rather information overload. There's a seemingly infinite number of resources at our fingertips from books and magazines, to podcasts, TV programmes and (ahem) online articles, all advising us what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat - it's frankly exhausting! Atkins vs Keto, or is it 5 and 2? Should we substitute whole foods for liquid meal replacements? Should we be juicing? Is it low carb or low fat? Do we increase protein or do we go vegan? Should we weigh our macros or count our calories? What about supplements? Raw vs cooked? Avoid gluten or eat more wholegrains? Cut out dairy or eat only eggs? Should we try a liquid detox? Eat more fermented foods? Less caffeine or more green coffee? Is your head hurting yet?? Added to this we live in a world of utter convenience, with access to information and products at the click of a shiny smart screen. We can get whatever we want, delivered to us with minimal effort; ingredients and quantities through the letterbox should we choose; nothing to do but cook (although I think that can also be arranged!).

There's no shortage of 'experts' out there and an apparently endless array of advice is available, so how on earth are we supposed to decide what is best and who to follow? The latest insta-star, perfectly posed in regulatory swimwear or immensely tight sports gear (...'you too could look like me!'). The friend who talks endlessly about their magic new elixir and claims it to be the answer to all of their concerns, 'they've never felt better'. The numerous celebrities who have shed a few kilos and claim to have found the secret (- we've all seen the photos of Adele, and jumped online to try to find out which diet she followed!). The advert showing that long desired six pack or perfectly toned thigh-gap - it's simple just buy the product... sign up to the membership... download the e-book!

Following food fashion has created sheer food lunacy! At some point I'm sure we've all been guilty of jumping on the band-waggon of a new dietary trend, filled with enthusiasm and hope, and utterly convinced that our new start is necessary. And how many of us can confess to trying this more than once? It's no wonder the industry is worth billions!

Getting Back to Basics

Despite the many tips and tricks, fads and innovations we have seen come and go in the last 5, 10, 15, 20+ years, our body physiology has not (as far as we know) changed. Therefore there are some simple facts, we believe we can rely on to help us cut through some of the noise:

Less is not more! An excessive reduction of nutrients, whether macro (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) or micro (vitamins and minerals) is not recommended, even in when weight loss is the goal. Macronutrients are required in large amounts and micronutrients in small amounts to aid the body in maintaining optimal health, bolstering your immune system and fighting disease. We cannot compromise our overall health to shed a few pounds, we need to find a sensible approach.

There is no magic secret! Eating for health and/or weight loss cannot be a burden or short term, it needs to be sustainable and it needs to be consistent. There are many 'diets' out there andmost will probably help you to achieve some measure of result, but whichever approach you take ask yourself 'will I still be eating this way in 2 years time?' If you set off on a new diet journey already picturing the treat you will have at the finish line, it's probably not going to work in the long-term.

Make it med! Since the early sixties the 'mediterranean diet' has been recommended by many sources. It is one of the most researched ways of eating and fulfils the basic requirement to eat in a way which benefits overall health and wellbeing. For our part we follow the principle of the mediterranean diet. Our logic is simple, it tastes good, it is generally simple to prepare and we enjoy the variety it provides. No fads, no twists and turns, no confusion, no doubts. Keep your food choices varied, vibrant and fresh and you'll not often go wrong.

Balance is essential! We need variety in our food choices to keep us interested and invested, and we need to combine what we eat with an exercise routine which suits our needs. We believe balance really is the key; bread is not the enemy, cake is not a sin and yes, you can and should enjoy an occasional glass of wine if that's your thing. We just need to ensure there is balance, and we are not putting treats ahead of proper nutrition - nutrition should always come first! We also need to make sure the quantity of food we consume is in balance with our energy output, so some days we might need a little more and others a little less. Think of food as fuel for your day and your body.

Quantity Counts! Remember you can put on weight whatever your food choice is, even eating 'clean'! The amount you put on a plate is just as big an issue as what you are actually eating. The food you eat and the amount you consume in a day should reflect your own daily lifestyle and routine. We are not all made the same, and our circumstances and lifestyles can vary dramatically, so we can't all follow one template and expect to see equal results. It can be frustrating when you see friends and relatives achieving success following a particular plan, but it just won't work for you. We all need to find our own way and learn what works for us, and this can sometimes take a little while.