FAQ

Why does my weight change ?

Calories from food give us the fuel we need to run our bodies and operate in our daily lives. When more calories are consumed than needed in a day, they do not get used up and can cause increase in weight. Similarly, if too few calories are consumed, weight can be lost.

Other factors also influence your weight, including your genetics, your daily activity or exercise levels, fluid intake and sleep.

Why should I follow a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is one that provides variety and adequate nutrition to support good general health and physical activity whilst protecting against chronic disease.

Good food choices help to keep the body healthy and, consequently, can assist in avoiding disease. Combined with avoiding smoking, taking regular exercise can also contribute to a longer, healthier life.

How do diets work?

Different diets work in different ways. They may restrict certain foods or food groups or limit the amount of food eaten. Some dictate eating times or food combinations. It's important to find a sensible diet that suits your lifestyle and supports your everyday functioning whilst allowing you to meet your weight goals.

For a diet to work in the longer term, it needs to support healthy eating and lead to a change in habits and lifestyle. An unsustainable diet will not continue to support healthy weight management.

Is exercise necessary?

Most people who are successful at maintaining their bodyweight within their ideal weight range are active. Taking moderate exercise and more than 10,000 steps per day definitely contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

What foods can I eat to help keep me full longer?

It is the protein and fat content in the food that makes you feel full. A balanced diet should not leave you feeling hungry, so check that enough of each is included. Fibre, from fruits and vegetables, can also add to a feeling of satiety.

Should I cut out carbohydrates completely?

Some diets, for example the Keto diet, strictly limit the intake of carbohydrates, however, many grains, fruit and vegetables include natural carbohydrates, together with fibre, vitamins and minerals which are important to support gut health.

Do I need to detox regularly when I diet?

The body detoxifies itself through water intake and natural, plant-based foods. Detoxing, especially using juices, can leave the body lacking essential nutrients and energy.

Can I skip breakfast?

It makes sense to eat at times when your body can use the energy, rather than store it, so breakfast is always a good idea. A better meal to skip is late night supper, if necessary. Skipping meals is not recommended, though, since it can lead to overeating at the next meal!

Is fruit sugar bad for you?

Fresh fruit contains natural sugars which don't have the detrimental effect that added sugars have. Fruit also contains plenty of fibre and health-promoting nutrients.

Do I need to take vitamin or mineral supplements?

A balanced diet should provide everything the body needs to function well, however, it is important to determine individual requirements of certain vitamins and minerals, for example vitamins D, B12 and iron. Regular blood tests are recommended to ensure balance.

Are Organic foods good for you?

Foods marked 'organically grown' simply mean that they are not affected by chemicals in their growing process. They have the same nutritional benefit as non-organic items, but with the reassurance that nothing artificial or nasty has been added.

What foods are bad for you?

Some food items are branded as 'bad', however, everything is okay in moderation. Unless you are allergic or reactive to a certain food, a balanced diet contains a good variation of all foods, including some that may be referred to as 'bad' from time to time!

Research References

Flegal, K.M., et al., Cause-specific excess deaths associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity. JAMA, 2007. 298(17): p. 2028-37.

Haskell, W.L., et al., Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2007. 39(8): p. 1423-34.

Qi, Q., et al., Sugar-sweetened beverages and genetic risk of obesity. N Engl J Med, 2012. 367(15): p. 1387-96.