Why a Healthy Diet is more Important than a Weight Loss Diet

The frustration comes from the knowledge that the single-minded focus on weight loss is ironically the saboteur that prevents many people achieving their goal.

The right diet can have a remarkable impact on all aspects of health. It can improve the appearance of your skin, hair and nails, alleviate hormonal symptoms, cure muscle and joint problems, and magic digestive issues away. A simple change of diet may cure a person of a symptom that has plagued them for years, not realising that a cure was in their own hands. Healthy diets improve your mood, cognitive function, energy levels and general sense of well-being and vitality. Free yourself from the distraction of niggling health issues, low energy and a foggy brain, and you'll find the drive and inspiration to improve other aspects of your life - relationships, family, and careers. It's the difference between thriving or just surviving.

But what about weight loss? A healthy diet means eating the right things at the right times. This means fewer cravings, fewer mood-swings and less guilt because you've given in to the biscuit tin or that extra portion of chips. Soon you'll have more energy and a clearer mind. You'll feel like exercising instead of having to drag yourself off the couch.

So what is a healthy diet? First off, it's for life, not just the month after Christmas. It's about making educated, conscious food choices rather than allowing habits and emotions to lead the way. Be open to new tastes and new ways of cooking - strive to enjoy and respect the food you eat.

To get you started, here is a simple list of the principles of healthy eating:

Balance
Don't be tempted to overload on starchy foods (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta). Make sure each meal contains some protein (meat, fish, beans, eggs, cheese or nuts) and some fruit or vegetables. Small amounts of healthy fats (see below) should also be consumed every day.

5 A Day
Eat a range of different coloured fruit and vegetables daily. Put the emphasis on vegetables if you want to keep the calories down.

Water
Sip throughout the day to avoid low energy, headaches, poor concentration, impaired digestive function, dry skin and water retention.

Wholegrains
When buying staples like bread, pasta and rice, choose wholegrain options which are full of taste, nutrients and fibre. They'll also keep you fuller for longer.

Beyond Baked Beans
Beans, peas and lentils are full of vitamins and minerals, protein and fibre. They're also low in fat and one of the cheapest foods around.

Fibre
Consume more vegetables, fruit, whole-grains (especially oats), beans and seeds for a healthy gut, a healthy heart and immune boosting benefits.

Healthy Fats
Have oily fish (mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon, trout or fresh tuna) twice a week for their anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Use small amounts of olive oil or rapeseed oil in dressings and cooking for their heart friendly mono-unsaturated fats. Nuts, seeds and avocados also provide healthy fats.

Reduce the Burden
Keep your intake of processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, salt, sugar and saturated fat minimal.

Eat Regularly
Reduce cravings and mood-swings by keeping your blood sugar stable. Don't skip meals, avoid sugar hits and have up to three healthy snacks a day.

Variety
Try new foods and recipes on a regular basis. Eat seasonally.

Eat Well
Sit down and allow time to eat. Think about your food while you eat it and chew each mouthful properly.

Julia FitzGerald is available for individual consultations at Still Point House in Bovey Tracey on Wednesday afternoons. Please see www.korunutrition.co.uk or call 01626 830536 to book an appointment or discuss how nutritional therapy can help you.

Julia FitzGerald BSc MBANT, Nutritional Therapist at Still Point House
01626 830536 www.korunutrition.co.uk