Protein: how much do we need?

A patient came to see me.  Lovely lady.  Mother of 4 young kids.  She was experiencing sudden episodes of extreme fatigue, feeling faint, short of breath, and very anxious.  A previous doctor told her she was burnt-out and had prescribed an anti-depressant medicine for her.  It wasn’t helping.  In fact, she felt worse, and the…

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Fats: T’s & C’s

Do you understand Fat Metabolism? For a long time scientists believed that eating fat caused many health problems. Now, we know better! Eating healthy fat is essential for optimal health. Fat is important for healthy nerve cells, normal hormone balance, glowing skin and metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins (D, A, K and E). There are different…

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Protein: T’s & C’s

Proteins are large molecules made up of smaller units called amino acids. There are 8 essential amino acids – they are called ‘essential’ because your body cannot synthesize them and you have to include them in your diet. Animal protein like meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products contains decent amounts of these essential amino…

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Carbs: Ts & Cs

There are good carbs and bad carbs. Carbs should be limited to less than 30% of daily calories. If you understand carbohydrate metabolism, you can make healthier food choices for you and your family. All carbohydrates digest to sugar: Starch (found in bread, rice, potatoes, maize, noodles, pasta, and other starchy foods) is made of…

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Are you always hungry?

Are you constantly thinking about food? Struggling with cravings? Here are some tips to help you control your appetite: Eat more plants: Vegetables and fruits contain fibre that swells in the intestine and slows the digestive process… making you feel satisfied. They also have a higher proportion of water, which increases the volume of food…

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Protein: How much do you need?

A patient came to see me.  Lovely lady.  Mother of 4 young kids.  She was experiencing sudden episodes of extreme fatigue, feeling faint, short of breath, and very anxious.  A previous doctor told her she was burnt-out and had prescribed an anti-depressant medicine for her.  It wasn’t helping.  In fact, she felt worse, and the…

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Fat – Does it make you fat?

I used to be petrified of fat. For years, I would refuse to eat anything containing even a trace of fat. Chicken had to be skinless.  Tuna in brine.  If there was dressing on the salad, I wouldn’t eat it. I missed out on so many delicious avocadoes.    The first time I cooked a…

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Carbs – do you need to eat them?

My 13 year-old niece visited me and for breakfast, I offered unsweetened natural Greek yoghurt with nuts, seeds, coconut shavings and fruit salad.  She helped herself but didn’t sit down to eat.  Instead, she rummaged through my pantry and found a packet of brown sugar (heaven alone knows how long it had been there!) and…

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Do you understand the role of Minerals in your body?

Minerals are naturally occurring substances that your body needs for various functions. Here is a list of the most common minerals in your body. Calcium Magnesium Potassium Sodium Iron Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium Iodine Chromium Molybdenum Phosphorus Fluoride Sulphur Remember, it is always better to get your nutrients including minerals from food rather than supplements.…

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Have you been wondering whether apple cider vinegar could benefit your health?  Or, perhaps you already incorporate ACV in your life but would like to know more about other ways to use it?  When one of my patients told me she was drinking apple cider vinegar in her water to lose weight, I was skeptical…

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Should you do a Food Elimination?

A Food Elimination can be a powerful tool to discover whether foods you eat are causing you to feel unwell. Food can cause symptoms and health problems ranging from allergies to mood instability to digestive issues and inflammation. Many of my patients ask for food intolerance or food allergy tests.  These tests can be helpful…

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Juicing vs Smoothies

What’s the best way to enjoy fresh fruit and veg?  Have you thought about whether juicing offers more health benefits than smoothies?  Juicing has become very popular and I get this question all the time:  ‘Is it good to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice every day?’ Well, you have to understand the pro’s and…

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Breakfast… yes or no?

Is Breakfast really the most important meal of the day?  Yes.  And, no. ‘You can’t go to school on an empty stomach!’ ‘Eat something before you go to work!’ ‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!’ You’ve heard these phrases over and over.  But, is breakfast really the most important meal of the…

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Counting Calories – yes or no?

Do you believe counting calories is useful for weight loss?  Do you plan your meals with calories in mind?  You are probably wasting your time. Do you count your calories? I ask you from the bottom of my heart: Please do not waste time or energy counting calories.  It does not work. It is annoying.…

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Do you believe eating fat is Healthy?

Did you know that fat is an essential nutrient that has important functions in your body?  You NEED to eat fat.  But, eating the RIGHT fat is important. Fats are very important as a source of energy, and if you choose your fats mindfully, they become a source of wonderful added nutrients that are life-enhancing!…

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A Healthy Plate

Do you know what a ‘Healthy Plate’ is?  A healthy plate contains all the important nutrients your body needs to thrive.  If you can achieve a ‘Healthy Plate’ for most of your meals… not only will you lose weight, but you will feel fantastic too. Do you remember the Food Pyramid? After the study run…

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