Posts by Dr Karen’s Team
Myth or Truth: Fasting puts more stress on a woman’s body
Men and women are different physiologically and metabolically. Women have a more complex hormonal system than men which can influence our mood, energy, sleep, appetite etc. But, fasting can be extremely beneficial for women, if it is done correctly and in tune with the menstrual cycle. You can learn more about how to do this…
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The Power of Hope in Behaviour Change: How Nisha Transformed Her Health with Motivation and Purpose
I was watching a lecture the other day delivered by Dr. Jen Unwin, a leading psychologist in the field of metabolic disease. She explained that when it comes to making lasting changes to your health, especially in the context of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, auto-immune conditions etc, there’s one factor that often…
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Got 2 minutes for exercise? Make them count!
Myth: I can’t exercise when I fast
Thank you for your questions on intermittent fasting! I will be posting the answers so be sure to follow along! Have more questions, just post in the comments. Myth: “I can’t exercise when I fast” Fact: Exercising in a fasted state can boost many of the beneficial effects of fasting (fat-burning, autophagy, growth hormone release)……
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Got two minutes? Don’t caffeinate, exercise snack!
Have questions?
I’d love for you to share with me any questions you have around intermittent fasting! I will be answering and myth busting over the next few weeks!
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Got two minutes? Join me for an exercise snack and enjoy the benefits!
Get the benefits of exercise in 2-3 minutes at work
Subscribe now and you will receive a free, downloadable practical guide with tips on how to eat healthy on a budget (including some delicious and economical recipes). You will also regularly receive evidence-based, lifestyle medicine content directly. Relatable and easy to understand, these newsletters will encourage you and gently guide you towards a healthier, happier…
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Understanding Your Hormones and How to Work With Them
A guide to women’s hormones, metabolism, and intermittent fasting The Power of Hormones Men and women are created differently — and that’s something to celebrate. Our bodies, our minds, and even the way we experience life are profoundly influenced by our hormones. Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They trigger specific functions in your body’s…
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Want to break the carb craving cycle? Watch the video to get a great tip!
In this video I share with you how to break that carb craving cycle. Subscribe now and you will receive a free, downloadable practical guide with tips on how to eat healthy on a budget (including some delicious and economical recipes). You will also regularly receive evidence-based, lifestyle medicine content directly. Relatable and easy to…
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The Case of ‘Stress Bod’: A Real-Life Example
Meet Ms. L, who came to me for weight-loss advice. She was a single mom, juggling an emotionally and physically demanding life. As a teacher, she worked in a super-stressful environment. Her son had recently suffered a serious sporting accident and was recovering from surgery. Her father had just been diagnosed with cancer. There was…
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Working on resisting a hunger impulse? Watch the video to get a great tip!
Is Fruit Really Healthy? Let’s Talk About the Truth Behind the Sweetness
“Dr Karen, I’ve heard that fruit is full of sugar… should I stop eating fruit if I’m trying to lose weight?” It’s a question I hear often, and it’s an important one, especially in a world where sugar is added to almost everything we eat. The short answer? No, you don’t need to fear fruit. …
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When the ward breaks you… and movement puts you back together
When you work as a junior doctor in Africa, you go through some tough times. I still remember that rotation: long shifts, bleary-eyed nights, spending entire weekends on call in the hospital, ‘stealing’ a couple of hours of sleep on the couch in the staff tea-room. The work was intense, stress levels through the roof,…
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Can You Get Up From the Floor? This question matters more than you think
Today, my husband and I took a walk to the beach. We found a nice spot under the trees and were enjoying the view of the ocean. A little way ahead of us, I spotted a couple… about our age. The woman was sitting on a mat on the sand, and when it was…
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“Is Healthy Eating Really Too Expensive? The Hidden Cost Of A Poor Diet”
“Dr Karen, I’d love to eat healthy… but it’s just too expensive.” I hear this all the time. And honestly… I understand why people feel this way. I still don’t fully understand how 10kg of highly processed maize meal can be super cheap… while 10kg of fresh corn on the cob (the actual raw ingredient)…
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Adjust your environment to make healthier choices easier
Make the healthy choice the obvious choice! Adjust your environment to make it easier for you to change your habits! Learn more and pick up easy tips in this video
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The food pyramid just got flipped: what the new nutrition guidelines mean for you
Earlier this month, the United States released its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030… and yes, they’ve made waves. The headline message is blunt: eat real food, and stop living on “highly processed foods laden with refined carbohydrates, added sugars… and chemical additives.” Hallelujah! Even if you don’t live in the US, these guidelines matter because…
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Protein: An Essential Nutrient for Health and Vitality
One of the most common nutrition mistakes I see my patients make is that they don’t eat enough good-quality protein. If you don’t get the right amount of protein in your diet, you will struggle to achieve your health, weight and fitness goals. Protein: The Building Block of Life Protein is like the glue that…
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Hidden Sugars
One of my patients sent me a photo of balsamic vinegar the other day. She was so excited to share because she knows I do love a little balsamic! Her text read: ‘Hey Dr K! This Balsamic glaze is AMAZING! You’ll love it!’ The bottle looked super-cool and trendy with a gold-embossed label adorned with…
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