Whether it’s to eat more healthily, give up chocolate, start exercising or lose weight, many people believe they don’t have the motivation to do these things, or they have the motivation, but it soon starts to wane. I know, I’ve been there! Going to the gym then stopping, eating a whole packet of biscuits and then regretting it, eating in secret because you don’t want to admit your crisp habit… that was me.

‘Baby steps’ If you have a lot of weight to lose and it can be overwhelming to think about how much you ant to lose in total. Break it down and think about what you want to achieve in a smaller time frame. It can also be useful to not focus on weight so much, but just eating more healthily and getting some exercise. Start with increasing the amount of plant-based foods you eat. Increase your intake of fruits, veggies, pulses and whole grains, nuts and seeds and cut back on the processed foods and animal foods.

Break the cycle of emotional eating. Many people crave food when they’re not hungry. Take a moment to recognise this and to ask yourself what you’re feeling. I encourage everyone to find a distraction that works for them. This could be anything from doing some exercises to having a chat with a friend. You can retrain yourself to break the habit of eating when you’re not hungry. It’s a habit that can be replaced by a more useful one that is going to help you reach your goals. Be patient and keep practising 😊.

If your body has trouble digesting specific foods, it can affect your hormones, metabolism, or even cause inflammation and result in any of the symptoms listed above. And these can affect any (or all) parts of the body, not just your gastrointestinal system.

The words “weight-loss” and “snacks” often appear in the same sentence. 

But that might also bring thoughts of "tasteless," "cardboard," and "completely unsatisfying."

It can be all too easy to just grab what you can when you’re out and about and hungry. With a bit of planning your healthy eating needn’t go off track.

Let me give you my best weight-loss friendly snacks that aren't just nutritious but also delicious and easy to make!

These foods are nutrient-dense whole foods where a little goes a long way; foods that contain protein and/or fibre.

T’is the season to be……

Well as the carol goes it should be ‘jolly’. But how many of you find it all a bit stressful? Extra alcohol, lack of routine, lots of food being offered to you, plus the stress of doing so much and worrying about everyone else can play havoc on your healthy eating.

Here are 9 tips to help you to stay on track and healthy into the New Year: