Category Archives: Diet

June 6, 2022

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GUT HEALTH FOR WEIGHT LOSS.

Struggling to lose weight? It may be time to think about your gut health. There’s a growing amount of research revealing the importance of your gut health when it comes to weight loss. Here’s a look at the role your microbes play in weight management.

What is the gut microbiome?

Did you know that you have around 400 bacterial species and an estimated 100 trillion microbes in your gut? Known as the gut microbiome, its composition and diversity can have a profound effect on your health.

Not only does your gut health and microbiome regulate your metabolism and help you absorb nutrients from food, it can also influence whether you are lean or obese and how well you respond to weight-loss programmes.

Your microbiome performs a number of important roles when it comes to metabolic health. This includes how much energy your body absorbs from food, your appetite and satiety. It also has a role in the production of certain vitamins and short-chain fatty acids.

The first few years of your life are particularly important for shaping your gut. However, research has shown that the composition of your gut microbiome can alter through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Can your gut health influence weight loss?

It has been known for a while that the composition of the microbiome between obese and lean people is different. New research reveals that the health and composition of your gut microbiome may influence your weight loss ability.

It appears that certain bacteria help break down carbohydrates (like those found in whole grains) into simple sugars. This makes them easier to digest and potentially less likely to be stored as fat.

In addition, research has shown that certain bacterial species (including a group called prevotella) produce higher levels of compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (such as butyrate, acetate and propionate). These substances reduce inflammation in the body, improve insulin sensitivity and, in turn, may facilitate greater weight loss.

Other clinical trials have also shown that certain types of bacteria present in probiotics can help with weight loss. Studies on more advanced treatments such as faecal microbiota transplantation (a procedure in which gut bacteria from a healthy person is placed in a patient to replace good bacteria that are missing) have been shown to lower inflammation. It has also been shown to improve insulin resistance and may even be a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes.

There are also bacteria species (such as bifidobacteria) known to produce short-chain fatty acids. These appear particularly important when it comes to metabolic health and weight management. Research has linked a higher level of these fatty acids to better insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. In turn, this can influence fat composition. The short-chain fatty acid called propionate supports the production of hormones which influence satiety. By controlling appetite, it may be easier to stick to a weight-loss programme.

Are there ‘fat’ and ‘skinny’ bacteria?

Does ‘skinny bacteria’ exist? Strictly speaking, there are no ‘skinny’ or ‘fat’ bacteria. What matters is your microbiome composition, and the diversity of species and the range of certain beneficial microbes. While it does appear there are specific bacteria species (such as akkermansia muciniphila) associated with lean body weight, there is no magic bullet or quick-fix weight loss gut health supplement. Your gut bacteria won’t directly cause you to lose weight; it is via their activities throughout the body that influence inflammation, how you utilise energy, how you burn fat, as well as how hungry or full you feel, that they help you lose, gain or maintain your weight.

So, how can you modify your microbiome and improve your gut health to aid weight loss? One of the key ways is eating more plant-based foods rich in prebiotic fibres and plant compounds known to enhance beneficial gut microbes. While it is useful to include probiotic-rich fermented foods – such as yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha – for weight loss benefits, prebiotics should take centre stage in your good gut health diet.

November 1, 2021

HOW DIET AFFECTS YOUR SLEEP.

Our diet has a huge impact on how well we sleep, but what should we be eating – and avoiding – to ensure we get a good night’s rest?

Sleep-friendly foods:

Oily fish
This is a high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which increased levels of serotonin. This is later converted into melatonin, the sleep hormone. Sardines, mackerel and tinned salmon are excellent sources.

Whole grains
A low-fibre diet is associated with lighter, less restorative sleep. Fibre helps balance blood sugar and is good for your gut flora and cardiovascular system, in turn helping sleep. Try to eat wholegrains like wholemeal bread, brown rice and wholegrain cereals.

Nuts and seeds
Many, like sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts, are high in magnesium, which is commonly referred to as the sleep mineral.

Probiotics
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and yoghurt are thought to help promote good gut bacteria. This correlates with better quality of sleep.

Protein
Protein-rich foods like turkey and peanuts contain tryptophan, and amino acid that helps us doze off more easily. Protein also makes us feel fuller for longer, meaning we are less likely to give in to snacking!

Nighttime no-nos:

If you’re struggling to sleep soundly, you should avoid the following…

Caffeine
Coffee, tea and most energy drinks contain caffeine, a stimulant that affects our ability to nod off. Have a couple of cups of coffee in the morning but switch to herbal teas after midday.

Alcohol
You might feel it’s easier to drift off after a glass of wine but alcohol is proven to disrupt sleep because it can cause us to skip the vital first stage of sleep, known as REM (rapid eye movement). Worse still, alcohol upsets our blood sugar levels and leads to dehydration. There are all sorts  of mechanisms by which alcohol disrupts sleep.

Sugar
White carbs and sugar-based foods reduce sleep quality. If you’re having blood sugar highs and lows, your body’s constantly trying to balance everything, which is a stress on your system.

Snacks
High-fat foods like cakes and crisps are harder to digest and can cause issues at bedtime when our digestive system should be winding down.

October 4, 2021

HOW TO NOURISH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

Feed the good bugs in your gut, reduce inflammation and put your brain into ‘grow’ mode: all things that can help with depression and anxiety. Pick the food you enjoy eating most from each category below and fill up on more of them.

Leafy greens
Spinach, kale, rocket and chard contain plenty of fibre and vitamin A, linked to the brains ability to grow. The vitamin C counteracts free-radical damage.

Aim for: chopped greens every day.
Get more: blend kale into a smoothie.

Rainbow fruits and vegetables
Nutrients in purple, red and orange foods reduce inflammation.

Aim for: a handful with each meal.
Get more: roast, stir-fry or use as the basis for pasta sauces and stews.

Seafood
Seafood helps you get the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that your brain needs to stimulate nerve-growth factors.

Aim for: two seafood meals each week.
Get more: turn mild-tasting fish into tacos, or serve steamed mussels over pasta.

Nuts, beans and seeds
Rich in brain nutrients including fibre, zinc and iron – important for your red blood cells.

Aim for: at least a small handful every day.
Get more: add walnuts to a smoothie, or throw black beans into your favourite soups or stews.

Eggs and dairy
Eggs contain protein, B vitamins, which help regulate brain chemicals, and choline, linked to fewer anxiety symptoms.

Aim for: five to seven eggs and three to five servings of dairy (ideally fermented) per week.
Get more: whip up a vegetable frittata.

Meat
With the rise of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, many of us feel conflicted about eating meat. Still, it’s a potent source of iron, protein and B12.

Aim for: three servings per week (not required).
Get the right stuff: grass-fed beef has fewer calories and better fats for your brain.

August 2, 2021

EASTERN DELIGHTS.

These Asian superfoods are perfect for anyone hungry for better health and fitness.

1. Sashimi
Raw fish contains more omega-3, for a cardiovascular health boost.

2. Pak Choi
This is a source of sulforaphane, with anti-cancer properties.

3. Wood Ear Mushrooms
Packed with stamina-boosting polysaccharides.

4. Ramen
Contains dissolved collagen, to slow skin ageing.

5. Miso
Fermented soya beans are full of probiotics, for gut health.

July 5, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #6: MUSCLE.

If gaining muscle is on your radar – and I’m not just talking about bulking up Arnie-style!) – you’ll know that there is a lot of advise out there on the best strategy. A combination of weight exercise and good nutrition will definitely put you on the right road for success. But of the two, is one more effective than the other at helping to build muscle?

You can’t add on muscle mass without any building blocks, which means you need to be taking in more calories then you’re burning off. The tricky part is to ensure that those extra calories end up stored where you want them.

A surplus of between 250kcal and 500kcal per day is recommended. Protein (1.5–2.2g per kilo of bodyweight) will help your muscles repair and grow. Carbs will feel your workouts, and nutritious fats will maintain healthy hormone levels.

Hypertrophy occurs when a muscle is repeatedly stressed, which means pushing yourself to your limits until those limits increase. Research shows that the load doesn’t significantly affect hypertrophy, so long as you’re working close to the point of failure. Keep your rep ranges between eight and 12, using weights that are at least 60% of your one-rep max. Slow and heavy(ish) wins the race.

The decider:
Exercise

June 7, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #5: ENERGY.

Feeling tired even at just the thought of your next workout session? Here is a look at whether exercise or diet are more effective in boosting your energy.

Exercise triggers the release of invigorating neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine  and dopamine, while also boosting blood flow to the brain. In one study, 10 minutes simply walking up and down stairs proved a better booster shot then 50mg of caffeine.

Be wary of overdoing it, though. One major cause of fatigue is stress. When prolonged, this can cause a malfunction whereby your body is constantly pumping out excess cortisol. In this state, upping your exercise will only make your body more stressed.

A targeted diet is a more reliable energiser. For optimal mental and physical stamina, it is recommended a macro split of 30% protein, 30% fat and 40% carbs. Low-carb diets can cause a drop in energy. Include high-fibre foods such as wholegrains, beans, lentils and potatoes in every meal to drip-feed your body energy throughout the day.

In addition to this, make sure you’re getting enough magnesium (wholegrains, leafy greens), iodine (seafood, iodised salt), vitamin D (fatty fish, eggs) and B12 (red meat, shellfish).

The decider:
Diet

May 3, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #4: HEART HEALTH.

Whatever your exercise goals, keeping your heart strong and healthy has to be top of the list. Here are some of the benefits that working out and eating well have on your heart health.

There are 2.3 million people in the UK living with heart disease. The good news is that many of the big risk factors – high blood pressure, raised LDL cholesterol and a waste height ratio above 0.5 – are under your control.

The dietary protocols are fairly predictable: more fibre-rich whole foods, less processed meat and refined carbs. Keep in mind that diet that are high in sugar can increase the synthesis of LDL cholesterol.

In terms of exercise, cardio is king. And ‘cardio’ it doesn’t just mean a narrow choice between running, jogging and plodding: fast-paced dumbbell circuits and bodyweight drills count too.

The decider:
It’s a tie

April 5, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #3: WEIGHT LOSS.

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight before, you’ll know that it isn’t easy. Especially keeping the weight off after the initial drop. A mixture of working out and eating a well-balanced diet will always be the best strategy. But if you only have time to focus on just one, which is more effective?

Weight loss happens when your body requires more energy and calories then you’re putting in, and so is forced to break down the molecules in your fat cells for fuel.

There are countless ‘fat-burning’ diets out there, from keto and paleo to intermittent fasting, but all rely on creating a calorie deficit.

Aim for a deficit of between 250kcal and 500kcal per day and see how your body responds. There are two simple ways to work towards a 250kcal deficit: first, consume less; second, move more.

However, an over-reliance on exercise can have its downsides. In one study, people who trained for an average of half an hour per day didn’t lose any more weight than those who averaged 15 minutes – the more committed exercises subconsciously rewarded themselves for their hard work by eating more food.

As well as tracking your calorie intake, it is advised that you boost your non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). This covers any movement that isn’t part of your structured training plan, such as walking to the shops, cleaning the house, or running around after the kids.

Where exercise does come into its own is weight maintenance. Research shows that people who form good fitness habits alongside switching up their diets are far more likely to stick to their plans. So, think less about burning fat and more about bulking up your willpower.

The decider:
Diet

March 1, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #2: MENTAL HEALTH.

We all know that a balance of both exercise and good nutrition are paramount to our physical well-being. But what effect do they each have on our mental health?

It may surprise you that our minds are not separate from what we consider to be the physiological elements of our being. The way we use and maintain on muscles, organs and digestive systems informs our emotional state.

In one study, scientists asked test subjects to snack on either crisps and chocolate or fresh fruit. Within 10 days, members of the junk food group were exhibiting greater symptoms of low mood and anxiety than the fruit eaters. High-sugar, high-fat foods can cause a flash of hormones in the brain is pleasure centres, which is followed by a crash. Common deficiencies can also contribute to poor mental health, such as those in vitamins B12, C, D and omega-3.

Your workouts, meanwhile, will give you both a short-term high and a long-term lift. As well as releasing endorphins, exercise also triggers the release of numerous brain-cell mediators, including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which light up the pleasure and reward centres of the brain.

Research shows that those who trained for just 2 and a half hours each week had a 31% lower risk of depression than those who didn’t. Exercise has been shown to be as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of moderate depression.

For many struggling with their mental well-being, getting outside and moving for half an hour each day will be easier than a total dietary overall.

The decider:
Exercise

February 1, 2021

DIET VS EXERCISE #1: IMMUNITY.

Whatever your ambitions for the year ahead, working out and eating well will always be sound strategies. But which is more effective? Here is a look at the benefits of each on your immune system.

Your immune system can be compromised by a range of factors, from age and obesity to smoking. But it can also be strengthened.

The effect of exercise on immunity is dependent on dosage. There is a theory that intense training – for a marathon, say, or CrossFit – temporarily suppresses the immune system, leading to an ‘open-window’ of heightened infection risk in the hours afterwards. However, recent research suggests that this only applies to pro athletes with six-hours-a-day schedules.

Research shows that a bout of moderate-effort exercise can help the immune system to sweep up pathogens. If your training is more professional, further studies show that increasing your intake of carbs and polyphenol-rich berries and veg can help to offset any damage.

Following a Mediterranean diet – rich in healthy fats and plant-based foods – will boost the microbiome diversity in your gut, while prebiotic foods promote the growth of healthy bacteria.

The decider:
Diet