If you are confused about what to eat you aren’t alone. It seems like just about every month new research comes out, discrediting previous research about something to do with diet and nutrition.

For so many years we were led to believe that fat was bad for us. Deadly even. It would clog up our arteries and send us to an early grave. That has mostly been discredited now.

Fasting/intermittent fasting is now popular, whereas in the past we thought it was only hippies who fasted!

Eat little and often, or eat only three meals a day. You will find plenty of support for both.

During the war years cigarette smoking was promoted as healthful – can you believe that now?

Different foods go in and out of fashion it seems, but to me anyway, the basics will always apply. Whether it is for fat loss or good health I think the following should be included in your daily diet.

Here are the basics...

• Lots of fibrous veggies. You can see a list of these here. Half of your lunch and half of your dinner should be comprised of low carb, fibrous veggies. Make them a big part of your meal, not a condiment.

• Protein. We can live without carbohydrates, but we cannot survive without protein, fat and water. Protein isn’t just meat, chicken or fish, although these are good, well absorbed forms of protein. Eggs are so versatile (think omelettes, frittatas, hard boiled, poached, etc) and very nutritious. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, as are most other dairy products, just avoid ones with added sugar like a lot of yoghurts. Nuts, nut butters and seeds are also a source of protein, as are legumes.

• Fats with the emphasis on quality fats such as avocado, seeds, nuts, nut butters, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, etc.

• Water. Okay this isn’t food, but we all need to keep well hydrated and water and teas are the best source. There are lots of lemons around now, so why not squeeze some and make lemon juice ice blocks to add to your water. Alternatively, chop the lemons into chunks, discard the pips and pop the chunks into a snaplock bag in the freezer and use as ice cubes. Easy!

Really, what it all comes down to is what is right for you and your lifestyle and that is where I can help you sort through the various options. No one style of eating suits everyone, so you need to find the way that is right for you.

• It has to be healthy

• It has to get you the result you want (fat loss, increased energy, better gut health)

• You have to be able to keep following it long term

12 weeks until Christmas

Yes, that’s right, I just counted. Xmas decorations are in the stores and Xmas treats are on the ends of the aisles in the supermarkets now too. It is coming!

With Christmas functions starting next month and then plenty of extras around in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is time to get serious now if you aren’t feeling confident about taking off your winter layers. Let me help you and set some targets to get you going. Don’t leave it too late or you will simply run out of time.

Contact me today and let’s get together and put a plan of action in place.