Generally, I like to keep my newsletters upbeat, but also informative. With the steady increase in number of clients I am seeing who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, I thought it timely to expand on the topic.

How is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed? Often there aren’t any obvious symptoms, perhaps some discomfort on the right side of the abdomen, but it is mostly discovered when someone has been sent for a scan to check for gallstones and the radiographer sees fat in the liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by the excess accumulation of fat in the liver. It can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, while also sharply raising the risk of liver cancer.

Most people think liver disease is caused by excess alcohol or hepatitis viruses. The reality is that the leading cause of liver disease today is excess weight.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity and high blood sugar and is defined by the presence of excessive fat stores in liver cells, which normally contain very little fat.

Most people who have this condition don’t know they have it which is concerning as about 1/3 of NAFLD patients will progress to a more severe condition where the liver is inflamed because of excess fat in its cells. This then leads to scarring of the liver which destroys most of the liver’s functions. The inflammation also promotes cancer of the liver.

The photos on the right show how a liver swollen with fat is pale and cracked, while a healthy liver is glossy and dark.

Recipe

Indian Spiced Chicken

I’m not a fan of a recipe with lots of ingredients, but this is so easy to make and the ingredients you will most likely have to hand. I’ve made it for 6 serves as leftovers are delicious!

Serve with cauliflower rice, or just steamed veggies on the side.

I served mine with spaghetti squash as well as broccoli and carrots. Spaghetti squash is sweet, like pumpkin, but low carb and low calorie.

Gin Alternative

A client sent me this idea for a ‘no gin, gin’ which she found works really well for her while she is saying no to booze.

"I am a massive fan of gin; however I am choosing to be completely sober during lockdown (and feeling so much better for it). I miss my gin, so I've taken to infusing my soda water with dried botanicals (from Bin Inn) - adding 1 Tbs Juniper Berries and 1 Tbs Cardamon Pods, and leaving to infuse overnight."

Maybe this could be another option for some of you clients who are gin lovers like me?

Autumn Deal

With the recent lockdowns, Easter coming up and the end of daylight saving looming, it can be hard to get a good run at eating well in the next couple of months. So, I’ve come up with a deal for ex clients who’d like a fresh start and to be locked into a set of appointments to give them accountability.

Here's the deal:

• 6 appointments

• 1 x 45 minute initial appointment to write a new plan, a goal sheet and take body comp measurements.

• 5 x 15 minute accountability appointments

All for only $215.

Appointments available between 9am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or between 11am and 4pm on Wednesdays

The cost of $215 is to be paid upfront at first appointment

No refunds and all appointments must be used within 12 weeks of commencement

Accountability is key.