In speaking with clients, especially since the beginning of the year, it is clear that the last few years of uncertainty, lock downs, disruptions to routine and life in general have really taken a toll on morale and motivation.

So many people have been under some kind of stress for so long and they were looking forward to a fresh, positive start to 2023. Well, the weather events of late in the North Island have only added to the stress that many people are now facing.

It is only natural to turn to food and maybe alcohol to take the edge off when you are feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. The thing is, the comfort from alcohol and processed food only lasts for a short time and then they have the unwanted effect of lowering mood and energy. Also, when you feel unmotivated and fed up, probably the last thing you feel like doing is exercise, but exercise helps elevate mood.

Good mood = better motivation = better eating and generally better self care.

Go back to basics, employ the habits that work and take it one day at a time. Focus on eating fresh, ‘real’ food, exercising regularly (even a 15 minute brisk walk helps) and reducing alcohol intake. Employ good sleep health habits to ensure that you regularly get a decent amount of restful sleep.

If you would like to make a fresh start with a new plan, set new goals and have accountability again, contact me now!

Miriam’s testimonial

When I met Miriam last year she had no belief that she could lose weight. She was becoming concerned about her health and felt that she had to try something else. After losing seven kilos her self-esteem and self-belief have blossomed. This is what she wrote to me -

"My weight progressively increased through my 40’s and with menopause. No matter how many times I tried, I just couldn’t budge my increasing cuddliness. The impact on my self-esteem and confidence was such that I found I’d started withdrawing from social events and catch ups with friends. The joy of genetics also brought my family endowment of high blood pressure to the fore with my burgeoning weight. 

After viewing remarkable results in a family friend who had been seeing Lynda, I figured it might be worth visiting her – BEST decision I ever made with regard to my health and wellbeing. My goal has been to increase my overall health and longevity, (weight loss was not my main focus, but rather a ‘nice to have’ as I had tried before and had no expectations).

Lynda’s advice has been a game-changer for me. Her practical, do-able and flexible recommendations coupled with her genuine care and understanding at each visit have me well and truly moving in the right direction. I feel healthier (and know that I am in the choices I have been making) and have a new found sense of contentment with the skin I am in. Honestly, given my track record of weight loss attempts before seeing Lynda, I was very doubtful that I could shift any of my excess kilos."

20 year milestone

This month I am celebrating 20 years of working with nutrition clients! 

In that time I have met a few thousand clients, hopefully helped many to establish a healthier, happier lifestyle and I have made some wonderful long term friends. I have continued to learn and grow myself too.

In three months’ time I am going to be away for almost 3 months. Over the last couple of years, having seen some close friends face health challenges, it has really brought home the need to live life well while you can and to not put off things that you really want to do. 

If you are wanting to make a fresh start contact me now to make the most of the 13 weeks before I go on leave.

New recipes on the website

In summer I get a bit lazy about coming up with new food ideas as really, it is the easiest time of the year to eat simply. Fresh food, prepared simply takes so little time and effort.

Here are two simple recipes you might want to try -

• Chocolate overnight oats (or if you don’t like chocolate, don’t add the cocoa)

• Deconstructed lunch plate