Top Ten Christmas Healthy Eating Tips

Avoid bread and pastries at parties!!!

Paula Gilbert, Dietitian now available in Henfield

Putting calorie information on takeaway and fast food menus

The Government is working with fast food and restaurant chains on a voluntary scheme to put calories on menus as part of a strategy to tackle rising obesity.  The aim is to  display calorie information  in fast food outlets including burger chains, sandwich chains as well as pubs and restaurants. According to recent articles in the media McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Subway have agreed to start from September.

I think this is excellent news as I think it will make parents, children and teenagers more aware of the number of calories in fast food and will help them to think about how to save calories and make healthier choices. It will also be useful in addressing portion sizes because it will enable people to compare things like the number of calories in a regular portion of  McDonalds french fries (289 kcals) vs a large portion (460Kcals).

I just hope that small chain or independant fast food outlets will also be encouraged to display nutritional information on their menus as some areas such as Hackney in London (where obesity rates are high) and seaside towns are dominated by independant fast food outlets.

Our new leaflet

We proudly announce the launch of our new leaflet.. you can download it by clicking on the picture below.

Download the PDF leaflet here

Are soups fattening?

If you are trying to lose weight choose recipes and shop bought soups which are vegetable based such as carrot and tomato soup, mushroom soup, butternut squash soup.  Calories per portion can vary hugely so it is important to check  for example a portion of homemade carrot and tomato soup can contain 110 calorie and a butternut squash soup 160 calories.

If you would like the recipes just email The Diet Practice.  If you decide to buy your soups check the labels for fat and salt content and go for the healthy choices such as slim a soups, reduced calorie, be good to yourself, Weight Watchers ranges etc.  Alternatively look on the Covent Garden Soup website as they have details of all their soups and calories per portion.   A slice of bread would make the soup more filling for lunch and add approximately 100 calories.  Alternatively you can boil up a portion of rice or pasta, drain and then add the can of soup.

Is soup fattening??

Change 4 Life campaign

We are sure you have seen the Change 4 Life advertising. The campaign started in January this year and is aimed at families with children aged 0-11 and aims to prevent children from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat well and move more.

It has useful advice on eating a healthy balanced diet which includes tips on sugar swap ideas, importance of regular meals, healthy snacks, how to have 5 A Day and cutting back on fat.

On their website you can sign up for a Free Action Plan, as well as lots of useful leaflets, fun stickers, and Kids’ activity and colouring sheets. Why not have a look if you haven’t already?

Change for Life logo

Gender & Diet

Differing dietary requirements for men and women

Men and women have different dietary requirements; not only this, but they are predisposed to different illnesses: males are more prone to cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, alcoholism, duodenal ulcers and lung cancer, whilst women display significantly higher rates of eating and depressive disorders and connective tissue disease.

It has been proposed that a reduction in physical exertion and inappropriate eating and drinking of modern living does not suit a male’s innate skills of physical strength and spatial skills; consequently leading to specific disease predispositions listed in the above paragraph.

Research has shown that men are less likely to seek medical intervention and screening, and are often threatened to make life-style changes in fear of being labeled effeminate. By making small changes to the diet, a profound change can occur in a man’s weight and reduction to disease onset.

By visiting Bartholomew Clinic your diet and life-style and health needs can be analysed and adjustments can be personalised to suit you.