Welcome to your daily nutrifix!

I’m Julie and this is my first ever blog post – but I can so see the sense of them. As a nutritionist I love keeping up to date on the all the latest food fads and digging down to find the science (if any!) behind them. Unsurprisingly I get asked by family, friends and colleagues a work about all kinds of food and health issues. I look forward to these blog posts being a great way to exchange comments and debate advice.

I feel very fortunate that my career as a nutritionist and dietitian – spanning some twenty years – has allowed me to work in a variety of settings, starting in the NHS supporting patients with a wide range of dietary issues from irritable bowel syndrome to victims with multiple burns. My more recent working life outside the NHS has included being part of public health campaigns and developing health communications for various food and beverage companies.

But what has grounded me most when it comes to giving nutrition advice is being a mum of two - now reaching their teenage years. It seems to me that the frank and honest communications that can build up among Mums/carers is a hugely valuable way of spreading good nutrition and lifestyle advice – the difference being it’s not all theory because it’s being given by those who are putting it into practice day in day out!!

My philosophy is not to be too black and white when making decisions about what we should or shouldn’t do to keep ourselves and our families’ healthy.  I don’t believe there is a one size that fits all approach. Importantly keeping fit and healthy should not be a daily grind but an enjoyable way of life.  It is fine to set yourself goals but make them realistic and relevant to you. Denying yourself simple pleasures or committing yourself to exercise programmes you resent does not do anyone any good.

I would always recommend anyone who has a particular dietary concern, whatever it may be - their weight or a suspected food allergy to ask their GP to refer them to a Registered Dietitian for advice but when it comes to actually making dietary and lifestyle changes the emphasis must always be on the individual and what works best for them.
 

Comments

[English Mum]

Hi Julie - always happy to see a new blogger - especially one interested in healthy eating. Can't wait to read more!