You are what you eat...

We all need food as fuel to survive. However how does what we eat really affect us, from our weight to our wellbeing. Well it is well known that eating fruit and vegetables, which are packed with nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre) help us maintain a healthy weight by keeping us fuller for longer. It’s recommended that filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit at every meal is a great way to sustain a healthy balanced diet. Also swapping excessively sugary snacks for healthy sugars such as fresh fruit, nuts or vegetables will also benefit you throughout the day.

Don’t fear the carb! For a long time carbohydrates have been misunderstood as a bad dietary choice when trying to be ‘healthy’. However carbohydrates are healthy and your main source of energy. Make sure when you eat carbs that it’s at your most active part of the day, for example before a workout. Think about what carbs you’re eating, porridge oats, potatoes and rice are great sources of good quality complex carbohydrates. Controlled

Meal portions of these carbohydrates which are timed correctly can have a great benefit to your workouts and general energy throughout the day.

Your diet needs to be varied so you get the right amount of nutrients exactly when you need them. Ensuring that you drink the recommended 2 litres a day of water is also necessary. Water aids bodily functions, ensures food is digested properly, and also hydrates the body which enables concentration and general wellbeing.

Fancy a snack? Well maybe don’t reach for a

by Sophie Fitzjohn.

health bars, as they aren’t necessarily as healthy as they may seem. They’re often packed with hidden sugars. Fresh produce rather than processed foods is always the better option when considering your bodies health. Also eating food when its best In season will mix up your diet, and you’ll enjoy fresh produce at its best. Try avoiding pre prepared and packed meals as they can contain more sugar and fat. However food brand Charlie Bingham has set a new standard when it comes to pre prepared meals for the oven. He uses quality ingredients, that taste great and also do good. They’ll also fill you up when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

We’ve become a food loving nation. Due to advertisements, quirky restaurant concepts, tips and tricks from professional chefs on social media and TV show competitions, we can’t get enough! Ready Steady Cook in the 90’s to Master Chef and Bake Off, they’ve become the nation’s tv guilty pleasure when it comes to evening viewing, due to their easy watch and knowledge filled content, a combination we seem to enjoy!

Sophie says.....