Fed up of calorie counting and constant dieting? I have a naturopathic approach to weight loss that is focused on the consumption of whole foods containing plenty of nutrients to support the body in raising metabolism, balancing blood sugar levels and curbing sugar cravings. I won’t put you on a ‘diet’, I will work with you to find ways to change your eating patterns permanently in a way that will support weight loss on all levels.

Concentrating on reducing fat is not always the key to weight loss (although many commercial companies which sell ‘low fat’ products will tell you otherwise). Not all fats are bad and essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats) from sources such as nuts and seeds are essential for the metabolism, hormone production and brain function ⁽¹⁾. A diet low in essential fatty acids can lead to fat cravings, slowed metabolism and low mood (which in turn can lead to increased eating).

Constant dieters who skip meals or restrict calories may be suffering from the effects of malnutrition. Weight loss will slow down due to stress and poor metabolic function caused by the lack of nutrients - the food is stored as fat instead of utilised for energy, as nutrients are needed to keep the calorie furnace burning. The important thing in weight loss is intake of nutrient dense calories that do not necessarily add unwanted weight i.e it is the quality of the calories that is important not the quantity. Pre-packaged diet foods can be deficient in calories and nutrients and loaded with chemicals.

Balancing blood sugar levels is essential for weight loss, a diet containing many high glycaemic index foods (foods which are quickly absorbed) can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and food cravings, whereas low glycaemic index foods take longer to be digested and absorbed and will help to reduce sugar cravings and hunger.

Another area to look at is hormonal balance, this is very important in weight management as certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) can reduce appetite, raise mood and increase satiety, for example serotonin ⁽²⁾. Serotonin is made from the amino acid Tryptophan which is often deficient in the modern diet and is one of the first amino acids to be depleted during weight loss diets ⁽³⁾. By using nutrition to support the balance of these hormones, success can be optimised.

Each person has different metabolic tendencies and underlying causes of the weight issue. For further information and a bespoke advice on how you can lose weight, please contact me for a consultation.

References:

1. Bruinsma, K. & Taren, D.L (2000) Dieting, essential fatty acid intake, and depression. Nutr Rev 58 (4) p98-108

2. Gendall, K.A. & Joyce, P.R (2000) Meal-induced changes in tryptophan:LNAA ratio: effects on craving and binge eating. Eat Behav 1 (1) p53-62

3. Anderson, I.M., Parry-Billins, M., Newholme, E.A., Fairburn, C.G & Cowen, P.J (1990) Dieting reduces plasma tryptophan and alters brain 5HT function in women. Psychological Medicine, 20, 785-791