​Lack of sleep, disturbed sleep and irregularity in sleep/wake patterns are associated with obesity, sub-optimal glucose metabolism and increased fat storage. In short, when we sleep  less than 7 hours, not only do we tend to choose larger portion sizes, but we also tend to crave more sugary and starchy carbohydrates foods, on average our calorie intake increases by 350kcal to 500kcal/day as our brain finds it harder to control our cravings due to imbalances in our hunger and satiety hormones, at the end of the week this may accumulate to 3500 kcal.
Tips to improve your sleep:
Do:

• 1. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. 
• 2. Get regular exercise, preferably in the morning. There is good evidence that regular exercise improves restful sleep. This includes stretching and aerobic exercise. 
• 3. Get daily exposure to outdoor light, i/e have a walk at lunchtime.
• 4. Have a dinner rich in tryptophan (i/e egg, turkey, tofu, salmon, cheese, nuts and seeds) combined with carbohydrates (pasta, rice, oats, bread) to boost your serotonin levels
• 5. Keep the temperature in your bedroom on the cool side 
• 6. Keep the bedroom dark to facilitate sleep (this increases production of melatonin (the sleep hormone). 
• 7. Remove electrical devices (radios, cell phones, multiple outlet connectors) from around your head when you sleep. Electromagnetic fields have been found to reduce melatonin levels.
• 8. Turn off television and computer 1 hour before bedtime. This will reduce your blue light exposure. Dim the light of your digital devices if you need to use them before bedtime.
• 9. Use a relaxation exercise just before going to sleep (e.g., muscle relaxation, imagery, massage, warm bath, etc.) or read a book. 

 
Don't:  

• 1. Have caffeine in the evening (coffee, many teas, chocolate, some sodas, etc.) 
• 2. Watch television or  use your tablets in bed. 
• 3. Use alcohol to help you sleep. 
• 4. Go to bed too hungry or too full. 
• 5. Take daytime naps especially after 3.00pm and over 20mn.  

Although certain risks factors for cardiovascular diseases cannot be changed such as family history, ethnicity and age, many others may be reduced and even reversed: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, tobacco exposure, sedentary lifestyle…
Diet is one of the key factors that may have an impact on the health of your heart. Adopting a “cardiometabolic diet” rich in dietary fibre, phytonutrients and healthy fats can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce LDL cholesterol, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. The type of food, cooking methods and meal timing all contribute to reduce inflammation, and oxidation which are implicated in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The cardiometabolic foods work in synergy to fight off atherosclerosis  while providing an enjoyable and tasty diet rich in fresh and colourful vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrains and healthy fats found in fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds.
Whether you are interested in prevention or you already suffer from a heart condition you can start learning about therapeutic food through the Cardiometabolic diet plan.

As autumn settles in and winter is at our door step, we need to make some changes to our diet to support our natural defences against cold and flu:

1. Check your Vitamin D levels:  Although you may have stored Vitamin D from sunshine during the summer, it rapidly declines and even a well-balanced diet is unlikely to provide enough amounts.  The current government guidelines for adults are to take 10mcg of Vitamin D per day during autumn and winter months. If you are unsure ask advice from your nutritionist, GP or dietician and always choose supplements tailored to your age group and condition.
2. Eat good quality protein with each meal to support your energy levels and mood. Protein also helps tackle hunger that may lead to sugar binge. Your protein needs may be increased by stress and infections.
3. Include a large variety of fresh seasonal green and orange vegetables, legumes, fruit, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, seafood, shellfish and lean meat to boost your levels of iron, zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium.
4. Choose warmer and nourishing food such as porridge, soups and slow cook stews. The gut is key to immunity, so supporting digestion is crucial.
5. Cut back on stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar as they have a weakening effect on the immune system.

     6.  Maintain a healthy weight  because inflammation linked to adipose tissue weakens           your immune system making you more prone to infections.