Today I was guest speaker at the Havering Women in Business networking event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself speaking to a full room of female entrepreneurs on strategies to improve their diet, lifestyle and wellbeing which would in turn reflect in their businesses. It’s always fulfilling to empower others and there were lots of ‘aha’ moments.
The networking was great too and I had the opportunity of putting faces to the names of some of my newest twitter followers. Here I am with Yvonne Bendall and Linda Watson from the London Borough of Havering who co-ordinate and organise Havering Women in Business.
Following the recent revelation by actress Angelina Jolie about her double preventative masectomy, I thought it useful to post a review of the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet.
Devised and written by fellow dietitian Dr Michelle Harvey, this informative and well-presented book provides an overview of breast cancer (including the defective BRCA1 gene which Angelina has and which predisposes carriers to breast cancer) and its prevention via lifestyle choices.
With the New Year upon us, most of us will have resolved to eat better and live healthier. As such, many people will be embarking on a detox diet as a means of counteracting the overindulgences of the festive season. But what are detox diets and do they actually work?
Detox diets often involve eating a limited range of foods such as only fruit and vegetables or cutting out foods like wheat, dairy, caffeine and alcohol. Sometimes food is avoided altogether for short periods of time. The idea behind detox diets is that we need to rid our bodies of toxins every now and then in order to remain healthy. Proponents claim that detoxing regularly can help with weight loss, improve cellulite and energy levels as well as improve digestion.
My client Southwark Council is currently running the Southwark Health Factor Challenge, a 10 -week X-Factor style programme. Now in its fifth week, 13 hopefuls (split into 3 groups) intend to improve their health and wellbeing by getting fitter and eating better.
As dietitian for the Health Factor Challenge, I hosted a special event last night at Southwark Council. “Eat Smart, Eat Healthy’ with Angela Tella” was a presentation open to the public and what an amazing response! I spoke on the concept of healthy eating and dispelled some myths about healthy eating being boring, expensive and complicated. There was plenty of lively discussion and many questions about the practicalities of healthy eating.
I also ran a workshop, ‘Making Successful and Lasting Diet and Lifestyle Change’ for the Health Factor Challenge participants. The workshop explored the practical aspects of making change by highlighting the behavioural aspects of successful change and providing tools for setting and achieving their diet and lifestyle goals.
Finally, there was the opportunity for the groups to choose and discuss a healthy recipe for a Cook and Eat session/competition the following day. I had a great time and wish all participants every success over the next 6 weeks. For more information visit Southwark Health Factor.
