Response from Irene McCabe Naturopathic Nutritionist: Some would have you believe that all you have to do to lose weight is eat less and exercise more but that could not be further from the truth. Insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, comfort eating, stress, and modern sedentary lifestyles all add to the problem. Avoid all processed, foods, artificial sweeteners and sugars. Eat modest amounts of unrefined wholegrains (oats, quinoa, buckwheat, rye, wholewheat, millet and amaranth). Good quality protein (oily fish, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, pulses, poultry, white fish) modest amounts of red meat and an abundance of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant nutrients supplied by fruits and vegetables can protect against the effects of toxins stored in fat cells which release from these cells during fat loss.

Fibre found in nuts, soaked ground flaxseeds, pulses, beans, vegetables and wholegrains enhance feelings of fullness. Oily fish, nuts, seeds and flax oil support healthy metabolism and circulation and reduce inflammation. Combining protein with slow releasing carbohydrates encourages blood sugar stability and can reduce cravings.

Drink at least 1.5 litres of water each including herbal teas. Green tea has been shown to stimulate metabolism and support weight balance.

A healthy balanced breakfast is vital as it sets up blood sugar levels and hormonal rhythms for the rest of the day. Eat regularly throughout the day to avoid sharp dips in blood sugar which can trigger cravings.

If chronic stress is a factor, include stress management techniques such as hypnotherapy, yoga and meditation.

Include regular exercise, at least 30mins each day.

Response from Nikki Biddiss, Medical Herbalist: It is National Obesity Awareness Week and at this time of year many of us are thinking of ways we can reduce our waistlines so we can spend 2016 in a healthier and happier state.

My top tips are: • Be clear why you want to lose weight. If you are using words like ‘should’ and ‘must’ this may suggest you are bowing to outside pressure rather than internal motivation. This will get you started but won’t sustain you long-term, so decide what you want to do and get started when you are ready.

• Focus on what you will gain in terms of increased energy, self-esteem and improved health and wellbeing. Stay focused on this rather than thinking of the foods you are denying yourself: wanting to be able to run around with the kids is more likely to keep you away from the biscuit tin than telling yourself you are not allowed a biscuit.

• Lose it slowly –losing an average of 1 pound a week is great- diets that promise rapid weight loss are hard to sustain once you are off the diet.

• Think about making permanent changes to your diet rather than following a fad. Eating healthily brings about many benefits so adopt it for life.

• Keep a food diary to identify areas you can focus on: are you a snacker or are your portions too big?

• It isn’t easy to lose weight but its not impossible and celebrating your successes ongoing will motivate you to reach your goal.

Consult your health practitioner before following any advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health issues or are on any other medication.

Nikki Biddiss is a Medical Herbalist, Aromatherapy Massage Therapist and Stress and Wellbeing Coach. To book a consultation For Nikki call Napier’s, 61 Cresswell Street, Glasgow on 0141 339 5859.

Irene McCabe is a Naturopathic Nutritionist and has been an Independent Nutritional Researcher for over 30 years. Irene also practices Allergy and Intolerance Testing and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy and is the former owner of Napier’s in Glasgow’s West End. To book a consultation For Irene call The Harvest Clinic, 201 West George Street, Glasgow on 0141 333 0878 Email responsenatural@gmail.com