HEALTHY EATING COMES NATURALLY

by Natalie Savona

DEVON-based Natalie Savona is resident nutritionist for Cosmopolitan magazine, a member of Healthy magazine’s expert panel, a regular contributor to national newspapers and the author of several books, including her latest, The Kitchen Shrink.

Given that we all eat, it's shocking that the notion of a 'balanced diet' is as controversial as it is. But balance is the key: even super-healthy foods such as alfalfa sprouts will not, eaten alone, keep you healthy. And the occasional pint of beer or cream cake must surely be good for the body if it's such good soul food.

The basics of healthy eating are not rocket science: eat food in as natural state as possible, choose a varied diet and relax to enjoy your meals. And as for food supplements, the meaning of their name is often lost: that they should only supplement a good diet, not substitute for one.
Popping pills, even if they are nutritious, cannot match up to good food and will not, in the long-term, compensate for a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle.

My clients come seeking support for a variety of complaints: low energy, poor handling of stress, appetite control issues, digestive problems, skin disorders, depression, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, excess weight, allergies, joint complaints...

I am also well aware of the limitations of nutrition as a therapy. It is very powerful and universal, yet it is just one aspect of having a healthy body and mind; the emotional and social aspects of food are also an important consideration.

A large part of my job is not just sharing knowledge, but inspiring people to make the difference for themselves through good (and tasty) food and giving clear explanations as to why a strategy could work. Many people still associate healthy eating with deprivation and dullness but of course, there is more to it than lettuce leaves and carrot juice.


Natalie Savona


Natalie Savona gives individual nutrition consultations at Queens Walk Practice, 83-84 Queens Street, Exeter. For an appointment, call 01392 422 555.