Batty about banting?

Here are some things to consider and tips from Solgar.

• One of the problems that may occur with any diet, is that variety in what you eat can be limited. This may mean that there is the potential for there to be some nutritional deficiencies. To eliminate this, consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement that is starch and sugar free, such as Solgar’s VM 2000 or Omnium. 

• ​Being on a high fat, high protein diet will inevitably put strain on your digestive system and liver. Thus, consider taking a good digestive complex such as Solgar’s Comfort Zone Digestive Aid to assist in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, proteins. Also bear in mind the more efficiently food is broken down, the better it is absorbed and the less likely you are to have cravings. Fats need to be broken down and emulsified using bile. Bile is manufactured in the liver and as such in order to support proper fat metabolism, the liver needs to be functioning optimally. Consider taking Artichoke as a liver supportive supplement. Drinking lots of good quality water is also essential.

• ​Remember the fibre! Great sources of fibre are veggies, ground flax seeds and Psylium Husks.  If you find it tricky to include these in your diet, consider support from a supplement such as Solgar multiple fibre formula.  The correct intake of fibre can assist with constipation, lower cholesterol and aid the body in detoxification.  Also – do not forget the H2O!

• ​Probiotics are helpful in cases of bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea.  They assist the body in manufacturing essential B vitamins and aids the immune system.  Probiotics are destroyed by antibiotics, stress and eating incorrectly.  There are many different types of probiotics as they vary in terms of organisms present.  We recommend a high strength probiotics like Solgar advanced multi-billion dophilus

• ​One of the things most diets suggest is cutting out on your favourite tipple! This of course is because alcohol is extremely high in sugar and calories. Yet, red wine is reportedly so good for us, so  why not try Resveratrol- a high- potency antioxidant found within red wine which is why red wine is considered to be so beneficial for heart health and longevity? 

• ​Being on any diet can be tough especially if you still get cravings for the foods you are not meant to eat. Research shows that the mineral chromium may improve cell sensitivity to insulin thus improving blood sugar control and minimising cravings for carbohydrates.

• ​High protein diets are also known to result in increased inflammation within the body, so taking supplements to help minimise this may be useful. The herb Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids and research shows that curcuminoids may be beneficial in reducing the risk of inflammation. Many disease conditions are considered pro- inflammatory such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis and diabetes. Adding turmeric to your food will add good flavour but taking turmeric in supplemental form will provide more curcuminoids and have greater therapeutic benefit. Try Solgar’sCherry Turmeric Complex or Turmeric Extract.

• ​Hydroxy citrate has been the subject of increasing attention amongst researchers. Scientific studies have demonstrated appetite suppressing abilities but without the side effects normally associated with appetite suppressing drugs. Hydroxy citrate appears to promote the storage of excess calories as glycogen, a temporary energy store, rather than as fat. Trials suggest using 250mg of hydroxy citrate 30 minutes before meals, preferably with 100mcg of chromium. 

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to up our game and get that body in shape – the healthy way.