In March I qualified as a nutritionist after successfully completing my MSc in Human Nutrition. The degree was not the end of my learning though, and every day I find myself hungry for more knowledge about our bodies and how food affects them.

I take a very intuitive approach to nutrition, but also love to discover the science underpinning it. Recently I've been researching more about the various microbiomes within the human body, and how much impact these have on our health and happiness.

I've been learning about the potential harm that can be caused by following calorie deficit diets long term. Also, I've been reading about the link between oral health and heart and brain health. I am fascinated by it all! In the interest of keeping it simple and offering some useful and practical advice inn this blog, I wanted to share the following to help you with improving and maintaining your health:

• Learn more about ancestral nutrition. We used to eat animals 'nose to tail', and now we are missing out on a lot of really important nutrients because we no longer consume organ meats and fatty cuts.
  
  
• Think about supplementation. I don't want you to be rattling from all the pills you are taking, or for you to be spending more than you need to, but there are some supplements which many of us can benefit from. I always recommend sourcing nutrients from food first where possible, but food quality and modern lifestyle mean that obtaining a consistent and high enough dose of some nutritional factors can be challenging. For example, in the UK, almost everyone should be supplementing with vitamin D, as we just don't get enough sun exposure all year round. Magnesium is a good choice for a lot of people, because modern agricultural methods, processed foods, demanding lifestyles and ageing can all contribute towards not getting enough. If you are not eating organ meats regularly, collagen and hyaluronic acid are important. and if you are eating less than 3 portions of oily fish per week, omega 3 supplements would be a positive addition.
  
  
• Take note of how different foods make you feel. We are all different, and where some people are able to tolerate certain foods well, others may find them problematic. For example, large amounts of fibre may cause digestive complaints in some individuals, or you might notice bloating when you eat bread or certain vegetables. Being aware allows you to make an informed choice about whether to eat these foods, and in what quantities.
  
  
• Eat more of the foods that satisfy you and make you feel good!
  
  
• You don't need to spend money on probiotic supplements - fermented foods and drinks are always better. I've been experimenting with making my own yoghurt, which is great because you can choose specific strains of probiotics to match any health concerns or goals you may have!
  
  
• Food is more than just fuel - it's social, emotional, and sometimes even spiritual too. Don't allow mealtimes to become solely about the nutrient content. Food is fun, sensory, pleasurable, nostalgic. It can bring together couples, parents and children, families, friends and strangers. It means a lot more than just the number of calories, protein content or ingredients list. Never let diet culture or health advice spoil your love of food.
  
  
• Don't believe everything you see, hear or read! Do your research first, before committing to buying a new supplement or making a dietary change.
  
  

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how is best to eat, but hopefully these points will give you some guidance to feel a little more empowered in managing your own health.

If you want some more guidance and to ponder on the big questions in life, why not check out the Philosopher-in-Residence series. Out every fortnight on a Thursday, and written by our Principal Planner, Anna Pascoe.  You can take a peek at the latest edition here: ON CELTS - Make Me A Plan