JournalLive - Taste Columnists - Katharine Neal

The natural approach

JournalLive — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WHILE some people can’t wait for the winter months and the advent of the festive season, others dread the shorter, darker days and the cooler temperatures.

Christmas on a diet

JournalLive — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CHRISTMAS is a time to eat drink and be merry, but it can also be a stressful time for people who are trying to lose weight. All the good work for months beforehand can be lost as we are tempted with daily offers of mince pies, chocolate and alcohol.

Help for the overweight child

JournalLive — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:00:00 GMT

It can be quite a responsibility to ensure your children eat a healthy diet. Having two young children myself, I know how difficult it can be.

So why five a day?

JournalLive — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:00:00 GMT

WHILE every other day we seem to be bombarded with contradictory advice about what we should and shouldn’t eat, one message has remained constant throughout – eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Stay cold free this autumn

JournalLive — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

THERE is no doubt about it; the colder months can play havoc with your health. As the temperatures start to drop our bodies face an onslaught of bugs and infections. THERE is no doubt about it; the colder months can play havoc with your health. As the temperatures start to drop our bodies face an onslaught of bugs and infections. The colder air can contribute to aches and pains; and lack of sunlight and exercise can make us all feel a little bit miserable. This challenging cocktail is enough to test the strongest of constitutions. It is not surprising that so many of us either fall ill or generally feel under par as the nights draw in and air gets colder. You can strengthen your immune system's infection-fighting ability by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and having enough rest. Good nutrition can reduce the duration of colds and decrease the aggravating side effects. Here are five tips to increase your body's vitality and resistance to infection during the colder months. 1. Reduce or, better still, avoid refined sugar completely. Sugar has been shown to almost immediately decrease immune function. 2. Follow the Rainbow Rule: try to eat as many different colours of fruit and vegetable as possible each day. This way you ensure an intake of all the different beneficial phytonutrients (nutrients derived from plants), like bioflavonoids in berries and quercetin in apples, both of which are potent antioxidants. 3. The most common route of infection is not coughing or sneezing, but hand-to-hand contact – viruses are often passed by touch. Wash your hands frequently and avoid shaking hands with those who are already ill. 4. Eat plenty of garlic for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity. 5. Consider some immune boosting supplements such as vitamin C and a good probiotic to boost your good bacteria. THERE is no doubt about it; the colder months can play havoc with your health. As the temperatures start to drop our bodies face an onslaught of bugs and infections.

Fat around the middle?

JournalLive — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:00:00 GMT

ARE you noticing more fat around your middle with each passing year? Now some of this fat may be dictated by the genes you inherit. But how you live and changes that your body goes through as you age also have a major role to play.

Tired all the time?

JournalLive — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT

SHATTERED or being fatigued is an everyday experience that for most of us is the trigger to put on your PJs and get a good night’s sleep.

Relief from summer sneezing

JournalLive — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:00:00 GMT

IF you’re a hayfever sufferer you can dread the warmer months approaching. Runny noses and itchy eyes can be uncomfortable.

Shaping up for summer

JournalLive — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:14:00 GMT

RUMOUR has it that summer is on the way, but for anyone who is overweight, summer can be a nightmarish few months of hiding excess pounds under baggy clothes.

Eat your way to beautiful skin

JournalLive — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:07:00 GMT

WITH summer fast approaching, we’re all after glowing, vibrant, and yes, younger looking skin. We can all exfoliate and moisturise on the outside and, yes, this will help, but maybe we should check out what we’re putting inside our bodies as well.

Food for fertility

JournalLive — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:09:00 GMT

IN the last 20 years, fertility problems have increased. It is estimated around 25% of couples are turning to fertility treatments to help them have a family.

Which foods will give you that loving feeling?

JournalLive — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:33:00 GMT

A ROMANTIC dinner for two can put you in the mood for love. But did you know it's not only the intimate surroundings and the soft music? What you choose to eat can play its part.