September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) awareness month. A disorder affecting up to 10% of women, Dietitian Rebekah Boardman takes a look at common symptoms and how diet and lifestyle can play a role in managing it.

Using social media platforms daily, many of us get nutritional information, advice and recipes from people we follow. This advice can come from a range of different people, such as health professionals, celebrities or even friends sharing photos of what they’ve cooked. However, when it comes to nutritional advice or information, it’s important to get this from qualified dietitians and nutritionists.

Children, and indeed often adults, are often rewarded with food if they have done something that deserves praise and acknowledgement. Examples include getting a good result in school, playing well during a sporting event, being well-behaved at the dentist, or perhaps doing some jobs around the house.

A balanced diet provides your body with energy (calories), vitamins and minerals and is important for your overall health and wellbeing. A “food first approach” for nutrients and vitamins is recommended, as these are more easily absorbed by the body.

Fad diets are everywhere but are neither healthy nor sustainable in the long run. Dietitian Rebekah lists her top tips for healthy weight loss that can be maintained.

Packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, it’s important to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables. The easiest tip, says Dietitian Rebekah, is to eat the rainbow and as many colours as possible!

Nutrition plays a key role during recovery from COVID-19. An optimised diet will provide your body with the energy and nutrients for your overall health, playing a role in rebuilding muscles and weight if mass has been lost.