Weight Loss & Fitness Tips
After coaching for over nine years, it seems like a good time to start sharing more of my knowledge and ideas. So, this is my blog covering the kinds of topics that I discuss with my clients including weight loss, strength training, exercise, nutrition, goal setting, ageing, training plans, muscle gain, wellness, menopause, mental health, time management, motivation and more…
Topic Categories:
The Benefits of an Off-Season: How a Structured Off-Season Makes Runners, Cyclists, and Triathletes Faster and Stronger
Winter miles, summer smiles! For amateur runners, cyclists, and triathletes, the idea of “taking time off” from regular training might seem counterproductive. After all, if
How to Approach Nutrition in the Off-Season: for Runners, Triathletes, and Cyclists
The off-season is a glorious time for amateur athletes – a break from the rigours of intense training and competition, a chance to unwind, and
Getting Jiggy with Fitness in Your Golden Years!
Ah, the golden years! A time when you’ve earned the right to kick back, wear whatever you please, and say cheeky things and get away
Can I Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight?
When trying to lose some weight, many of us wonder if we can still enjoy a tipple without sabotaging our goals. The short answer is
Zone 2 Training: What It Is and How It Can Help You
If you’ve been hanging around the running, cycling, HYROX or triathlon communities lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Zone 2 training. From pro athletes
The Power of 15: How 15 Minutes For Yourself Can Boost Weight Loss
When busy or under pressure, trying for weight loss often feels like another full-time job, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed. But what if I
Junk Miles: What Are They and Should You Avoid Them?
If you’re a runner, cyclist, or triathlete, chances are you’ve heard the term “junk miles” thrown around in training conversations. It’s one of those phrases
Not The Enemy: Fats
In the world of nutrition, fats have long been villainised, blamed for weight gain and heart disease. However, this view is outdated and oversimplified. Fats
Not The Enemy: Carbohydrates (Carbs)
Carbohydrates often get a bad reputation in the world of nutrition, but they are not the enemy. In fact, carbs are a crucial part of
Understanding Satiety: Foods That Help You Feel Full
With so much processed foods available, it’s easy to consume empty calories that leave us feeling unsatisfied leading to increased hunger. Understanding satiety and incorporating
Why It’s Important to Train Your Gut for Sporting Events
With my sport event and athlete clients, we work on event nutrition as well as fitness. Sometimes we will also find out the brands of
The Myth of Juice Detoxes and Detox Diets: Understanding How Your Body Detoxifies
Detoxes like juice cleanses have become increasingly popular. They often promise rapid weight loss, improved energy, and a full-body detox, but the truth behind these
Ghrelin, Leptin, and the Perils of Crash Dieting
In body weight regulation, two hormones take centre stage: ghrelin and leptin. Together, they play a pivotal role in our hunger signals, energy regulation, and
Hyrox Training For Wall Balls
In a Hyrox competition, participants are required to complete a total of 100 wall balls at the final exercise station. You can break this up
Where Does Fat Go When You Lose Weight?
Losing weight can sometimes feel like a mystery, especially when it comes to understanding where the fat actually goes. Many of us put in hours
Strategies to Help Stop a Binge Eating Episode
I don’t generally like using the word “binge” as this can relate to medical disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder and so
Can You Lose Weight and Gain Muscle at the Same Time?
I am often asked by clients if it is possible to lose weight and gain muscle at the same time. For most of my clients
Tips for Exercising, Running, or Cycling in the Heat
I can FINALLY post this blog as it looks like we have a hot week ahead of us in the UK!! As the heat goes
10 Ways to Manage or Reduce Stress
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health. Here are
Why We’re Mad for Munchies and Sweet Treats (and How to Nip the cravings in the Bud)
Oh, the call of a crunchy packet of crisps or the lure of a shimmering bag of Haribo. Sweet, sweet, Haribo (sorry I seem to
How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Scale Weight and The Gym
Blogging about this topic does fill me with some fear that I will come across like a Mansplaining idiot! If I am honest, it has
Running for Hyrox: A Simple Training Plan for New Runners
Getting Started with Hyrox Running So, you’re interested in Hyrox, maybe have an event coming up and want to start running but haven’t really run
ADHD and Hunger: More Than Just a Matter of Willpower
Managing hunger and eating habits can be more challenging for some people with ADHD due to factors like being impulsive, forgetfulness, dopamine chasing and sense
Fibre’s Role in Weight Loss and Health
Fibre is a key nutrient in any healthy diet and in weight management. It has a role in digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and
How Should I Fuel A 10K Run?
Preparing for a 10k run involves properly fuelling your body to maximise performance and ensure a comfortable race. Here’s what to eat and when: 1.
Warm-Up Routine for Joggers
A good warm-up routine can help prevent injuries and prepare your body for a jog. Here’s a 10-minute warm-up routine designed for joggers: 1. Minute
Metabolism. What is it and can it be fast or slow?
Metabolism is a term that refers to all the chemical reactions in your body that keep your body alive and functioning. However, when most people
Why Is It Harder to Lose Weight with PCOS?
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) tend to have a slower metabolism – making it harder to maintain or lose weight – due to several
Why Some People Argue Exercise Doesn’t Help You Lose Weight: Understanding the Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
For weight loss, exercise is often touted as a crucial component. Yet, a significant number of people maintain that exercise does not help you lose
The Link Between Muscle and Longevity
As we age, maintaining muscle mass and strength becomes increasingly important, not just for mobility and independence, but also as a significant predictor of overall
Unravelling Starvation Mode: Myths and Realities
In the world of weight loss and dieting, “starvation mode” and “adaptive thermogenesis” are terms that often surface, surrounded by a mix of concern, confusion,
What Are The Pillars of Good Habit or Nutrition Coaching?
In the context of habit or nutrition coaching, focusing on some foundational pillars can significantly increase the effectiveness and sustainability of client’s lifestyle changes. These
Does Calories Counting Work?
Calorie counting does work, no matter what some so called experts have been saying on podcasts recently! It is not for everyone though and there
Creatine for Women During Perimenopause and Postmenopause: A Potential Ally
Creatine, a compound that’s gained substantial attention within the athletic community for its ability to enhance physical performance and muscle mass, is stepping into the
Set Point Theory and Weight Loss: Myth or Reality?
The world of dieting is full of theories, myths, and debates. One such topic is the ‘Set Point Theory’. What is the Set Point Theory?
Use a Desk Timer to Boost Your Productivity
Managing your time effectively is important for both professional success and personal wellbeing. Among the many tools and techniques available, a simple yet often overlooked
The Silent Partner in Weight Loss: The Power of Sleep
The connection between diet, exercise, and weight loss has been deeply entrenched in our collective psyche. But there’s a pivotal component often overlooked in the
Creatine: Enhancing Performance in Sport, Weightlifting, and Cognitive Function
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in small quantities in certain foods and produced in the human body. It plays a critical role in
Why Am I Not Losing Weight? Potential Reasons Why
If you are not losing weight, the simple answer to why is that you are still – on average – eating too much. However, a
Soothing Mantras for Stress and Anxiety Relief
In modern life, stress and anxiety can often feel like unwelcome but constant companions for many of us. While there are various strategies to manage
Cortisol, Stress, and Its Connection to Weight Gain
We’ve all been there – feeling the weight of stress bearing down on us. Whether it’s work-related, due to personal issues, or simply from the
A Simple Guide to Goal Setting
Happy New Year! As it is the 1st of January, I thought this would be the ideal time to do a post about Goal Setting.
Starting a Diet? Swap and Add, Don’t Deny!
Embarking on a weight loss journey often brings to mind rigorous exercise regimes and strict dieting. However, two simple strategies can set you on the
Why Do I Feel Hungry All the Time? Understanding and Managing Constant Hunger
It’s a familiar story for many: you’ve just finished a meal, but not long after, your stomach starts grumbling again. When I was overweight, this
Atomic Habits: How They Can Help You Achieve More In Areas Such As Business, Sport And Weight Loss
James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” offers a transformative look at the power of small habits and how they can lead to remarkable results. This insightful book
Reasons Why You Don’t Need to Do A Detox Diet
After the inevitable Christmas indulgence, people often look for a quick fix to drop that Christmas weight. One of these supposedly quick fixes are detox
Navigating the Festive Feasts: Stay Svelte without Skimping on the Mince Pies!
I always say to my clients that what you do 47ish weeks of the year determines how you look and feel, not your holidays (as
Ozempic For Weight Loss – It Is Not a Weight Loss Pill!
This article is not intended to provide medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a medical doctor. Ozempic (Semaglutide), primarily prescribed for managing
Protein Breakfast Ideas
Here are some quick breakfast ideas. These are rough estimates, and the exact values can vary based on specific brands, quantities, and preparation methods. Checking
Sources of Protein for Vegetarians and Vegans
Protein is an important part of our diet. It’s a building block for our muscles, skin, enzymes, hormones, and much more. While many associate protein
Raising a Glass without Tipping the Scales: The Festive Guide
Hark the herald angels sing, is there a way to have our gin and keep our waistlines trim? The festive season rolls around, and suddenly,
Free Download: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Getting Achy After The Gym!?)
No email address required for the guide. Instant download. Feeling achey after your gym sessions? Feeling our muscles ache 24-48hours after exercise is really common
Getting More Done with the Humble To-Do List
In today’s busy world, efficient management of your day is essential. Amidst the chaos, a well-organised to-do list can boost productivity, decrease stress, and provide
Top 5 Weight Loss Myths Debunked
Weight loss is a topic that garners widespread interest, and with this interest comes countless myths and misconceptions. Some of my clients find it really
Strength Training for Cyclists and Runners: A Game-Changer
Are you a cyclist or runner in pursuit of the next personal best? Then strength training is your answer! Traditionally, hours are often spent pounding
Why You Might Be Thirsty When You Think You’re Hungry – Plus Free Hydration Guide Download
No email address required for the guide. Instant download. Something I try with a number of my clients – especially those who are like me
Unlocking Mental Wellness with a Simple Gratitude Journal
The significance of mental health is more pertinent than ever today in our complex, fast-paced world. Numerous ideas aim to help with stress and anxiety.
Staying Fit and Active for Those Who Hate the Gym and Exercise!
There is a perception that you just need to find some form of exercise or a sport that you love to do, and it will
Protein: Your Secret Weapon for Weight Loss
With all of my weight loss clients, we look very closely at protein intake to help with keeping (or growing) muscle and to also help
A Deep Dive into Ultra-Processed Foods: Are They Really That Bad?
I have been chatting a lot recently about ultra-processed foods with my clients. Dr. Chris van Tulleken’s book “Ultra-Processed People” along with his research, TV
Realistic Rates of Fat Loss: What to Expect Weekly
I want my clients to have fun and feel like they are winning during their weight loss journey. Part of this means setting realistic weekly
Finding Time to Exercise When Really Busy
A question I often get from clients is “How do I find time to exercise when I am so busy!?”. I get it. The kids
Free Download: Nutrition Tips for Fat Loss
No email address required for the guide. Instant download. Movement of all kinds provides amazing benefits for our bodies but unfortunately it’s impact on fat
What Does a Weight Loss Coach Do?
When people ask me what I do for a living and I mention coaching, and that I am a Weight Loss Coach who used to
The Mystery of Menopause Weight Gain and How to Keep It at Bay
Quite often I hear postmenopausal clients say to me that they just don’t understand why they have put on weight. I hate saying anything bad
HYROX Inspired Workout & Training Plan
Getting ready for a HYROX? First time or just want to get better? I can help… A couple of my clients recently asked me what
Couch to 5K: The Ultimate Guide for New Runners
I don’t dictate to my clients what they should do exercise wise. I just strive to help them find something they enjoy (or in some
Deciphering the “Calories In, Calories Out” Principle
The world of weight management is awash with diets, fads, and buzzwords, but one fundamental principle underpins them all: “Calories In, Calories Out”, often abbreviated
What is a Reverse Diet? An Easy Guide
With a lot of my weight loss clients, when they hit their goal weight we do what is known as a reverse diet. You don’t
The Undervalued Power of Walking: The Unsung Hero of Exercise
Not all of my clients go to the gym or do things like running or cycling. Many simply love to walk! I cycle and lift
The Post-Event Blues: Why Runners and Cyclists Often Feel Low and How to Counteract It
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, there’s a unique sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line of a marathon,
Top 10 Calorie-Burning Exercises: But Remember, Diet Comes First!
Let’s face it, we all dream of that miracle exercise that will help us shed pounds effortlessly. While there’s no single magic bullet, certain exercises
Tracking Calories and Macronutrients: A Comprehensive Guide
My clients track their food in a number of ways. Some just take photos, some use apps such as MyFitnessPal, some don’t bother at all
Debunking the Myth: Does Metabolism Really Slow Down with Age?
One of the most widely accepted beliefs about ageing is the inevitable decline of our metabolism. “It’s harder to stay slim as I get older
Metabolism and Ageing: What Happens and Why?
We’ve all heard it before – the lament of how much easier it was to stay fit or lose weight in our younger years. “It’s
Understanding Macronutrients: A Beginner’s Guide
When I first started to lose weight, the first 50% of my weight loss was pretty accidental and quite easy if I am honest. I
Olympic Weightlifting – History and a 2-Day Training Split
Why I started Olympic Weightlifting Most of my clients won’t ever Olympic Weight Lift (so don’t panic dear client if you are reading this!?!?), and
Top 10 Low-Calorie Foods that Keep You Sated: Dieting Without the Hunger Pangs!
We’ve all been there – the clock seems to crawl between meals when you’re dieting, and your stomach won’t stop its infernal rumbling. The trick