For the 2nd year running, last week, I was invited to speak at The Age of Happiness, Well Over 50, Festival in Budva, Montenegro. It was so good to see so many Russian friends from last year's conference, as well as many new delegates, and to share my top tips on healthy 'old' age with nutrition.

As a nutritionist I have always been a keen fan of fasting. So when the 5:2 diet hit the headlines a couple of years ago, I happily embraced this form of intermittent fasting for the sake of my health as well as my waistline!  I prefer to call it a version of fasting rather than a 'diet', we all know they don't work, in the long run, for weight loss.  But this one does and the health benefits go way beyond losing a few pounds.

 I've wanted to get to this beautiful little Greek island most of my life and was lucky enough to spend five days there in August. This awesome view was taken from the villa my brother booked with the Chromata Hotel, in Imerovigli.  Probably one of the most beautiful spots on the island, overlooking the Caldera, and one of the hilliest!    

TOP TIP: for heavens sake take proper walking shoes or trainers!  I stupidly only took Fit Flops (oh the joy of carry on luggage!) and ended up with very dodgy knees and a sore hip!

Here's a quick update on my last video & blog on how to make my daily health smoothie.  This is a great replacement for meals on fast days, if you're following the 5:2 diet, and will keep you going for hours. And it is full of huge health benefits.  If you're an intermittent faster, or want to be, I do it the easy way: a light meal the night before by 7.00 pm latest, the smoothie as late as possible the next morning (around 11.00 a.m.) a very light low calorie snack, such as a banana or boiled egg, at tea time and then a light meal, such as loads of veg and a small portion of protein, in the evening at 7.00 pm.  That's 500 calories in 24 hours and you've done a 16 hour pure fast without even trying. Two days a week, too easy!

I have never been squeamish about trying unusual foods.  I was eating snails in garlic butter (l'escargots) in France at the age of 4, strange child!  But when I came across a brand new protein, health bar, that was not only wheat-free, dairy-free, but made from cricket flour, I got really excited about it.

OMG This Nutribullet recipe is soooo tasty, I cannot believe it's also good for you and will give your skin, body & brain a great, big beautiful boost.  And it's easy!  Ingredients below.  Put them into the Nutribullet or blender in that order, whizz up and drink: job done!