We're likely to eat a shocking 6000 calories on Christmas Day, as well as an extra 500 calories every day on the run-up to the holiday, which starts earlier and earlier each year. By the time we reach New Year's Eve, we could be wearing an extra 5lbs around our tummy..........

Have you noticed that when there's a a major change of season, we often feel the urge to de-clutter our wardrobes, offices & homes? A good many of us also like to de-clutter our bodies at the same time. I'm one of them. Every Spring and Autumn Equinox I try and do a longer fast than normal. it's a naturopathic thing I have done since training as a Nutritionist, oh so long ago. 

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.

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!