What’s the one thing a dietitian would love you to learn before the year is out? We ask this and more in today’s mini interview special.

Our interviewee? Eminent UK Specialist Registered Dietitian and award-winning blogger, Nichola Whitehead – AKA the Nic behind Nic’s Nutrition!

With Nic banishing the ‘bad’ from your food conversations – and warming up the dietary chat over on YouTube – we have a feeling you’re going to love her take on moderation and balance…

1. THE ONE GOAL YOU’D LOVE EVERYONE TO SET FOR THE MONTH AHEAD…

As it’s just been breakfast week, I would love everyone to either give breakfast a go (if they don’t already) or try a new one.

Breakfast really can set you up for the day both physically and psychologically – it provides energy for activity and concentration as well as nutrients for wellbeing. I’ve been posting some of my favourites over the past few weeks, such as my banana & blueberry muffins. You can see them here.

2. THE CHANGE YOU’D LOVE EVERYONE TO MAKE OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS…

It would be great to aim for a more balanced diet. I personally promote the 80/20 rule, where if you eat mostly healthy/whole foods the occasional junk food won’t harm you!

A great place to start when trying to achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle is to do a food diary for a week and be your own ‘diet detective’. For example, ask yourself how many portions of fruit and vegetables you’re eating a day (the aim is 5-9 portions, a portion being a handful!) or how often you’re eating foods such as biscuits and sweets; if it’s daily, try to cut down!

3. THE LESSON YOU HOPE WE’LL ALL LEARN IN 2016…

In 2016, I would hope everyone learns to have a healthier relationship with food. We shouldn’t be afraid of food or calories as we need them to stay alive. Even sugar won’t harm you in moderation! I am a firm believer in ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’.

I would also love everyone to learn that, in the most part, diets simply don’t work. My personal motto is “it’s not about diets, it’s about a way of life”.

4. YOUR PERSONAL GOAL FOR THE YEAR…

My personal goal is to start writing a book. It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a few years and I’m finally going to take the plunge!

5. THE NUTRITION NEWS OR HAPPENINGS CURRENTLY EXCITING YOU MOST…

The world of nutrition is constantly evolving and I think the most exciting thing happening at the moment is something called the ‘moderation movement’ – promoting healthy minds, bodies and relationships with food.

Well, you have us excited Nic! Thank you so much for sharing your insights; we wish you well for the book and the rest of your year!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NIC’S DIETARY PHILOSOPHIES & SEE HER IN ACTION? HERE’S WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website: nicsnutrition.com
Twitter: @nicsnutrition
Facebook: @nicsnutrition
Instagram: @nicsnutrition
YouTube: Nichola Whitehead

AND COMING SOON…

You’re also going to want to watch out for Nic’s upcoming YouTube video featuring Minvita…and a giveaway! We’ll keep you posted.