A dietitian is a qualified and regulated health professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level. They work with people in the community to promote healthy eating as well as acutely unwell people in clinical settings, using the most up-to-date scientific research on food, health and disease to give practical guidance on appropriate food and lifestyle choices. One of the key differences is the type of training that Dietitians must undergo. Dietitians must complete ~1000 hours of clinical practice (HSE hospital and co ..read more

Night time snacking on sugary foods as a result of cravings can disrupt sleep and cause indigestion, which will leave you more tired the next day as well as contributing to weight gain. Here are some tips to help reduce night time cravings and snacking, and feel more energised as a result! Getting to the root cause One of the most effective ways of getting to the root cause of your cravings is to keep a diary that relfects on the following:   Did you eat enough food (calories) during the day, or did you skip meals?  You may think that skipping meals is the best way to reduce c ..read more

It is estimated that there are 100,000 people living in Ireland with Coeliac disease. Living with coeliac disease requires more than just avoiding gluten-containing foods - it necessitates a fundamental shift in one's approach to nutrition. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causes an immune response, damaging the lining of the small intestine. As a result, individuals who are coeliac must eat a gluten-free diet in order to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications. Below is our guide to navigating n ..read more

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide - about 1 in 5 women of child bearing age. While its exact cause remains elusive, PCOS is characterised by a number of symptoms that include irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and difficulties with fertility. Beyond its reproductive implications, PCOS can also lead to other health concerns like insulin resistance, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Amidst these challenges, however, lies a ray of hope: dietary interventions and nu ..read more

In the bustling world of deadlines, meetings, and projects, maintaining peak performance at work can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, one often overlooked secret to success lies not in endless cups of coffee or late-night cram sessions, but in something much more fundamental: Nutrition. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our energy levels, focus, and overall wellbeing, making it a cornerstone of workplace productivity and satisfaction.   The Energy Equation   Picture this: it's mid-morning, and you're already feeling ..read more

What is IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a medical term used to describe a collection of gut symptoms. Symptoms can vary in severity from one person to another, and it may be constipation or diarrhoea dominant, or a combination of both. When should I consider being Assessed for IBS? An IBS assessment should be considered if you have had any of the following symptoms for at least six months: abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, or change in bowel habit. A diagnosis of IBS should be considered only if there is abdominal pain or discomfort that is either relieved by defaecation or associ ..read more

Losing weight does not have to involve an extreme overhaul of every element of your current lifestyle. In fact, making gradual and manageable changes has been found to be much more effective for sustaining weight loss in the long run. Try out these five easy swaps to get you started on your weight loss journey! 1. Swap the lift for the stairs  Moving more in general in addition to exercise can be helpful with weight loss.  You could also try parking the car further away from the entrance or getting off the bus 1 or 2 stops early. All these little chunks of extra movement then add up ..read more

Did you know, approximately 75% of the human body is made up of water? Considering this, it is crucial for our health and wellbeing that we drink enough water to keep our bodies hydrated. Fluids have many important functions in the body, including lubricating the joints, transporting nutrients in the blood, and also removing waste products through urine. For optimal health, you should aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day (around 1.5 to 2 litres), however sometimes it can be tricky to hit this goal. Our Dietitian Hollie Corrigan is here to provide some helpful tips for boosting hydrati ..read more

Healthy Eating During Ramadan Ramadan takes place this year from the evening of Sunday, 10 March until Tuesday, 9th April. Ramadan is a holy time for Muslims around the world during which fasting from sunrise to sunset is a requirement for most (but not all) Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan allows Muslims to reflect, practice empathy and connect with their religion.   There are specific foods like dates and samosas that are traditionally eaten during Ramadan for religious and cultural reasons. However, it is still important to meet your body’s nutritional needs during Ramadan while al ..read more

Tips For Managing Obesity - World Obesity Day The WHO defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk”. Obesity has been associated with increased risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and a recent HSE health survey reporting that 60% adults in Ireland are currently overweight or obese.   Currently, body mass index (BMI) - a measure of a person’s weight relative to their height - is used to diagnose obesity. A BMI of 20-25 is considered healthy, 25-30 is considered overweight, while 30+ is considered obese.  However, it ..read more