Obesity rates have tripled over the last 30 years. We seem to have a dietary epidemic. We know more than ever about the food we eat,yet we still can’t seem to get it exactly right. We are all exercising more regularly and watching calories more than ever before. It seems that what we are eating is more important than our total calorie intake. We are constantly bombarded with information about what is good and what isn’t and often this information is quite conflicting.

We should look to our guts for the answer. Inside the stomach there is a whole set of microbiomes which are unique to each individual. Just as unique as a fingerprint. It is their job to digest food and keep us healthy. Scientists are now analysing how these microbes can be looked at in each of us to help us make better food choices to keep us slim, healthy and happy.

Calories are not all equal. Two people can eat exactly the same food and the same amount, but one will lose weight and the other won’t. This is down to the microbiomes in each of their guts.

Exercise is good, we all know that, but it won’t necessarily make you slim. Your body readjusts to the amount of exercise you do versus your food intake. So if your cutting down on calories and exercising more, your body very intelligently slows down your metabolism to into account the change in your activity levels!! Keep up the good work though as exercise does make you fitter and helps you to live a longer and healthier life.

Microbial diversity is the key to our health. Which means eat as many different types of food as possible but in small amounts to encourage a good healthy gut. We shouldn’t be eliminating food groups but rather eating little and often of as many different food groups as possible.

In other words all foods are good for us, but some are better than others!