Healthy eating is vital to a healthy lifestyle. As well as feeling and looking better, it can help to ward off some common diseases that are prevalent in our modern, western society. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease are becoming endemic and the way we live and eat today has a huge role to play in this.

But even if you live an active life and eat healthily you can still optimise your bodies potential and improve your vitality, moods and energy levels. Just a small deficiency in one area can have an impact on health levels, and as we tend to live life at a faster pace and rely on pre-packed convenience foods it is easy to see how this can occur.

My name is Sarah Green and I run my own nutritional analysis and dietary advice business – Elements of Analysis 4 U. My aim is to equip people with the correct knowledge to be able to make healthy, informed choices regarding their diets. And take control of their health.

When I was younger I suffered from anorexia and bulimia, and at the time I saw food as my enemy. However, as I recovered I realised that far from being a foe food is the vital 'fuel' that our body's need, and, as with a car, you need to put the right fuel in to ensure optimum performance.

My immediate family also has an incidence of type 2 diabetes; both my grandfathers having been sufferers, and my father and younger brother have also developed the condition. I was keen to maximise my chances of avoiding developing diabetes myself, and also to help my family if possible.

With my interest in nutrition piqued I studied for a Diploma in Nutrition, which I obtained with honours.

There is so much written about healthy eating these days, but despite this, people are still confused and obesity rates are spiralling. Simultaneously the numbers suffering from eating disorders are rising. I realised that the message isn't getting through.

I formed my business to enable clients to understand what constitutes not just a healthy diet, but also the benefits to be gained from changing their lifestyles, and obtain optimum health, vitality and a zest for life.

I generally have three consultations with clients. The first consultation lasts for about 45 minutes, during which clients fill in a health and lifestyle questionnaire, discuss their current eating habits, food likes and dislikes, and what their ultimate aim is. For example do they want to lose weight, keep feeling younger and fitter for longer? Or have they got a health condition such as PMS, IBS, menopausal symptoms etc, that a change of diet could help alleviate. It is best to consult your GP however before undertaking any change to your diet.

At the first consultation I also give them a seven day food diary in which they record everything they eat and drink (honesty essential), and post back to me. The food diary allows me to analyse their current eating habits and any shortfalls in nutrients. I will then tailor an eating plan according to their particular requirements. Individual needs vary according to a client's age, gender, activity levels and other variables.

The second consultation takes place about a fortnight after the first and lasts for about an hour. During this I give them their individual results and highlight the areas to be improved, for example whether the balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat are consistent with good health, and also any vitamins and minerals which are lacking. I give advice on how to improve their diet and provide a menu plan if necessary. We also talk about specific foods and supplements, which can improve any condition they are concerned about.

The third consultation takes place a month later and lasts for between 45 minutes to an hour. The client reports back on how they feel on their new eating regime, and whether they find it easy to stick to. Sometimes clients find they do not like a particular food and we look at alternatives and also discuss exercise and relaxation techniques.
Between consultations clients are welcome to ring if they have any queries and full telephone support is offered. I always say to clients that optimum health is a right and should last throughout life, and a 'quick fix diet' is not the way to achieve this.

Clients with children can also get advice relating to family cooking included in the consultations, as well as recipes for healthy meals. It is important to educate children whatever their age.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any foods that are anti-ageing?
It is important to eat foods that contain lots of antioxidants. These 'scavenge' free radicals in the body. The free radicals damage the body's cells and tissues. The best known antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene, as well as selenium. A lot of flavonoids also have an antioxidant action.
It is also worth mentioning that foods such as blueberries, black cherries and prunes are also thought to have anti-ageing properties so try eating more of these. A diet with bright 'rainbow coloured' fruit and vegetables will provide a multitude of beneficial vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
Smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, tea, coffee and eating a lot of convenience foods can all rob your body of vitamins and minerals, increase free radicals and hasten the ageing process.

I am stressed; is there anything that can help?
A diet high in B vitamins can help if you are stressed, as they are known as the 'anti-stress' vitamins (especially Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid). In order to ensure adequate levels of the B vitamins you should aim to eat a wide range of foods including; beans, whole grains, brown rice, meat, dairy products, fish and eggs.
Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products so vegans will need to ensure that they eat substitutes fortified with it such as yeast extracts or Soya milk. Stress itself depletes B vitamins as well as caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.