Q: I really want to lose some weight over the next few months as I am getting married in the summer. There are so many diets to choose from, which one do you recommend?

A: Rather than focusing on a weight reducing diet, try to focus on a long-term health programme that will help restore a natural rhythm to your body and bring your body to the size and weight that is natural to you. Everyone has a different body shape and nobody should be trying to fit into a size that has been manufactured by advertising rather than based on health and well-being.

People who go on calorie controlled diets tend to end up in a cycle of starvation: lose weight, binge eat, put on weight. This is caused by having a mental outlook based on deprivation. If at all possible try to develop a weight-reducing programme based on healthy eating and exercise rather than counting calories. This gives more scope for occasional treats, which means that you will not experience a frenzied consumption of as much food as possible when you break out of your diet. Getting a balance of nutrition is vital as this will help reduce cravings. Take a good supplement and extra vitamin C. If you suffer from any medical condition, consult your GP before going on any diet or fitness regime.

Q: I love Christmas but every year the same happens: the January blues hit hard. Is there anything I can do to get through this period with a bit more of a bounce in my step?

A: Exercise is a terrific way to prevent and banish the winter blues. In fact, taking exercise over the winter is the best health promoting activity you can adopt. Even if you are eating the wrong types of foods, regular exercise coupled with plenty of fluids (of the aqua variety) should improve your health. Reducing weight sensibly can elevate mood. Get outside in the fresh air as much as possible and enjoy any sunlight that may be around. Our moods are very much affected by lack of sunlight during the darker months. Some people buy light boxes for their homes to help compensate but you may find it sufficient to just go for a good walk outside for at least 45 minutes everyday. Socialising without alcohol and drugs is a great way of fighting blues.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you have any questions for Dr Bhatti, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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