A high sugar-diet can increase the risk of developing dental cavities and diabetes. It can also lead to weight gain as sugary food and drinks tend be calorie dense.

The current recommendation is that we cut back on ‘free’ sugars to just 30g per day. To put this into context, 1tbsp of honey comes with as much as 17g ‘free’ sugar. So a drizzle of honey on your morning porridge could have over half your recommended intake… and that’s all before 9am. (Source: Public Health England, as a result of the SACN report and based on 2000kcal per day)

‘Free’ sugars are typically concentrated sugars and are often added to our food to enhance flavour. They can include sources such as table sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave, coconut sugar and even fruit juices.

Whilst these claims may have made their way into the headlines, this theory isn’t based on robust evidence and hasn’t been proven. However, there are higher quality studies, such as this one (https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2015177) published in the International Journal of Obesity, which show using sweeteners in place of sugar can actually result in lowering body weight.

All sweeteners displace calories from sugar and the type or form of sweetener used in food products really depends on how well it blends with the food product and how it influences the flavour.

You’ll be pleased to know all low-calorie sweeteners undergo a comprehensive and thorough safety evaluation by regulatory authorities before being approved for use within foods. In fact, each type of sweetener comes with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) level which is basically the estimated amount of sweetener we can consume per kg of body weight every day and over our lifetime without risk – which is a lot.

This means that for all sweeteners used within food products, there is a large safety margin. For example, an adult would have to drink as many as 14 cans of sugar-free drink every single day before reaching the ADI – which is pretty hard to do.

If there are any potential contraindications with health conditions or side effects of a particular sweetener, food manufacturers are legally bound to state this on the label.

Coconut sugar, agave and honey are often dubbed as ‘healthier’ compared to white refined sugar. Whilst these sugar alternatives come with more nutrients, it’s important to note that you would need to consume them in relatively large amounts to impact the nutrient status of your diet.

Whilst all carbohydrates break down to sugar, it’s only the fibre-rich and slow release carbohydrates which balance blood sugar and provide sustained fuel to the body and brain. Choose wholegrain varieties such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, skin-on potato, and opt for beans and pulses, being mindful of portion sizes.

Include protein at each meal and snack. Protein helps to slow the rate at which a carbohydrate breaks down into sugar and can help to keep blood sugar levels stable. Try adding a protein-rich egg to your toast.

Cut down on added sugar. Whilst this may be hard at first, sweeteners such as Canderel can be the perfect way of enjoying that sweet flavour you love whilst cutting back on sugar. Us Brits love a cuppa, usually several cups a day. By simply swapping out the sugar and replacing it with Canderel Original tablets, you can save on calories with no effect on blood sugar levels.

If you are deciding to transition to veganism it’s important to consider following a well-rounded and balanced vegan diet. Any diet which cuts out whole food groups can leave us susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, therefore supplements with nutrients such as vitamin B12 should be considered. Always consult a medical practitioner before taking supplements.

Unfortunately, there is no magic diet which can target belly fat, but on a more positive note; when weight is lost, for some people the belly fat can be the first to go. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/196331

The ketogenic diet ‘keto’ is an extremely low carbohydrate, high-fat diet and believe it or not, the keto diet was initially designed as an effective tool in the treatment of drug-resistant childhood epilepsy.

There may also be other health conditions in which the keto diet may be beneficial, for example neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. However, the evidence is limited and more research is required.

When it comes to weight loss, neither a low-carb nor low-fat diet is superior.

Weight loss is as simple as using more calories than you consume. There is no strong research to suggest that a low-carb diet has an advantage when it comes to weight loss.

Reducing portion sizes and focusing on the quality of the carbohydrates is key. We are all unique and a diet which the individual can sustain is key. 

Our circadian system plays a role with how we digest sugar, fat and with energy expenditure. Research suggests that several of these rhythms peak in the morning meaning that we may metabolise carbohydrates better earlier on in the day.

However research around meal timings is still in its infancy and focusing on a well-rounded diet with balanced meals is likely to have a bigger impact on health long-term.

An excess of calories in a diet leads to weight gain rather than the composition of the diet itself. Healthy fats play a key role with optimal health and are essential within our diet.

It’s important to note that 1g of fat comes with 9 calories, whereas 1g carbohydrates and protein comes with just 4 calories. Therefore, fat of any sort should still be consumed in moderation and the focus should be on replacing saturated fat (butter and lard with animal fats) with healthy fats such oily fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado.

The current UK guidelines around nutrition haven’t drastically changed over the years. The main message is to follow a balanced diet which focuses on plants and grains, moderate amounts of eggs, dairy, meat and fish and small amounts of healthy fats.

Media headlines can play a big role with fuelling contradictory information on nutrition. These headlines often come from small studies which have little scientific grounding.

Remember that variety in the diet is key. Focus on everything in moderation and don’t get distracted by contradictory headlines or the latest fads.

Quick fix breakfasts such as refined pastries, cereals and sugary coffee may give us an energy boost, but they certainly don’t keep hunger at bay.

A low-sugar, high-fibre and protein-rich breakfast is the best option to keep us satisfied all morning long, minimising unnecessary snacking throughout the day.

See below some examples of 5-minute low-sugar breakfasts using Canderel:

• Top your porridge with a sprinkle of Canderel Sugarly and a handful of seeds
• Add a drizzle of Canderel Zero over your morning yoghurt and fresh fruit
• Make high-fibre seeded breakfast muffins with Canderel Sugarly
• For a savoury breakfast enjoy poached eggs with avocado on wholegrain toast along with a sweet fix of a cup of coffee with Canderel
• Overnight oats with berry compote made with Canderel Sugarly

The UK is reported to have one of the highest evening energy intakes, with dinner providing on average 40% of our daily calories.

When we eat isn’t really what leads to weight gain, it’s how much we eat and since we consume most of our calories in the evening, it could be the perfect opportunity to cut back. Mindless snacking in front of the TV each night is a fast track route of consuming high calorie but nutrient-poor foods.

• Banana dipped into almond butter
• Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit such as strawberries or figs and a pinch of cinnamon
• Blended frozen bananas and raspberries
• Cacao energy balls made with cacao powder, Canderel Zero, oats, peanut butter and chia seeds
• Homemade hot chocolate using raw cacao, Canderel tablets, vanilla essence, milk and a pinch of nutmeg

Many granolas are high in added sugars such as table sugar and honey. Check the labels for added sugar and if it comes high on the ingredients list, this may be one to consume in moderation.

However, you could make a low-sugar chocolate granola by mixing Canderel Zero, oats, nuts, seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil and almond butter in a bowl and roasting. Enjoy with a dollop of yoghurt and your favourite fresh fruit.

A deliciously indulgent yet super quick and easy to make recipe involves blending raw cacao powder, with coconut oil, almond butter, Canderel Zero and vanilla essence. Spread over baking tray and leave in the freezer for 30 minute to harden. Slice, then enjoy.

We are all unique and our requirements may vary, however three balanced meals a day can help to keep us nourished and satiated throughout the day. If you are active or have long gaps between meals, then wholesome snacks can help to keep energy high.

Portion sizes vary depending on our energy expenditure throughout the day. As a general guideline:

• Fill half of your plate with rainbow-coloured vegetables (2 fistfuls)
• Fill a quarter of your plate with cooked carbohydrates (1 cupped hand for women, 2 cupped hands for men)
• Fill a quarter of your plate with protein and healthy fats (1 palm protein + 1tbsp fat for women, 2 palm protein + 2tbsp fat for men.

Hydration is key for optimal concentration, energy and even mood. Try infusing berries, cucumber, lemon, ginger and even mint in fresh water overnight for a flavoured drink.

You can also make a brew of herbal or fruit tea, with Canderel Original Tablets for a tasty, yet warming hydrator.