According to local nutritionist Jeannette Hyde, true wellbeing begins with bacteria. And, as Fiona Adams discovers, transforming them is easier than you think
Like many women, Twickenham nutrition expert Jeannette Hyde confesses to having once been a slave to calorie counting, the low fat myth and artificial sweeteners. Driven by her own experiences and the needs of her clients, however, she has now developed a new way of eating, encapsulated in her book The Gut Makeover.
“We are now in the 21st century and the latest science is showing there are more enjoyable and effective ways to be slim,” she explains.
“The key is the microbiome, the kilo and a half of bacteria – mainly in the large intestines – which researchers have linked to controlling weight, mood, skin and the immune system.
“People who have tried my gut makeover to improve their microbiome have seen marked changes, including decade-long IBS reversed, anxiety gone, acne cleared up, sleep improved and painful arthritis and back pain soothed. And that’s without the weight loss – usually from 7-13 pounds in four weeks.”
Many factors could be involved in your microbiome needing a revamp: if you’ve taken antibiotics, for example, had a heavy drinking session (or three) or eaten lots of sugar and white carbs, or if you lack sufficient variety or vegetables in your diet. However, throwing down a few tiny bottles of shop-bought probiotics may not do the trick. A serious overhaul is required and, sorry folks, that means no booze (or caffeine).
Before you panic though, be assured that Jeannette’s gut makeover is simple to follow, featuring 50 family-friendly recipes based on accessible, unprocessed, fresh food. It should be followed for four weeks: the first two designed to repair your gut, while the second half will help you to rebuild good bacteria.
As a general rule you eat three meals a day, banishing cravings and the need for snacks, while a 12-hour fast between dinner and breakfast gives your bacteria plenty of time to flourish. This, in turn, reduces calorie extraction from your diet.
Enter our competition to win a place on Jeannette's Gut Makeover course this month
Find out more on Jeannette's website
The Gut Makeover is published by Quercus, RRP £14.99
