Fighting food frustrations

Acclaimed biochemist Dr Libby is back with her 11th book.

What inspired you to write your latest book

I wrote it because it’s the number one question I amasked at my seminars and women’s health weekends. Although I often speak about stress, digestion and hormonal balance, there are always people coming up to me afterwards saying ‘please just tell me what to eat’.

to Eat? WhatAmI Supposed

Why is it important for you to help guide Kiwis in their nutrition decisions?

Too many people these days live too short and die too long, and it is the quality of our lives that I care so sincerely about. Additionally, New Zealand is the third most obese nation in the world, which is unacceptable. The consequences of this are immense and this won’t change until we change what we are eating.

What are the most common concerns you hear about food and nutrition?

Many people are confused about whose advice to trust and they want to know if they should adopt a paleo, ketogenic, vegetarian, vegan or low carb diet. Others are stuck in a cycle of eating things they know they shouldn’t but they’ve been doing it for years and don’t know where to begin to change their habits.

If you could give one piece of advice to people looking to get healthier, what would it be?

Some studies suggest that less than 10 per cent of Kiwis eat the recommended five serves of vegetables each day, so focusing on eating more veggies is a wonderful place to start.

Can you describe a perfect Saturday

It would start the same way I start every day – with time in nature, on my own. This is a