‘There’s no ban on any food or drink – eating chocolate or having a glass of wine is fine’
Julia Kay Shekleton (60), from Eye, Suffolk, has lost 1st 10lb with the Second Nature programme, which is used within the NHS.
“I wanted an eating plan that was sustainable and cut down on sugar and carbs. Many of my friends have Type 2 diabetes and I reasoned they probably didn’t eat that differently to me, so I wanted a plan that would help me avoid developing it.
“I heard about the Second Nature app from two friends of mine – they don’t know each other but both started raving about it.
“The app is really easy to follow – and I’m not tech-savvy at all! There are lots of healthy and tasty recipes, plus really interesting and informative four-week courses on related topics: sleep, stress, exercise, weight-loss plateaus and more.
“Second Nature isn’t about calorie counting or cutting out food groups – and I would say it’d be counter-productive to do so if you want to lose weight. Healthy fats are high in calories but keep you fuller for longer than carbs, and help make food tasty and satisfying.
“I was encouraged to reduce the amount of processed foods, added sugars and refined carbs that I was eating. Instead, building up meals with protein, healthy fats and plenty of veg. “Second Nature doesn’t ban anything – eating chocolate or having a glass of wine is fine. Now I have reached a weight I wish to maintain,
I can eat anything, but I eat sweet things in moderation.
They recommend a finger-sized portion and eating mindfully.
“A typical breakfast is a grated pear on full-fat plain yogurt, with flaked almonds and ground cardamom, then a healthy ploughman’s for lunch, and salmon on a bed of roasted veg for dinner. The only real challenge has been giving up sugar.
“I feel great now! I have more energy and a feeling of ease about moving my body. I do exercise classes either on Zoom, or at a local fitness centre when it’s open, and I’m finding it much easier to do the moves.”
■ The Second Nature programme costs £40/month with a minimum contract period of three months. You’ll receive a box that contains a nutrition handbook and a recipe book
■ Find out more at secondnature.io