The latest in low-carb living, handy breathing tips, why you should walk more and a go-to chai recipe

If, like many, you found it tricky to stick to a healthy eating regime during lockdown – or even if you just feel the need for a little re-boot – then you’re in the right place! This is an excellent time to review and recommit to getting your life on track.

In ‘What Is Insulin Resistance’ on page 24, Nicky Perks lays out the symptoms and causes of this first step towards metabolic syndrome and explains how to combat it. We don’t need Covid-19 to remind us what a serious health risk insulin resistance – and diabetes – can be: so-called ‘carb-creep’ is a real thing, and if there’s anything guaranteed to stop it in its tracks, this story will.

But as anyone who has been following the low-carb lifestyle could tell you (and any newcomers will soon learn!), this is not about no fun, or all deprivation. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite.

Debra Maritz’s story of new-found body-confidence on page 6 will inspire you to follow her example, and the Joel family’s spectacular health turnaround on page 16 will remind you that LCHF goes way beyond weight loss. It’s about rediscovering how to feed your body in the healthiest way you possibly can, and your body will thank you for it – by shedding any excess weight, by giving you back your energy and zest for life and by allowing you to rediscover the profound nourishment of deep, regular, soul-restoring sleep.

Speaking of nourishment, as usual, this issue is also bursting with magnificent recipes that will blow your socks off and get you straight into the kitchen: succulent, crisp celebratory roasts; fresh and herby Greek flavours, rich, fragrant curries to warm the cockles of your heart and chocolate recipes so indulgent and satisfying you’ll never crave anything store-bought again.

Stick with it!