My Health for Life program is free. Groups meet fortnightly and help you build the motivation to make sustainable and achievable changes to improve. You'll also receive a workbook and manual to help guide you through the steps.

An increasing body of research is linking our digestive health to many other aspects of health including anxiety, depression, weight problems, heart health, inflammatory disorders such as ulcerative colitis, arthritis and diabetes. So its not surprising that we are keen to learn more about the effects of food choices on our microbiome.

Breakfast eaters are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and keeps you satisfied so you are less likely to consume excess kilojoules later in the day. Breakfast also improves mental alertness, concentration, mood and learning by stabilising blood sugar levels. Breakfast provides a range of important nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, fibre, calcium and B group vitamins

Water is critical for healthy bodies. It is needed by every single cell in our body. With summer just around the corner it is worthwhile reflecting on your hydration. Do you drink enough water? The average adult needs between 2 and 2.5L of water per day. Reduced kidney function, ageing, some medications can increase our risk of becoming dehydrated. As the weather heats up fluid losses can be greater through perspiration. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headache and mood changes.

Spring is the time for a clean out. Toss away those habits which are not helpful. An organised and tidy kichen makes it easier to make healthy food choices. Here are a few ideas to get you back on track with your health goals: Spring clean the kitchen. Start with the pantry. Clear out those foods that are not helping you to achieve good health. An organised pantry stocked with healthy staples is a good start. Think tins of tomatoes, legumes such as three beans, lentils and kidney beans, beetroot, corn, brown rice and pasta. Choose high fibre breakfast cereals

Spring is a time for new life and rejuvenation. A time to clean up old habits which were not meeting our health needs. To bounce back into health. Start by planning some time outdoors each day.

Susan Phillips, APD, experienced dietitian and nutritionist in Brisbane commonly sees people with diabetes and provides dietary assessment, advice, education and meal plans to help manage diabetes.

Energy drinks have rapidly increased in popularity to manage fatigue, increase energy, improve mental alertness and concentration in our busy lives. However, energy drinks are linked to heart palpitations and heart problems.

2016 is the International Year of Pulses. The Australian Dietary Guidelines encourage us to eat a wider variety of foods. Legumes can be a valuable, non animal source of protein as well as a vegetable serve. Many Australians still do not eat enough vegetables. Dietitians recommend people eat legumes and pulses at least 2-3 times a week because of their wonderful health benefits.

Febfast aims to raise funds for disadvantaged young people through a commitment to abandoning beer and bubbles throughout the month of February. Giving up alcohol has many health benefits including better sleep, weight loss, improved energy levels, increased alertness and improved concentration.