As a practice we support lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease and to lose weight. We believe that eating real food is a core part of this.
Previously known as Cut Carbs at Saintbridge Surgery, the programme was rebranded as Eat Real Food in 2018.
For more information please visit Eat Real Food
Real food is whole unprocessed foods. Real food is more nutrient dense, has no added sugar and is naturally lower in carbohydrates.
We teach patients how to look at food labels and how refined processed carbohydrates and sugar can affect blood sugar levels and insulin. Ultimately, we want patients to understand that eating real food and moving away completely from processed foods can have profound beneficial effects on their metabolic health. We discuss the effect Time Restricted Eating (Intermittent Fasting) can have on our weight and overall health.
We explore what keeps our gut bacteria healthy and learn why we need to make our peace with dietary fat. This programme emphasizes that lifestyle changes are an essential part of managing chronic disease and it is not just about taking drugs.
The four pillars of health include food, movement, sleep and stress management. All four pillars are equally important and we want patients to understand this and prioritise their well-being.
Is Type 2 Diabetes potentially reversible?
Yes, we believe it is for the vast majority of type 2 diabetics if patients can get their heads around the lifestyle. Many patients do this now on a regular basis.
The programme includes group sessions through the week offered at different times of day to make them as accessible as possible. These sessions are usually run by Dr Kuok or one of our Diabetes nurses.
We have had great patient feedback from the group sessions and find that patients themselves provide inspiration for other patients. These sessions are informal and relaxed. We like patients to interrupt and ask lots of questions because it makes the sessions more fun. There is a lot of information exchange between patients in the group sessions.
In addition, we also have one-to-one consultations with the Diabetes nurses, Dr Kuok, and Dr Hodges. Many patients need the one-to-one consultations at least initially. However, what we aim for is the patients to become the expert with regards to managing their own health and are thus empowered to take control. If you are on medication, it is important to see your diabetic nurse or one of the above doctors to discuss how to adjust the medication.
