Lydia Leighton Nutrition and Wellbeing

Lydia Leighton Nutrition and Wellbeing Helping women in midlife and beyond to lose weight and have more energy without dieting.

14/11/2025

Not all processed foods are 'bad'. Beans on toast are a regular weekly light meal in our house! They're quick, tasty, satisfying and nutritious.

I was asked by a client this week, is wholemeal bread bad for me after menopause?

My answer 'NO'!!

There is lots of nuance in this and everyine has individual needs andnpreferences but I can safely say that on the whole bread after menopause is ok!!

12/11/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice online? You're not alone!

As a Registered Dietitian, I help cut through the noise with my 'Eat Better Today' framework - simple, practical steps to structure your meals, nourish your body and make real progress with your weight and eating habits, whilst still ejoying your food!

If you're ready for clarity and a plan that meets your health and weight goals and energises you, let's find your way forward together!

Meet Rachael – the magic behind the scenes! I couldn’t do what I do without her. Rachael from keeps everything running ...
10/11/2025

Meet Rachael – the magic behind the scenes!

I couldn’t do what I do without her. Rachael from keeps everything running smoothly, from admin to social media, freeing up my time and helping me stay focused on what matters most.

Having her on board has been a total game changer. It’s reminded me that we don’t have to do everything alone… and actually, we often get better results when we have the right support.

It’s the same when it comes to your health goals. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, manage a condition, or simply feel better in yourself, having someone alongside you to guide, support, and keep you accountable can make all the difference.

Sustainable change isn’t about doing more, it’s about having the right help in your corner.

I used to think exercise = weight loss. I didn’t particularly like exercise when I was younger. I wasn’t sporty, didn’t ...
07/11/2025

I used to think exercise = weight loss.

I didn’t particularly like exercise when I was younger. I wasn’t sporty, didn’t enjoy school PE lessons, and never felt especially fit. I struggled with body image, compared myself to others, and wasn’t immune to the constant messages about losing weight.

Starving myself or following rigid rules never seemed like a good idea, so when I did exercise (not that often or excessively, I might add!) I hoped it would lead to weight loss, and maybe help me feel better about my body. Looking back, that mindset probably shaped the work I do now.

But as I’ve grown older, learned more, and understood the science behind weight and wellbeing, I know now that exercise doesn’t always equal weight loss. It’s about so much more than that.

For me, moving my body is about:
💪 Staying strong
🧘 Feeling good
🏋️‍♀️ Preserving muscle as I age
❤️ Looking after my future self

Exercise can support weight management, but it’s not the whole story. What we eat, how we rest, and how we care for ourselves matter just as much, if not more.
This is me in the gym, lifting weights, investing in strength, energy, and long-term wellbeing - not chasing a number on the scale.

Thanks Fettle Fitness for supporting me on this journey.

Next time you move, think about what you’re gaining, not what you’re trying to lose.

More people than ever are turning to weight loss injections and other more intensive approaches to support their health ...
05/11/2025

More people than ever are turning to weight loss injections and other more intensive approaches to support their health goal. Whatever your approach, remember it’s still important to make sure your body is getting the nutrition it needs, not just chasing the number on the scales.

This month, we’re focusing on how to maintain good nutrition while losing weight, helping you protect your long term health and keep your energy levels steady in the short term.

Inside, I’ll be sharing:
🥗 Practical tips for getting the most out of the food you do eat
⚖️ How to balance nutrients even when your appetite or portions change
💡 Tips to combat some of the side effects

And, because I always love to include something delicious, this month’s featured recipe is a warming Slow Cooker Tagine - full of flavour, fibre, protein and colour (and it basically cooks itself!).

It’s all about finding balance… nourishing your body in a way that supports your goals and your wellbeing.

👉 Sign up to the newsletter to get the full article, expert tips, and the recipe straight to your inbox: www.lydialeighton.com

Every so often, a message lands in my inbox that reminds me why I do what I do. A client recently shared that when she f...
03/11/2025

Every so often, a message lands in my inbox that reminds me why I do what I do.

A client recently shared that when she first came to see me, she felt completely overwhelmed, trying to balance conflicting advice around managing type 2 diabetes, being gluten free, and losing weight. She said she was on the verge of developing an eating disorder.

Now, after working together, she feels more relaxed around food, more balanced in her choices, and no longer burdened by guilt when she enjoys an occasional indulgence.

As a Registered Dietitian, my role is to help cut through the noise with science-backed, sensible advice so you can feel calm, confident, and in control of your health again.

It’s never about perfection. It’s about balance, flexibility, and nourishing yourself in a way that supports both your wellbeing and your joy.

Not a time in the calendar I usually celebrate, but you can’t seem to get away from it these days! My children are lured...
31/10/2025

Not a time in the calendar I usually celebrate, but you can’t seem to get away from it these days! My children are lured by the trick-or-treating which I really dislike - not because of the copious amounts of sweets but because it just makes me uncomfortable.

So, we do it our way! Our tradition for dinner is Monster Burgers with Skeleton Salad and Ghostly Pears for Dessert. Yes, we have plenty of sweets too - I don’t limit them. They get sick of them after their fill anyway!

Keep it simple. Do it your way!

What’s your family tradition?

Medication can support weight loss… but it doesn’t teach you how to fuel your body, protect your health, or keep results...
27/10/2025

Medication can support weight loss… but it doesn’t teach you how to fuel your body, protect your health, or keep results long-term.

That’s where a registered dietitian comes in.

We help you:
👉 Build balanced meals that protect muscle
👉 Prevent nutrient gaps
👉 Manage side effects (like constipation or nausea)
👉 Support gut, bone, and heart health in midlife

Medication is a tool, not the whole picture. Lifestyle habits are what keep weight off and energy strong.

A dietitian helps you turn short-term results into sustainable, healthy change, so you feel fitter, stronger, and more energised, not just lighter. You can read more about weight loss drugs in my latest blog: https://lydialeighton.com/your-top-5-questions-about-weight-loss-injections/

Skipping meals because you’re too busy or trying to lose weight? Here’s why it backfires and how routine helps your ener...
23/10/2025

Skipping meals because you’re too busy or trying to lose weight? Here’s why it backfires and how routine helps your energy and digestion.

Menopause can shake up energy, appetite and gut rhythm, so eating more regularly helps keep things steady.

Simple wins: steady energy, fewer cravings, better digestion and more predictable toilet trips.

Try eating at roughly similar times each day, include protein + fibre at every meal, and sip water throughout the day. Small simple steps make a big difference.

Which mealtime routine feels doable for you? Tell me below 👇

Ever found yourself grabbing a chocolate bar at the petrol station after a long day, knowing you’re not really hungry?Th...
23/10/2025

Ever found yourself grabbing a chocolate bar at the petrol station after a long day, knowing you’re not really hungry?

That moment sums up so much about 'The Psychology of Spending and Eating', a topic I explored in a webinar today for as part of their wellbeing programme.

We talked about how emotions, marketing, and habits influence what we buy and what we eat, and how a few mindful shifts can help us take back control.

We also shared practical ideas for eating well on a budget, especially with rising living costs affecting so many people right now.

A big thank you to everyone who joined. I'm glad you all guessed the food logos 😀

If you know any companies who wish to support staff around nutrition, wellbeing or mindful habits, I’d love to chat or share more.

The best ‘menopause medicine’? In my opinion…it’s movement!Fitness in midlife isn’t about punishing workouts. It’s about...
20/10/2025

The best ‘menopause medicine’? In my opinion…it’s movement!

Fitness in midlife isn’t about punishing workouts. It’s about moving in ways that support your body for the long haul.

✔️ Strength training for muscles & bones
✔️ Brisk walking for energy & heart health
✔️ Flexibility for joints & balance

Find what you enjoy and do it often. Movement is one of the best ways to boost mood, wellbeing and support future health.

👇 Let me know your favourite way to move in the comments. Mine has to be pilates at the moment especially when I’m tired and achy!

16/10/2025

Weight changes in menopause are common, here are 3 steps to support a healthy weight in midlife:

1️⃣ Prioritise protein & fibre at regular meals
2️⃣ Build movement into your day (not just workouts, but walking, stretching, stairs)
3️⃣ Manage sleep & stress - hormones matter here too!

It’s about lifestyle shifts, not quick fixes.

Which step feels most doable for you right now?

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