Lydia Leighton Nutrition and Wellbeing

22/02/2026

We eat something sweet everyday! Yes, I'm a Dietitian who supports people with their weight and health!

We have a home baked sweet food most days for fun, taste and pleasure. Not everything I bake is 'healthy' with low sugar, low fat or containing vegetables. But sometimes I do experiment with recipes like these. If I haven't baked or we've run out of the supply in the freezer then we have a small chocolate bar, malt loaf or pre packaged cake (battenburg is a favourite).

All too often these sweet foods are blamed for weight gain and poor health and over used for pleasure and punishment. This increases their desirability and leads to an unhealhty relationship with them. That's why in my home they're there, in sight and allowed as part of a normal healthy balanced diet without judgement.

We openly talk about their role in the body compared with other foods and call it what it is! These chocolate muffins and flapjack are just that, they're not 'treats', 'earned' or 'rewards'.

Follow or share for more insporation and evidence based nutrition for midlife weight and health.

18/02/2026

I teach hunger and fullness cues...but I ignored mine yesterday!!

Yesterday was a day at the beach with the children and grandparents, doing what we love! Walking, throwing stones, fish and chips, ice cream and a walk around the shops.

Eating isn't always about hunger.

Sometimes it's pleasure, sunshine, memories, or simply because it tastes good.

This is what food flexibility looks like, something weight loss diets rarely allow, but sustainable nutrition does.

I'm a sucker for honeycomb ice cream 😋

Follow me for more evidence based midlife weight loss advice thats sustainable.

14/02/2026

06/02/2026

The ultimate wellbeing treat today...a spa day with a close friend. Swim, sauna, whirlpool bath, massage, facial and a good old natter. Finished off with a cream tea ☺️

It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life so a day like today was truly welcome.

Unfortunately, not everyday can be a spa day but it was a reminder that making time for ourselves to rest, indulge and unwind is so important for everyone's wellbeing.

It doesn’t need to be a whole day it could be as simple as a cuppa on your own, a walk in green space, meditation or a chat with a friend.

What's your 'go to' to unwind? I'd love to know.

04/02/2026

Today it was sunny and I got out for a brisk walk.

Walking daily gives me headspace, helps me reset, and honestly keeps me grounded.

It's one of the simplest ways to support mood, fitness and wellbeing even when you feel you 'haven't got time' or are 'not fit enough!'. It can help with sleep regulation (especially if you get some morning light) and it can support digestive health, appetite regulation and work towards your weight and health goals in a safe and sustainable way.

Nothing extreme. Just simple and consistent.

Follow for simple habits that actually work in midlife.

02/02/2026

Today was cold sausages and pasta salad for the children. Same ingredients (served slightly differently for each child). Many people I work with either skip lunch or over complicate it!

This was put together whilst I made dinner last night. Quick, easy, nutritious and an example of using UPF's wisely. My children love it and I know they've had a decent lunch as it's beans on toast tonight after swimming.

If you're tired of feeling like you're doing 'nutrition wrong' , especially in the midlife struggle of work, children, hormones, energy levels, then you're exactly who I work with.

Follow me for more inspiration and simple, practical, no nonsense nutrition to help you Eat Better Today.

30/01/2026

I’m Lydia and I wanted to introduce myself properly.

I’m a dietitian who specialises in supporting people who feel concerned about their weight or body, want more energy, and are ready to build healthier eating patterns without rigid rules or constantly thinking about food.

I’ve been there too.
I have my own body image “off” days, grew up feeling like I always had to 'watch it', and I understand how hard managing food can be, especially when you’re supporting your digestive health as well.

My work is about helping you:
- Break free from diet culture
- Enjoy food again
- Support your physical health and mood
- Create changes that actually fit real life

This space is for you if you’re looking for:
• Compassion and understanding
• Practical tips and food inspiration
• Simple wellbeing ideas
• Reassurance on the tougher days

It’s not about perfection.
I truly believe that small, realistic shifts can make a big difference to your future health and wellbeing.

29/01/2026

I often get asked for meal plans and my answer is usually a polite 'no' 😊

Why? Well we know that rigid plans are usually short lived because they don't fit with your life. Whilst they can be a useful starting point, long-term they need to fit your life, not the other way around.

Instead, I do create eating guides, like this, for my clients that need it. It takes their life into account children, work days, non work days, likes and dislikes, health and energy levels. All tailored for success!

We check in, review it, tweak it and build on it.

Share this with someone who may find it helpful.

23/01/2026

Thinking about cutting carbs to lose weight?

Before you remove bread, pasta or potatoes, it’s worth understanding why low-carb diets work at first… and why that doesn’t always last!

👉 My Let’s Talk newsletter this week is all about carbs and common misconceptions about them! DM me if you’d like a copy.

21/01/2026

I see so many women trying to lose weight and shrink their bodies by over restricting and cutting out food groups. This just leaves them tired, low in energy, grumpy and eventually reaching for the biscuit tin when the inevitable cravings strikes.

I'm Lydia, weight management Dietitian who, with over 20 years' experience, helps women break dieting cycles, have more energy, manage their weight and nourish their bodies without restriction.

Balancing your plate at meals with the essential food groups

Protein
Fibre
Vegetables
Healthy Fats

Gives you a satisfying meal that keeps you full fir longer, supports metabolism, appetite, weight, nutritional needs, and your mood.

Today I had homemade leek and potato soup (with added butter beans), Dark rye and sourdough toast 😋

Follow for more hints and nutrition tips that support your midlife weight and health, without damaging your relationship with food.

20/01/2026