Gulf News: Can you try intermittent fasting to prevent your body from storing fat?
Nick: Intermittent fasting is a great way to restrict the amount of food you eat. If you have 16 hours in the day where you do not eat, chances are you’ll consume less calories, which will reduce your chances of storing fat. It’s also a great way to give structure to your day.
How should you divide your meals up?
Nick: The best way to divide meals up depends on your preference. How long can you go before you feel hungry? The chances are, three or four meals a day will hit the sweet spot for you.
If you aren’t moving, what is an example of an ideal day in terms of food?
Nick: If you do not move, your body does not need as many carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your muscles so if they’re not being used, you won’t need as many!
It’s important to have some carbohydrates, however, as glucose is the primary energy source for your immune system and brain. Protein is important to keep in the diet as it encourages your body to retain lean body mass (think muscle, bones, organs, and different tissues). Having healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds) will keep your immune system and metabolism functioning at their best.

Lauren: The more active you are, the more carbs your body needs. Being less active, a higher protein, lower carb diet will be helpful to curb cravings and help maintain your body’s lean mass in the absence of being active. Here’s an example of your meal breakdown for the day:

Breakfast – egg omelette with avocado

Snack – handful of nuts

Lunch – chicken breast or any protein with green salad and vegetables

Snack – small yoghurt with berries

Dinner – salmon filet or any protein with green vegetables and cauliflower rice
5. How can you stop yourself from constantly snacking, which is easy to do when you are at home?

Nick: Snacking is all of our new worst enemies! It’s normally a result of being bored or not stimulated. You can find a good book to read, a friend to call or simply play games with the family! Other tips include only eating at one place in the house (the dinner table!) and avoid eating on the sofa, intermittent fasting is great and finally, preparing your meals for the following day.

Lauren: Well, it’s ok to have 1 or 2 snacks per day, but limit it to that. Sometimes snacking and eating can be done out of boredom, having a regular routine can be helpful to avoid mindless eating. Also, consider taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill or even language to occupy your mind. As for snacks, pick healthy foods that will provide you with fibre and nutrients that will reduce your need to snack or eat more. Have vegetable sticks with hummus or guacamole, Greek yoghurt with berries, apple slices with natural nut butter or a handful of nuts and seeds.
6. What are 5 ingredients you have to eat a day to nourish your body?

Nick: The 5 ingredients you need to nourish your body are; lean protein sources (chicken breast), healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, and seeds), seed vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers), fibrous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans) and of course, water!

Lauren: Right now it’s a good idea to up your intake of ingredients. Eat plenty of citrus fruit, which are high in vitamin C. This vitamin can help increase white blood cells, which are needed to help fight infection. Choose from oranges, limes, lemons or grapefruits. Consider having more ginger and turmeric, which can help the body deal with inflammation. Garlic is also a good ingredient; it contains phyto-compounds that have immune boosting properties. Also be sure to get protein sources like red meat and legumes, these ingredients are high in zinc, which is a mineral needed for immune function.