Weight Concerns
Clare has extensive experience supporting patients through weight concerns, having previously worked as a dietitian in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Whether that be breaking the diet cycle, improving clients’ relationships with food, or building awareness of appetite cues. Clare emphasises eating for well-being, rather than in pursuit of an unsustainable lower weight or size.
Clare will always use a weight-inclusive approach, with the core belief that healthy, attractive bodies differ in their shapes, size and weight. BMI is a poor marker of health, often used to stigmatise rather than support healthy changes. Clare finds that weight-neutral approaches and other similar practices, such as a non-diet approach, intuitive eating, and mindful eating, allow for much more sustainable life changes and benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.
“Compassion, respect, and kindness are at the heart of what I do. I will never advocate restrictive diets - the aim is always health gain, not weight loss. I support patients moving away from never-ending diet cycles, feeling anxiety and shame, and moving towards sustainable, delicious foods that provide the body and mind with what it needs to thrive.”
Clare Gray
What is Balance?
Clare feels balance is a key element in many aspects of nutritional advice, particularly weight concerns. This embraces all aspects of our lifestyles, balance looks different for everyone, but Clare feels the most important elements are;
A wide variety of fruit and vegetables, with lots of different colours.
Several different protein sources, with an emphasis on unprocessed plant-based options such as legumes, beans, tofu and tempeh.
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines, at least once week.
A variety of wholegrains and other slow-release starchy food such as oats, spelt, sweet potatoes & brown rice, .
The majority of fats eaten from mono and poly-saturated sources, such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts & seeds
To include unsweetened dairy products, or unsweetened fortified plant-based alternatives.
Sweet foods and drinks containing free sugars enjoyed less but from time-to-time. Celebratory meals and special occasions are an important part of balance
Free from food rules, feeling safe to live life without food-related stress and anxiety.
Removing value judgements, no food is good or bad, but context is key.
Enjoyment and satisfaction are fundamental for sustainable change.
Culturally appropriate and in line with your individual values and lifestyle.
Including enjoyable exercise, quality sleep and supporting your mental health
Affordable for your individual lifestyle.
