Lydia Leighton Nutrition and Wellbeing

19/05/2026

For the Duke of Edinburgh expedition, the challenge wasn't just packing enough food.

I needed to think about:
✅️ what would keep safely
✅️ what she'd actually enjoy eating
✅️ what would give steady energy for hours of walking
✅️ and how to avoid the inevitable crash that comes from relying entirely on typical 'junk' camping food

So we planned it properly.

We packed labelled bags for each meal, included food she genuinely liked, and balanced protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables as best we could for a practical camping trip.

I love this type of challenge and it reminded me of something I talk about with clients all the time:

Food is NEVER just about nutrients!

It's about:

Energy
Practicality
Enjoyment
Comfort
Confidence
And helping you feel your best in real life.

Whether that's, hosting family, getting through a busy work week, travelling or walking miles across muddy fields carrying a rucksack.

Nutrition works best when it fits your life, NOT when it fights against it!

What situation do you find hardest to plan food around?

30/04/2026

I didn’t run 10km because I had to.

I did it to give me a focus over the winter and because I believe in what I teach.
I talk a lot about consistency, habits, and showing up for yourself, and this was me doing exactly that.

But it isn’t really about the run.

It’s about what happens when you:
• Stop relying on motivation
• Stop starting over every Monday
• Focus on what you can do, consistently

For me, this was 1- 2 runs a week (that’s all I could realistically fit in), usually with my friend, and only two longer practice runs beforehand.

When I talk consistency with eating, health and midlife weight, the principals are exactly the same.

What’s your goal? And how do we get there step by step?

I could’ve added pressure to hit a fast time, but this wouldn’t have been sustainable for me.

And that’s the point.

I did it! I ran the whole way, apart from the last hill (there were more than I bargained for!) and actually took in the beautiful spring evening, the sunshine, the trees.

That’s exactly how sustainable weight loss works in midlife.
No extremes
No cutting everything out
No ‘all or nothing’ cycles

Just small actions, repeated often enough to make a difference.

My medal is a reminder that consistency builds results!

If you’re tired of starting over and want a more realistic, sustainable way to approach your weight and health, send me a message, I’d love to help.

27/04/2026

5am start and I couldn't stomach much breakfast. Knowing this I popped a marmalade sandwich in the fridge overnight ready to eat on the train to London today.

I was gutted to forget it! I instantly felt hungry, even a little 'off' as I wondered if I could stretch a few hours until morning break. I didn't want pastries, biscuits or sandwiches and thankfully the train trolley had porridge which I know is kind to my tummy, will curb the hangry Lydia and get me off to a good start for my long training day 🙃

Sometimes it's annoying that I need to be so structured with my food, and less spontaneous, but it makes me feel really rubbish when I dont get it right for me!

That's why when I work with my clients it's all about getting it right for them! In whatever way that looks like!

Follow or share for more no-nonsense nutrition tips.

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26/03/2026

So I've signed up for a 10km run this spring. Not something that was high on my list, but a friend asked me nicely and I fancied a little challenge to push me outside over the winter months (plus it's set in a beautiful arboretum).

My 7.5km run last week, layered on top of a strength class earlier, plus midlife aches and pains made me question my decision 😂

Today, it would have been very easy to stay inside and take a break.

And sometimes, that is the right call.

But I also know that, more often than not, I feel better when I get out and move.

Not always physically, sometimes I ache more, but mentally the shift is almost always there.

And that for me is the biggest change.

Earlier in life, exercise was closely tied to weight loss.

Now it serves a very different:
- Maintaining strength
- Supporting bone and heart health
- Improving energy and mood
- Enjoying movement and connection

Yet, I frequently get asked 'can I boost my metabolism to support weight loss?'

It's an understandable question especially with how strongly it's marketed.

But metabolism isn't something we can meaningfully 'boost' with specific foods or supplements. It's shaped by factors like body composition, hormones, age and overall lifestyle.

And whilst movement does play a role, it's value extends far beyond calorie burn.

For many women in midlife, shifting the focus away from weight loss and towards strength, health, and how we feel can be a far more sustainable approach.

Like, share and following if this resonates.

04/03/2026

Every so often, a happy client leaves me a review and it reminds me why I do what I do.

Whilst supporting people with their weight concerns and eating behaviours is one aspect of my work, it's not all I do! Digestive health is part and parcel of my assessment, and I'll always be looking for ways to support a happy tummy.

I was so pleased that this lady's symptoms improved so quickly.

For more midlife nutrition tips, join my newsletter. DM me NEWSLETTER and I'll get you added.

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

14/02/2026

Happy Valentine's Day. Hope today is filled with love. For yourself and others.

I love what I do and health is at the heart of it - mental and physical health. People usually start by asking me what to eat and how to change their diet, and whilst we do chat about this we always end up on the topic of how and why we eat. Food is more than nutrition and we deserve to nourish every part of our lives.

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.