Our physical bodies require a good nutritional input in order to work productively. If we eat too much sugary or fatty food, our bodies will become lethargic and unhealthy – both on the inside and out.

So many foods these days contain added salt or sugar – including white bread, cereals and ready meals. An excess of sugar can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate dramatically, and this constant rise and fall can lead to low energy overall and also low mood, restlessness and poor concentration.

Refined sugars and fatty foods also have a negative effect on our hair and skin, making it oily and more prone to spots, and sugars also increase the risk of developing tooth decay.

Too many treats increases the risk of type 2 diabetes
A more serious concern is that eating treats too often can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused when blood glucose levels become too high and the glucose stays in the blood instead of being used as fuel for energy. This is a life-long disease, which over time damages blood vessels and organs, leading to other complications.

Too much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause heart disease or stroke. High amounts of salt can be found in foods such as processed meats and full-fat dairy products.

Similarly, fatty foods can cause high cholesterol levels, which can cause blockages in the blood vessels and put strain on the heart. They are also bad for the gall bladder and can cause gallstones, which if trapped can cause severe abdominal pain.

Processed foods and inactivity have serious health consequences
Foods containing a lot of fat, salt or sugar also contain many calories. If you intake more calories than you burn off, (through exercise, for example), this leads to the body storing excess energy as fat, which leads to an increase in weight. Eating too much cheap, processed food and not being active enough can cause obesity, which in turn can lead to diabetes.

But forget ‘fad diets’, the best way to lose weight and stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet and keep active. Remember to eat good amounts of each food type: protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts), starchy foods (potato, pasta, rice), dairy or alternatives (skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt), and most importantly, fruit and vegetables.

Cakes and biscuits might taste nice, but sugar is addictive, making us want to eat more of these unhealthy snacks. Instead, try naturally sweet-tasting foods like pears, berries and nectarines, or adding honey or peanut better to plain foods. Or for savoury meals, spice up your food with different flavours, such as cinnamon, turmeric or oregano. Also, try to get out of the habit of adding extra salt or sugar to your meals.

Everything in moderation
Of course, it’s ok to have the occasional sweet treat, but everything in moderation. Plus, the best way of not eating naughty foods at home is to not have them in the house in the first place!