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WEIGHT LOSS can often be a hard journey for many, not knowing where to start and not knowing the correct foods to feed your body. From crash diets to restricting your body of nutrients it is often hard to know what your body needs in order to lose weight healthily.

Your digestive system aka your gut, is one of the most important parts of your body, it breaks down food and nutrients which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Alex Glover, nutritionist at Holland & Barrett told the Express.co.uk: “There are lots of ways to lose weight over the short term, but this doesn’t mean they’re healthy or sustainable.

“There are millions of bacteria living inside your gut, known as your microbiome. Everyone’s microbiome is unique to them, and everyone’s plays a large factor in weight management.”

Studies by Kings College, London have shown that your microbiomes affect how even identical twins differ in gaining and storing weight.

READ MORE: Healthy breakfast ideas that help boost weight loss and keep you fuller for longer

Dr Rossi added: “Rather than counting calories, I’d recommend focusing on variety – the more, the better – and keeping to appropriate portion sizes.

READ RELATED: 5 Daily Fitness Habits To Keep the Weight off Long-Term, Expert Says

However Dr Rossi explains that it is important not to obsess over portion control as this can impact your relationship with food as well as your overall well being.

The Gut Health Doctor continued: “Unlike other types of carbohydrates, our human cells can’t digest fibre. It’s sole purpose is to feed our gut bacteria, which, in turn, produce beneficial compounds that help to balance our blood sugars and tell our brains that we’re full.

“At the moment in the UK, we’re only getting 19g a day of fibre on average, out of the recommended 30g daily. It’s a good idea to increase your fibre intake to help with blood sugar ‘balance’.”

Healthline says that eating more foods rich in fibre can be an effective strategy to help lose weight.

However, it won’t lead to long-term results unless you pair it with a lasting lifestyle change.

A long lasting lifestyle change refers to daily exercise, getting plenty of sleep and nourishing the body with good whole foods.

Dr Rossi suggests aiming for two pieces of fruit, five portions of vegetables, three portions of wholegrain, one to two portions of nuts or seeds daily.

Source: Daily Express | Diet