Low carb diet bad for your heart

A new study has shown that cutting out the carbohydrates in your diet could lead to an increase in cholesterol levels.

Researchers have found that, while a diet that is low in carbohydrate and high in fat may aid short term weight loss, it can increase blood cholesterol and therefore raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Victoria Taylor, our Senior Dietitian, said:  “Low carbohydrate and high fat diets have been popular lately. Though they may help you lose weight initially, this may not last and an increase in saturated fat intake can also lead to raised cholesterol levels.

“If you are trying to lose weight, it’s important to consider the overall balance of your diet. Eating regularly and making sure your meals are balanced and an appropriate portion size is a good place to start. Upping the amount of physical activity you are doing and avoiding fatty snacks and sugary drinks will also help.

“It is also important to remember that, although being a healthy weight is important, other risk factors for heart disease that are affected by diet may not be visible by just looking at someone. A slim person can still have raised cholesterol and blood pressure. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, speak to your GP.”

This study was published online in the Nutrition Journal.

Tips on eating well during the working day

There are a number of things you can do to eat healthily at work. Here we've listed top 10 healthy snacks for your desk and some tips how to encourage healthy eating at work.

Top ten healthy snacks for your desk

Examples of healthy snacks to bring to work, as listed in our Eat Well resources, include:

1. Fresh fruit
2. Small cans or pots of fruit in fruit juice
3. Cereal bars with no added sugar
4. Small packets of unsalted nuts
5. Small packets of dried fruit
6. Rice cakes, oatcakes or crispbreads
7. Plain biscuits with less fat and less sugar
8. Small packets of unsalted low-fat crisps
9. Wholemeal crackers
10. Plain popcorn

How to encourage healthy eating at work

• provide information to increase awareness
• organise group activities and eat well challenge 
• create a supportive environment

For more tips and information on healthy eating at work check out our Eat Well section.

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Submit your contact details and we'll get in touch with you to put together your success story. If you are curious what other workplaces across the UK have done, check out all our success stories here.