Lee McCusker

Lee McCusker (BA; MSc; MSc; MSc; ANutr; SENr) is a registered public health nutritionist (ANutr) and sports and exercise nutritionist (SENr) from Belfast. He runs his own private nutrition practice in West Belfast where he works with the general public as well as athletes. Lee is our nutrition columnist and is a nutrition lecturer on HND programmes in Belfast Met College. Lee has robust academia behind him with a total of four University Degrees including two MSc’s in Food and Nutrition and Sports and Exercise Nutrition through Ulster University.

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HEALTHWISE: Ignore the dairy myths – but mind your portions

MILK and dairy are an important part of a healthy balanced diet and provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, vitamin A, B2, B5 and B12. These help with strong bones, muscles, nerves, immune system, eyesight and reducing tiredness.

HEALTHWISE: For natural hair care, rosemary is worth a try

WHEN it comes to natural hair care, rosemary oil has taken centre stage for its ability to transform dull, weak hair into vibrant, healthy-looking locks.

HEALTHWISE: Everything stops for tea (but make it green)

MATCHA is a green tea made from the powdered leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. It is known for its vibrant green colour, rich flavour and potential health benefits.

HEALTHWISE: Keep up your vitamin D after the sun has gone

CONSTANT rain may be a pain, and it seems its staying with us for the next week or two. Good for the farmers and crops most definitely.

HEALTHWISE: Forget what’s trendy: It’s pasteurised milk only

DRINKING raw milk has become a popular trend in recent times, which is of particular concern. People are doing this even though there have been bacterial outbreaks of salmonella, campylobacter and listeria.

HEALTHWISE: Be careful if you opt for a weight loss treatment

OZEMPIC (right) is a medication originally intended to manage type 2 diabetes as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

HEALTHWISE: Food and mood go together like coffee and cake

FOOD and mood are closely linked. The food we eat provides us with the energy and nutrients our brain needs to work well. This in turn affects our emotions and how we think.

HEALTHWISE: The truth and nothing but the wholegrain truth

BREAD, rice, pasta, noodles, couscous and oats are different types of wholegrain starch that should make up majority of calories in our diets.

HEALTHWISE: Have a very tasty Easter

EASTER is an exciting time where we can relax and enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.

HEALTHWISE: Make a date with dates and you won’t regret it

DATES are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions of the world. They have become very popular in recent years as a snack or as an ingredient in protein or energy balls.

HEALTHWISE: Make the most of the coming sunshine months

SOME of the best dietary sources of vitamin D3 include oily fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel etc. But while a portion of these would provide around fifty percent (5ug) of the recommended intake of 10ug, it isn’t advised to take two portions of fish per day to achieve your recommended daily intake of vitamin D3. This would be reckless due to mercury levels, among other things.

HEALTHWISE: If you're not allergic, peanut butter can spread a little goodness

PEANUT butter is a popular spread known for its delicious taste and unique texture. For those who aren’t allergic, it can provide some versatility when it comes to nutritional value.

HEALTHWISE: A good diet is the route to a good night’s sleep

EVERYONE wants a good night’s rest. The optimal sleep for an adult is between seven and nine hours per night and if we manage this it’s better for our health, our moods and the daily functioning of our bodies. Being aware of our diet can help us get the sleep we need.

HEALTHWISE: I know you don't want to hear it, but some advice on St Paddy's Day pints

EVERYONE loves St Patrick’s Day and celebrating the life of our dear old patron saint with a day of parades, Irish food, drink and wearing green.

HEALTHWISE: Cholesterol isn’t all bad but caution is needed

CHOLESTEROL has a bad reputation thanks to its well-known role as a risk factor for heart disease. But it’s often overlooked that it is an essential part of our bodies as it makes up our cells, helps produce Vitamin D, testosterone, oestrogen, cortisol and bile acids.

NIFL Premiership: Reds boost playoff hopes with comeback win at Carrick

NIFL Premiership: Magilton excited for Cup final build-up as Reds return to league action

Gaelic Games: Rossa fend off Ballycastle rally to claim opening win

Gaelic Games: Carryduff win cross-city clash at Sarsfield's

TUV want Casement renamed after a British royal – and Andytown doesn't rule it out

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: David Trimble’s Catholic problem was well hidden

SQUINTER: Loyalist Human Resources departments thrive

WE SAY: Irish language signage victory was inevitable

Lee McCusker

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