Clare is feeding both her body and brain – with a healty diet

It’s not easy, but it’s not rocket science either.

Clare Scanlan used to consume anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 calories on a bad day. Now she said she can cook a dinner that comes in at, or around, 500 calories – a dinner that makes her feel satisfied.

Feeling satisfied is one thing. Flavour is another. And although, yes, it is a pain in the ass following new recipes to the letter, Clare is now cooking food that is delicious, not packed with preservatives, and is actually feeding her body and her brain.

‘The food is going fine: I am not hungry at all. Although when you see the menu and see things like lentil bolognaise you do tend to think, God, I’ll miss my meat, but it was delicious,’ said Clare.

Good nutrition does not task the body because the body doesn’t have to work overtime to clear toxins. 

When Clare, originally from Castlefreke near Clonakilty, stood on the scales this week she was down 4lbs, bringing her total weight loss to 12lbs. ‘I am 16st 2lbs, and I can’t wait to get into the 15s,’ said Clare, who is hoping to achieve that next week.

Of course, it is not all plain sailing. Regular watchers of the programme will know that Clare has injured her knee. It means her exercise programme has been modified to include non-weight bearing exercises, such as cycling.

‘I damaged the cartilage in my knee so I won’t be running or walking for the next two weeks, but the bike is actually good for the knee and I’m getting physiotherapy sessions. It was probably wear and tear. I haven’t exercised for a long time, but the good news is that it is not permanent. They got it in time and it is being treated.’ 

Clearly, Clare’s ‘can do’ approach to the programme is getting stronger with each and every passing week.