Optimum Nutrition
Autumn 2020
Your nutrition magazine
Welcome to the Optimum Nutrition magazine digital archive. For nearly four decades, Optimum Nutrition magazine brought cut-through science, practical guidance, and vibrant, real-world advice straight from the clinical experts at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition. We’re digitising our archive so you can read, download, and share issues at zero cost.
Dive into a goldmine of evidence-based health wisdom designed to help you feel your absolute best. You’ll uncover real-life success stories from top nutritional therapists, expert tips on tackling everything from gut health and anxiety to picky eating, and deep dives into targeted topics in our features. Whatever you’re looking for hopefully there is something in these issues for everyone.
The print magazine may have wrapped, but your journey to incredible health is just getting started! Keep the momentum going by signing up to our free monthly newsletter, packing your inbox with fresh tips and expert inspiration. You can also explore our website anytime to discover our very latest health articles and mouth-watering recipes!

In this issue:
- Focusing on Health Over Weight: Explores how prioritizing overall health metrics over scale weight can improve long-term outcomes and alleviate pressure on healthcare systems.
- The Movement to “Kill the Calorie”: Highlights doctors and health experts advocating for a shift away from calorie counting toward food quality and metabolic impact.
- Jimmy Doherty on British Farming: TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty discusses how new international trade deals could impact UK agriculture and food standards.
- To Supplement or Not?: Practical guidance on evaluating when dietary supplements are necessary and how to choose the right ones.
- The Reality of Artificial Sweeteners: Unpacks recent evidence and potential health concerns surrounding popular sugar substitutes.
- Intermittent Fasting Benefits: Examines the scientific evidence supporting fasting for cellular repair, metabolic flexibility, and longevity.
- Nutritional Therapy for IBD: A functional approach to managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease through targeted dietary interventions and gut healing.
- Burmese Cuisine & Culture: Features vibrant, authentic recipes showcasing traditional flavors from Burma.
- Plus: Interactive kids’ activity pages, cutting-edge nutrition updates, expert commentary, and much more!
Previous issues
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Andrew Jenkinson discusses why diets fail, how to address overeating, and the link between obesity and severe COVID-19 symptoms. We debunk viral social media remedies, explore the connection between nutritional deficiencies and virus mortality, and demystify inflammation and cytokine storms. Plus, discover how lockdown treats impact mental health, learn how personalized genetics influence fitness potential, and enjoy dedicated kids' pages and new recipes!
Discover why your circadian rhythm is crucial for overall health, key strategies for aging well after 40, and insights from a doctor on how modern life contributes to illness. We investigate the link between junk food and worsening allergies, evaluate the safety and science of CBD, and look at the therapeutic potential of fecal transplants. Plus, learn how to maximize frozen produce, enjoy new recipes, and explore dedicated kids' pages!
Kick off 2020 by demystifying Microbiome 101, learning how diet influences mood, and discovering the safe health benefits of cold water swimming. Former model turned artist Alice Herbst shares her recovery from body dysmorphia, while we evaluate the best meat alternatives for Veganuary and explore how gratitude boosts mental health. Plus, enjoy dedicated kids' pages and wholesome recipes from ION graduate Amelia Freer’s book Simply Good For You!
Prepare for cold season by learning how to build up your immune system, alongside guidance on eating well at university and tips to maximize high-intensity interval training (HIIT). We explore the cholesterol debate, examine social prescribing, profile nutrition pioneer Ancel Keys, and look at research into antibiotics. For parents, Little Lives highlights childhood IBD, sunshine, and bedtime routines. Plus, enjoy Greek Cypriot dishes from Theo Michaels, flavorful recipes from John Gregory-Smith’s Fire and Spice, and the latest health updates!
Explores dangerous food-medication interactions, why desk lunches harm well-being, the truth about GMOs, and whether a single diet could save the planet. We also examine the link between sugary drinks and bowel cancer, highlight a woman teaching weightlifting to build confidence, and share fish facts alongside healthy seafood recipes. Plus, enjoy exclusive recipes from TV chef James Martin, dedicated kids' pages, and the latest nutrition and lifestyle research news!
This issue features an interview with Dr. Terry Wahls on her groundbreaking MS approach, Dr. Rupy Aujla’s Doctor’s Kitchen recipes, and a deep dive into the health, environmental, and consumer impacts of a proposed red meat tax. We explore practical ways to foster healthy eating in children, the science of omega fats, how yoga and breathing alleviate IBS, and methods for growing food at home from raised beds to kitchen scraps. Plus, take a culinary journey through the Philippines, discover the nutritional power of colorful produce, learn the history of cycling, and get seasonal spring recipes!
This issue examines the biological factors shaping individual weight loss, evaluates weight-loss aids versus sustainable lifestyle changes, and offers energy-restoring strategies for burnt-out parents. We go inside the NHS-approved GroHealth digital diabetes program, unpack the science behind vitamin D and magnesium, debunk the milk-and-mucus myth, and analyze digestion using the Bristol Stool Scale. Plus, learn Functional Imagery Training for motivation, get fitness tips and recipes from rugby star James Haskell, explore plant-based Veganuary strategies with reimagined German classics, and enjoy nutrient-dense family meals and sleep-supporting recipes!
Explore how maverick NHS doctors are taking radical action against type 2 diabetes, what a top chef learned about nutrition after a brain cancer diagnosis, and the current state of hospital food. We examine the practicalities of trialling a dairy-free diet for one child, why playing with food helps broaden young taste buds, and "eat the rainbow" tips on our Kids' pages. Plus, enjoy Rachel Khoo's Swedish recipes, deep dives into soya and mushrooms, the science of runner's high, why over-40s should dance, vibrant new recipes, and the latest research news!
Discover how sleep quality directly affects weight loss, why quick-fix diets can leave you nutrient-deficient, and how targeted nutrition and the skin microbiome protect your skin. We also cover the hidden dangers of over-hydration, strategies to stop boredom-snacking, a quick five-minute exercise routine to boost fitness, and tips for navigating sugar with your child. Plus, enjoy selected seasonal recipes, insightful commentary, and the latest health research updates!
Combat fatigue and regain your energy, explore how vitamin C neutralizes nitrates, and discover non-alcoholic drink alternatives. We examine nature therapy for stress relief, discuss "man flu" and the microbiome, and follow one man's road trip fighting childhood obesity. For parents, we offer practical tips to curb morning sugar habits and manage childhood constipation. Plus, swap boring sandwiches for vibrant lunch salads, enjoy new recipes, and read the latest health research updates!
Shares essential label-checking advice for cutting sugar, budget-boosting tips to reduce kitchen food waste, and a feature on how food banks support thousands daily. Dr. Aseem Malhotra discusses anti-inflammatory eating and The Pioppi Diet, while we explore whether chasing happiness affects mental well-being and whether standard diets obviate dedicated detoxes. For parents, we examine how early experiences and outdoor play shape the infant microbiome. Plus, learn about the reducetarian movement, enjoy winter-warming, low-cost recipes, and catch up on the latest research updates!
Guides you through replacing key nutrients when going dairy-free, complete with a taste-test of dairy-free cheeses. Feature interviewee Amelia Freer shares insights on her new book and the "clean-eating" movement, while ION's nutritional therapists reveal their own morning routines with creative twists on breakfast classics. For parents, we tackle "portion distortion" in kids' diets and question the necessity of UK snacking culture. Plus, we weigh the true health benefits of coconut oil, uncover what makes authentic sourdough bread, and provide seasonal recipes, kitchen tips, and nutrition news!
Going gluten-free: a dietary necessity or new food fad? Jeff Leach tells us why we should go wild for gut health. We investigate the latest beef about red meat. From the Optimum Nutrition clinic: a case of colitis and the impact of menopause. How does sleep affect what you eat? Good food for a good mood. Fabulous recipes, and much, much more.
The latest on fasting – can you go without? Tim Spector talks about gut microbes and The Diet Myth All About Body Mass Index Alcohol update Quick, fresh recipes to liven up your lunchbox Case study: Spotting a trigger for acne Healthy vs. ethical foods And much, much more
This issue explores the benefits and testing protocols for Vitamin D, strategies for managing sugar cravings, and how food rewards impact childhood eating habits. We also investigate dietary triggers for migraines, practical tips for easing morning sickness, facial workouts for skin toning, and a clinical case study on addressing constipation. Plus, enjoy a Pakistani menu, natural food feature, and the latest nutritional research updates!
Dives behind the headlines to examine the new Eatwell Guide and the fat vs. carb debate, while dispelling "starvation mode" myths and highlighting muscle mass for weight loss. Little Lives addresses the battle against sugar in early childhood, and additional features explore how diet impacts male fertility and unborn child allergies. Brain cancer blogger Andrew Scarborough shares his self-experimentation journey, and a clinic case study offers nutritional strategies for managing lupus. Plus, discover the science behind Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), gut-health recipes, and the latest research updates!
We explore how Ayurveda can revitalize your energy through diet, Indian head massage therapies for autism, and four featured recipes from Kate O’Donnell’s Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. On the research front, we examine the ketogenic diet's potential in cancer care and investigate whether smaller plate sizes can tackle obesity without sacrificing meal satisfaction. Our feature interview highlights author Mary Daniels on her journey through childhood trauma, relationships, and body dysmorphia. Plus, enjoy our regular All Woman, Men’s World, Move It, and Food Fact File sections alongside the latest health research!
This issue tackles New Year weight loss by sharing how three women ended years of yo-yo dieting, while Little Lives explores Fetal Alcohol Syndrome through the story of teenager Dominic Head. Our feature interview highlights author and goat farmer Shann Nix Jones on the surprising health benefits of a controversial ingredient, and Different Strokes examines equine therapy for autism and depression. Additionally, Men’s World addresses why male depression often goes unvoiced, All Woman shares winter skin-nutrition tips, and nutritional therapist Amelia Freer provides seasonal recipes alongside the latest research updates.
Explores whether ancient aphrodisiacs, diet, and nutrition can truly boost libido and fertility. BBC presenter Dr. Michael Mosley shares insights on self-experimentation and building lasting healthy habits, while our in-depth feature on Lyme disease covers key symptoms and nutritional recovery strategies. We also investigate whether everyday food flavorings contribute to weight gain, highlight top superfoods for managing menopause in All Woman, and offer essential wellness habits in Men’s World. Plus, enjoy hearty plant-based family recipes alongside the latest health news and research updates!
Explores how Asperger’s syndrome impacts selective eating in children and how parents cope, alongside eye-opening interviews with adults on severely restricted diets. We also share a real-life case study on using nutritional therapy to ease anxiety, look at new research on preventing travelers’ tummy, and offer expert advice on checking skin moles. Plus, All Woman examines the toxic load in seafood, alongside features on night running, juicing, and the health benefits of coffee.

