It’s been at least six months since I went refined sugar free, maybe longer. I have been trying on and off for some years but Christmas is always a killer. This year however my (adult) children went refined sugar free too so apart from alcohol, the three of us consumed NO refined sugar. In fact I would say we ate incredibly well. We stuck to three meals a day with little or no snacking. Any snacks were home made - have you read the ingredients on a packet of crisps? Sugar - it’s everywhere!

The fact is that all of us have noticed a greater balance to our moods even with alcohol thrown in and let’s face it, I’m not a big drinker.

I made cakes for the festive season using date syrup, maple syrup or honey as substitutes. My husband on the other hand binged on sugar when we were with others and his mood swings were noticeable and pretty unpleasant! It just goes to show that by eating regular meals and reducing refined sugar in your diet, you can balance your moods.

I’ve always been dedicated to the belief that you are what you eat. I’ve incorporated more vegetables in my diet so that I even have greens for breakfast! My diet is varied; nutritional therapists recommend ‘eating the rainbow.’ In other words getting as much colour into your diet every day. I do still eat meat and fish as it suits my constitution but I don’t eat either often.

I also believe passionately that the quality of food that goes into my body is vitally important. Meat has to be grass fed and additive free. Fish has to be sustainably caught. Vegetables have to be organic where possible.

Plastic is thought to contain hormone disrupting chemicals so I try not to buy food wrapped in plastic. Since an organic grocer opened in my local town, I have managed to reduce my use of plastic dramatically which has also benefited my mental health.

I won’t deny that the cost of our monthly food bill is high. But my mother in law told me that when growing up, food used to cost half your monthly salary! I say it’s worth it. My mental health has stabilised, my moods have stabilised, my hormones seem to have stabilised. My sleep has improved. I am not getting any menopausal symptoms other than slightly erratic periods. My skin is glowing and people keep telling me I look really well - in the depths of winter. It must be good!