In today’s episode Helen and Kate talk dirty about carbohydrates – why they’re an essential part of our diet, and why cutting them out is so difficult to maintain. We also reveal our own top of the pops when it comes to starchy carbs… and talk about exciting new research on 5:2/Dirty Diet-style fasting and how it may benefit our health.

Featuring Kate Harrison and  dietitian Helen Phadnis - also known as NomNomNerd! Carbs are fuel for the body - and the fibre they contain fuels our friendly gut bacteria too. But they've been demonised on many diets, so Helen explains their role in nutrition. Kate also tells how low-carb was only ever a short-term fad for her. 

Plus we reveal the simple cooking method that helps carbs become even tastier - and more beneficial to your microbiome.

Kate also talks through the results of new research showing the potential health benefits of intermittent fasting, carried out by the University of Surrey. You can read more about that here or download the full (technical but interesting) PDF.

If the talk of oats has made you want to tuck in, there’s a free recipe for my very delicious Dirty Diet style choc-cherry granola in the Blueprint, Sign up for it here - it's completely free.

You can buy The Dirty Diet book here for UK delivery.

Or here for international delivery.