I’ve been told to take several small meals per day as I keep feeling hungry frequently. Would you recommend three big meals or several small meals a day?

There are no added benefits for either. You can do as you please. However, a great tip for people that feel hungry quite often is to have a small meal, wait 20 minutes (distract yourself) and the hunger for more food should subside because by then your brain has received the signal of having ‘enough’ food in your stomach.

Any hacks to deal with nausea?

You need to address why the nausea is happening first. Do you have it all the time? Before having food or after and whether certain foods cause it? It’s best to see a doctor and get an assessment for any underlying conditions. Try to divide larger meals into smaller portions spaced apart. Peppermint and ginger tea can aid digestion and help to some extent too.

What foods should I indulge in during my period? Should I skip dairy and spice or is it a myth?

You want to incorporate nutritionally dense foods to combat unnecessary cravings. Nuts, boiled eggs, soups, fatty fish, boiled potatoes and lean proteins can help keep you fuller for longer and aid menstrual health as well. You can also have teas incorporating turmeric, ginger, peppermint and cinnamon. This will help menstrual flow and sooth muscle cramps. There’s absolutely no need to avoid dairy or spices.

Raisins and dates are my go-to when I am craving dessert. Is this okay?

Yes, of course. Both foods are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and are a great alternative to normal deserts.

I have thalessemia minor and I found out very recently. Are there any food products that I should include/omit in my diet?

Eating nutritious foods is important for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For people living with thalassemia, because too much iron may build up in the blood, foods high in iron may need to be limited. Iron can be found in meat, fish, and some vegetables (e.g., spinach). Other products, like cereal and orange juice, may contain extra iron. People with thalassemia should discuss with their doctor whether or not they should limit the amount of iron in their diet.

My lips get very dry and I get that it’s a sign of dehydration. Aside from water, what other fruits or veggies should I include in my diet? They say watermelon and cucumbers are some options; can you confirm?

Absolutely. Both cucumbers and watermelon (as the name suggests) are high in water content. Other sources high in water are tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, oranges, apples and blueberries.

How do I find out what my healthy weight is? And is it normal to have a lower belly even if I am at my ideal weight?

I feel the term ‘healthy’ is very subjective. Your ideal weight is one that you’re happy with. When you look in the mirror and decide that you wouldn’t want to change anything about your body is when you’re at an ideal weight. BMI, body fat calculators etc are all methods that can be used to dictate what a healthy body weight would be for you however they aren’t very specific or accurate.

If you are currently at a "healthy body weight". Beyond that, aesthetic goals would dictate how much leaner you push for.

My trainer suggest meusli cereals for a post-work snack. Good idea or bad?

You can have them if you enjoy them. Your post workout meal should be a combination of good quality protein and carbs. No food item is superior to the other. Any meal incorporating the two macronutrients is a good idea.

I hate working out and I have no time either. What other alternatives can I opt for?

You can do any kind of physical activity that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a designated workout regime. Swimming, kickboxing, walking your dog, morning runs, martial arts, golf etc all count as physical activity. You just need to find one that you enjoy.