Dietary requirements compatible with Second Nature:

Our nutrition guidelines are designed to be flexible and cater to a range of dietary requirements and preferences. Our recipes and nutrition advice can be tailored to suit your lifestyle.

We provide a broad list of ‘foods to choose’, which can be adapted to exclude any particular foods you either dislike or cannot eat. In addition to our vegan recipes, our range of vegetarian and meat-based recipes can be modified to suit a vegan diet.
​

Anxiety and depression

If you currently suffer from mild depression or anxiety and your condition is managed with a GP or health professional, we believe our programme is suitable for you. However, if you are experiencing severe anxiety or depression and are currently receiving treatment, we recommend that you focus on improving your mental wellbeing in the first instance.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking or speaking with a person you know, you can always reach out to a helpline, such as Samaritans Helpline (116 123).

Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or limited mobility

Many Second Nature members who are successfully participating in the programme have limited mobility. While we provide exercise recommendations, these can be tailored to suit your individual ability and/or exercise restrictions. We encourage you to increase your overall level of activity throughout the day, largely through increasing your daily steps. During the programme, step goals can be tailored to be achievable and realistic for you. In saying that, we strongly recommend that you continue to follow any advice from your physiotherapist or GP.

Hypothyroidism, PCOS, menopause, or hormone replacement therapy

While we recognise that it may be harder to lose weight with these conditions, our guidelines are designed to help you make sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes. By following our dietary and exercise recommendations, you’ll be supported to lose weight sustainably and improve your overall wellbeing. As always, we recommend you continue to manage your condition with your GP alongside the programme.

IBS or other gastrointestinal disorders

Dietary preferences or intolerances related to irritable bowel syndrome can vary extensively. Throughout the programme, you have the opportunity to follow a healthy, balanced diet inclusive of any food restrictions. However, for further individualised advice, we recommend you visit your GP or relevant health professional to help better manage your symptoms.

Breastfeeding

Our programme is appropriate for women who are breastfeeding. However, as this remains an important time for growth and development of your child, you'll need to inform your health coach on the programme that you're breastfeeding so they can support you in the best way possible. You can let them know via email or in the group chat. Overall, our nutrition recommendations are the same for those who are breastfeeding. Your health coach can help you to make sure you're getting a good variety of nutrients and enough energy to support breastfeeding, while still working towards healthy weight loss.

Type 1 diabetes

People living with type 1 diabetes have successfully followed the Second Nature programme. However, we recommend that you inform your GP or diabetes nurse prior to signing up and check in with them throughout the programme in case any medications need to be adjusted. Upon joining, you’ll take full responsibility for carbohydrate counting and relevant insulin dosing as health coaches aren’t able to provide specific medical advice.

Type 2 diabetes

To date, we have helped numerous Second Nature members living with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control. Our nutrition guidelines adopt a lower-carbohydrate approach, therefore, we recommend that you check in with your GP or practice nurse throughout the programme in case medications need to be adjusted.

Clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder, including binge eating disorder
​
Although we'd love to be able to help, eating disorders (including binge eating disorder) aren't our area of expertise. For your long-term health and safety, it would be best for you to be supported by trained professionals in this field. If you haven't already, we strongly recommend you seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as your GP, or BEAT ED helpline and support (0808 010677).

Suspected binge eating behaviours, but not formally diagnosed
​
If you believe you may have symptoms of binge eating disorder, we'd recommend speaking with your GP or contacting the BEAT ED helpline (0808010677) to access professional treatment options.
​
Although we'd love to be able to help, eating disorders (including binge eating disorder) aren't our area of expertise. For your long-term health and safety, it's best to focus on treating your eating disorder before undertaking the programme.

Cancer

At any stage of cancer treatment, nutritional requirements may vary and it’s important to follow the advice provided by your relevant health professional. Once treatment has finished, our programme can be a useful way to help you build new habits and maintain healthier lifestyle choices.

Please consult with your doctor prior to starting the programme to rule out any conflicting factors (e.g. further treatment or surgical procedures).
​

Pregnant

Our programme isn't appropriate for women who are pregnant. This is because your body has very specific nutritional requirements during this time to optimise the health of your baby.

If you have any questions around pregnancy and your diet, we suggest speaking with your GP or requesting a referral to a relevant health professional.

Once you've had your baby, we'd love to hear from you again. The Second Nature programme is a great way to set up new healthy habits that you can maintain in the long term.

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support via the 'Chat' page on the app by clicking 'Speak to Customer Support'.