African Pride Crystal Hotel & Spa welcomes Tim Noakes to the table

Danny Bryer, director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue for African Pride Hotels, says the property is Cape Town's premier conferencing hotel and healthier eating is something guests want. "Of course we've listened and at the end of this exercise we'll be able to offer low carb conference dishes that fit comfortably into an Original Eating plan."

Says GM Carolyn Jones: "This is indicative of an increase in health and diet awareness among conference attendees and in broader society. Conference snacks and meals have traditionally been starch and sugar based, but as more people become aware of the impact of diet on their health, hotels and other conferencing venues will have to stop relying on the old catering styles."

According to Dr Larry Distiller of the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Johannesburg, diabetes is on the rise in South Africa, with 6% of the population suffering from the illness, and more diagnoses being made every day.

Experts name our westernised diet as the main culprit in this worrying trend, with a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, lack of exercise and obesity as the main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news, however, is that the illness can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which means regular exercise and a healthy eating plan, low in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Prof Noakes has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the health benefits of following a diet low in carbohydrates, promoting instead a diet high in vegetables and good fats,and moderate in protein.

"It is wonderful that African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa has recognised the importance of making healthy options available on their conference menu. We hope to spread awareness of the enormous benefits of the low carbohydrate Original Eating diet further afield, and this is a step in the right direction."

Says Bryer: "We are delighted to be working with Prof Noakes, and to be part of the positive changes happening in the world of nutrition and health in South Africa."