What is a doctor of philosophy, whose thesis on education-as-alchemy focuses on the metaphysics of Quality, doing writing about food? Why am I interested in what, when and how people eat and what are my qualifications for writing a book about body-logic? Why, in other words, should you read this book? These are all valid questions, especially for all of you who sigh while standing on the scales – as new diet after new diet makes no difference.

Metaphysics is just another word for the nature of nature and that just means how things really are. So when I had the opportunity to teach Home Economics in a secondary school, while writing up my doctoral thesis, I became fascinated by the fact that education, alchemy, eating and cooking have one thing in common: transformation.

Well-meaning people dole out diet advice daily but as an observant newcomer to nutrition, I saw things differently. I’d like to share with you my vision of how to make the change from the depressing experience of poor health, low energy, unhealthy complexion and clothes that don’t fit to the exhilarating experience of looking good and feeling fine: Body-logic!

Dr Alan McManus is an author, theatre-maker and life coach based in Glasgow, Scotland.