My principles & advice

TWO

Cut through the noise

As a qualified Nutritional Therapist, with over a decade of experience, I am passionate about helping to translate the science of nutrition into practical and achievable actions. While my team and I might be deeply interested in the finer details of new and progressive research, I am aware that, for the most part, people simply wish to be guided as to what to eat to achieve their goals – be that weight loss, improved health and well-being or something more specific.

It is so easy to get caught up and confused by the latest dietary advice, but eating food that is both nourishing and enjoyable can be very simple – we were doing it long before advertising and the media made it all feel so complicated. I have published a host of evidence-based Articles here on the site, so do have a read. I also post regular advice via social media.

NB. Before embarking on a new diet or making significant lifestyle changes, I would always encourage you to seek out professional support (see FAQs page for additional info). The information I share is no replacement for professional medical, psychological or nutritional advice.

THREE

Share the principles of Positive Nutrition

My focus for the past few years has very much been on inclusion rather than exclusion of foods – a principle I call Positive Nutrition. I am far more interested in helping people to get a wide variety of nutrients from different foods and food groups into their diet, than I am in encouraging avoidance of the less-healthy treats.

I’ve often worked with clients who consider that if they are eating less, that’s somehow ‘good’. It’s a mentality that’s been drummed into us, with many still focusing on calories rather than the nutritional quality in the food we eat. Removing food groups without knowing why, feeling afraid or anxious around food, or creating rigid and restrictive ‘rules’ is counter to everything I now believe in.

Positive Nutrition supports us in creating sensible food habits, and outlines what we should aim to include in our diet each day to maximise the intake of nutrients our body requires. No diet ‘fits all’: Positive Nutrition is about reclaiming what our unique body specifically needs for us to feel well.

There is a lot more information and a full explanation of this approach in my third book, Nourish & Glow: The 10-day plan. See all Books here.

FOUR

Champion sustainability

Our money is our vote when it comes to supporting farming and retail practices. I fully support the importance of making responsible shifts in our purchasing habits toward a more globally sustainable way of living and eating.

While we are witnessing a surge in plant-based eating, I recommend considering such moves carefully and ideally, under the guidance of a professional nutritionist to minimise the risks of nutritional deficiencies. I personally do eat some carefully sourced meat and fish – but not a great deal – and I champion initiatives like Meat Free Mondays to shift our reliance on meat in favour of more plant based meals.

There is lots of info and resource material here on the site to help guide you – please see Articles and my FAQs pages.

FIVE

Remember it’s not just about food

Good health extends far beyond the food we put on our plate. As we know, true wellbeing is a mix of good mental and physical health: sound nutrition, appropriate exercise (see my Series on Exercise), plentiful rest and sleep, a sense of connection, purpose and community, and timely access to professional support. Health, pretty much like everything in life, thrives best when in balance.

That said, however, I do believe that the food we eat can underpin many areas of health; a well-nourished body (and microbiota – see my article on Gut Health) can help provide us with the energy to make change in other areas of our life. I personally also find the creative act of cooking and sharing meals is an enormously important part of my mental and physical wellbeing.