The one question I’m asked as a nutritionist
One of the reasons I studied nutrition is my love of food.
Sadly, food didn’t love me back. Instead of making me feel energised, nourished and happy, most meals made me feel nauseous, sluggish and bloated. This feeling began when I was in high school and lasted almost 15 years before I found a way for food and I to become compatible.
I was lactose intolerant, long before fancy substitutes were readily available. I also had IBS and PCOS that contributed to a general feeling of “blah” or more technically known as malaise.
Hungry for information
I set out to learn more about food and nutrition so that I could enjoy the good things in life…like eating. My journey to become more compatible with food took years, but we got there, eventually.
What I didn’t count on in the meantime, was the amount of conflicting and confusing health information available.
My research online led to an indigestible amount of diet advice. The articles and websites all claimed to have the elusive answer to improving my gut health along with longevity, vitality and weight loss.
Fab, fad or foe
To help improve my symptoms, I road tested a few different diets, including:
keto,
the blood group diet, and even the
lemon juice and cayenne pepper diet (yes, I did)
Sadly, I was no closer to a “miracle cure.” Instead, I was on a rollercoaster of hunger pangs, mood swings, fatigue and frustration.
With my gut health in serious need of support, I booked an appointment to see a nutritionist. This appointment was life-changing for me in many ways. Sounds dramatic, I know, but it’s true.
(Note: I ruled out anything more serious with my GP, and always recommend a synergistic approach to healthcare).
Gut feeling
In my first consultation, we went through a detailed health history. This included reviewing my:
food intake and meal choices
sleep patterns and quality of sleep
blood tests
family history
mental wellbeing and lifestyle.
This was eye-opening as it was the first time I’d approached health as something holistic, sustainable and personalised.
While I wasn’t surprised that jellybeans, champagne and caffeine weren’t nutrient-packed meal choices, I thought my overall health was pretty good.
However, as I learnt more about the connection between the mind, body and gut, I realised the saying “you are what you eat” rang true. Food fuelled my body, but it also influenced how I felt physically and mentally. My sleep quality, exercise and mental wellbeing all fed into the big picture too.
So, what is the biggest diet change I’ve made since becoming a nutritionist?
I always have the same answer.
I swapped dieting and quick fixes for a lifestyle friendly, evidence-based, Mediterranean inspired approach that primarily consists of eating fresh, whole food.
I swapped 97% diet drinks for water or coconut water
I increased healthy fibre by swapping high GI white grains with brown rice, sourdough, spelt, quinoa etc
I ate full-fat yoghurt and meals instead of fat-free, high sugar versions
I included gut friendly probiotic, fermented food including kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, natural yoghurt and miso
I made meals from scratch when I could and enjoyed the food I was eating when I couldn’t
Eventually, my body and gut started to notice. The symptoms I’d had for more than 15 years began to subside. I began to feel mentally focused and naturally energised. My fluctuating weight was easier to maintain.
I no longer relied on jellybeans to get through the afternoon. I could wear clothes without an expandable waistband as my IBS cleared too.
I experimented with one change at a time. This intriguing world of gut microbiome also set me on a new career path. I studied to become a qualified nutritionist which meant that eating was now a career and a hobby. #winning.
It’s what’s inside that counts
I’ve made changes and tweaks to my meal planning over the years as my life stages have evolved.
There is one constant though. I focus on what I put in rather than what I leave out. Sometimes that's consuming chocolate and a glass of bubbles (ok maybe more than one!) but, mostly it's whole fresh, nourishing, ingredients.
I”m now happy to report that my passion for food is no longer an unrequited love. We are now best of friends!
To discover more about your wellbeing join me on Instagram and facebook where you will find recipes, inspiration and healthy tips
Please consult your health care professional for advice. This is my story only and is not intended to replace personalised medical advice.
