Nutrition – There’s more to it than eating your greens

Welcome to what might be the first-ever nutrition article on a mortgage trade website. When I was asked to write this column, I was both delighted and intrigued – after all, it’s not every day that nutrition crosses paths with mortgages!

For this first blog, I’d like to share why people consult a nutritionist and a little about my journey, especially my background working in the mortgage industry.

Why nutrition?

When I ask clients why they’ve sought the help of a nutritionist, many respond with: “I’ve tried everything, so I thought I’d give this a go.” But nutrition is so much more than weight loss or bouncing back from Christmas indulgences. It’s about reshaping how you think about food and understanding its deep connection to your health and overall well-being.

The gut could be the cause of your sleep issues

A saying I often share with my clients is: “Food is mood.” The more I work with people, the more I see this in action. Our relationship with food affects everything – from energy levels and productivity to how well we handle stress.

Did you know that up to 80% of common illnesses start in the gut? Yet we often neglect it, pushing it to handle the effects of poor food choices, stress, and lack of sleep. Over time, this can lead to issues like gut discomfort, fatigue, skin problems, or even hormone imbalances – all of which many of us dismiss as just part of life.

Who do I work with?

In my practice, I typically work with clients facing:

Stress and anxiety
Digestive problems like bloating, IBS, or food intolerances
Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis
Frequent illnesses due to weakened immunity
Sleep difficulties
Hormonal imbalances like PMS or menopause
Chronic pain such as migraines or joint pains
Diet confusion, struggling to know what “healthy eating” really means

Each client is unique, so I take an evidence-based approach to create personalised nutrition and lifestyle plans. These plans go beyond symptoms, helping clients understand the root causes of their challenges and how to make sustainable changes for long-term health.

From mortgages to meals

You might wonder: how does someone go from mortgages to nutrition? I spent 20 years in the mortgage industry in various roles for lenders, brokers and at conveyancing panel managers. Like many of you, I lived a high-paced lifestyle, constantly traveling, eating on the go, and juggling family and work pressures.

At the time, I thought I was doing okay because I exercised regularly – or at least tried to. But I felt off: bloated, tired, and no understanding of how food impacted my health. I also believed the common myth that you can eat what you want as long as you exercise… sound familiar?

Everything changed after my daughter was born. I realised that I needed to understand how food impacted my energy, mood, and health – not just for me but for her as well. Visiting a nutritionist was a revelation: for the first time, I felt empowered by what I was eating. The changes were so positive so I signed up for a three-year course to become a Registered Nutritionist.

My approach: the 80/20 rule

Unlike strict diets that demand perfection and can never be sustained long term, I believe in balance. The 80/20 rule, eating well 80% of the time while enjoying life’s pleasures the other 20%, is my mantra. This realistic approach helps my clients stay consistent without feeling deprived.

What’s next?

This blog is just the beginning! Over the coming months, I’ll explore common misconceptions around food, share practical tips for navigating busy work lives, and provide simple, delicious recipes to support your health goals.