VET TO NUTRITIONIST

From a very early age growing up in Scotland, I loved being out in nature. Countryside, wellie boots, animals – this was (and still is) my happy place! Keeping this connection close and with a love for animals I became a Vet, graduating from the Royal Veterinary School, Edinburgh in 1991, working in the UK and Canada. I discovered a deep joy in looking after owners just as much as their pets and a growing interest in the power of good nutrition to heal. As a Mother wanting to do the right thing for my family, being a foodie and a scientist at heart, I was inspired to change career into human health, becoming a Nutrition Consultant after studying for a MSc in Nutrition from King’s College London in 2016. 

Awarded Freelance Nutritionist of the Year 2020, previously a lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Ambassador for The Real Food Campaign and Love British Food, I live on the edge of the Chiltern Hills with my RAF husband, our two teenagers and Ruarie the border terrier.

REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST

Being registered with with the UK Association for Nutrition (AfN) is an accepted mark of professional status and competence in Nutrition in the UK. All registrants must hold an accredited University degree in Nutrition and adhere to the AfN code of conduct. Their definition is as follows:

“UKVRN distinguishes Nutrition Practitioners who meet rigorously applied training, competence and professional practice criteria, protecting the public from unsafe practice and assuring the credibility of nutrition as a responsible profession.”
You can read more about this here.

DOWN TO EARTH NUTRITION SCIENCE

  SENSIBLE SCIENCE

Evidence-based practice in the nutrition profession, combines the best and latest research with nutrition expertise in order to inform public health successfully. As a Visiting Lecturer I am constantly updating knowledge and all my work in nutrition communications draws on peer reviewed, current research.

FAMILY AND WELLBEING

I live on the edge of London with my husband, two teenagers and Ruarie our border terrier. 

My love of the outdoors and all things natural began where I was brought up near Edinburgh in Scotland – I was lucky to sail on the sea, walk in the hills, enjoy home-grown food and the simple things, amid the ups and downs of family life. Now, with a busy family of our own, we try to find the time to slow down too. 

We love the outdoors – dog walks at the weekend are always a feature and then there’s sport – great for physical and mental health.  

We also love all things British! Our United Kingdom is full of ‘good for the soul’, beautiful places to explore, with our holiday cottage in Scotland being a firm family favourite and available to book your next adventure by the sea. Take a look if an escape to fresh air, sea and sand is what you need!

We all lead full lives trying to balance work with precious family time. But, take the time out you need and deserve, to relax and embrace simple pleasures. Your health will thank you for it!

VET TO NUTRITIONIST

I graduated as a Vet from Edinburgh University in 1991 and after 8 years in Veterinary practice in the UK, I studied for a further North American Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Nutrition began to play a big part in my clinical work as a Vet as did clear communication with my clients. After 15 years in practice and family time out, my interests crossed into human health. I was able to use all this experience to study for a Masters degree in Nutrition at King’s College, London, graduating in 2016, and becoming a Registered (Associate) Nutritionist..

REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST

Being registered with with the UK Association for Nutrition (AfN) enables me to be listed on their Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). This is an accepted mark of professional status and competence in Nutrition in the UK: all registrants must hold an accredited University degree in Nutrition and adhere to the AfN code of conduct. Their definition is as follows:
“UKVRN distinguishes Nutrition Practitioners who meet rigorously applied training, competence and professional practice criteria, protecting the public from unsafe practice and assuring the credibility of nutrition as a responsible profession.”
You can read more about this here.

LIVE FOR THE MOMENT; EAT FOR YOUR FUTURE!

Five principles I embrace:

  SENSIBLE SCIENCE

Evidence-based practice in the nutrition profession, combines the best and latest research with nutrition expertise in order to inform public health successfully. As a Visiting Lecturer I am constantly updating knowledge and all my work in nutrition communications draws on peer reviewed, current research.

  NUTRITION IS ONLY PART OF THE STORY

Of equal importance are your genetic make-up and your lifestyle; for example, you can make great food choices, but if you don’t keep active, your future health is unlikely to benefit!

  A BALANCED, ‘MEDITERRANEAN STYLE’ DIET 

Life is for living! Overwhelming evidence now shows that a diet high in fibre reduces our risk of chronic disease including some cancers, heart disease, stroke, weight gain and Type 2 Diabetes. It’s also of fundamental importance in nurturing our gut microbes – read more here. Current research is seeking to understand their pivotal roles in our long term health from a strong immune system, protection against inflammatory disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Colorectal Cancer, to our emotional wellbeing and weight control. Microbes existed on earth long before we did and we’ve co-evolved together. Just as plant roots rely on certain bacteria to enhance their nutrient absorption; we too rely on good gut bacteria for our own health. In addition to encouraging a fibre-rich diet with plenty fruit and vegetables, beans, pulses and wholegrains, food choices that meet the nutritional needs for our life-stage are crucial if we’re to avoid nutrient-gaps when demands are high; pregnancy and growth being key examples. A flexitarian approach, enjoying plenty of fish and moderate amounts of British dairy and meat, sustainably sourced where possible, will always support this. I’m always happy to advise how to ensure complete nutrition within a vegan or vegetarian diet too.

 ‘SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES’

Whatever your aims are, the changes to food choices that we make together for you must be ones you can sustain happily, and longer-term. Let me equip you with the knowledge and mindset to do this. In addition, where possible my recommendations will always support sustainable food production too; we all need to work together if we’re to help mitigate climate change: sustainable farming practices encourage healthy soils, crops, animals and ultimately ourselves! Read more on sustainable food choices here. 

  WELLBEING

It’s all too easy in this age of so much media attention around food, to become overwhelmed with choice and confused around food choices. My evidence-based nutrition advice aims to equip you and/or your family, with the understanding and mindset to adjust how you eat and live for better health, while maintaining a love of food and always with room for cake!

FAMILY AND WELLBEING

I live on the edge of London with my husband, two children and Tim the border terrier. 

My love of the outdoors and all things natural began where I was brought up near Edinburgh in Scotland – I was lucky (although didn’t always appreciate it at the time!) to sail on the sea, walk in the hills, appreciate home-grown food and the simple things, amid the ups and downs of family life. Now, with a busy family of our own, we try to find the time to slow down too. Family meals and dog walks together at the weekend are always a feature.

If time allows we love to bake together and visiting our local market is a firm favourite. Not only are markets a fabulous way to encourage children to try affordable, colourful fruits and vegetables, but they’re also of course, a great way to support local business.

We love the outdoors – dog walks at the weekend are always a feature and then there’s sport – great for physical and mental health.  Walking or running with the dog gives me a chance to clear my head and rejuvenate!

We also love all things British! Our United Kingdom is full of ‘good for the soul’, beautiful places to explore, with our holiday cottage in Scotland being a firm family favourite. 

We all lead full lives trying to balance work with precious family time. But, take the time out you need and deserve, to relax and embrace simple pleasures. Your health will thank you for it!