The Nutritional Supplement

Which Course(s) did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate?

BSc Nutritional Therapy 2011 (after receiving a Diploma from ION previously)

What did you do before doing this course?

I have worked as a food stylist, styling food for TV and photography, and a food writer for over 20 years – I have written over 20 food books, more lately, they have a nutrition element in them.

What made you decide to embark on this course of study and what attracted you to CNELM?

I already worked in food and had always been keen on eating healthily.  I also started to compete internationally in rowing and was intrigued as to how I could improve my performance as much as possible, without having to train even more than I was already!  The obvious change was diet.

Where has your career taken you?

Having a qualification in nutrition has been really useful as, over the past decade, food has become far more talked about, and people on the whole care more about what they are eating and where it has come from, so lots of new doors have opened.  Because I can cook too means I can use both, to give demonstrations/workshops where I talk about nutrition and then show people how easy it is to cook and eat great nutritious food simply – I think too often in clinic clients are told they need to include something in their diet, but if they are not told an easy way to cook or serve it they are unlikely to take the advice on board.  I give all my clients simple recipes to follow to make their journey easier.  I also run nutrition/cooking workshops in my home, which has been hugely successful.

Which part do you think has been the most rewarding or successful?

It’s hard to say as I have branched out in so many directions, but I do enjoy teaching others through workshops, hands-on.  Ultimately what we want to do is to encourage people to eat healthier and this a really easy way to do that.

If you were graduating now, would you do anything differently?

I’m not sure.  We were told to specialise when we qualified, so that you ‘stand-out’, but I think you need to gain experience in lots of directions first, and then see where it takes you.  I did focus on sports nutrition, but obviously never turned away any clients who weren’t athletes – you learn from every single one!

Is there anything you wish you’d known before finishing your studies that you might have prepared for differently?

I was lucky that I was allowed to practice once I had my diploma from ION, so felt I was far more prepared than most in my final year – I was learning on the job!  I think more than anything it’s important to be flexible, as times are changing and what you set out to do may not be what is on offer, so take up any opportunities as possible.

What or who has most inspired you in your work?

I am very inspired by the athletes I am surrounded by  – they have a goal in mind and they will do what is needed to get to that goal – they are very focused.  When I have a day that doesn’t go well, I just think of the end goal (whatever that may be!) and know that tomorrow I will start afresh, with a positive attitude.

Do you have any tips, hints, things you’d have done differently...?

I think I have covered this already, but mainly stay positive and be flexible – say yes to as much as you can, you never know where things may lead!