From bloating and burnout to food freedom: My own nutrition journey

When clients first come to me, many feel exactly how I once did: overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure who or what to trust when it comes to nutrition. My own journey through confusing symptoms and conflicting advice is what led me to coaching — and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others cut through the noise, simplify nutrition, and finally feel confident in their own choices.

Growing up and into my twenties, I didn’t think too much about nutrition. I ate what I wanted and enjoyed what I ate; but food didn’t hold any special interest for me, much less concern. 

When my health started to shift: the onset of IBS

When I hit 30 everything changed. Intense bloating became the baseline of my life, impacting everything. My energy levels plummeted and constant discomfort affected how I walked, how I slept, how I lived. 

Despite carrying a brain full of anxiety and a body full of pain, I maintained a pretty impressive level of denial. I was determined not to be “that person” with inconvenient dietary requirements. 

Faced with confusing and conflicting advice from family, friends and google, I concluded that no one really knew anything. Meanwhile, I drove myself crazy trying to track and monitor everything and find the rogue cause of my problem. 

Desperation and some gentle nudging finally landed me in front of a dietician, who diagnosed me with IBS, and suggested the scientifically rigorous framework of a Low FODMAP diet. It wasn’t the instant cure I secretly hoped for, but it was a turning point. 

In my 40s, living in Mexico, the gods smiled on me and I crossed paths with Kate Lyman, a rock star of nutrition coaching who prizes pragmatism and compassion over fads and extremes. Kate’s emphasis on nutrition science, flexibility and mindset was a magic ticket for me. 

The changes that helped get my IBS under control were simple, evidence-based and effective, and encouraged me to start lifting weights - an unthinkable activity before. It was like a reset button for my energy and confidence.

Finding food freedom and becoming a nutrition coach

Inspired by the transformation, I retrained as a nutrition coach. Food now feels straightforward and enjoyable — not something to fear or fix. I know how I want to eat, and most of the time, that’s what I do. It's really become that simple. And, honestly, it makes everything else in life easier. 

Your path to food freedom may look very different to mine (travelling to Mexico and weightlifting are not universal requirements!) but I’m ready to help you find it.

Get in touch and tell me about your own story.