Location: United Kingdom
Profession: Nutritionist
Social Profiles
About
For me, bread isn't just a food—it's a source of comfort and connection. My favourite way to enjoy bread is warm and fresh from the oven, with a generous slather of creamy butter melting into each bite. I am a sucker for cheese (strong)and kimchi with it! There's something incredibly soothing about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling a kitchen and the comforting texture of a perfectly crusty loaf. I find the gluten free varieties poor and often fall apart and for someone who is a foodie and cannot and will not give up bread want to know how to bake for health.
I would love to bake for those I love—my family, friends, and community. I feel by baking it would become more than just a culinary pursuit; it would be a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others on a deeper level.
My Work
I am based in Wakefield in West Yorkshire. I am a nurse prescriber in general practice but got frustrated with aspects of the model of care used and hence trained at ION to become an integrative practitioner in nutrition as now practice alongside my role in general practice as a Nutritional Therapist, helping, advising clients on lifestyle and nutrition.
Passionate about Baking as Lifestyle Medicine
Baking as Lifestyle Medicine I believe will resonate deeply with me on a personal level. I have always had a personal interest in nutrition, but it wasn't until my son was diagnosed with ADHD that I truly understood the transformative power of food as medicine. Witnessing firsthand how a change in nutrition significantly improved his symptoms and quality of life sparked a passion within me to explore the intersection of food, health, and well-being. (I had his DNA analysed with life code and was able to introduce foods to nourish him).
Through the act of baking, I believe I can share my passion for wholesome, nourishing food and spread a little bit of warmth and joy to those around me. Whether it's baking a loaf of bread to accompany a shared meal or crafting artisanal treats (I hope I get his good) to celebrate special occasions, I would find fulfillment in knowing that my creations bring comfort and happiness to others.
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I've experienced the challenges and triumphs of navigating dietary interventions and lifestyle adjustments to support his unique needs. Through this journey, I've come to recognize the profound impact that food choices can have on both physical and mental health.
Bread, in particular, holds a special place in my heart as a versatile and beloved staple in many cultures. By embracing the art and science of baking, I see an opportunity to harness the therapeutic potential of bread and tailor it to meet the specific nutritional needs of individuals like my son. From experimenting with alternative flours and wholesome ingredients to incorporating functional elements like seeds, nuts, and herbs, I believe that personalised bread can serve as a powerful tool for promoting health and wellness.
Baking as Lifestyle Medicine will allow me to combine my passion for nutrition with my desire to bake, to empower others to nourish their bodies and minds through the simple pleasure of good bread. I am looking forward to exploring innovative approaches to breadmaking that prioritise health, flavour, and sustainability.
My Community
In my community, I see baking as Lifestyle Medicine not just as a culinary practice, but as a catalyst for profound change—a change that starts with something as simple as a loaf of bread. It's about more than just what we eat; it's about how we nourish our bodies and souls, and the impact that has on our collective well-being.
Every Monday morning, I gather with a special group for a sewing class, and in that little community, we've cultivated a shared ethos of caring for the environment and cherishing the simple joys of life. We stitch together pieces of fabric to create beautiful items, all while exchanging recipes and discussing our health journeys. It's in these moments of connection and camaraderie that I see the potential for baking as lifestyle medicine to thrive.
I believe that by introducing the principles of baking as lifestyle medicine to my sewing class community and my clients in nutritional practice, we can sow the seeds of positive change and cultivate a healthier, happier, and more resilient community. Together, we can embrace the transformative power of wholesome, homemade bread, and pave the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, one slice at a time!!
How I use BALM Protocol
Once graduated from the sourdough school with a focus on bread as lifestyle medicine, I plan to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired to make a meaningful impact in several ways:
Client Consultations: I would like to explore how I can offer personalised nutritional therapy services to clients, incorporating my expertise in breadmaking and its therapeutic potential into individualised treatment plans.
Community Workshops: I would love to be able to host hands-on baking workshops and educational seminars in my community to share the principles of baking as lifestyle medicine with a wider audience. These workshops could empower participants to develop practical skills in breadmaking while learning about the health benefits of incorporating whole grains, seeds, and other nutritious ingredients into their bread recipes.
Overall, my goal is to use the knowledge and skills gained from the sourdough school to empower individuals and communities to harness the healing power of bread and make positive changes towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, I believe I will be committed to advancing the field of bread as lifestyle medicine and improving the health and well-being of those I serve.
