Interview with Valerie...
Please take a few minutes to read this before hiring Valerie
How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Nutritional Therapist?
One thing I can tell you is that I haven’t always been fit and healthy. In fact, when I was in my 20's, I was less fit and less healthy than I am today!
Suprisingly, I came into nutrition not because of my health, but due to a change in career. My health was far from great however. I suffered with headaches, migraines, bad skin, constipation and a whole host of other never ending health problems. My diet was awful too. I loved cheese and ate it by the bucket load and I had at least 2-3 take aways each week.
I started studying nutrition because I have a great passion for food and it was what I found out about food and the affect it was having on my health were my eyes well and truly opened.
I thought all my health problems were a 'normal' part of life. This is how life was supposed to be right? I thought that getting old meant aches and pains, one illness after another and taking lots of medication. How wrong could I have been!
What I discovered was mind blowing and when I started making changes to how I lived and ate, the results were amazing. Out went the never ending health problems and in came loads of energy, weight loss without struggle or dieting, clear skin, a body I was proud of and best of all, I looked younger! My energy levels lasted all day, I ate delicious food and I was enjoying life to the full. I still am!
I thought, "Oh my goodness, this is far too important to ignore. Everyone must know about this. This is the key to the best health ever". I had found my passion. I re-trained as a nutritional therapist and began spreading my message to the world.
What is a Nutritional Therapist?
As a fully trained and qualified nutritional therapist, I provide a complete whole body approach to optimum health. I optimize whole and live foods to encourage your body's own natural healing processes. I also use supplements, herbs and superfoods such as sprouts and green foods.
What I do is identify the cause of your health issues then use food to help your body do what it does best - heal itself. There are many underlying factors that can contribute to ill health and once we know what these are, we can look at what you need to do to correct any imbalances.
Everyone is different and this is the approach I use. There is no such thing as one size fits all. I work with you to discover exactly what your body needs to bring your body back into balance.
One thing you should note is that I do not prescribe diets of any kind. Together, we look at where you are now and focus on where you want to be. The level of support you get is like no other. You are on a life changing journey and I am there to guide you every step of the way.
I will help you with shopping, food preparation, menu planning and I teach live food classes to show you just how exciting and fun healthy living can be. I show you how to prepare fabulous meals that take minutes to knock up.
Remember, any change you make you must be committed for life.
Of course there will be times when you have a hard time implementing changes. This can happen and when it does, we work together to find out what the issues and concerns are and find a way to deal with them.
What is the difference between a Nutritional Therapist, a dietician and a nutritionist?
I've explained what a nutritional therapist does. A registered dietician translates the science of nutrition into everyday information about food.
They undertake the practical application of nutrition with both individuals and population groups to promote the well being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems. They are also involved in the diagnoses and dietary treatment of disease.
Dieticians work with people who have special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, give advice, evaluate and improve treatments and educate clients, doctors, nurses, health professionals and community groups.
Dieticians tend to work in NHS hospitals or in the community as dieticians or health educators.
Nutritionists focus on the nutrients in food, how nutrients are used by the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.
How are you different from other nutritional therapists?
I incorporate motivational tools and techniques in my practice. I started doing this because I began to recognise that as enthusiastic as my clients were to make changes, within a very short space of time the were back to their old habits. This kept happening again and again to the point were it got frustrating. I soon realised my clients were having difficulties because they had no idea how to change old 'stuck' habits.
Habits are formed because we do things in a particular way and as such, these can stay with us for the rest of our lives, even destructive habits. So unless you decide to change or your habit is holding you back from doing what you want in life, you'll go through life doing the same thing over and over again.
The way I work is to gently challenge negative thoughts, behaviours and beliefs and show you how to re-frame your thinking patterns that you become more aware of what you are saying or doing and how it keeps you from moving forward. Don't get me wrong, its not as straight forward as thinking positively - there is more to it than that and my role is to guide you.
I also a have an eating disorders qualification.
What type of person comes to see you?
I tend to get professionals (mostly female) such as middle managers, senior executives, business owners and entrpreneurs who are drawn to my Busy Executive Programme because its focus is on managing stress, increasing your energy levels and relaxation.
Many of my clients have been back and forth to the doctor, have had test after test only to be told that there is nothing wrong with them. Now, I will always ask my clients to visit their doctor before coming to see me if they have not already done so. This way they are assessed, receive a diagnosis and have any necessary tests done.
Unfortunately, most of us only get a few minutes with our GP and whilst a diagnosis is great because we know what we are dealing with, often the only solution you get is a prescription*.
*If you have a serious health complaint, I always advise that you follow the advice provided by your health care provider and combine your treatment with complementary therapy. Complementary therapy is not and has never been a replacement for conventional medicine.
What types of personality do you work best with?
I work best with people who are deadly serious about wanting to transform their health. They don't let excuses get in the way of their goals. Come rain or shine, they are determined to do what ever it takes to make their health a priority and the only thing they need is support, guidance and someone to help keep them on track. My clients like having someone to be accountable to. Its no different than having a business coach. I'm their nutrition coach if you will.
What would I be expected to do?
I will provide all the support and guidance you need but it is up to you to put everything in practice. I cannot do it for you.
For you to start noticing health improvements and depending on your personality, small steps will work wonders. You might decide to take the bull by the horns and just go for it. You will see some dramatic health improvements if you do take this approach.
Imagine having so much energy, you are stuck with what to do with it all!
Who won't this work for?
Change of any kind can be difficult but its not impossible. If your health is where you want it to be, then you won't be needing my help. However, if your health is impacting on your everyday life, then I expect you to take action.
People who do not take action let life get in the way and make excuses as to why something can't or won't happen. My promise is to guide and support you every step of the way but I cannot do the work for you.
This will also not work for you if you feel you can't give up habits that are harmful to your health. I have lost count of the number of times my clients have told me they 'know' what they 'should' be doing but they are not doing it! If you are one of these people, then this is not for you.
You must be ready for change because improving your health is a life long committment.
How do you help individuals improve their health?
Through my Revitalize & Thrive programme.
Can you tell me more about the programme?
Of course!
When I created this programme, I wanted to take into account not only the way you eat but also what is going on in your life. If you are running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything done and not getting very far, then you already have a lot to cope with. And if you try adding another element, like changing your diet for instance without looking at what you already have going on in your life, it will be just another added burden - and the way you eat should never be a burden.
Let me give you an example. You ae a busy professional. You work long hours, you have children and a supoortive husband. You have so much to do; the houshold chores, shopping, taking the children to school, running your business, taking your child to after school lessons, tidying up before the cleaner gets in, putting away things because no one else knows where they go...
I think you get my point?
Well because of your never ending list of things 'to do' you have no time to look after yourself which means boxed meals as you've had no time to think about what to have for dinner. As a result, your health suffers. You are aware but have no time to do anything about it.
The Revitalize & Thrive programme is about getting things back into balance. Without your health you cannot run your business or look after the family. Nourshing your body with whole foods will sustain you and give you lasting energy so you can continue living your life. And the great thing is, its easier than you think.
If you are prepared to make a few small changes to the way you do things, you are already on the right path.
The Revitalize & Thrive programme is available as three different packages. There is a 3, 6 and 12 month programme dependant on how much help you need.
I also have a one day Busy Executive package which is a lot of fun. You can find out more about that on this page.
First, I will briefly describe each programme, then I'll walk you through the core content.
Programme structure
1) Health consultation and assessment
You will receive a comprehensive questionniare which you complete and send back to me before we meet. You'll also get a food diary and you will be required to complete this as fully as possible. This will also be sent back to me. Both forms will give insight into your lifestyle and dietary habits and will provide a solid background for us to formulate a suitable programme.
Also included: weight, fat percentage, hydration levels and metabolic age.
2) Nutritional coaching
This is your opportunity to be clear about your health goals and what you want going forward. This is my opportunity to identify and challenge emotional triggers and negative self talk.
3) Making the change
This is all about putting into practice what you have learnt. You are making a lifestyle change and at times it won't be easy but with my support and guidance plus your determination to want something different, you will succeed. Life is an exciting journey so enjoy the ride and expect bumps along the way.
4) Fitness
Being active is fundamental to your success but your motivation might be on the floor! To get and stay fit and healthy, movement must become part of your life...for good.
Together we will draw up a number of activities that you enjoy and begin building them into your life.
5) Food Glorious Food
You might struggle with the concept of healthy eating or think that it takes hours to prepare. Making a few adjustments is easier than you think and this is what you will learn.
Optional add ons
- Four hour 1:1 live food class* in your home where you'll learn to make the most lucious, delicious meals that everyone will love. Most dishes can be prepared in under 10 minutes. You also learn all about advanced preparation, what to have in your kitchen cupboard and larder and menu planning. You can invite up to 3 friends for free.
* Does not include food.
- Supplements and tests. Tests for allergies and digestives complaints are highly recommended.
How will the Revitalize & Thrive programme benefit me?
If you follow my recommendations and put into practice everything that is suggested, you will see a reduction or even a resolution to health problems. You will lose weight, you will sleep better, you will have lasting energy and you will prefer to eat healthy. Yes, I did say that!
How can this possibly work?
The answer to this is really simple. What you put in is what you'll get out. When you nourish yourself with whole and live foods, exercise and treat yourself with respect, your body will respond by giving you what you want - great health. Imagine not needing your daily dose of caffeine to give you a much needed energy boost.
The onus is on you. I will provide you with all the tools you need and will guide and support you every step of the way, but the most important part is your determination and commitment to succeed. You need to make the changes so you get the results. Non action will not get you there.
How quickly can I expect results?
This obviously is determined by your effort and commitment in following the recommendations and guidelines. That said you can expect to see changes in as little as a few days.
How long are the programmes?
3, 6 or 12 months.
What is the cost?
Contact me for a brief chat where I can learn more about you and see which programme would best fulfil your needs.
Do you offer discounts?
Each programme is tailored specifically to you, so no two will ever be the same. The results you get from the investment you make far surpasses the cost of the programme and it is for this very reason I don't offer discounts.
How do we work together?
The initial session is always face-to-face and will last approximately 90 minutes. Follow up sessions are 45 minutes phone sessions. I find phone consults works best for most of my clients.
I have a busy life and a family to look after so I don't have a lot of time to spare. How much time will I have to dedicate to this?
I do appreciate this - I really do. This is why I have designed a range of programmes with different time scales. You can take this as fast or as slow as you want but at the end of the day, it depends on how quickly you want to see results.
I'm not sure this is right for me. I have a couple of additional questions...
It helps to know what your concerns are. Contact me for a brief chat and ask me anything you like.
What happens after the sessions have ended?
Change can be difficult and you need to get used to forming new habits so you have the option to continue working with me and we can catch up every 6-8 weeks.
Where are you located?
My work is based in South London although I am not limited to this area. I also cover the West End, City and Canary Wharf.
I am happy to travel to you if you can find somewhere for us to have an uninterruped discussion.
Based on everything I've read, I am really interested. What are my options for getting started with you?
Fantastic! Congratulations on what will be the best decision you have ever made.
People who take action and want the best in life are the most successful and since as you feel this IS the right time for you, then yes, go for it!
Here’s what you do: Click here to book a chat with me. After the call, I will forward you a health assessment questionnaire. Complete the form and send back to me by email. Once I receive it, I will send you an invoice for payment.
When payment has been received, will I email you to confirm everything and we can start plugging dates in our diaries, then get going!
If I'm not sure I'm ready yet, how can I sample your work to see if it's the right solution for me?
A great way to sample my work is to subscribe to my complementary bi-monthly newsletter Vitality for Life. It provides you with health articles as well as delicious and easy recipes to help you discover true health and well-being. It is a must if you are serious about wanting to change your life and your health. You can subscribe here. You'll also receive a copy of my guide to Quick and Easy Meal Preparation which you can download immediately. Perfect for getting you started.
Click here to book a chat with me to discuss where you are at right now and to see if I can help you.