Welcome to my kitchen!
As a nutritionist helping busy midlife women reclaim their health and body confidence, my kitchen and fridge reflect a practical, balanced approach to nutrition that fits with real life.
My Journey to Balance
When I started out in nutrition, there was so much pressure to do everything perfectly—cook every meal from scratch, avoid every toxin, and keep the kitchen spotless. It felt like if I wasn’t doing it all, I wasn’t doing it right. But over time, I learned that perfection isn’t sustainable, and it certainly doesn’t help us stay healthy in the long run.
I’ve seen firsthand with my clients (and in my own life) that being realistic and flexible is key to lasting success. We all have busy schedules and life commitments, so working with them instead of against them makes things much more manageable—and enjoyable.
These days, I focus on progress, not perfection, and that’s exactly what I teach the women I work with.
And yes, I still have a soft spot for tea and cookbooks, which means my bookshelves are always bursting at the seams!
Working With Life’s Challenges
Let’s be honest—avoiding every toxin is impossible. Modern life is busy and chaotic, and trying to live ‘perfectly’ only adds stress. We all have to find our own balance. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s okay! It’s about making healthy habits fit into your life in a way that feels doable and sustainable.
Meal Planning Without the Stress
Meal planning has been my saviour, especially when my children were young. It saves time, money, and mental energy. I tend to shop once a week and have a veg box delivered too. I cook from scratch about 3-4 times a week, and on those days when I’m too tired to cook, I’ve always got some leftovers or meals from the freezer ready to go.
One of my favourite kitchen gadgets is my bread maker. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread, and I love making a mix of sourdough and seeded wholegrain loaves. Once you start making your own bread, you won’t go back—I haven’t bought a loaf in years!
Why I Bake Bread at Home
Most shop-bought bread is made with the Chorleywood process, a method that speeds up production but packs bread with additives to make it last longer.
Many of my clients find that supermarket bread leaves them feeling bloated or sluggish, which makes sense when you consider all the preservatives. Making bread at home with simple, natural ingredients is so much better for your health—and it tastes amazing too.
Eating Mindfully
A big part of my approach to nutrition is mindfulness—taking the time to enjoy food, listen to your body, and reduce stress around eating. This has been shown to improve digestion, gut health, and overall well-being. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and your life.
What’s in My Fridge?
Here’s a peek into some of my kitchen staples, and why I love them:
Seasonal Vegetables and Herbs: I prepare my veg as soon as I buy it so it’s ready to go into meals. I often make a big batch of ratatouille or roast veg, and I always have homemade soups and stews in the freezer. Eating a variety of veg each week is essential for supporting hormones and digestion, and of course, getting a mix of vitamins and antioxidants.
Berries, Apples, Lemons, and Limes: Berries are a favourite in our house. They’re packed with antioxidants, great for gut health, and they taste delicious. My Labrador even loves frozen blueberries as a treat after breakfast! Yes, he is spoiled sorry!
Salad Leaves and Tomatoes: Salad might sound boring, but it’s an easy way to pack in nutrients. Tomatoes are especially great for heart health thanks to their lycopene content.
Hummus and Olives: I make a batch of hummus every week—it’s quick, full of protein, and perfect with veg sticks or spread on flatbreads. Olives are another easy, healthy snack full of good fats.
Dairy: From milk and yoghurt to cheese, organic dairy is a staple for me. Yoghurt is especially good for gut health, and I often make my own or use Greek yoghurt for breakfast with nuts and berries.
Protein: I always have eggs, chicken, and salmon on hand for quick, balanced meals. These are all great for supporting hormones, muscle health, and energy levels.
Fermented Foods: I like to keep homemade kefir and sauerkraut in the fridge for their gut health benefits. Stir-fries are a go-to in my house when I need something quick and packed with veg, and I often add a good spoonful of miso paste for an umami boost.
Sweet Treats: I’m not one to deprive myself of a little sweetness! Dark chocolate, dates, and maple syrup are always on hand for baking. I usually reduce the sugar in recipes without affecting the taste—just a small tweak to make treats healthier without compromising on flavour.
Nuts and Seeds: I sprinkle these on most meals. They’re great for skin, heart health, and hormone balance, and they make a quick snack or addition to homemade energy balls.
I hope this gives you a little insight into how I make healthy eating work in real life. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making choices that fit with your busy schedule and still support your health goals. Whether you’re planning your meals for the week or throwing together a quick stir-fry after a long day, remember that every small step counts!
Online Nutrition Advice in Manchester & Worldwide
I am a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist and health coach offering online nutrition advice for clients in Altrincham, Manchester UK and worldwide. I specialise in metabolic health and weight loss for midlife women, from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. Cheshire Nutrition is based in Altrincham, Manchester. I work online with clients in the UK and worldwide.
Book your FREE 30-minute online consultation today to discover how my Rebalance Nutrition Programme can help you lose weight, improve your health and thrive in midlife!
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