A Day in the Life of a Nutritional Therapist

When people hear that I’m a Nutritional Therapist, they often assume my work is all about weight loss. It’s a fair assumption, that’s what so much of the wellness world focuses on. But in truth, Nutritional Therapy is about so much more. It’s about understanding how our modern lifestyles, stress levels, environment, genetics, and the food we eat (or don’t eat) affect how our bodies function — and using nutrition and lifestyle as tools to bring the body back into balance.

Morning: Self-Care First

My day always starts with movement. Whether it’s a gym session, a weights and /or spin session on my Peloton, or a brisk dog walk, this time is sacred. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and helps me show up for my clients with clarity and energy. Movement is my form of self-care, the foundation that keeps me grounded in a profession where I’m so often focused on supporting others.

Once I’m back at my desk, I start by catching up on client emails. Many of these are questions about their programmes, updates on progress, or requests for further information on functional tests I’ve recommended. I like to take the time to answer each one thoughtfully. This back-and-forth is a key part of the therapeutic relationship — it keeps clients engaged, reassured, and motivated.

The Heart of My Work

I limit consultations to one or 2 clients per day. That might sound light, but the real time investment comes in the preparation and follow-up. Each initial consultation lasts around 90 minutes, but behind the scenes there are hours of research, planning, and reflection.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all nutrition. My role is to understand each individual as a unique system, taking into account their symptoms, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Insights from a comprehensive health audit and any relevant functional tests, such as gut function, hormone balance, or nutrigenetic testing, help me design a personalised programme.

Functional testing is a cornerstone of my practice. Rather than guessing, I prefer to test and understand what’s happening beneath the surface. This evidence-based approach allows me to support the body in a targeted way, addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Often, it’s the subtle, precise changes that bring the biggest improvements over time.

Check-ins with clients are built into every plan. These allow us to monitor progress, fine-tune recommendations, and make those all-important tweaks that can transform how someone feels day to day. Watching a client move from fatigue, discomfort, or frustration to renewed energy and vitality is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

The Bigger Picture

We live in a world that’s changed dramatically in just a few decades. The pace of life, the pressures we face, the shift in our food environment, all of it has an impact on our health. Stress, poor sleep, lack of movement, time indoors, and ultra-processed diets can all throw the body out of balance. Nutritional Therapy is about recognising these imbalances and helping the body find its way back to equilibrium through food, lifestyle, and self-awareness.

Ongoing Learning

When I’m not consulting, my time is dedicated to continuing my learning. In nutrition, the learning never stops as the science is evolving constantly. Earlier this year, I completed specialist training in Nutrigenomics with Lifecode Gx, which allows me to use genetic testing to better understand how a client’s genotype interacts with key nutrients and influences biochemical pathways. It’s an area that’s transforming the way we can personalise nutrition and one that fascinates me deeply.

I’ve also recently enrolled on a course with Dr. Stacy Sims, focusing on applying exercise and nutrition principles to the lifestage of menopause. It’s such an important and underserved area of women’s health, and I’m eager to bring this knowledge into my practice.

There’s also always a webinar on my list whether it’s about interpreting lab reports or exploring new developments in functional testing. Each one adds another layer of skill that helps me serve my clients more effectively.

Food Is My Practice

And of course, food remains central both professionally and personally. I make a point never to eat lunch at my desk. I believe in practicing what I preach, so my meals are made from scratch, using whole, natural ingredients. Real food.

If I have a quiet afternoon, I might experiment in the kitchen with a new recipe. It might surprise people to know that I’m not a natural cook. I’m not particularly confident in the kitchen but I don’t let that stop me. I often think of a beloved Irish relative who used to say, “Sure, if you can read, you can cook!” That little phrase has stuck with me, and I remind myself when I feel out of my comfort zone trialling new dishes.

Cooking isn’t about perfection for me; it’s about connection to the ingredients, the process, and ultimately, to the idea that nourishing ourselves is an act of self-care, not self-control.

The Reward

By the end of the day, I often feel deeply fulfilled (and occasionally, mentally tired!). The work of a Nutritional Therapist requires both empathy and analytical thinking it’s science and soul in equal measure. Every client is a new puzzle to solve, a new story to understand.

What keeps me motivated is seeing the transformation that can happen when someone starts to feel well again when they realise that small, consistent changes can make a profound difference.

That’s what Nutritional Therapy is really about: helping people reclaim their health, balance, and confidence; using food, movement, and lifestyle as powerful tools for healing.