Personalised Diets for Optimum Health

It's 2026 and we have more information than ever before about the importance of healthy eating - so why are we more confused than ever? I've been practicing 16 years with a variety of 'passions'/areas of interest over the year - hello squirrel brain! Over the years, though, I've made one major discovery:

YES: There are common themes in our nutritional needs irrespective of our age/gender at birth/activity levels/health goals BUT

NO: There is no one single diet/philosophy/approach that addresses all needs. Everyone needs a personalised approach and no single approach works for everyone all the time. Also, almost every food/dietary strategy has both a benefit and a caution which must be considered.

For example: Low carbohydrate diets - can lead to improved energy, focus, reduced cravings, improved feelings of satiety after meals for some people. However, if you are currently breastfeeding/sleep deprived/perimenopausal or if you have an untreated thyroid condition this dietary approach can be a fasttrack to burnout. You'll feel exhausted, depleted and anxious. Your blood sugar will be all over the place. You'll also potentially become quite constipated unless you're really focusing hard on low carb fibre sources.

And here’s another insight for you: early low carb diet research was largely based on studies in men and women with PCOS, which meant there was relatively little female-specific evidence for the average woman.

Here’s another example: Intermittent fasting is often practised as skipping breakfast and eating later in the day, but much of the research behind its benefits was based on people eating earlier in the day, with breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner followed by a long overnight fast. Importantly - the eating window started and stopped in alignment with when they were most active. So the evidence does not always reflect the way IF is commonly done now.

Why does this matter? Because if you try a world reknowned 'magic bullet' solution and it doesn't work for you, you may feel a sense of failure/hopelessness which can lead to giving up/prevent you from seeking additional support.

In my work I've refused to incorporate one single approach to any of my treatment strategies. This makes my job more difficult and at times tiring than it needs to be. It'd be so much easier to rely heavily on a single strategy - like taking a vacation - however my approach has always been customised care.

What are Customised Nutrition Programs/Personalised Diets?

Customised nutrition programs are tailored dietary/eating plans designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. With over a decade of experience in clinical practice, I’ve witnessed how crucial it is to consider all factors - not just age, gender, activity level, health conditions/goals, but also finances, cooking abiity, personal preferences and responsibilities. For me it's about ensuring that my patients understand how different foods affect how they think, move and feel - so together we can create a plan that genuinely supports progress and wellbeing. Most importantly - it has to be sustainable longterm.

As a base example for instance, someone with lactose intolerance may benefit low lactose plan that is mindful to ensure they receive essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. An athlete may require a higher protein intake to fuel their training, whereas someone managing diabetes might need to focus on controlled carbohydrate intake which still offers essential fibre to fuel a healthy gut and key nutrients which actively regulate and prevent cravings.

Though I've focused my attention on many areas of nutritional practice over the years, the consistent theme is personalisation.

So how does this fit in a world of AI and automation?

It’s true that technology is transforming how we approach health, with apps that track calories, platforms that generate meal plans, and AI tools that claim to offer “personalised” advice at the click of a button. Personally I got quite excited about this.

In my clinic, I view technology as a support tool, not a substitute - I'll ask them to help me convert things into more simple language so my patients can better understand what I mean or to shorten something when I'm struggling with an exhaustive wordcount. There are also tools which can help us gather information, track habits, or analyse trends, but the real impact comes from the interpretation and application of that information in a way that fits you, your body, your lifestyle, your health priorities. Though I do love the idea of my role being more coaching/counselling and less of the analytical/meal planning in the future when technology takes over, we're just not there yet.

In my book, Ultimate Bloat Buster: Your 7-Day Guide to Good Gut Health, I share practical tips and strategies that can help develop personalised nutrition plans for gut health, laying the groundwork for anyone looking to address common digestive complaints while taking the guesswork out of food choices. I made the mistake of using an AI tool to edit my book when I first released - at the time I thought it sounded good. Last year I reread it and thought it was awful and robotic. I have since republished my original 'rough draft' which is honestly so much better and so much more relatable. I definitely learned my lesson!

If you currently in need of personalised support:

My Fresh Start Program offers the most comprehensive, tailored solution. It’s a dynamic, collaborative process where we begin with a deep dive into your health status, test results, goals, limiting beliefs and any other challenges currently holding you back. Over the weeks that follow we check in regularly - working together to fine-tune your diet, lifestyle and supplement approach, your plan evolves as your body responds, your needs change and your goals progress.

Whether you’re seeking practical advice from my book or ready to dive into the fully supported journey that Fresh Start offers, the key is this: you deserve a plan that’s as unique as you are - because that’s where real, lasting change happens.

Want more from me? Book your Fresh Start Program here

Buy my book here