Growing up in Sydney and enjoying the Australian outdoor lifestyle, I always considered myself to be a heathy person. My health was not something I ever really thought about, although looking back I had many signs and symptoms. However, I just thought they were all ‘normal’.

 

Then, in 2002 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was shocked, scared and angry, questioning why had this had happened to me? For the next 10 years I dutifully followed the advice of my endocrinologists and dieticians, eating carbs with every meal and then struggling to keep my blood sugars under control, however, deep down I knew I wasn’t thriving. I still suffered from chronic acne, tiredness, bloating after meals, tight and sore joints and my energy levels were on the floor. It was only when background retinopathy was detected at a routine eye appointment that I had the wake up call I needed and realised I would have to take full responsibility for my health if I was to feel better.

So, I began to experiment with my diet and discovered the healing power of food…. and slowly as I removed the junk and highly processed foods and included lots of nutrient dense foods, my energy returned and I started to feel better. At my following eye test, all signs of the background retinopathy were gone.

 

It was then that I had my lightbulb moment: I wanted to change my career to become a Nutritional Therapist. My mission now is working with other type 1 diabetics regain their health despite their condition by empowering them with diet and lifestyle changes that enable them to feel vibrant again. 

 

In addition, as a mother of a son with coeliac disease I can also help those with this condition, IBS and other chronic digestive issues.​