Sarah Dodd, Nutritional Therapist, DipNT (CNM) mNNA
I was going to call this page, ‘There’s more to food than cereal, sandwiches and pasta’ …
as that is what I see frequently on food diaries… but it seemed wordy… However it does reflect the typical state of many of our diets today. Many people are stuck in a rubbish food rut, not enjoying food – and not utilising it as the wellness enhancing joy that it can be.
What we put in our mouths can affect everything from digestion, to mood, weight, blood pressure, hormones, etc… and many of those in turn affect other body systems. Nutritional therapy isn’t a quick fix – although it can have speedy results for some – it’s more a way of improving our health through better access to and absorption of the right nutrients, at the right time. It may surprise you to know that this often requires just simple steps.
Epiphany
A long-standing interest in nutrition and health led me to set aside my marketing career to pursue the study and benefits of nutritional therapy. During this time, I became increasingly aware of how our modern lives including high stress levels, confusing diet messages, poor food labelling, as well as lack of time, impacts our ability to make appropriate food choices and often, we’re actually making ourselves tired and ill.
But there is a better way! I’ve seen for myself how much better we can look and feel if we treat ourselves to a wholefoods diet that suits our own particular nutritional needs and lifestyle. I believe that it’s important to consider what we eat regardless of the health goal – and that there are certain foods that are naturally able to help us achieve these goals. Scientific data on the health benefits of certain foods grows every day; for example, how Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish and flax seeds can reduce the chance of a hip fracture and how by eating more fruit and vegetables you may reduce your risk of a stroke.
Qualifications
After 3 years of study of anatomy, physiology and nutrition, at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in London, I qualified as a Nutritional Therapist in 2010. Seeing a variety of clients inspires me to keep learning, and I regularly attend lectures and tutorials to keep my knowledge up to date, as part of my Continuous Professional Development. I am also a member of the Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA). The NNA is the professional body for Naturopathic Nutritional Therapists, whose function is to assist its members in attaining the highest educational and professional standards for NNT’s.
Nutrition Coaching – unlocking your motivation to eat more healthily and live a healthier lifestyle
I am also a Zest Certified Health Coach. This qualification has enabled me to understand what keeps people stuck in doom loops of not being able to lose weight or feeling unable to address their health concerns. Lasting behaviour change is key if we want to be as healthy as possible. By integrating health coaching techniques with nutrition advice , I will assist my clients to overcome their mindset challenges – and to achieve sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved health and wellbeing.
Ongoing learning
As a Nutritional Therapist, I am committed to continually enriching my knowledge by delving into the latest nutritional insights on various health-related subjects, as documented in journals and research papers. Over the past year or so, I’ve immersed myself in a diverse array of courses that have deepened my understanding of a wide range of topics.
These include exploring the intricate connections between nutrition and neurodiversity; unravelling the mysteries of the brain’s glymphatic system; studying the impact of food on mould-related illnesses, and tailoring dietary recommendations to support the hormonal needs of both men and women, at various life stages. I’ve also dedicated time to understanding the nutritional deficiencies associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs); investigated the intricate ecosystems of the gut, vaginal, and skin microbiomes, and researching nutritional strategies to support individuals living with conditions such as MCAS, Long Covid and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and ADHD. This learning journey is supplemented by a continuous commitment to reading and staying updated on the latest developments in the field of nutrition.
Confidentiality
Anything and everything clients tell me is completely confidential. I don’t judge and I don’t embarrass easily.
In addition to being a nutritional therapist, I am a parent of food allergic children, so I truly understand creating healthy diets with food limitations. I also understand the pressures of working in a stressful, corporate environment which gives me a certain amount of insight. So if you’d like to see how proper nutrition can support your health or weight concerns, or you’d just like a nutrition MOT, please book an appointment to see me at Studio 180 in Letchworth, or for an online Zoom consultation if you prefer.
Individual Sessions and Corporate Nutrition Wellness Training
Sarah delivers 121 sessions, couple sessions, whole family sessions, in person and online. Pls email Sarah to check rates for couples / family nutrition sessions.
Sarah also delivers corporate training sessions on a variety of food and nutrition topics, both in person and on line. Since 2020 she has been a nutrition trainer for the ‘caba’ charity that supports the accountancy community, providing online webinars and interactive courses to educate their stakeholders on a variety of nutrition topics, such as wellness, mood and mental health; menopause nutrition and building stronger bones. Her forthcoming ‘espresso’ course is on the subject of eating healthily on a budget.
Giving back – our local community
Sarah is a proud corporate member of the Stevenage Community Trust. The trust was founded in 1990 and is a local, independent charity that provides funding and support to charitable organisations and people in need. They helped 20,000 individuals in 2022. You can find out more information at stevenagecommunitytrust.org.
In addition, Sarah gives a discount to clients presenting their Herts Carers Passport Discount cards when booking their first nutrition consultation.
Testimonials: what clients say about working with Healthy Herts’ Sarah Dodd
