16/07/2025
Meet John, he is our new nutritionist at Courtyard Clinic!
Qualifications:
MSc (1st) Nutrition & Food Science, AfN Registered Nutritionist and Certified Nutrigenomics Practitioner
Specialist Fields: Genetic nutrition, Type 2 diabetes, Microbiome Health
Food is the single most malleable factor we can use to influence both the quality and quantity of our lives. I am fascinated by harnessing the power on our plates to heal and protect, to influence how we feel and to fundamentally shape the future of our health.
In a previous life I managed an NHS dental practice where the link between poor diet and health first became apparent. Amazed by just how many medications patients of all ages were merrily consuming just to counter the symptoms of chronic disease, made me question why and ask what could be done about it.
Curiosity, combined with a passion for food, flavour and fitness inspired me to study nutrition where I was fortunate enough to learn from world leading experts about the microbiome, healthy ageing and genetic nutrition. I have since completed a nutrigenomics course which allows me deeper insights into personalised nutrition by tailoring dietary advice to the language of our own unique genetic code.
I am also a certified health coach with Momenta Newcastle and work as part of their type 2 diabetes team using behaviour change techniques as part of a structured NHS program to modify lifestyle and diet that successfully allows patients to reverse their condition.
My approach is scientific, evidence-based yet simple. I encourage a diverse, plant-rich diet to feed the microbiome and an abundance of nutrient dense food to fuel metabolism. Once working in harmony these systems restore the balance upon which we all can thrive.
I promote positive nutrition that does not involve dieting, restrictive eating or rigid meal plans. Instead, I focus on making the healthy option, the simplest and most delicious option and consider nutrition holistically in the context of lifestyle, movement, stress and sleep. Exploring an individual’s variations in genetics, preference, experience and circumstance, enables me to offer more effective advice which is both targeted and personalised.
Being a nutritionist quenches my thirst for learning and allows me to follow the ever-evolving landscape of nutrition research whilst constantly discovering more about individual stories and human nature. I love meeting people, enjoy listening and feel incredibly privileged to accompany them on their health journey where small nudges can, over time, yield amazing results.
When I’m not talking about nutrition, learning about nutrition, or eating nutritious food, I am often found cycling. A lot. I often compete in ultra-distance cycling events which is my mindfulness, my fitness and the space in which I find time to think. Often about nutrition!
