Great Health Naturally - Encouraging Healthy & Mindful Living
A functional medicine nutritionist from the UK living in Cape Town, South Africa. I help people rega It's great to have you here.
I founded Great Health Naturally in 2010 after getting qualified in the UK as a nutritional therapist and after successfully using nutrition and lifestyle science to manage my own chronic health issues (endometriosis being just one). Since then, I have been helping others improve their health through learning the art of health investment. You are NOT crazy if standard protocols do not work for you. YOU are an individual who needs to be heard and have your case unravelled and only THEN can an effective health and wellness plan be created. Clients are not protocols, so there is no one size fits all plans at Great Health Naturally. Great Health Naturally offers the following services for nutritional therapy clients:
*Functional Medicine Nutrition 1:1 Consultations
*Affordable + Personal Meal Plans
*Supreme Wellness Fertility Genetic Testing
All new clients curious about my services are eligible to book in for a free 15-minute discovery call. To do so please visit the bookings page on my website or email me at amy@greathealthnaturally.co.uk. Some of my areas of expertise include:
*Working with clients and their doctors to deprescribe medication
*Helping people to lower their risk of developing a serious condition
*Helping people to better manage a diagnosed condition
*Preconception (for both the female and male trying to start a family)
*Blood sugar management (it is involved in every health issue)
*Women's issues
Do you run a health and wellness business? Great Health Naturally also offers the following services specifically for this industry:
*Content Creation (health writing for blogs, product copy, ebooks, social media etc.)
*Social Media Mangement
*The Amy-Zing 3-in-1 Nut Milk Bag (retail + wholesale)
*Food Photography
05/10/2023
Too many women have endometriosis. Too many are also walking around with undiagnosed endometriosis as it can take years to diagnose, leading many women to be given the wrong diagnosis or told it’s all in their head 😣
Think your period pain is abnormal? It probably is. Get checked out if you suffer month after month with a period pain of 4+/10 and upwards (10 being the most terrible pain) as it could be endometriosis.
28/09/2023
Got bread? 🍞
I struggle to buy healthy bread in South Africa, especially from supermarket chains. This bread pictured is from and whilst it’s not for me (it’s for my boyfriend) it was the healthiest I could find. There are healthier breads out there in SA and these usually exist in small independent shops. But today convenience won.
The struggle to buy healthy bread in SA supermarkets is this; most breads here are made with mostly white flour. Even if they advertise “wholewheat flour” - just take a closer look at the ingredients list and you will see that typically supermarket bread contains mostly white flour and maybe some wholewheat flour too. This is misleading to the consumer.
My problem, aside from the misleading consumers with clever marketing tactics, is that white flour is processed food. This means that it contains very little nutrients. Often nutrients have to be added back in to be able to legally be sold as the processing caused such great nutrient loss and these are often synthetic = hard for your body to absorb and use as they are different to the original and natural state a vitamin is presented in.
Back to the point. Processed foods have very little goodness in them because it’s been processed out of them. Diets high in processed foods have been linked to an array of health problems including heart disease, cancer and premature aging.
So the remedy is learn to read the ingredients label - hint - it’s on the back not the front. And then start to look at the size of the ingredients in the food item. Typically food items are meant to be listed in size order.
But just look at the second photo in this post - the Ingredients are not set out correctly. The photo suggests the first list with the percentages is the breakdown for the ratio of each ingredient. However, look again; below it is the FULL LIST of ALL ingredients. Clever - make people think it’s super healthy by them only reading the first list.
I would partially like to know just how much brown sugar is in this bread as you also do not state this. Surely that’s illegal?
25/09/2023
My Heritage Day vibes 🥦 🥔 ✨- part two of setting up the containers in my garden to grow organic vegetables with my friend Tinash from .
Because what else do you do when it’s raining outside?! Nothing will stop us! 💪
20/09/2023
As I approach 37 (which is almost 40 right?!), I’ve been giving some time to think about the relationship I’ve had with food and my body over the years.
I’ve come a long way in that time and made massive strides with my health. Especially since I decided to become an active participant in leading my health journey and outcomes. I basically became my own doctor and decided to only let others in to collaborate if we could all work well together and respected each other’s opinions. Including mine; that I use bio identical hormones, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle practices and vitamin and mineral supplements as the first line of defence/treatment.
I’ve been in remission for almost 6 years (in December) from endometriosis- a chronic condition that 1 in 10 women have that can cause heavy periods and debilitating pain.
Due to the endometriosis I have, my immune system is a bit wonky as a result and this is the part I still can struggle with from time to time; feeling a bit unwell post-period (like under the weather unwell) and lower energy than I’d like if I don’t take care and rest often.
But me and my body have come a long way and have done the best we can. I used to despise my body for developing such a s**t condition (endometriosis) and questioned why me? Why am I one of the 1-in-10?
Learning to thrive and finding my own blueprint helped a lot. This helped me to learn that my body did this as a result of circumstances beyond it and mines control. I was preprogrammed if you like to develop it based on various factors.
I don’t let my health issues define me anymore (and there are others I deal with too) and I have learnt radical acceptance. Especially when just wanting to be “like everyone one else” and not held back in life due to “health issues”.
Refusing to let my health issues define me - this mentality helped me to be open to thriving with endometriosis. And to learn to love my body. A healthy relationship with food also helped get me to where I am.
17/09/2023
🩸Normal period pain = is mild pain, with maybe mild cramping in your back or lower pelvic area. This type of period pain will not cause major discomfort or major disruption to your day. This type of normal period pain will only occur during the flow of your period.
🩸Abnormal period pain (which could be a sign you have 🚩 endometriosis) = is severe period pain that can present a stabbing sensation in your pelvic area, but can also be felt as a burning sensation or throbbing. This type of period pain can also lead to vomiting and will cause disruption to your life (i.e. you may have to miss school or work) and this abnormal pain can also appear outside the menstrual cycle and during the flow of your period.
If you find yourself asking “is this period pain normal?” - it probably isn’t! Reach out. Get help. Don’t suffer alone. The pain you experience may be endometriosis.
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17/09/2023
Finalising some recipes I’m working on for a new client from the best office - Summer dog is in another room as she’s too busy and distracting 😬🐾😅
16/09/2023
Eating our dinner for breakfast.
Chicken meatballs. Rice. Cucumber. Apples. ✌🏻
16/09/2023
🐾
14/09/2023
I struggled to exercise for a long time after having my son. Several years later through research and studying with the .f.m.m.p I figured out why; autoimmune conditions or those similar in nature such as conditions that stem from immune dysfunction (endometriosis) really take a toll on the body. With all this immune system activation happening daily - it’s pretty stressful on the body.
Add exercise into the mix and it’s more stress on the body.
Learning this helped me understand why I couldn’t exercise “like everyone else”.
Learning this helped me to be kinder to myself and then by default, to be kind in how I approached exercise.
For me, I figured out I could do more of certain types of exercise at different times of my cycle (which is standard for most women), but also I had to start off slow and honour my body; even if that means I can only manage ten minutes of a thirty minute online workout class.
I advocate for personalised nutrition and also after learning this and using it to get to a place where I can exercise regularly myself, advocate for personalised exercise sessions that take into account the whole person - including how the immune system is functioning in each individual.
10/09/2023
👀 The face of endometriosis remission - I’ve been in remission from endometriosis for 6 years this coming December. 👏 I have no idea how long that will remain but I hope to keep it that way for as long as possible having had three surgeries for this disease already that come with risks and scar tissue formation- I don’t want anymore in my life if I can help it!
I literally live pain free all month long and have very normal periods that I hardly feel.
What made the difference? Becoming present, informed and active in my own health journey and calling the shots with regards to what I take and what I’ll do to manage this chronic condition that there is no cure for.
I have decided to write my story also in a book as I’ve been asked several times over the years and I think now is the time and I hope through doing this, I can help other women thrive like I do despite living with endometriosis. Despite all the suffering that can come with this condition - you can still learn to thrive despite this! Endometriosis isn’t your life and we can’t allow it to take away from our quality of life a moment longer.
🩸 Endometriosis - a condition that 1 in 10 women have.
🩸 Endometriosis- a condition that can cause chronic period paid which isn’t normal.
🩸 Endometriosis - a condition that so many women have and despite this there are not enough treatment options - the pill, Visanne and/or surgery isn’t good enough in this day and age! 🖕
Please DM me or comment below if you want to be notified when my book is released. This will be my story of my experience with endometriosis from diagnosis at age 19 until today. Told my way. Including the good, the bad and the ugly - perhaps the ugliest of all is the medical gas lighting I experienced and I know others have and the medical trauma that I have experienced as a result.
Women - we have to start being our own doctors and doing this can make a massive difference in how you feel whilst still living with a chronic condition. 🤍
29/08/2023
Take time to chill. ✌🏻
This is the part of my menstrual cycle I find myself in after starting my bio identical progesterone last night which I take regularly, and every single time it’s time to take it I instantly sleep better (deeper) and feel calmer the next day. This last right until I stop taking it which is the day my period comes around.
Bio identical hormones are far safer than synthetic and bio identical progesterone has been a massive part of why I am now 6 years in remission from endometriosis (one of the top 20 most painful conditions that 1 in 10 women have).
PS thanks at the for this refreshing morning moonshine drink that’s full of goodness!
06/08/2023
Summer. She’s just too cute. She’s also slotted straight into our lives. Like she was meant to be.🐾
19/07/2023
When I was studying for my degree, I learnt about a cool guy (researcher) who focused on how to create positive long-term behaviour change = specifically creating new healthy habits.
After working in healthcare as a nutritional therapist for 13 years, I can honestly say forming new healthy habits is what people struggle the most with - not the comprehension of what is healthy to eat and what is not. Hence why I’m now focusing on how to help people take this next step and build long term new healthy habits.
This cool guys name is BJ Fogg. is his Instagram handle.
Something he shared really stood out in my behaviour change module; one of the three “ingredients” if you like to creating healthy habits is to “trigger” yourself into doing it.
A trigger is a visual reminder in this instance. Look at photo two on this post; I have my exercise mats and other exercise equipment right in my vision every single time I go to my closet. Which is often!
I’m constantly reminded about needing to engage in exercise and this then helps me to either do it when I have a gap immediately or it helps remind me to fit it in my day with this equipment or in another way.
The same goes for building healthy eating habits. For instance, keeping snacks that are healthy on the counters tops and in your line of vision helps to trigger you into eating them. Keeping “junk food” out of sight in your house and high up will further help you want to eat healthy food - because another tip BJ Fogg shared from his research is this is because people always choose easier = therefore if the unhealthy snacks are harder to reach, then you increase the chances of eating the healthier food that is within reach. Because it is not all about motivation as we’ve been told!
PS the first photo is me attempting to exercise last night using my favourite online exercise platform Glo. Minzi didn’t didn’t make it easy, and I kept thinking do I really want to do this as it’s cold and late?! But I did a 15 minute class and reminded myself of how good I feel after.
25/06/2023
It’s been a while! Finally my divorce and degree have both wrapped up so now I’d like to make make the most of my voice sharing useful stuff if anyone is still interested in hearing what I have to say 😜🙃
Whilst I am no longer offering consultations to clients, going forward I’ll mostly be discussing habits and how to form them (they are the overlooked key to success when trying to eat healthy regularly and it not being a fight), and endometriosis and periods… so yes. Two camps but something for men and women this time around. ✌🏻
15/06/2023
Everyone is suffering with me it seems as I try to get my degree…🥹
My plants need watering…
My dog needs her regular daily walks back…
My son wants more play time with me…
But at least I can now make a pie chart 📊 and hopefully, so long as I pass, I’ll have a BSc in Nutritional Therapy 🙃 with and 🥑
The Obesity Fix is packed full of tips to help you lose fat, build muscle and stop food cravings.
It includes
✅ 21 Keys to Weight Loss
✅ 85 Meal plans - breakfast, lunch, dinner, 3 meals per day, 2 meals per day, low and higher carb options
✅ 13 ways to combat sugar cravings
✅ What foods to EAT and foods to AVOID
✅ How much protein, fat and carbs you should be eating to burn fat and build muscle
✅ Guide for workouts
✅ What fats and oils to cook with and which to avoid
✅ And a lot more!
You can get your copy of The Obesity Fix on Amazon.
I can’t wait to see your weight loss results!
09/09/2022
Today is a hard day, so I'll let myself make some comfort food. Going through a divorce with a child involved is not easy at all...
Women have such an intricate relationship with food which often isn't acknowledged when working with nutritional therapists, dieticians or other healthcare workers such as doctors. I knowingly indulged in some cookies today that I baked but that were premade with sugar in... I won't feel guilty at all about this.
However, I also won't live here in "comfort food" land. This is where leaning into using food to soothe becomes a problem. The former is not a problem if done occasionally and from an aware space.
What is your relationship with food like as a women? No one has it right or wrong and feel free to share honestly as there will be no shaming. 🧡 Love and light to everyone out there also dealing with "big adult stuff" that they wish they could run away from.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Great Health Naturally - Encouraging Healthy & Mindful Living:
Thank you for stopping by. My name is Amy, and I am a nutritionist and lifestyle guide who has a passion for encouraging healthy and mindful living. I help clients to regain their hope and health by applying actionable (but oh so often ignored) lifestyle and dietary changes.
You are not crazy if standard protocols do not work for you. With my ability to drive and assess, we can solve your health issues with teamwork. I am on your side.
I was trained at The College of Natural Nutrition, UK and became qualified in 2011. Although I live in Cape Town, South Africa I do consultations online from anywhere in the world.
I have had three major health fall aparts myself in my life, and have learnt so much as a result about how to better help my clients in the clinical setting using food, functional lab testing and intuitive eating.
When I am not consulting, I have several clients in the health industry who I provide content for (e-books, articles, social media management) which allows me to continue my love of researching. Most of my own articles contain suggestions based on solid science mixed with clinical evidence – as peoples health stories matter and can have deep value outside of the lab and a written theory in a journal.
The clients I work with come from all backgrounds and ages, and usually come to me when they have exhausted all avenues.
I have a real passion for:
working with children and families to encourage healthy relationships with food
working with women to uncover and resolve their hormonal issues and
working with women to uncover and resolve their strained relationship with food
helping everyone achieve a healthy weight without counting calories and instead using intuitive eating and nutrition education
Great Health Naturally Services Menu:
Nutrition + Lifestyles Consultation – Specialist areas include; digestive health, women’s health, weight loss, preconception plans for those struggling to get pregnant naturally or those simply wishing to give their baby the healthiest start in life, skin health and allergies/intolerances. Fee: First Consultation 1 hour: R620 (£35) / Follow up: 30 minutes: R340 (£20)
Meal Plans – (*these are not included in the above consultations). Fee: R480 (£30)
The Amy-Zing 3-in-1 Nut Milk Bag (manufacturer + wholesale) – Made from locally sourced cotton, this is the solution to easy, homemade dairy-free milk. These are manufactured locally in South Africa by a lady from the Cape Flats, who needs a sustainable income. These can be purchased directly from me at retail (if you are a member of the public) and wholesale (if you have a store). Fee: R99 (£7) (RRP).
Bespoke Creative Content Specialist – I can create a number of bespoke expert creative content for everyone who works in the natural health and wellness industry. Some of my services include; content writing, e-book creation, social media management, graphic design & video creation. For more information please visit my services page or contact me directly. POA
Food Photography & Food Styling – As part of my content creation services, I can also help with food styling for whatever purposes you or your business has in mind and ensure some great photos are captured of the end result. POA
Product Reviews – I can offer you an affordable product review that will be expertly reviewed and will show all the USP’s to encourage more sales. POA
Food Workshops – Great fun with friends or as a corporate team building session whilst learning the basics of healthy eating and enjoying some delicious recipes. POA
