Diabetes and Women’s Health Dietitian
New blog
Hi, I am Elsie
I am a UK registered diabetes and women’s health dietitian. I help women with diabetes through peri-menopause and menopause to lower insulin resistance, achieve lower blood sugars and to stop peri-menopause weight gain.
One moment I was this enthusiastic, energetic person who knew what I wanted and the next moment I was lying on the floor not sure whether I am having a heart attack or panic attack (I never had panic attacks before peri-menopause and suddenly I was having 3-4 a day). I went from training for marathons and long distance cycling to someone who was too scared to go for a walk on her own. I was gaining weight despite eating and exercising the same, I had constant heart palpitations, my cholesterol levels went through the roof, I felt constantly bloated, I had the most horrendous heartburn and for the first time in my life I was suffering from hay fever. In short, I was a mess, anxiety ridden and not recognising myself or my body anymore.
I found myself wondering:
What do I need to do to lose the weight I have gained? I am already exercising and eating well.
Should I start taking supplements?
Which are the best menopause supplements to take?
Am I getting enough protein?
What is the best exercise to do for peri-menopause and menopause?
Should I/When should I start taking HRT?
What are the risks of HRT?
How can I get over this anxiety?
Are my symptoms menopause related or do I have something else wrong with me? ( I visited my GP more in one year than the previous 20 years and A&E 3 times in 6 months)
Now you may think: “You are a dietitian, surely you should know about supplements and protein for women during menopause?” and yes, you are partly right but women’s health was not covered when I studied dietetics and over the years I supported women to manage their diabetes, gut symptoms, weight but peri-menopause and menopause was hardly ever mentioned or talked about. It was not until I started to experience symptoms myself (which coincided with when women started to make more noise in the media about menopause and HRT treatment) that I upskilled myself. Not just to help myself but also the women coming through my door.
I feel that I am now better equipped than ever to support my clients, not just to manage their diabetes but also with guidance on how to manage the effect menopause have on their diabetes.
For myself, with the support of the people around me, I got through what I hope is the worst of peri-menopause. Although I am still not the person I use to be (anyone else benefitting from a 20 minute nanny nap in the afternoon?), I have learned how to overcome or at least manage most of my symptoms.
So you have entered, this life disrupting, peri-menopausal phase and you are experiencing more erratic blood sugars and wonders “how does menopause affect blood sugars?” Or you may suddenly feel more bloated and wants to know “how should I manage my diabetes if the food that is suppose to be good for me makes me feel unwell” You may feel that you are losing control over your body and you do not recognise yourself or your body anymore.
I know! This is exactly what happened to me.
First, a few official things to mention;
I have 20+ years experience working as a dietitian in the NHS and in private practise, 15 of those years I have worked as a specialised diabetes dietitian in the NHS.
I have extensive post qualification training in several areas of nutrition and dietetics.
I am registered with the HCPC and I am a member of the British Dietetic Association.
I have a masters degree in clinical research from the University of East Anglia.
I have a post-graduate certificate in sport and exercise nutrition from Coventry University.
I have been a practising DESMOND and DAFNE educator for the last 15 years.
I am a guest lecturer at the University of East Anglia
I am a committee member for the British Dietetic Association’s, Diabetes, Sport and Exercise Sub Group.
Before I worked in diabetes, I worked in gastroenterology and gained experience working with people with IBS and Coeliac Disease. I am a Kings College London, FODMAP trained dietitian.
But most importantly I am a woman…who experiences weight gain, IBS (don’t do garlic well…), hay fever, aches, pains etc… AND peri-menopause has hit me like a wall of bricks and I have not been the person I use to be since…
So you may wonder how I can support you:
.Expert diabetes support:
Using my 20+ years experience working as a diabetes dietitian and diabetes educator, I will provide you with a better understanding as to why you experience blood sugar fluctuations during peri-menopause and menopause and how to manage it with diet, medication and lifestyle. I will help you to develop a personalised nutrition plan to help you manage your diabetes.
Menopause support:
I will advise you on the best foods to help you manage your peri-menopause and menopause symptoms without it affecting your blood sugars. I can supply you with insights into what the best diet for perimenopause and menopause weight gain is as well as how to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure using plant-based powered nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Gut health and IBS support:
You may have wondered why menopause make IBS worse. During peri-menopause and menopause your gut microbiome change resulting in a change in gut symptoms and your tolerance to certain food. As a King’s College FODMAP trained dietitian, I use science based strategies to help you manage your IBS, bloating and stomach discomfort without sacrificing plant foods and fibre which in turn can affect your blood sugars. I will support you to improve your gut health.
Active lifestyle and sports nutrition:
I can support you manage your exercise and blood sugar and give you support on how to fuel workouts in order to help you achieve your fitness and sporting aspirations.
Lower insulin resistance and inflammation:
What you eat can increase your insulin resistance. I can teach you how to lower insulin resistance naturally with diet.
Wholefood, plant-based nutrition:
Are you interested in adopting a more plant-based diet? Maybe you want to follow a Mediterranean style eating pattern or even want to switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle but does not know where to start or how it will affect your blood sugars? Well I am here to help.
Anything else?
Combining my clinical knowledge and experience of what worked for my clients (and myself) I created my MNL (Mind, Nutrition, Lifestyle) programme.
The programme aims to provide you with the tools you need to help you to manage your diabetes alongside with what peri-menopause and menopause might throw at you, whether it is insulin resistance, erratic blood sugars, weight gain or bloating.
My MNL programme is unique as it consider all areas of health and not just one (which is so often the case on social media, for example extreme dietary restriction just for the sake of lower blood sugars but ignore other areas of health). I want to make sure you nourish all areas of your body, your mind, your bones, your gut…I want your diet and lifestyle to support all of your.
My aim is to empower you, with nutrition and lifestyle strategies to help you manage your diabetes and what ever menopause is throwing at you.
Do you want to know what my
MNL method is all about?
Download my FREE
“Checklist for lower blood sugars”
to try it yourself!
Other reasons you may want to work with me:
Whole body focus.
I do not just focus on food. In my MNL programme I also look at how you manage stress, your sleeping patterns and type of exercise you do.
No starving, no carb fearing and no use of words such as “good food and bad food”.
One of my pet peeves are when people call food “good” or “bad”. We will use no such language. You will enjoy plenty of satisfying whole-foods whilst still enjoying your favourite foods.
Cutting through all the nutrition noise.
I know how confusing nutrition can be especially when it comes to you from all areas. My aim is to cut through the “nutrition noise” and give you clear practical guidance to support you on your journey to achieving your health goals.
Meal plans.
I can support you to develop nutritious meal plans that suit the family, work and social life.
Expert advise and support.
I provide compassionate clinical care, structured reviews and support you making sustainable change.
Are you still wondering whether it is worth it seeing a dietitian for diabetes and menopause?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Why?
“Dietitians are the only qualified and regulated health professionals with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutritional problems for both individuals and the wider public” - BDA
How?
A dietitian can give you evidence based advice which are tailored to you and support you to develop a personalised meal plan that works for you.
With what?
Due to my multifaceted experience and skills I can support you with questions like these;
How can I mange unpredictable blood sugar levels during peri-menopause without following a restrictive diet?
Where can I find an online dietitian who understands both menopause and Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?
What should I eat to help with menopause weight gain and improve insulin resistance
How can I reduce IBS bloating whilst keeping enough fibre in my diet?
Which diet is best for an active woman with diabetes who needs help fuelling workouts and avoiding low blood sugars?
What can I eat lose weight, manage blood sugars, improve gut health, manage allergies and improve my sporting performance?
Find out how I can support you by booking a discovery call with me.
Ready to feel more in control of your body?
You do not need to do this alone. Let’s take the first step together towards a more vibrant, satisfying life.
That’s it!
That is me.
I am all about:
Evidence based nutrition and lifestyle practises that supports the whole body.
Supportive care to make you feel empowered about your health.
Clear guidance cutting through all the “nutrition noise”
Nutritious and delicious meals (which does not mean you can’t have your favourite foods)
Fun facts
To get to know me…
Favourite activity?
Going for long walks with my dog Rosie, although, she is a bit opiniated and you may hear us before you see us
Favourite movie?
O’ Brother, where art thou? which also has my favourite actor in it.
Just saying.
Favourite season?
Summer. Definitely summer!
Favourite food?
You probably think this is a boring if not predictable answer but fruit! Honesty, I love most fruit (and nut)s.
Favourite drink?
Oo! This is a hard one, Can’t decide between coffee or matcha
Favourite way to relax?
Reading
One thing not many people know about me?
I am a qualified aerobics instructor.
One annoying thing about myself?
I have this irritating habit of repeating myself unnecessarily. In my defence it is a family trait.
Inside or out?
Out, especially if it involves long woodland walks.
Ready to work with me?
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1:1 appointments
The ideal choice if you want a personalised plan that is tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
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Online Courses
Explore how to achieve your health aims through a variety of online courses.
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Employers
I provide training to other healthcare professionals as well as supporting your workforce with their own health. Contact me to find out how I can support you.