5 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier as a Dietitian

If I could sit down with my younger self and give her some honest advice about health and nutrition... whew, I’d have a lot to say.

Looking back, there were plenty of detours, dead ends, and diet fads I fell for, but they taught me lessons I now use to support others. So today, I’m sharing the 5 things I wish I knew earlier in my health journey, in hopes they might save you some stress too.

1. Stop Wasting Your Money on “Superfoods”

Life is expensive enough. You don’t need greens powders or spirulina tablets to be healthy.

Nature’s superfoods are already in your fridge and pantry in things like fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and even sunlight. They’re just as powerful, way more accessible, and budget-friendly.

2. Nutrition Habits Are Influenced by More Than Just Food

Your food choices are shaped by so much more than just what’s on your plate, like your budget, training goals, cultural background, relationship with food, and even how busy your day is. Nutrition isn’t just about hitting macros or eating “clean.” It’s about what works for you in the context of your real life.

3. Cutting Out “Bad” Foods Often Backfires

I used to think being healthy meant swearing off chocolate, bread, or takeaway completely. But that never lasted long. The more you restrict, the more likely you are to overeat or obsess. Learning how to enjoy your favourite foods without guilt is one of the most empowering things you can do for your relationship with food.

4. Your Training and Nutrition Needs Change Across Your Cycle

I used to eat and train the same way all month, ignoring changes in my energy, hunger, and mood. That just led to burnout and resentment toward exercise. Once I learned how to adjust my nutrition based on different phases of my cycle, everything changed. I had more energy, better performance, fewer cravings, and way less burnout. Your hormones shift, so your habits should too.

5. How You Fuel Around Training Affects Your Whole Day

What you eat before and after exercise doesn’t just impact performance, it affects your energy, mood, appetite, and cravings for the rest of the day. Under-fuelling early on can leave you feeling drained, snacky, or ravenous later. Prioritising balanced meals around training can make a massive difference in how you feel (and how your body responds).

Final Thoughts

If any of these lessons hit home for you, just know, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I now help others navigate this journey with less stress and more confidence.

If you’re ready to take a more balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition, I’d love to help. Get in touch and let’s figure out what works best for you.