Why Nutritional Therapy?

Nutritional Therapy offers a personalised approach to health that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health concerns. Evidence-based nutrition practice emphasises the powerful role of nutrition and lifestyle changes in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving vitality, and supporting long-term health.

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About Ali

Registered Nutritional Therapist

I'm a Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with over 15 years experience as a nutrition scientist. I've moved from the lab to clinic to be able to support my clients to feel their best, form good habits, and love food!

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Hydration hacks I use to keep myself hydrated, so important, especially with this amazingly warm spring! Find something that works for you! #hydration #lifehacks #nutritionisttips #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionist #lemonslice #habithacks #nutritionhacks

🔆Quick and Easy Red Lentil Hummus Recipe🔆

Store bought hummus nearly always comes in plastic tubs and often uses cheap oils. making your own from dried chickpeas can be time consuming and hard to get the texture right. This red lentil hummus recipe is so quick and a basic stick blender is all you need to get a super creamy consistency.

Cook 200g of red lentils for 12 minutes in a pan of boiling water. Drain and add to a mixing bowl. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 2 Tbsp of tahini, 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 clove crushed garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper to taste. Mix with a stick blender or transfer everything to a blender or food processor. Serve dusted with cayenne, sumac and sesame seeds. Makes enough for a 500mL jar. #lentils #hummus #redlentils #nutritionaltherapist

I love a quick mid-week bowl meal. Aim for 1/4 bowl to be protein (here I’ve used tofu, just pan fried with a little cumin. sometimes I add edamame beans or a fried egg for an extra protein boost) 1/4 of the bowl choose a whole grain ( I change between quinoa, millet, brown rice, buckwheat)
1/2 bowl veggies - I tend to just raid my fridge and use what I’ve got. Stir fry with olive oil and salt and pepper.

And the finally, the amazing golden sauce!! I didn’t measure and just did to taste: approx 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp curry powder, little bit of honey, little bit of apple cider vinegar, warm water to get the right consistency and just whisked it up. #nutritionaltherapy #goldentahinisauce #bowlfood #quickmeals

My favourite brunch is buckwheat waffles 🤩
Buckwheat is a great alternative flour: it’s gluten-free, and a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates.
My Tips:
⭐️Swap your usual flour for buckwheat flour next time you make waffles or pancakes
⭐️Add some cinnamon to the batter and serve with berries, both to support blood sugar control.
⭐️Look for recipes that are low in sugar.
⭐️Serve with greek yoghurt (probiotics!) and berries (polyphenols!) and then you’ll find you can just use a tiny drizzle of maple syrup (always get the pure real one)
⭐️Enjoy a slow morning making and enjoying your waffles. #nutritionist #nutritionaltherapy #buckwheatwaffles #buckwheat #healthybrunch #mindfuleating

Did you know properly preparing beans can make them easier to digest and more nutritious? Here’s the science:

Beans contain lectins and oligosaccharides, natural compounds that can interfere with digestion and cause bloating. Soaking beans for 8-12 hours helps reduce these compounds, while thorough rinsing removes residual starches. Cooking them well (preferably boiling) neutralises any remaining lectins, making nutrients more bioavailable and the beans gentler on your gut.

If you forgot to soak or are short on time, cooking in a pressure cooker such as an instant pot also works.

#nutritiontips #nutritionaltherapy #registerednutritionist

The standard approach to immunity often involves quick fixes like cold remedies, decongestants, or Lemsips to manage the symptoms. While these might offer temporary relief, they can suppress natural immune responses.

Here’s the problem: suppressing symptoms may cause us to miss our body’s natural cues to slow down and rest. When our immune system detects a virus or infection, it signals “sickness behaviours” to the brain—like fatigue, body aches, or reduced appetite—to help us conserve energy and heal. Ignoring these signals by masking symptoms might mean prolonging illness or delaying recovery.

Functional medicine teaches us to listen to our bodies and work with our natural immunity, rather than against it. If your body is telling you to slow down, it’s because energy is needed to fight off illness. Rest is a vital part of this process.
Here are some simple tips for supporting your immune system when a cold hits:
Rest at the first sign of illness: Feeling tired or achy is your body’s way of asking for downtime. Honour this message.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids supports every aspect of immune function. Herbal teas, hot water with lemon, and electrolyte solutions can help replenish lost fluids.
Nourish your body with simple foods: Choose broths, soups, or easy-to-digest meals. Digestion requires energy, and when your body is sick, energy is better directed toward fighting off the infection. (Think of it as budgeting your body’s “energy currency.”)
Avoid sugar: While sugary foods might seem appealing for a quick energy boost, they can negatively impact gut health and suppress immune function.

Remember: Immunity is a year-round commitment. When we consistently nourish our bodies with a nutrient-rich diet, stay hydrated, and prioritise rest, we help build immune resilience which gives us the strength and balance to respond effectively when we encounter viruses or other pathogens.

#immunehealth #functionalmedicine #functionalmedicineapproach #functionalnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nutritionaltherapyuk

Here's another one of my winter favourites. This colourful stew is so comforting on a cold day. It's based on a stroganoff but completely plant-based and ticks of 11 different plants, for anyone working on their 30 plants per week! Even if you aren't plant-based, give this recipe a try for a meat free and quick evening meal.

The full recipe is available on my website blog, link in bio

#batchcook #vegan #veganrecipes #nutritionaltherapy #vegansofleeds #yorkshirevegans #plantbased #midweekmeals

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed at the start of a new year? As a nutritional therapist, I can’t help but notice the wave of “New Year, New You” energy that rolls in every January. Resolutions, endless health tips, and social media flooded with highlight reels from the past year—it’s a lot, isn’t it? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I want you to know you’re not alone. This time of year can bring a pressure to change, improve, and do more, but sometimes what we truly need is less—less time online and more time being present.

We’ve all heard that resolutions often fail, so why do we continue to get swept up in them? Maybe it’s because they promise a quick fix or the illusion of control. But here's the thing: you are already enough. You don’t have to radically change who you are to live a healthier, happier life.

This year, I decided to set aside the big, lofty goals and chose a single word to guide me instead: Joy

Joy doesn’t require a drastic overhaul of your life. It’s not a before-and-after transformation or a perfection we need to chase. Joy is something we can find in small, meaningful ways every single day.

🌟 The joy of pausing for a warm cup of tea
🌟 The joy of nourishing, colourful meals made with love and eaten slowly.
🌟 The joy of getting outside for a walk, feeling the crisp air on your face, and noticing the beauty of winter.
🌟 The joy of meaningful connection—sharing laughter with a friend or a hug with someone you love.

If you’re still thinking about how to approach the year ahead, perhaps choosing a guiding word—like joy, peace, growth, or rest—might feel more freeing than making a list of do’s and don’ts. You’ll notice the impact on your nutrition and lifestyle choices when you take the pressure off. Nutritional therapy is a lifelong journey of nourishing your body and mind, not just a quick fix reserved for New Year’s resolutions.

Here’s to finding joy in the everyday!

Now, it’s time to go have that cup of tea…

#wordoftheyear #nutrition #nutritionist

Do you feel like your IBS symptoms (bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements) control your life? Instead of just managing symptoms, a Functional Medicine approach dives into identifying and addressing the root causes of IBS for long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Some possible root causes of IBS:
1) Gut Microbiome Imbalances: Dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) can drive inflammation, gas, and poor digestion. Testing and supporting your microbiome with the right probiotics and dietary changes can make a difference.
2) Food Sensitivities: Certain foods (like gluten, dairy, or FODMAPs) may trigger symptoms. Pinpointing triggers through an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing can help.
3) Stress and Gut-Brain Axis: Chronic stress disrupts gut motility and increases sensitivity. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or addressing past traumas can calm the gut-brain connection.
4) SIBO: An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can mimic IBS. Specific testing and targeted treatment can address this.
5) Poor Digestive Function: Low stomach acid, bile, or digestive enzymes can leave food partially digested, leading to discomfort. Digestive aids and focusing on mindful eating can help.

...and there are other root causes to explore. If you struggle with IBS, I’d love to work with you to uncover your root causes and support your journey toward relief.

#IBSRelief #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #RootCauseApproach #DigestiveHealth #nutritionaltherapy

Did you know how you prepare garlic can impact its health benefits? Garlic contains alliin and an enzyme called alliinase, which react when garlic is chopped, crushed, or minced to produce allicin - the bioactive compound responsible for garlic's antimicrobial, antioxidant, and heart-protective properties.

Here’s the key: after chopping, let garlic sit for 10-15 minutes before eating or cooking. This resting time allows the enzymatic reaction to complete, maximizing allicin production. However, because allicin is sensitive to heat, add towards the end of cooking.

#nutritiontips #garlic #nutritionaltherapy

🌟 Who Do You Trust with Your Nutrition? 🌟

There’s a LOT of nutrition advice online – but how do you know if it’s credible? 🤔

Did you know… “Nutritionist” isn’t a protected title? This means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even without formal training. Scary, right?

That’s why it’s so important to check the qualifications and professional registrations of anyone offering nutrition advice. ✅

I’m a member of British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and am registered with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Only Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and Registered Dietitians are trained and qualified in clinical practice to meet national standards and work in a one-to-one setting.

BANT Membership requires rigorous training – my qualification is at a Master’s level and includes:
👉 Evidence-based education in nutrition science
👉 Supervised clinical experience delivering personalised nutrition

BANT practitioners are also registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which sets professional standards and ensures that we:
🔹 Uphold a strict code of conduct
🔹 Maintain continuing professional development
🔹 Practice within defined clinical competencies

🛑 Not all nutrition degrees include clinical training, and this makes a huge difference in the quality of care you’ll receive.

💬 Before you take advice, ask yourself:
✔️ What qualifications do they have?
✔️ Are they registered with BANT and CNHC?
✔️ Do they have clinical experience?

Your health is too important to leave to chance. Work with professionals who have the education, experience, and standards to guide you safely.

#NutritionAdvice #QualifiedNutritionist #EvidenceBasedPractice #BANT #CNHC #NutritionMatters #RegisteredNutritionalTherapist #PersonalisedNutrition #NutritionEducation #Skipton #Leeds

My go-to winter batch-cook meal? Chilli! I make a big pot, enjoy it for a few meals, and freeze the rest for easy weeknight dinners. It's so versatile—serve it over roasted sweet potato, with rice and guacamole, wrapped in a burrito, or even watered down as a hearty chilli soup.

I love making mine with black beans, sweet potato, smoked paprika, and a kick of chipotle (paste or dried). A dash of molasses adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes while enhancing the rich, smoky flavours. Perfect for warming up on a cold day!

I don’t follow a recipe but as a general guide:
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tin baked beans or mixed beans
1 tin black beans
1“tin” of water (rinse out the baked beans)
1 cup of vegetarian mince (eg dried soya mince or sunflower mince)
1 large sweet potato in small cubes
1 onion
1 carrot
1 stick of celery
A few handfuls of finely chopped mushrooms
1 courgette
1 red pepper
Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle paste to taste, oregano
Large spoonful of molasses
1 Tbsp of cornflour if you like to make it thick

#batchcooking #nutritionist #nutritionaltherapy #veggiechilli

Do you want to find out more about nutritional therapy and how it works? As a Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I offer a free 15 minute call so that we can meet and ensure it's right for your aims. Learn more about the process and get to know me before signing up for your first consultation. Just head to my website www.alipynernutrition.co.uk and follow the link to book a free call.

I offer consultations online or in-person in Skipton or North Leeds

#horsforth #headingley #westparkleeds #skipton #yorkshiresmallbusiness #nutritionaltherapy #ilkley #cookridge #roundhay #chapelallerton #airedale #Wharfedale #meanwood #guiesley #northleeds

Morning Routine Challenge- how do you start your day? A good start to the day sets us up well to be able to stick to our goals and keep good habits.

Try these 5 things consistently for 1 week and see how you feel!

#morningroutine #healthyhabits #nutritionaltherapy

Its the end of Wensley’s favourite season and a good time to reflect on autumns lessons 🍂

Just as nature shifts with the seasons, our nutrition and lifestyle habits can evolve, too. There’s no need to be hard on ourselves—small, gentle adjustments aligned with the changing weather can support our wellbeing.

Like trees shedding their leaves, we also have the opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us. Looking back, have you released anything this season? What old habits, stressors, or emotional baggage have you allowed to fall away?

Perhaps you’ve:
✨ Let go of the habits that weren’t nourishing your body. ✨ Released negative patterns that weighed on your mind. ✨ Simplified your schedule to create space for rest and rejuvenation. ✨ Cleared out the clutter—both physically and mentally. And perhaps in your kitchen like me - bring on the winter cooking!

Quick, nourishing, and ready in just 10 minutes! This high-protein noodle soup is my go-to for a filling, gut-friendly meal.

🌱 Veggies first: Thinly slice and sauté Leeks & garlic (hello, prebiotics!), plus whatever’s in the fridge—ginger, mushrooms, peppers, cabbage, broccoli... the more colours, the better! 🌈

�🍜 Noodles: Black bean noodles = gluten-free, fiber-rich, and protein-packed (just 4 mins to boil!)

�🥣 Broth: Miso paste (probiotic and nutrient rich), tamari or soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. �

💪 Boost: Edamame for even more protein and hot sauce for flavour!

#NourishYourGut #QuickHealthyMeals #HighProtein #GlutenFreeRecipes #NutritionalTherapist #GutHealthMatters #EatTheRainbow #10MinuteMeal #PlantBasedPower #HealthyComfortFood
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Stress and the Body: Why We Need to Find Our Own Calm

Managing stress is essential for maintaining good health. Chronic stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being, affecting everything from digestion to immune function and hormonal balance. Over time, it can contribute to issues like weight gain, fatigue, and increased inflammation.

As a nutritional therapist, I always encourage my clients to find their own ways to reduce stress—because what works for one person might not work for another. For me, it’s all about getting outside and going for a peaceful walk with my dog Wensley.

One of my favourite spots to unwind is Burley or Ilkley Moor. The fresh air, nature, and the time spent away from daily pressures helps me reset both mentally and physically.

What’s your go-to stress reliever? Whether it’s a walk, yoga, reading, or something else, this is your reminder to make time to unwind for your health and well-being.

#burleymoor #ilkleymoor #yorkshirenutrition #NutritionalTherapy
#StressManagement #MentalHealthMatters #StressRelief #NutritionalTherapist #WellnessJourney #NatureHeals #WalkingTherapy #MindBodyBalance

🌱 Are you following a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet?

A plant-based diet can have a powerful impact on your metabolic health, with benefits for conditions like cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, type-2 diabetes, chronic inflammation, and obesity. But here's the thing—while more people are choosing plant-based foods, the rise of processed "plant-based" products in supermarkets makes it easy to fall into unhealthy habits. 🙅‍♀️

Some of these products may seem convenient, but many are ultra-processed and lack the nutrients your body needs. Plus, certain nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, and protein can be harder to get from a plant-based diet. 💡

Genetics also play a role—some people thrive on plant-based eating, while others need extra care to make sure they’re getting everything they need to feel their best. 💪

As a nutritional therapist, I can help you navigate the world of plant-based eating, ensuring you're getting all the nutrients you need to thrive—while sticking to your environmental and ethical values. 🌍✨ Get in touch to find out more.

#PlantBasedDiet #VeganNutrition #Vegetarian #HealthyEating #NutritionalTherapist #MetabolicHealth #NutritionSupport #vegansofleeds #leedsvegans #leedsvegansandvegetarians #LeedsFoodie #yorkshirevegans

How many plants can you spot in this picture? Have you heard of the 30 plant foods challenge?

We all know that eating plants is good for us—but did you know that eating a variety of plant foods is even better for our gut health? Research shows that aiming for 30 different plant foods per week can boost beneficial gut bacteria, which support everything from digestion to brain and immune health.

Take on the 30-Plant Challenge to see where you are at, and then aim to increase until you hit 30 different plants per week. It’s simple: just list the unique plant foods you eat each week. 🌽🥦🍓 Herbs, grains, fruits, veggies—each counts as 1! Need tips to get started? Head to my website blog for the details and grab your free checklist to track your progress.

🌈 #EatTheRainbow #GutHealth #NutritionTips #30plantschallenge #30plantsaweek

There are so many ways that Nutritional Therapy can optimise your overall health and wellbeing and change your life.

Visit my website to book a free chat and I can explain the process and how I might be able to support you with your health aims.

I'm offering online consultations or in-person from clinics in #skipton or #leeds.

#functionalnutrition #nutritionandlifestylemedicine #registerednutritionist #nutritionaltherapy

As the days grow shorter and the chill of autumn settles in, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade borscht to bring warmth and colour to your table. This traditional Ukrainian recipe, shared by a dear friend, is a vibrant vegetarian take on borscht, featuring the earthy, rich flavours of beetroot. Eating a variety of colours, or "eating the rainbow," is one of the simplest ways to ensure we're getting a range of nutrients. Beets, with their deep red hue, are packed with antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins, making them perfect for a nourishing, cozy meal this time of year. Try this dish for a taste of Ukraine and a celebration of seasonal eating! Head to my website for the recipe (link in bio).

Fresh locally grown beetroot from @organicpantry1 in Tadcaster

#eattherainbow #seasonaleating #nutritionaltherapy
#yorkshire #vegetarianrecipes #healthyrecipeses #plantbased #skiptonlife #LeedsFoodie #northleeds #yorkshirewellbeing
#locallygrown #borscht #eatseasonal #nourishyourself

📢Open Days at Craven Clinic in Skipton

I’m excited to be starting from the beautiful and relaxing @cravenclinic next week.

I’ll be hosting two open days, so please drop in to meet me and find and find out how Nutritional Therapy can support you and your health aims. I’ll be sharing some free resources and tips and excited to chat all things nutrition and lifestyle.

Nutritional Therapy offers a personalised approach to health that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health concerns. Evidence-based nutrition practice emphasises the powerful role of nutrition and lifestyle changes in preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving vitality, and supporting long-term health.

Come say hi!

#skipton #skiptonlife #skiptonhighstreet #skiptonbusiness #skiptoncommunity #yorkshirebusiness #yorkshirelife #yorkshirewellbeing #localeventsskipton #skiptonevents #localbusinessyorkshire

I was very honoured yesterday to receive the award for clinical excellence from the @nca_york.

I’ve been a nutrition scientist for 15 years and decided to move from lab to clinic and worked hard over the last two years to develop my clinic skills. Reflective learning was a big part of the training clinic and in part of my clinic portfolio I reflected on how I set high expectations for myself and don’t always celebrate my achievements, but I’m getting better at it! I had a lovely celebration of my award and PGDIP practitioner qualification with 8 of my amazing friends (aka my support crew!)

I’m proud that throughout my studies I have had positive personal and professional growth. I’m so excited for this next chapter in my career, welcoming clients and helping them improve their health and happiness.

🌞 Sunny Mornings and Light Therapy 🌞

We’ve had a few beautiful sunny mornings this week! Although it can be hard to get out of bed, I love it once I’m out the door enjoying the crisp fall air. Getting morning light exposure is so important for a few reasons:

✨ Boosts Cortisol: A morning dose of sunlight increases cortisol levels at the right time, enhancing your focus, immune function, and metabolism throughout the day.

🕒 Regulates Your Circadian Clock: Morning light helps your body anticipate when to wake up and sleep and keeps other biological processes in sync, including hunger and body temperature

🌤️ How to Get Started: On sunny mornings, aim for 5-10 minutes outside. On overcast days, aim for 15-20 minutes.

💡 If You Can’t Go Outside or leave for work while it’s still dark: Bright indoor lights can help until you can step out. If you know me, you know I always go on about my sunlight lamp! I sit for 10 minutes with it while enjoying my morning tea, and it’s made a huge difference in my energy and mood throughout the day. I’m also a fan of the lumie sunrise clocks.

#MorningLight #CircadianRhythm #LightTherapy #burleyinwharfedale #lifestylemedicine #nutritionaltherapy

I recently got back from a solo holiday in Greece. It’s easy to get home and forget the the importance of carrying reminders from holidays into daily life.

Reflecting on my time in Greece, I will be remembering these three things as the season changes:

1. Slow down - my usual day to day is very scheduled so I’m going to remember how liberating a day without any plans can be. A chance to listen to my body and mind, slow the pace and see what comes!

2. Do what you love - I love hiking so found time to get up early and climb to the highest mountain on the island. With the change in season and likely wet weather, I’m making sure to not hang up the hiking boots and keep getting outside.

3. Keep it simple - The food in Greece is simple, fresh and delicious! I’ll be remembering the simplicity of cooking with just a few fresh ingredients and of course adding healthy dose of Greek extra virgin olive oil!

Let me know what lessons you can take forward from your summer holiday.

#lifestyletherapy #nutritioncoaching #nutritionaltherapistuk #nutritionaltherapy #holidaymindset #lessonlearned

Soup season is coming! Around my neighbourhood people are sharing their apple harvests, so here’s a perfect seasonal soup with apples and kale. A good one for batch cooking.

Soften one diced white onion in some extra virgin olive oil, then add two diced carrots , 2 sliced apples, 1 Tbsp of cider vinegar, 500mL vegetable stock and 200g of cavelo nero kale (remove the stalks), ½ tsp of cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes until all the veg is softened. Blend until smooth.

Serve with a swirl of crème fresh or coconut yoghurt and garnish with toasted walnuts and seeds.

#seasonalveg #eatseasonal #soupseason #vegetarian #soupinspiration #nutritionaltherapy

Hey everyone! I’m excited to start this journey with you. 🌿 Just like this hike, health is all about balance, endurance, and finding your path. Stay tuned for more about nutritional therapy, tips for a healthier lifestyle, and how I can help you feel your best! #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionlifestylemedicine #lifestylemedicine #functionalnutrition

Website launching soon!

#nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#personalisednutrition #holisticnutrition #britishassociationfornutritionandlifestylemedicine #yorkshiresmallbusiness #skipton #horsforth #ilkley

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