Led by Dr Sarah Mitchell Weston, belle époque nutrition introduces a fresh, scientifically considered approach to optimal nutrition.
Literally meaning ‘beautiful era’, belle époque is a phrase that also represents transformation and positive change. Verve caught up with Sarah to find out more about her background, and how to optimise our individual diets according to our unique circumstances.
How do you draw on your PhD research into the human gut microbiome during your work with clients?
My research explored the effect of different diets and food components on the gut microbiome. I can therefore advise clients not only on what diets, foods, and supplements may help nurture their gut microbiota, but also those which don’t! However, the gut microbiome is highly complex and unique, and what may be healthy for one individual may not be for another – for example, someone with irritable bowel syndrome or Coeliac disease. That’s why I relish the challenge of tackling individual issues, as opposed to applying a blanket approach.
Why is nutrition for fertility and pregnancy so important, and what are the key ways in which this differs from your average female patient?
Pregnant woman must ensure they’re receiving essential nutrients to meet their own nutritional needs, as well as those of the developing foetus. In saying that, the main recommendations don’t differ too wildly from the average client: maintain a healthy weight, and enjoy a diet rich in low GI carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats. But there are particular nutrients to seek out that are key for a successful pregnancy such as folate, iodine, iron, and vitamin D. And for dad, plenty of selenium, zinc, antioxidants, and vitamin D, too!
Explain the difference between health span and lifespan?
If lifespan is how long you have, health span is how good you have it – it’s about maximising the period in your life spent fully functional, healthy and disease free. We can’t 100% predict the length of our health span but eating a nutrient-rich diet will go a long way in extending it into old age.
What are some of the typical ways you would encourage someone aged over 60 to tweak their diet?
A 66-year-old client was convinced that she should eat less protein than younger adults. But it’s absolutely the opposite! As we age, we need to eat more protein to support our muscles, bones, and immune system. Ideally, each meal should be built around a good plant and/or animal protein source. So, start the day strongly with eggs, Greek yoghurt, or beans. This may seem tricky if your appetite has decreased or you’re cooking for one, but we owe it to ourselves to put a little thought into our meals and weekly shopping list. It’s all doable!
belle époque nutrition is a private practice led by Dr Sarah Mitchell Weston of Mitchell Weston Nutrition Ltd. Visit benutrition.co.nz or email hello@benutrition.co.nz.
