This week on the blog, I interviewed certified Nutritionist Erin Hall. Erin specialises in Nutrition for Longevity, which aims to lengthen our life span through eating the right foods for your body. Erin shares much insight into her work as a nutritionist, how she works with her clients, foods we can consume for increased longevity, an average day on her plate and so much more. I hope you enjoy the read, and learn something new from Erin's expertise.
1. Firstly, Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do, and what are your passions?
Hi! I’m Erin and I am a clinical nutritionist from Palm Beach, Gold Coast. I moved over to Queensland from Perth after completing my Bachelor of Health Science degree at Endeavour College of Natural Health and haven’t looked back since! My aim as a nutritionist is to give people the tools and knowledge to create the healthiest version of themselves. My approach to health is holistic and preventative-focused, helping people to use food as medicine and support their journey towards longevity health.
2. What sparked your interest and love for all things health and nutrition?
I’ve always had an interest in nutrition and grew up in a very healthy household. My mum always spoke about new recipes ideas, diets and ways of optimising health so I can definitely thank her for sparking my interest. I have always wanted to help people feel good about themselves and give them the knowledge and tools in order to do so.
2. Tell us a bit about what your work and page is all about, how do you work with your client's health through their diets?
I focus on clients' longevity health, meaning no quick fixes or shortcuts. I feel it's so important to implement healthy eating and lifestyle habits from an early age to prevent future chronic illness and disease. I predominantly focus on women’s health covering areas such as weight management, hormonal imbalances, gut complaints, nervous system support and skin concerns. During an initial consultation I assess my clients diet, lifestyle behaviours and any obstacles (e.g. food allergies or financial concerns) before developing a personalised treatment plan and meal plan. Education is critical for clients as this helps them understand what is going wrong and why.
3. Your brand's focus is nutrition for longevity. What does that mean to you? What is eating for longevity?
Eating for longevity has always been my main drive when it comes to nutrition. My personal aim is to live as long as possible while still being healthy enough to do day to day activities. Watching my family members deteriorate from an early age was enough to scare me into leading a healthier lifestyle and I want to encourage other people to do the same. It’s about making positive adjustments over time to help prevent accelerated ageing and chronic disease.
4. What changes can we make to start to implement a more longevity focused diet into our lives?
A good place to start is focusing on an abundance of fruit and vegetables with lots of variety. Eating different species of plants is particularly important for your gut microbiome and feeding your microbes adequate levels of fibre daily. At every meal focus on good quality protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. These foods are essential for balancing blood sugar levels and preventing insulin spikes (insulin resistance contributes to accelerated ageing). Focus on a diet low in processed sugar, fats and refined carbohydrate i.e. products with inflammatory oils (palm, vegetable, canola), baked goods, condiments, microwaved foods and confectionery to name a few.
5. Who would you recommend this diet focus to? Is it for everyone?
Absolutely! Everyone can benefit from this diet approach, starting at any age.
6. What does the average day on your food plate look like?
In the mornings I usually have a smoothie (mixing it up with different fruit and veggies), otherwise I love a good avocado and egg on sourdough. Lunch is usually leftovers from dinner or a quick salad thrown together. Dinner can be anywhere from veggie curries, fish laksa, salmon and veggies, chicken breast with roast veggies or legume pasta. I plan how many times a week I’m consuming seafood and meat and base my meals around that. When putting a meal together, I always consider where the protein, fat and carbohydrate is coming from, followed by any micronutrients that I know I’m low in.
7. What are your favourite AM and PM rituals to begin and end your day the right way?
Over the festive season my morning and night rituals have been shaken up a little, so with the new year I am starting fresh with new routines! In the mornings I do some form of movement, I’ve been loving Strong pilates so I do that x3 weekly. Also my partner and I have started morning yoga in our living room which we’re really enjoying. I follow exercise with a high protein and fat smoothie before getting on with my day. In the evenings I throw myself in the ocean after work - one of my favourite moments of the day! Then cook a hearty dinner and enjoy our unwinding time before bed.
8. Where do you see yourself and your business in the future?
I see myself continuing to create recipes, whether they are meal plans for clients or recipes using health products for businesses - I’m excited to see where that takes me this year. I would love to create a line of health products one day and have a few recipe books under my belt too!
9. What would your advice be to someone who wants to improve their overall wellness?
Get the foundations right first and foremost - eat a balanced diet, move your body daily, drink enough water, get enough sleep and work on your closest relationships. Optimal wellness looks different for everyone and it's important to not get caught up in comparisons. Utilising support from health practitioners can make the world of difference, especially when dealing with chronic and complicated conditions. I personally see an acupuncturist, vein specialist and naturopath for extra support.
10. Finally, where can we find you on social media?
Instagram - @thelongevity_nutritionist
Comments