Process of change, longevity at my core and our Nourish, Thrive & Energise retreat

Process of change

Change has a curious way of helping us explore ourselves. It suggests there's something that needs to be altered—but shouldn't we love ourselves enough not to feel the need to change? Isn't it somewhat derogatory to constantly follow messages like "Be who you want to be," "Make a change for good," or "Be the best version of yourself"? These slogans are reminiscent of campaigns that make us feel we're never good enough.

But here's the crux: we do want change in our lives, and we want to be our best selves. Playing devil's advocate, I suggest shifting the language from “Be the best version of yourself” to “I am good enough,” from “Be who you want to be” to “Being yourself,” and from “Make a change for good” to “Building small habits.”

Why does this matter? Many of these phrases were crafted for marketing purposes, often designed to sell products. Over time, they’ve seeped into our social media-driven world, contributing to feelings of demoralisation or failure when people can’t stick to new lifestyle habits. I admit I've used these phrases too—after all, they're ingrained in our minds.

Let’s return to "I am good enough." How does this serve you? For one, a sense of worth supports confidence. Believing "I am good enough" can encourage someone to try a new hobby that improves health. These small, incremental steps maintain who you are while enhancing your quality of life, bringing feelings of success and pleasure.

On the other hand, "Be the best version of yourself" might prompt questions like, "What is my best version? Doesn't it already exist? What more do I need to do?" This mindset can make you feel inadequate, leading to self-doubt and frustration when you don't achieve this imagined "better" self.

Similarly, "Be who you want to be" can imply that who you are isn’t acceptable. But what if you become this idealised person and find it’s not what you expected? Striving to be someone you naturally aren't may leave you feeling lost or disappointed. In contrast, "Being yourself" offers calm and peace. It frees you from constantly molding yourself into someone else, allowing time and space to pursue authentic interests that bring happiness.

Then there's "Make a change for good." This sets people up for failure if they don't follow through. But "Building small habits" promotes achievable goals with lasting effects. These habits become part of who you are—good enough, authentic, and genuinely yourself.

In my consultation process, I focus on the language and nature of change. I don’t impose unrealistic ideals fabricated by the marketing world. Instead, I guide clients to build small habits, set realistic plans, and develop nutrition and lifestyle strategies that support longevity and foster a life filled with love, happiness, and self-acceptance.

Prioritising Longevity and Holistic Wellness

Longevity is at the heart of my work. I specialise in supporting a range of health areas through personalised nutrition, including thyroid and menopausal health, heart and brain function, chronic fatigue, and persistent issues such as UTIs, cholesterol concerns, and bone health. I also address conditions like early-onset dementia and histamine-related reactions, including skin sensitivities, hay fever, and allergies.

These concerns, although seemingly distinct, often share underlying connections. By taking a whole-body systems approach, I help uncover the root causes of health challenges. Together, we explore your life history, genetic traits, exposure to toxins, and areas of strength and vulnerability to guide your body back to balance.

Through functional testing, such as DUTCH hormone assessments and microbiome evaluations, I gain insights into your unique biology. This enables us to address imbalances at their core, supporting long-term health through natural strategies that complement conventional medicine. My background in nutrition science and additional training in genetics and microimmunotherapy further enhance this integrative approach.

Watch out for Joy of Taste nutrition upcoming events:

Nourish, Thrive, and Energise: A Transformative Retreat in the Yorkshire Dales https://www.joyoftaste.co.uk/nourish-thrive-and-energise-retreat

Discover a journey of longevity, mindful movement, and culinary delight at our upcoming retreat from Thursday, 25th September to Sunday, 28th September 2025. Set in the serene beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, this is your chance to reset and reconnect with yourself, surrounded by stunning landscapes and nurturing experiences.

What Awaits You

Stunning Location: Our retreat house offers breathtaking views, luxurious rooms, and hiking trails right from the doorstep. Whether you prefer shared accommodations with friends or the comfort of your own space, we have options including quad, twin, and double rooms.

Yoga with Adrianne from Indyoga: I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Adrianne, whose energetic yet nurturing yoga style I’ve loved for years. Her practice blends vitality and compassion, leaving you feeling both empowered and deeply relaxed.

Gourmet Plant-Based Dining: From the food side, you’ll be truly spoilt and nurtured. My background includes cooking alongside chefs from Michelin-style kitchens, and my passion for creating vibrant, flavour-packed dishes will take you on a culinary journey. I describe my style as world fusion, full of bold flavours where veggies take centre stage. And yes — I LOVE CHOCOLATE, so expect some irresistible, healthy chocolate treats! If you fancy learning some tips, feel free to join me in the kitchen for hands-on fun.

Workshops on Nutrition and Wellbeing: My sessions focus on positive, achievable approaches to nutrition and lifestyle. Together, we’ll explore how small habits can lead to lasting changes, helping you embrace the belief that you are good enough. Expect practical insights, lively discussions, and recipes to inspire your everyday meals.

Evening Reflections: Cosy up for group chats guided by Adrianne and me, where we’ll dive into enriching topics to support your ongoing personal growth. These conversations are designed to leave you with lasting positive thoughts long after the retreat.

Pampering and Relaxation: Indulge in Tropic Skincare pamper sessions and soak under the stars in the hot tubs — the perfect way to unwind after an inspiring day.

A Personal Approach to Wellness

As a nutrition specialist, my approach integrates the science of biochemistry and genetics, helping clients navigate complex health concerns by crafting personalised strategies for long-term wellbeing. This often complements conventional medicine to offer the most holistic support possible.

During the retreat, my workshops will reflect this whole-body approach, empowering you to build small, meaningful habits that enhance your quality of life.

Join Us

If you’re seeking a space to rest, reconnect, and be inspired, this retreat is for you. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll leave with renewed energy, new connections, and practical tools to support your health and happiness.

For more information or to book your place, please visit www.joyoftaste.co.uk/nourish-thrive-and-energise-retreat or get in touch directly.

Let’s create something beautiful together — a retreat filled with love, laughter, and lasting wellness.

On the menu for this upcoming Nutritional Kitchen Social:

Polyphenol-Packed Purple Red Salad: This vibrant salad is a powerhouse of polyphenols and 12 grams of fiber, offering a fresh, crunchy, and delicious way to boost your health.

Broccoli, Artichoke, and Chickpea Salad: Artichokes provide both fiber and a creamy texture, making them a fantastic addition to this filling salad. Paired with chickpeas, broccoli, and black rice, this dish is not only satisfying but also great for nurturing your microbiome.

Egg & Mushroom Buckwheat Bowl: Buckwheat is often overlooked, but its nutty, rice-like texture and comforting flavor make it a true gem. This hearty dish features buckwheat paired with mushrooms, egg, edamame, and cottage cheese, providing a rich source of fiber and protein. Perfect for a cozy brunch, lunch, or supper—it's a win-win!

Join us for the next chapter of our Nutritional Kitchen Social on February 27th at 11:30 AM! This fun and engaging event will dive into the world of fiber—how much to eat, where to find it, and its amazing benefits. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn and connect!

To reserve a spot, email me at susan@joyoftaste.co.uk.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this space is the freedom it offers—freedom from comparison and the societal pressures that often tie health to weight. While weight loss may be a goal for some, we focus on the bigger picture: balance and nourishment that help us live healthier, more fulfilling lives in the long term.

For example, managing stress, mood swings, or hormonal changes through balanced meals, added protein, adaptogens, or even light therapy can have lasting, positive effects. By prioritizing these elements, we build a strong foundation for energy, resilience, and the ability to enjoy life—whether that’s playing with grandchildren, taking active holidays, or simply savoring each day.