Every month, we pose questions to a Chamber member. This time it’s Helen Simpson from Island Nutrition.
1. Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Helen Simpson and I am a UK registered dietitian and qualified teacher. Island Nutrition (part of Hartwood Health) in Guernsey helps people and businesses improve their health, wellbeing and performance through practical, evidence- based nutrition advice.
2. How did you end up doing this work?
I have always been interested in the link between food and health, and I remember being so pleased aged 14 when I discovered there was a job which combined the two. That set me on a path to university and qualification as a Dietitian. My career has been very varied, and I have worked in the NHS, MOD, as as well as in schools, for National charities, and in prisons.
3. What’s the big ‘why’ behind your work?
My passion and motivation is to provide scientifically proven dietary advice to help people improve their health. What we eat impacts on all aspects of our lives not just our physical health. Our mood, sleep, memory and brain function are all affected by what we eat. However, as eating is something we do every single day and life is busy, we forget the really important link between what we eat and how we feel.
Helping people to feel better by changing their food choices makes my work hugely rewarding.
4. What’s something most people don’t know about your company, but they should?
Island Nutrition is the only privately registered dietitian practice in Guernsey. This means clients receive evidence – based advice from a regulated professional rather than relying on conflicting information found in the media or on- line.
5. Tell us about a moment you felt proud of the difference your work made?
I have been lucky and had many ‘proud ‘moments in my career but I suppose the one which sticks in my mind was convincing 60 Naval Field Gunners to change their diet from a minimal food intake and lots of raw eggs to a balanced, regular, controlled food intake. It was challenging work but the improvements in their physical and mental performance were significant. Food, as a result became a priority to these crews rather than an inconvenience.
6. What’s shaped how you think about your work?
Levels of Life by Julian Barnes. This is a great book on perspective. In our busy world its extremely easy to lose focus of what matters most . Good health underpins everything else in life , and that’s a perspective I try to bring to my work.
7. Tea, coffee or something stronger, and where are we most likely to find you enjoying it?
An iced latte with a shot of vanilla watching the world go by at Muse. It was the first café I visited when I moved to Guernsey, and it holds a special place in my heart.
To learn more about Island Nutrition click here
