Hi, I'm Julie!

I've spent most of my working life helping people improve their health.

I began my career in the NHS, spending 12 years working in critical care, A&E, intensive care and operating theatres before retraining in nutrition, lifestyle and health.

I have now spent the last 10 years studying nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle medicine and behaviour change while working in the NHS and supporting clients in my own practice.

I have to say, I'm a little obsessed, and I'm endlessly fascinated by how the body works and how nutrition and our lifestyle influence our health.

I am still studying today!

I don't believe in any of the many quick fixes or fads, and I don't believe in perfection, but those simple, seemingly boring habits that underpin everything.

(Which I have to add, I don't actually think are boring. They are the very things that help you live that energetic, adventurous life on your own terms! :)

I believe that healthy habits are so much easier to keep when they become part of your identity rather than another task on your to-do list.

I've been fortunate to support hundreds of people over the years, and one thing I've learnt is this...

Nutrition and lifestyle are the most powerful influences on our health, energy and long-term wellbeing.

Yet unfortunately, they're underestimated, underused and overlooked.

The everyday choices we make have the power to influence our biology, improve how we feel, shape our mood, support our health and change the trajectory of our future.

We spend far too much time talking about treating disease, and nowhere near enough time talking about creating health.

It all seems to have become incredibly complicated. There's more information than ever, more experts, more opinions and more products, yet many of us are feeling more confused, more overwhelmed, more stressed and less healthy than ever.

Having all the information and actually doing it are two very different things.

I've skipped workouts, eaten biscuits for dinner, let life get in the way and started again more times than I can count.Sunshine & Strength ☀️ is my way of reaching people trying to make sense of their health on their own, struggling to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle and get the results they are looking for.

And if it helps, along the way, I'll also share a little of my own life.

The walks that clear my head, recipes I'm enjoying, books I'm reading, aspects of health I struggle with, interesting research I've come across, little adventures, the occasional gym session, and those everyday moments that remind me why looking after ourselves matters.

If Sunshine & Strength helps even a few people feel healthier, stronger and more alive, and I can make a small difference in my own corner of the world, then it'll have done exactly what I hoped.

If you're interested in my quals.

BSc (Hons) Critical Care - East Anglia University
4-year Undergraduate Diploma in Nutritional Therapy -  Institute for Optimum Nutrition
PostGraduate Diploma in Physical Activity for Health & Applied Nutrition - Sheffield Hallam University
PostGraduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition - Middlesex University
PostGraduate Diploma in Nutritional & Lifestyle Medicine - Worcester University

Many, many CPDs, short courses, webinars and seminars.

A fair few adult years (I'm 48) trying to practise what I preach..... with varying degrees of success. 😉

A few things i've learnt and achived along the way.

- That knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. I've skipped workouts, eaten biscuits for dinner, let life get in the way and started again more times than I can count.

That healthy living has to fit around real life, not the perfect version of it.

That mindset is just as important as nutrition. How we think, manage stress and speak to ourselves really matters.

That fresh air, sunshine, a walk and a good laugh can sometimes be just as powerful as what's on your plate.

That who you listen to matters. I try to follow the science, stay curious and avoid getting swept up in the latest health trends.

That our bodies are far more remarkable than we often give them credit for.

That life is too short to say no to cake, holidays or the occasional Smallville marathon!

And that healthy living isn't about never falling off track—it's about knowing how to find your way back.