A graduate’s story — from student at Nature Care Collage to founder and author

We learn about the health journey of Lee Holmes, founder of nutrition and wellness business Supercharged Food. Lee has shared her inspiring recipes and wellness programs with the world in nine books and came to Nature Care College to develop her knowledge and study clinical nutrition.

What inspired your health journey to create Supercharged Food?

I was inspired to create my website Supercharged Food more than 12 years ago. I was keen to start a lifestyle blog that incorporated recipes, online learning programs and wellness information and products. Back then, it began as a place to house my recipes and share them with family and friends and it grew from there. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia, I was accustomed to feeling constantly lethargic and achy with no energy. I was taking myriad prescribed drugs and antibiotics to “cure” my body, but I knew that the real change in my health could only come from within. This sparked my interest in wellbeing, the gut and nutrition. Instead of just reading about this information, I started to live by it. This is where I planted my supercharged roots. I began documenting my progress, discoveries and recipes on the blog, in the hope of helping people who had been experiencing similar issues with their health. My goal was to reach out to people not just via food but also from a sense of understanding of what they were going through. My desire was, and still is, to make healthy cooking and eating delicious and simple for everyone.

Please share a bit of information about your experience studying clinical nutrition at Nature Care College.

Studying at Nature Care was such a rewarding and inspiring experience from beginning to end. I was studying part-time, so it took me a bit longer to complete my Advanced Diploma of Clinical Nutrition, but I was also working at the same time. The college made the process seamless, and they were both nurturing and helpful. Once I had graduated, I felt very confident in what I had learned both academically and practically in clinic. The continual support and positive environment was one where we all felt supported the whole way through the course and our individuality and unique interests and passions were embraced and encouraged. The nutritional knowledge that I gained really equipped me with what I needed so that I could pursue my career further and with more skills.

What is the biggest health lesson you’ve learned from your studies?

The biggest health lesson I have learned from my studies is that human biology and science is valid and important, but it is constantly growing, changing and evolving.

What does the future of health, nutrition and wellness look like to you?

I think we are heading towards more personalised version of health; it’s no longer a one-size-fits-all solution and healthcare practitioners will work less in silos and closer together in integrative clinics. In addition to traditional health paradigms, I also think that human connection, external environment and past trauma is where the work begins, as it can influence your health. Introspection and working on going inward is just as important as what you are putting on and into your body. I see more holistic ways of finding wellness solutions, particularly when it comes to mental health and its connection to physical health. On the flip side, I also see that there will be major advances in technologies such as AI, robotics and nanotechnology.

What advice would you give to readers of WellBeing for deepening their knowledge of wellness?

Knowledge fuels self-confidence and adds meaning to your life. There is no better time than now to use your time wisely by learning through study or professional development. When it comes to wellness, fads will always come and go, but if you ground yourselves in the basics of fresh food, adequate hydration, a balanced intake of protein, carbohydrates and good fats and you look after your mental health, then you are on the right track.

For more information about Nature Care College, visit naturecare.com.au.