The world of health is continually evolving and developing, making it increasingly difficult to navigate. For women trying to navigate their way through hormone imbalances, weight concerns, skin conditions, gut issues and so much more, the question of where to start and who to talk to is recurring. 

Meet Soph, a Newcastle-based qualified Holistic Clinical Nutritionist (BHSc) and Yoga Teacher. Soph launched her Lambton-based practice 'Raw Nutrition by Soph' earlier this year, with the aim to empower and educate individuals to fall in love with taking care of themselves, through nourishing foods, and a mindful lifestyle.

“My approach is very in-depth and very unique to each individual. I love working in collaboration with you to find an approach to healing through food which is both enjoyable and sustainable for the long term,” Soph said.

Having always had a love for simple, healthy, and wholesome living across all aspects of her life, it wasn't until 2017 after returning from her travels across Europe that Soph truly found her love for nutrition. Soph enrolled in Nutritional Medicine at Endeavour College of Natural Health, graduating with high distinctions and a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine. 

During her studies, Soph found her consistent coffee consumption was adding to her own anxiety and gut issues, seeking an alternative to coffee she stumbled upon the Japanese superfood known as 'Matcha.' 

“I was working as a barista during my studies and naturally would drink numerous cups of coffee per day, my gut was always upset and I was constantly anxious. Then I found matcha. Every day since 2017 I have started my day with a cup of matcha and have completely given up coffee.”

Having taste-tested a range of matcha brands, Soph still was searching for an affordable, high quality product. Instead of wasting more energy, time, and money searching for the right brand to sell the right product, the decision to source and create her own product was made.  

“I found it difficult to find good quality matcha locally or online, as back in 2017 very few people knew what matcha was. There are four different grades of matcha, the lower grades are cheap, bitter-tasting, grassy, dull green or brown in colour, and clumpy.

“I saw a huge gap in the market, which is what led me to begin importing Grade A, premium, ceremonial matcha straight from the tea fields in Japan.”

If you have never heard of matcha, or are wondering why it is so good for you here are some of the reasons why Soph loves matcha and why she recommends it to her clients as well. Matcha naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine, which supports the nervous system by helping to promote calmness, focus, and when combined with caffeine produces longer-lasting sustained energy release.

It detoxifies the body, the high levels of chlorophyll within matcha aid in eliminating chemicals and toxins. It is extremely high in antioxidants, helping to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and give anti-ageing effects. It increases metabolism, with 1 cup of matcha helping burn four times as many calories as normal. Matcha is also rich in fibre, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, chromium, selenium, calcium, and can help protect against cancer. 

Following the launch of her matcha product under the brand 'Raw Nutrition by Soph' and having worked on her own nutritional services towards the end of her studies, come January 2022, the Lambton-based nutrition clinic officially opened its doors.

"Through my own health challenges, I have gained so much knowledge about myself and gained a wealth of empathy towards others suffering similar health issues. I now commit myself to living life to serve and support others and to be the best version of myself I can possibly be. I believe in living a wholesome, sustainable life free of diet culture, yet full of nourishing foods and self-love.”

Soph encourages those who are seeking a holistic approach to their health to touch base, her expertise is to aid individuals looking to explore the following concerns: fatigue, energy levels, gut issues, bloating, IBS, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, mental health, endometriosis, PCOS, low mood, stress, poor sleep, acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, weight management, immune health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid issues, and more.

Offering one-on-one consultations in her beautiful little Lambton clinic or via zoom, Soph works with her clients individually to create a tailored plan suitable to their individual needs. The initial consultation will involve an in-depth questionnaire looking at clients’ diet, lifestyle, family history, and personal history allowing Soph to understand how these factors may be contributing to your current health condition. 

Following the initial consult, clients will receive a follow-up nutrition consult to check in on their progress and discuss maintenance strategies and potential new goals. Individuals will also receive an individualised in-depth meal plan and recipes based on personal goals and health conditions.

“Clients will tell me what their goals are and what they’re hoping to achieve, and together we create a treatment plan specific to them. I give clients loads of recipes and individual meal plans to follow. I want to showcase to people how easy, affordable, delicious, and satisfying healthy eating can be.”

Soph has also recently launched her 'Raw Nutrition by Soph' program which encourages people to take part in a 12-week reset, letting their body return to their natural state.

“It’s not a detox or weight loss program, it aims to reset and strengthen your gut and hormone health by supporting your liver and kidneys to do the work, through dietary and lifestyle changes.”

Having only recently launched, 'Raw Nutrition by Soph' has big plans for growth in the near future, with a goal of expanding its product offerings to include its own line of supplements and nutrition-based products.

“Supporting your body with an abundance of whole foods, living an active lifestyle, and mindfulness are the keys to changing all aspects of your life for the better. I am here to help kickstart your journey to optimal health and balance, I will challenge you but most importantly I will change you for the better. I cannot wait to see your growth!”

Whether you’re looking for guidance with your general health, want to reset your digestive system, rebalance your hormones, need help to navigate your own unique health condition, or aligned with anything discussed above, Soph invites you to drop her an email or direct message her on Instagram to start your journey towards a healthier, happier, and better you.