Testimonials

“Clothes shopping has always been an emotional trigger for me. It brings up a lot of uncomfortable feelings about my body type and size. I try on dozens of outfits, lose heart and leave empty-handed – often in tears. Recently, I had a big work event to attend, where I wanted to make a positive impression. I had no choice but to confront my fears. I went to the changing room with an armful of dresses – all in my usual size. I tried dress after dress on but, to my huge surprise, they were all too big! I ended up dropping down two sizes to find the perfect fit. Although I have been following a healthier eating plan and walking daily for four months, my weight loss was relatively minor according to the scales. Wearing baggy, stretchy clothing all the time, I hadn’t noticed that I had toned up – especially around my waist, thighs and bum! This ‘non-scale victory’ – as Helen would say – felt very meaningful to me. It’s given me a boost to keep going, making better choices, knowing I am healthier overall and making progress towards my goals.”

“I’ve always loved live music, but not standing up at gigs for hours at a time enduring various aches and pains. That was until I started working with Helen, who has encouraged me to build gentle movement and exercise into my routine. For the last four

months, I have walked 5,000-10,000 steps every day. When I watched Oasis at Heaton Park recently, I really felt the benefit! After hanging out in the Northern Quarter all day and standing for five hours through three different sets, I still had the energy to walk three miles back towards Manchester City Centre at the end of the night. By the time I went to bed, I had walked 27,000 steps! Achieving this level of fitness feels amazing! ‘Getting my steps in’ is not something I have to consciously think about anymore; it’s part of my usual daily routine. I am a walker, and walking is what I do!”

 

I have been working with the incredible Pharmacist Nutritionist Helen Shah recently - exploring how I can build better eating and wellbeing habits into my every day. 

This is something I have struggled with on and off my whole adult life, so it has been lovely to have a kind, empathetic professional to talk to in a very safe, supportive way.

Together, we have established that planning meals and snacks ahead helps me to make good choices. Journaling in a morning to set intentions and in an evening to explore whether I followed through on those promises to myself, also works best for me.

I’m sure this sounds very obvious, but we don’t always do what we know we should, do we? Sometimes, you just need encouragement to do the right things.

Helen also suggested I take a blood test to see why I have been low on energy, and the results helped to guide me towards some supplements that are helping.

All of this is to say THANK YOU to Helen. If you are looking for support with a wellbeing goal, I highly recommend checking out her services.

Michelle

 

"I was recommended to see Helen by a friend who had also used her services and had very positive results. In the past I have been able to lose weight but not ever in a healthy or sustainable way. Prior to meeting Helen for our initial consultation I completed a detailed food diary which allowed Helen to take a good look at what my diet consisted of over a period of time. At the consultation some initial body metrics were recorded and the relevance of these explained. My diet was also analysed and suggestions were made on how I could tweak what I am eating to help with my goal of losing weight in a sustainable manner without getting bored of eating. The suggestions Helen made were attainable and easy to implement. I recently had my first monthly review and have seen improvements in every aspect of my body metrics. Generally, with the changes that have been made to my diet I also have more energy and unlike previous times when I have dieted, I have not felt hungry. Helen has a very sensitive, friendly yet professional approach to her consultations and advice and I look forward to working with her over the coming months to achieve the goals we set! "

CJ, Male, 40-45 yrs

 

"Helen has successfully helped me change the eating habits of my whole family to make us all healthier which as resulted in both me and partner loosing weight and feeling more energised. I first contacted Helen when I started my journey with Wegovy weight loss medication but with her support I feel like the changes I have made to our whole family’s nutrition that the I would be able to maintain weight loss once the medication has stopped, it has also meant I haven’t felt any of the side effects of medication.

Helen has showed me how small changes in my diet can have a huge effect and the importance of what I eat not just the number of calories.

Helen is friendly and professional and tailors her advice to you and your personal circumstances. I have seen Helen for 3 months now and have made a steady weight loss each time without feeling hungry and in a way that I feel will be sustainable in future."

RR, Female, 40-45 yrs

 

"After recovering from breast cancer and also experiencing menopausal symptoms I was looking to lose weight but also to make positive changes to my diet for the benefit of my long term health.

Prior to my consultation I completed a detailed food diary which allowed Helen to analyse my normal diet. I also had the opportunity to let Helen know my own personal aims – better long term health, reduced menopausal symptoms alongside making changes to my diet that wouldn’t impact on my ongoing medication for breast cancer.

During the consultation Helen presented her analysis of my diet in an easy to understand way and made suggestions for a change to my diet based on best evidence, taking into account my current medication and lifestyle.

In all of our interactions Helen has been professional, friendly and non-judgemental. I am currently in the process of making incremental changes and I am looking forward to my first review with Helen."

 Female, 45-50yrs

 

 "Great advice given on how simple small changes to my diet can boost my overall nutritional health in each meal. I feel motivated to put into practice the suggestions"

SP, Female, 40-45 yrs

 

"Helen provided fantastic advice and some great tips to enhance my vegetarian diet. Helen is very knowledgeable and able to answer any questions I had.
I have now started incorporating other food sources into our diet. Thank you so much."

SE, Female, 40-45 yrs