Clemmie Macpherson, Nutritional Therapist
Clemmie Macpherson is in her final year studying Nutritional Therapy, below she shares some of her favourites with us, along with tips for beating the January blues and her amazing homemade Fish & Chips recipe.
What are you studying and what is your favourite class?
I am in my final year studying Nutritional Therapy at The Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. I love anything to do with digestive health! The Clinical Practice module is also a favourite. This module enables students to see clients in the training clinic at ION. It is the moment where everything you have learnt comes together and you are finally doing what you started the course for!
Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a Nutritional Therapist?
As a child I suffered with the autoimmune gastrointestinal disease, ulcerative colitis, which resulted in the removal of my large intestine at the age of 11. I lived with a colostomy bag until the age of 18 when I was connected back together again. Throughout my illness I was never offered nutritional guidance and it was suggested that diet did not make any difference. It wasn’t until I was unwell again at the age of about 22 that I sought the advice of a Nutritional Therapist when I was experiencing more digestive problems, weight loss, hair loss and fatigue. The change I felt after following their guidance for only two weeks was extraordinary. This sparked my fascination with nutrition and the human body, and lead me to change my career from sports PR to Nutrition, so I could help people in the same way.
What is your next step?
I finish in July 2018 and plan to set up my own practice, mainly specialising in digestive health. I have lots of other exciting ideas too which I can’t wait to get started on!
What do you love most about it?
I love how powerful nutrition can be and how much it can change people’s lives, and I love helping people realise this through educating and empowering them.
Perfect day on a plate?
Enjoyment of food is something I place at the forefront of my practice and my own food choices. I won't force myself to eat something if I don’t like it just because it is considered ‘healthy’! However, I do make sure I pack in the fruit and vegetables, filling my plate with colour and variety at each meal, to help ensure I am getting all the nutrients I need for my body to function optimally.
Breakfast - Porridge made with coconut milk, cinnamon, berries, and nut butter.
Lunch – Frittata made with lots of roasted vegetables (peppers, sweet potatoes, courgettes etc), spinach, tomatoes, and a side salad with broccoli.
Supper – Salmon fillet with wilted spinach, carrot and parsnip puree, and new potatoes.
Tips for beating the January blues?
If you set a new years resolution to be healthier, start slowly and set small SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) goals each week such as increasing your vegetable intake by 2 portions per day, or drinking 3 more glasses of water a day. This makes changes more manageable and hopefully more sustainable. Don’t restrict yourself, just focus on consuming more nutrient dense foods. Also be very wary of any company or person promoting a quick fix ‘detox’, quick weight loss plan, or very restrictive diet, they very rarely work long term and most are not ‘healthy’! Seek the help of a qualified nutrition professional to get proper advice before making any drastic changes.
2. If you don’t like the gym don’t force yourself to go! I am not suggesting you shouldn’t exercise, instead I want to encourage you to find some form of movement you love doing and you’ll be far more likely to stick it. This might be an exercise class, running, joining a sports team, dancing, or walking. Go for a walk in your local park or get off the bus/train a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way home. Although it's hard with the dark mornings and evenings find a way to incorporate exercise into your day as this helps with the release of endorphins to beat those January blues.
3. Make plans so you have something to look forward to. This doesn’t have to be a holiday or a big expenditure; make plans to see friends, but also make plans for yourself; try or learn something new, read books, take baths and have early nights….look after yourself and you’ll be able to make it through!
Where are you eating out?
I’m lucky to live in London where there are so many amazing restaurants, and I love trying new places. My favourite ones recently have been Curzon (Mexican) and Blanchette (French small plates). My favourite go-to's for weeknight catch ups with friends are Ethos, a vegetarian buffet restaurant, and Cote, the French chain restaurant, as they do a great gluten free menu.
Favourite chef?
Jamie Oliver is my favourite chef, I love his style and the way he has bought the importance of food particularly in schools to the attention of everyone.
Favourite cook book?
Amelia Freer’s cookbooks are my favourite. She is a real inspiration for me, I love her recipes which are full of nutritious ingredients, and I think she is a great ambassador for Nutritional Therapy.
What are you reading?
Much of my reading tends to be new research that has been published and nutrition books, but I try and make time to read something outside of that too! I have just finished Rain by Barney Campbell, and next is Don’t Lets go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. I have always loved reading about people and their stories.
What are you listening to?
Anything that comes up on my Spotify account! Usually someone like Ed Sheeran.
What are you watching?
The Crown!
Dog or cat?
Dog…..pugs in particular!
Town or Country?
Both
Favourite place in London?
Holland Park
Favourite place in the world?
Nedd, on the North West coast of Scotland.
What are you eating?
I love experimenting with making healthier versions of everyone's favourite meals. Often just simple swaps, for example white pasta for wholemeal pasta, or additions, such as adding in another portion or two of vegetables, can help boost the nutrient and fibre content of a recipe.
Here is a recipe for a healthier alternative to a takeaway favourite, fish and chips! Enjoy and please tag me in the photo @clemmiemac if you make it, I love seeing everyone's creations!
Homemade Fish and Chips
Serves 2
2 medium potatoes (you can also use sweet potatoes)
2 boneless cod fillets
95g self-raising flour (for gluten free use GF plain flour and ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda)
1 egg
75ml chilled sparkling water
150g frozen peas
1 tbsp crème fraiche (for dairy free use coconut yogurt)
1 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
150g broccoli
4tbsp olive oil
½ a lemon
Salt and pepper to season
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7.
2. Cut the potatoes into thick chips approximately 1.4cm in width.
3. Parboil the potato chips for 5 minutes then transfer into a baking dish. Pour over 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper then toss the chips until coasted in the oil.
4. Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Turn once or twice during this time to ensure even cooking.
5. Now prepare the fish. Crack the egg into a bowl and beat until the white and yolk are mixed. Place 20g of the flour into one bowl and set aside. Place the remaining 75g of flour into a separate bowl and season with salt and pepper (add bicarbonate of soda now if using GF flour). Gradually add the water to the flour stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form. Keep adding the water until the flour and water form a thick batter.
6. Dip the fish into the flour and coat, then dip into the beaten egg coating fully, then place into the batter and ensure fully covered in the mixture.
7. Place the remaining olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and heat. Add the batter coated fish and cook on one side for approximately 3-5 mins until the batter has turned light golden-brown then flip over and cook on the other side. Once cooked set aside on baking parchment and keep warm whilst you finish preparing the vegetables.
8. In a small pan boil some water and add the peas cooking for 3-5 mins until cooked. Steam the broccoli over the peas as they are cooking in a steaming pan or a metal colander with a lid.
9. Drain the peas and return them to the pan, add the crème fraiche (or coconut yoghurt) and mint, then mash until the peas split. Season with salt and pepper
10. Remove the chips from the oven and serve with the fish, peas and broccoli, with a slice of lemon on the side.
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