Q&A with gut specialist and nutritionist Katherine Hay

We've recently teamed up with Katherine Hay of Kaptured Nutrition for our Goodrange. More on that coming soon, but in the meantime, we sat down (well, virtually anyway) with Katherine to chat mornings, happy foods, and keeping it simple. 

Tell us a bit about yourself, why you do what you do, and why food and nutrition are important to you.

I'm a clinical nutritionist and I  specialise in gut health and female health. Studying human sciences and nutritional medicine over 8 years really instilled my love for food and how it can play an integral role in our overall health and wellbeing. Understanding the science behind it all is very fascinating when you realise how the body needs macro and micronutrients to thrive and function optimally.

I love keeping my approach to health simple and realistic. I really believe we can't have our physical health without our emotional health which has led me to my mantra "Do shit that makes you happy". I own Kaptured Nutrition which is my own clinic that is fully online now due to COVID-19 and have been working in a clinical environment for almost 4 years now. I love supporting my patients with their health goals and nothing lights me up more than seeing my patients achieve this.
I don't believe in fad diets or a one-size-fits all approach to health. I believe in supporting the individual in a way that is unique to them and their genetic makeup. I'm also a realist with a no BS approach to health and I believe all food plays an important role for emotional wellbeing and physical well-being. I do what I do because I'm so passionate about educating people about how simple health can be and I love watching people's lives change because of this.

What does an average ‘day in the life’ of Katherine look like? How does what you eat impact this?

Most of my days start with a beach walk or some type of movement to clear my mind for the day ahead. This is my type of meditation. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day so I always ensure I make a big breakfast to keep my energy levels sustained throughout the day. Including healthy fats, protein, vegetables and/or fruit and complex carbohydrates with each of my main meals throughout the day keeps my blood sugar levels balanced so I'm not reaching for a quick fix come the 3pm slump. I get excited by food and it is the main focus for me everyday especially when I'm in clinic because it allows me to focus properly with my patients without any fatigue or brain fog. I always scheduled in an hour lunch break and an afternoon 5 mins for myself where most of the time you will find me sipping on a hot cacao.

Do you have any morning breakfast rituals or routines that you like to start the day with?

At the moment I'm always making my favourite power breakfast bowl. Recipe to come soon!

What foods do you find best to support healthy energy levels?

A combination of healthy fats (omega 3's), good quality protein and complex carbohydrates coming from fruit/ vegetables nuts/seeds ancient grains.

What are your five top tips to staying happy, healthy and full energy to support a busy life?

Hydrate
Do shit that makes you happy even if it's for 5 mins - a walk in nature, a herbal tea, sitting down with your favourite book.
Eat a diverse variety of plant-based foods per week - the good gut bacteria will love you for this and will help support energy and a healthy digestive system.
Move your body in a way that feels good for you. Everyday.
Laugh - I really believe laughter is the best medicine.

What do you think of our Good range and how do you like to eat yours?

I love the Good range as it contains essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and proteins and not to mention probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome. The range tastes amazing and can be eaten in different ways. I have mine with coconut yoghurt, fresh berries and extra hemp seeds. I have also used it in baking and as a sprinkle on top of pancakes. Delicious.

What would be your desert island dish? 

A huge nourish bowl, I'm obsessed with vegetables and how they make me feel. I love eating a diverse range of vegetables so I know it sounds super boring but the old nourish bowl would be my top dish I would want to eat. You can tell I'm a nutritionist right? Haha.

 Watch this space for content from Katherine coming soon!