belle époque nutrition

belle epoque nutrition is a private nutrition practice based in Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand. We provide personalised, evidence-based, and trusted advice on nutrition, diets, and lifestyle. At belle epoque nutrition we understand that optimal nutrition is highly personal, and depends on an individuals lifestyle, current diet, genes, fitness, and age, among other things. This is why we place such an emphasis on our one-on-one approach.
belle epoque nutrition is lead by registered nutritionist Sarah Mitchell Weston (PhD). Sarah has many years experience both in nutrition practice and scientific study. Her research in the field of nutrition has covered a wide range of topics including performance nutrition, lactose intolerance, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and nutrition for older adults. Her PhD thesis explored the effect of different diets on the gut microbiome, so she is an expert on how different foods and diets can affect human health via changes in gut bacteria.
Sarahs special interests are in weight management, gut health and food intolerances, sport and exercise nutrition, and special diets (especially plant based diets). She also see’s many clients for health related issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and auto-immune diseases. Sarah herself has suffered from IBS for many years, and has developed effective dietary strategies (such as the low FODMAP diet) to help alleviate symptoms and still enjoy a variety of healthy – and delicious – food. She is also a keen runner and understands the importance of fuelling your body for optimal performance and recovery.
At belle epoque nutrition, we see our clients either in person at our Auckland location, or online anywhere in New Zealand. Each new client begins with a 1 hour initial consultation, during which we explore their nutrition-related goals, health, lifestyle, and current diet. If the client attends in-person, there is an option for body composition analysis (such as body fat percent, and/or other measures of interest) if relevant to their goal. From the collected information we provide a summary of personalised recommendations together with a food plan in line with their preferences, health concerns, and goals.
We also offer follow up appointments to provide clients the opportunity to assess and discuss their progress, which may also include body composition re-analysis, and changes to their food plan if necessary. Clients can choose to book casual follow-up appointments or purchase a package to help them stay on track and be kept accountable. Specialised packages such as the “8 Week Weight Loss Plan” and the “Good Gut” plan are also in place to support clients through weight loss or gut conditions over time.
The 8 Week Weight Loss Plan spearheads the clients main goal of weight loss, or more specifically body fat reduction, through a targeted nutrition approach. Clients are given achievable action points and a detailed and personalised food plan with recipes and a shopping list. Clients are provided with continuous email support and the package includes five one-on-one sessions with one of our nutritionists. Body composition measurements are optional but recommended and recorded during each visit. Clients are also given nutritional supplement recommendations, and information on other factors that influence weight loss and gain such as exercise, sleep, stress, and gut health.
The Good Gut Plan is primarily for those who suffer from IBS or other gut issues that may be relieved by nutritional therapy. The Good Gut Plan is a comprehensive and carefully guided elimination and re-introduction diet to help clients identify foods that may be causing unwanted symptoms, and enabling them to make food choices that minimise or even eliminate symptoms while enjoying a varied and healthy diet. IBS is extremely common, and many IBS sufferers who do not seek professional help from an experienced Nutritionist or Dietitian may needlessly avoid certain foods, putting themselves at risk for nutrient deficiencies. This plan helps clients narrow down exactly what foods and at what quantities they can tolerate without symptoms, and runs for 8-12 weeks.