Welcome to another post in a series of very open and honest interviews with some of our clients here at the JCN clinic (you can see the first posts here and here). The idea behind sharing our client’s experiences is to give you a true and candid view of how nutritional treatment can not only faciliate greater health, but also improve quality of life. Through these shared journeys my hope is that you will see the diversity of health concerns that people bring in the door, along with how each person evolves on all levels with nutritional guidance and support.
It has been a pleasure to witness Lija’s health transition and her move to a place of sound digestive health. Not only has her health issues resolved, but she has also found a growing passion for wholefood and all that a healthy lifestyle has to bring. Most importantly her greater level of health all round has given her a strong sense of personal empowerment when it comes to knowing what works for her. Thanks so much for sharing your journey so far Lija! xx
the interview
Guest: Lija Williams
Occupation: Interior Designer
Age: 27
Do you have any children: No
How long ago did you start your nutritional health and wellness journey at the JCN Clinic?
One year ago.
What were the catalysts for you first making that initial appointment?
I had come back from a holiday in Japan and hadn’t been feeling well for a couple of months. I tried everything that the doctor suggested, even going for colonoscopy and a gastroscopy, and…. no results! They told me it was IBS, but I refused to take that as an answer as I felt IBS was just the too hard basket when they couldn’t work out what was wrong. It was my sister that recommended seeing JCN, and I am so glad I did.
How did you find the initial changes to your dietary intake and lifestyle requested of you?
It’s funny, before doing any of the tests with JCN I had a gut feeling that dairy may be a problem, and sure enough it was. Cheese! Chocolate! Ice-cream! All of my favourite things! It was hard to cut these out of my diet, but I knew if I wanted to feel better it was what I needed to do. Coffee was also out, and without my morning coffee I really didn’t think I was going to get through the day. But, within a week of changing my diet and lifestyle I had more energy without the coffee than before with the coffee.
{before jcn clinic}
Was testing a useful tool in your progression of treatment?
Absolutely. It gave me the answers I was looking for and an achievable program to treat it.
Where there tough times along the way in your journey?
Of course, and I don’t think I would be where I am now if there weren’t times that challenged me. There were so many tough times when all I wanted to do was eat a big bowl of cabonara pasta or a block of chocolate. A journey is the best way to describe it as there will always be ups and downs, but Jessica always helped me with solutions and creative ideas to keep me on track to my goal.
What has continued to motivate you to keep going?
Feeling better and noticing results, not only in my gut health but general lifestyle, energy levels and surprisingly weight. I know that loosing weight was not my goal at the beginning, however with the changes to my diet, I feel the best I have in a very long time. Having someone like Jessica with me on my journey, that believes in me and supports me to keep going, has been the biggest motivation.
How has the nutritional consultations helped you continue to stay on your health journey?
The support provided has been the most helpful. Touching base and getting reassurance that I am on the right path. If I felt like I had run out of options or ideas for things to cook, Jessica always had something new and exciting to suggest keeping me on track.
{after & present day jcn clinic}
What advise would you give to others in similar situations as you found yourself those years ago?
Don’t give up! Feeling so uncomfortable and unwell in the tummy can really get you down, mentally and physically. Stress plays a big role in this whole process and I constantly found myself stressing and worrying that I wasn’t going to get better, but I did. Know that you can achieve anything if you are willing to put in the effort.
How has your life changed since that initial nutritional appointment?
I don’t think I will ever go back to the lifestyle I lived before this journey. I have learnt so much, not only about my own gut health, but about food in general the benefits food can have on your life. My appetite has increased and so have my energy levels, all because I am eating the right foods for me. My passion for cooking has definitely been sparked as there are so many new and exciting recipes to try.
What are your future goals?
My goal is simply to maintain this new lifestyle I have created as I feel the best I have ever felt.
Anything else you would like to share?
Thankyou JCN for everything! I couldn’t have done this without you.
Jessica Cox is a qualified practicing Nutritionist with a Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition) and over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder and director JCN Clinic, published author and established recipe developer. Jessica is well respected within health and wellness space for her no fad approach and use of evidence-based nutrition.
