My Journey into Nutrition and Wellbeing
- Kate Slatter
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
What if the key to feeling your best wasn’t in the latest diet trend, but in the simple, powerful choices you make every day? My journey into nutrition wasn’t about fads or quick fixes—it was about survival, performance, and ultimately, thriving. From receiving cabbages and oranges as boarding school care packages to fuelling my body for Olympic-level performance, my understanding of food has shaped my life in ways I never expected.
Boarding School Beginnings
Growing up, I had an unusual introduction to nutrition. While most kids might have received sweet treats or indulgent snacks in care packages, my family sent cabbages and oranges. Not the typical boarding school contraband! But those food parcels weren’t just about sustenance; they were about nourishment. They were an early lesson in real, whole foods and the importance of what we put into our bodies.
Fuelling for Peak Performance as an Athlete
As an elite athlete, nutrition became even more central to my life. Competing at the highest level meant that every bite counted. I quickly learned that ultra-processed foods wouldn’t cut it—I had to fuel for performance. I often found myself cooking my meals in hotel rooms, ensuring I had the right balance of nutrients to recover, train, and perform at my peak.
My approach to food was like fueling a high-performance car. You wouldn’t put low-grade fuel into a Formula 1 engine and expect it to win races. The same principle applied to my body. Prioritising high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates wasn’t just about staying healthy—it was about excelling.
The Next Chapter and New Challenges
Fast forward to today, and I’m facing a different kind of challenge—one that so many women encounter: getting older and menopause. Just like in sport, preparation and strategy are key. How I support my body now looks different from my athlete days, but the core principle remains the same—nutrition is a foundation, not an afterthought.
That’s where my Five Pillars come in. These are the cornerstones that help me navigate life’s changing seasons while bringing out the best in me:
Sleep – Recovery isn’t just for athletes. Good sleep is crucial for hormone balance, brain function, and overall health.
Diet – What we eat directly impacts energy, mood, and resilience. Whole, real foods continue to be my go-to.
Exercise – Movement has always been part of my life, and now, it’s about balance—strength, mobility, and recovery.
Relationships – Community and connection matter more than ever. Surrounding myself with positive, supportive people makes a difference.
Stress Management – If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that stress is a silent disruptor. Managing it through mindfulness, boundaries, and self-care is just as important as diet and exercise.
Why Nutrition?
All these experiences—boarding school food parcels, elite sports, and now navigating midlife changes—have shaped my passion for nutrition. It’s not just about eating well; it’s about living well.
I’ve seen firsthand how food can be medicine, how it can fuel greatness, and how it can help us adapt to life’s transitions. My goal now is to share this knowledge with others—so they, too, can use nutrition as a tool to feel their best, no matter what stage of life they’re in.
Nutrition isn’t about perfection. It’s about making informed choices, listening to your body, and finding what works for you. Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or navigating hormonal shifts, the principles remain the same.
So, if you’re looking for a way to optimise your health, start with the basics: sleep, diet, exercise, relationships, and stress management. The foundation is simple—the impact is life-changing.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this resonates with you and you're looking to take charge of your health, let’s connect! Whether you're navigating performance, menopause, or just looking to feel your best, I’d love to help you create a sustainable, personalised plan. Get in touch via email hello@kateslatter.com or want a free health review click here.
Follow along for more insights, or book a consultation today, because small changes can lead to powerful results.
