Meet Jemma: The Nutritionist and Dessert Creator Inspiring a Balanced Approach to Health

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but finding balance doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s where Jemma, a passionate nutritionist and recipe creator, comes in. Hailing from New Zealand, Jemma combines her love of food, fitness, and family with her expertise in nutrition to inspire others to lead healthier lives.

Through her social media channels and upcoming coaching business, Jemma focuses on practical, sustainable approaches to weight loss and healthy living. In this interview, we delve into her journey as a nutritionist, her tips for starting the new year right, and how she satisfies her sweet tooth with healthier desserts.

Interview with Jemma

Tell us a bit about yourself! (Your occupation, hobbies, and background)
Hi, I’m Jemma! I was born and raised in New Zealand and love hiking, long walks, cooking, baking, board games, and spending time with my friends and family. One of my favorite things to do is host dinner parties for my loved ones—it brings me so much joy to create delicious meals that connect people and make them happy.

Currently, I work part-time as a dietitian and part-time at my local gym. I also run social media accounts where I share healthy recipes, and I’m in the process of starting my own nutrition coaching business. My focus is on sustainable weight loss, emotional eating, binge eating, and building healthy habits. I’m excited to be wrapping up a sustainable weight loss course, designed to help people reach their goals without restrictive dieting!

Tell us about your background as a nutritionist. How did you get started in the field of nutrition?
I graduated from Massey University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Nutrition and Psychology. My interest in health, nutrition, and cooking started when I was 14 years old, and that’s when I decided I wanted to become a nutritionist.

What inspired you to start your social media channel?
I was inspired by other creators who shared recipes and nutrition tips, and I wanted to do the same! I began posting on Instagram in 2017, when I was 14. It’s been a slow but rewarding journey, and only this year (2024) have I seen significant growth. My advice to aspiring creators is simple: stay consistent!

Can you share what a typical day on your plate looks like?
I start most mornings with protein ice cream, made with my Ninja Creami—it’s such a fun and nutritious way to kick off the day! For lunch, I go for something quick and simple, like leftovers, a tuna salad, eggs and avocado on toast, or a chicken and salad wrap. My snacks usually include homemade healthy baked goods, protein shakes, or corn thins with different toppings.

Dinner is where I get creative! Some of our family favorites include chicken and veggie curry, stir-fries, beef and bean nacho bowls, roast chicken with vegetables, steak and homemade chips, and homemade burgers.

While I don’t eat takeout often, I don’t restrict myself from enjoying treats like chocolate, cookies, or ice cream. I believe all foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle, and being overly restrictive often backfires.

What are your New Year’s resolutions, and what habits are you leaving behind in 2024?
My top resolution is to officially launch my business and continue growing my social media presence. On the health front, I want to incorporate more strength training into my routine—it’s something I let slide this year.

As for habits, I’m leaving behind mindless snacking. While I’m all for snacks, I want to make a conscious effort to plate my snacks instead of eating straight from the fridge or a bag.

For those looking to reset their nutrition habits in the new year, what’s a small but impactful dietary change you recommend?
I recommend two simple but effective changes: increase your protein intake to at least 25-30 grams per meal and aim for 25-35 grams of fiber daily. These adjustments can help you feel fuller for longer, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support weight management and overall health. Plus, focusing on protein and fiber often naturally reduces cravings for less nutritious foods.

What’s your take on “sugar detoxes” or similar trends? Are there better approaches to reducing sugar?
I’m not a fan of cutting out any food group entirely unless there’s a medical reason like allergies. Sugar can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation. Instead of drastic detoxes, I recommend focusing on nutrient-dense foods like protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These foods are more satisfying and naturally reduce sugar cravings, helping you adopt healthier eating habits overall.

As a dessert-focused recipe creator, do you have any advice on satisfying sugar cravings in a healthier way?
I have a huge sweet tooth, which is why I started sharing healthier dessert recipes! Having high-protein, low-sugar treats ready in my fridge or freezer has been a game-changer for me. While fruit is great for sugar cravings, it doesn’t always hit the spot.

I love using Natvia as a sweetener in my baking—it keeps my recipes low in sugar without compromising on taste. For anyone looking to stick to a healthier diet, having satisfying alternatives like these makes it so much easier to stay on track.