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

As we step into a new year full of fresh goals and inspiration, we had the pleasure of connecting with Jemma, a talented nutritionist from New Zealand who’s dedicated to making health and happiness go hand in hand. With her engaging social media presence and a passion for realistic, balanced wellness, Jemma is showing that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up the treats you love. From sharing delicious recipes to offering practical nutrition tips, she’s helping others find joy and balance in their wellness journeys. Here’s her story, her approach to health, and her best advice for getting started with your own healthy habits.

Jemma’s Journey: Passionate About Food, Family, and Helping Others Thrive

Jemma’s roots run deep in New Zealand, where she grew up with a love for the outdoors, cooking, and time spent with friends and family. One of her favorite ways to bring people together? Hosting dinner parties! “I love making people happy through good food and connection,” Jemma shares. Alongside working part-time with a dietitian and at her local gym, she’s also been building a growing social media presence, sharing healthy, tasty recipes that keep her followers inspired.

Jemma’s journey to becoming a nutritionist started early. At just 14, she discovered a passion for health, cooking, and nutrition. She went on to study Human Nutrition and Psychology at Massey University, graduating in 2023, and is now working on launching her own nutrition coaching business. Her approach focuses on sustainable weight loss, managing emotional eating, and building healthy habits for life. She’s even developed a comprehensive course to help clients achieve their goals—without the restrictions that many diets impose.

From Social Media to Nutrition Coaching: Jemma’s Mission to Inspire

Jemma’s social media journey began in 2017, inspired by other creators sharing their healthy recipes and tips. “I wanted to share my own recipes and hopefully inspire others,” she says. While growth was slow at first, she found that consistency was key, and 2024 proved to be her year for a breakthrough. Her advice for anyone looking to start their own journey? “Stay consistent! Building a following takes time, but sharing what you love makes it worth the effort.”

A Peek Into Jemma’s Day of Balanced Eating

For Jemma, a balanced diet is all about enjoying nutritious meals without strict restrictions. Here’s what a typical day looks like for her:

• Breakfast: Protein ice cream, whipped up with her Ninja Creami for a fun, satisfying start to the day.
• Lunch: Something quick and easy, like leftovers, a tuna salad, eggs with avocado on toast, or a chicken and salad wrap.
• Snacks: High-protein baked goods, protein shakes, or corn thins with delicious toppings.
• Dinner: Family favourites like chicken and veggie curry, beef and bean nacho bowls, roast chicken with veggies, or homemade burgers.

Jemma’s philosophy is refreshingly moderate: she doesn’t indulge in takeout often but enjoys treats like chocolate, cookies, or ice cream when she wants. “All foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle,” she says, adding that overly restrictive diets can lead to bingeing later on. Her approach is all about moderation, which makes healthy eating feel sustainable and realistic.

Jemma’s Resolutions for 2025: Growth, Strength, and Intentional Habits

For 2025, Jemma has set her sights on officially launching her nutrition coaching business and growing her social media following. She’s also focused on strength training, which took a back seat in 2024, and being more intentional with her snacking habits. “I believe snacking is great, but I want to make a habit of plating my snacks instead of eating straight from the fridge or bag,” she shares.

Jemma’s tip for anyone looking to reset their nutrition habits in the new year? Focus on two impactful dietary changes: increase your protein intake to 25-30 grams per meal, and aim for 25-35 grams of fibre per day. This combo supports lasting energy, fullness, and balanced blood sugar, helping with weight management and overall wellness. When people prioritse these nutrients, they often find they naturally reduce their intake of refined carbs and added sugars.

Thoughts on “Sugar Detoxes” and Her Balanced Take on Cravings

In a world where “sugar detoxes” have become a popular trend, Jemma’s advice is refreshingly realistic. Rather than cutting out sugar entirely, she suggests focusing on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. These choices can help reduce cravings for sweets naturally, without needing to swear off sugar. “All foods have a place in a balanced diet,” she says, adding that avoiding unnecessary restrictions is key to building healthy eating habits that last.

Healthy Desserts with Jemma’s Sweet Tooth-Friendly Twist

Known for her love of sweets, Jemma has made it a mission to share healthier dessert options that satisfy cravings without the excess sugar. “I have a big sweet tooth, so I keep healthy, high-protein, low-sugar treats on hand. Fruit can be great, but sometimes you need something more indulgent!” she says. By using Natvia as a sweetener in her baking, Jemma can enjoy desserts without the extra sugar, showing her followers how to have their cake and eat it, too.

Final Thoughts: Building a Healthier, Happier Life

Jemma’s journey as a nutritionist and recipe creator is a wonderful reminder that healthy living doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s about finding joy in the journey, making small but meaningful changes, and embracing a balanced lifestyle that works for you. If you’re looking to kick-start your own wellness journey, Jemma recommends starting with simple, sustainable habits—like focusing on protein and fiber—and trying healthier dessert options to satisfy your sweet cravings along the way.

Check out Jemma’s recipes and follow her journey for more inspiration on living a balanced, health-focused lifestyle, made sweeter with a little help from Natvia.