Vital Nutrition

08/10/2026

📸This photo takes me right back!

Me in 2001...at the very beginning of Vital Nutrition. I had no idea then what the next 25 years would bring - the people I’d meet, the businesses I’d work with, the conversations I’d have, or quite how much the world of nutrition would change.

There have been some big changes!

Back then, it was all about calories, low-fat foods, Atkins and ‘clean eating’.

Fast forward 25 years and the conversation has shifted: protein is king, healthy fats are celebrated, and the gut microbiome is headline news.

Even some of the advice we took for granted has changed:

Never skip breakfast → intermittent fasting
Low-fat yoghurt → high-protein versions
Avoid fat → choose better fats

But for all the changes, fads and new discoveries, the core principles of good nutrition really haven’t changed that much.

👉More plants, plenty of vegetables, protein at every meal, good fats and mostly whole foods.

There’s been a lot of change since this photo was taken – and lots to celebrate, with thanks to Linwoods Healthfoods for their generous support and our longstanding relationship. 🥂

Do you have a photo from when you were just starting out? I’d love to see it! 📸

06/10/2026

It’s getting closer… 🥂

This month marks 25 years of Vital Nutrition, and we’re getting ready to celebrate.

On Thursday 15 October, we’ll be gathering at Riddel Hall with some of the clients, colleagues, friends and supporters who have been part of the Vital Nutrition story over the past 25 years.

There’ll be fizz, food, music, birthday cake and a special 'In Conversation with Jane', hosted by , looking back at 25 years of nutrition, business and everything in between.

We’re also delighted to have the support of Linwoods Healthfoods as we celebrate this milestone.

More from us over the next couple of weeks as we get ready…

05/10/2026

October is all about your gut microbiome 🦠🌱

A healthy gut microbiome can support so much more than digestion - from your mood and immune health to skin and hormone balance.

We’ll be looking at how everyday foods can help nourish your beneficial gut bacteria, from eating more variety and fibre to exploring the benefits of prebiotics and resistant starch.

For just £25 a month, Revitalise Club includes:

✨ Nutrition masterclass
🍴 Cookery demo and recipes
💬 Q&A drop-in clinic
🎯 Weekly healthy habit challenges
📱 Private WhatsApp support

Practical, evidence-based nutrition without the gut health fads.

Come and join us this October 💚
https://www.vital-nutrition.co.uk/revitalise-club

29/09/2026

Really pleased to share this from the great team at the County Down Rural Community Network, an organisation we do a lot of work with. I'll be providing the nutritional support at the 3rd November session.

The 'Better Days Support Programme' offers practical support for people living with chronic pain while waiting for NHS treatment, covering everything from sleep and self-care to gentle movement, relaxation and nutrition.

📅 Starts Tuesday 6 October
📍 Saintfield Community Centre

Please share with anyone who might find this useful.

24/09/2026

What are you doing this time tomorrow? 🍂

Why not join me at The Linen Hall for the first in my new series of seasonal Nourish workshops?

Whether you’re stepping away from the desk or making the most of your day off, come along for an hour of practical nutrition, seasonal inspiration and a little time for yourself.

We’re kicking things off with autumn – looking at simple ways to support energy, immunity and wellbeing, making the most of seasonal local produce, plus a little bit about preserving and fermenting.

Tomorrow, Friday 25 September | 1–2pm
📍 The Linen Hall, Belfast
£6 members | £7.50 non-members

There are still a few places available – I’d love to see you there.

https://linenhall.com/event/nourish-working-with-the-seasons-for-your-wellbeing-autumn/

23/09/2026

Really enjoyed this conversation with Sarah Travers for Episode 155 of The Public Eye Podcast, recorded at the Granite Podcast Studio 🎙️

We chatted about the Vital Nutrition origin story, and about nutrition without the nonsense. I’m always happiest talking about nutrition in a way that makes sense for real life, so this was right up my street.

With Vital Nutrition celebrating 25 years in business this year, it was a good time to talk about how much the world of nutrition has changed over the years.

Thanks to Sarah for having me on, and to the team behind the podcast for a great conversation.

🎧 Have a listen to the full episode here: http://ow.ly/TSRn50MBFog

21/09/2026

I love this time of year. There’s something about the change of season that naturally makes us want to slow down a little, get back into a routine and nourish ourselves differently.

That’s the thinking behind my Nourish: Working with the Seasons for Your Wellbeing sessions at The Linen Hall.

This Friday, 25 September, we’ll be focusing on autumn – from supporting energy, immunity and gut health to making the most of the fantastic local produce that’s around at this time of year.

We’ll also be talking about preserving and fermenting, and some simple, practical ways to bring a little more seasonal eating into everyday life.

I’d love you to join me at The Linen Hall from 1–2pm. 🍂

Friday 25 September | 1–2pm
£6 members | £7.50 non-members

Find out more and book via the link below.
https://linenhall.com/event/nourish-working-with-the-seasons-for-your-wellbeing-autumn/

Join nutritionist Jane McClenaghan for a series of lunchtime sessions exploring the natural cycle of the year to help optimise your nutrition for each season. This first event focuses on […]

16/09/2026

September has arrived, the days are getting shorter and autumn is definitely on its way. 🍂

After coming back from a week in a campervan recently I was feeling refreshed and ready to go, when I got knocked off my plan by my immune system.

So as we move into autumn I’m taking a slightly more targeted approach to looking after myself - good food, plenty of fluids, easing back into exercise and, most importantly, giving my body time to recover.

There’s no magic food or supplement that will stop you getting a cold this autumn, but good nutrition can help support your immune system to function normally.

Think:

🥦 Plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables for a range of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds
🐟 Protein at every meal to provide the building blocks your body needs for repair and immune function
🥑 Healthy fats, including oily fish and extra virgin olive oil
🌿 Herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, thyme and rosemary
💧 Plenty of fluids
☀️ And don’t forget vitamin D as we head into autumn and winter

When you’re feeling under the weather, sometimes the best nutrition advice is the simplest: nourishing food, plenty of rest, good sleep and time to recover.

This is something I’ll be exploring more at my upcoming lunchtime session at The Linen Hall in Belfast:

🍂 Nourish: Working with the Seasons for Your Wellbeing — Autumn

📅 25 September
⏰ 1–2pm
📍 The Linen Hall, Belfast

We’ll look at how we can work with the changing seasons to support our nutrition, energy and wellbeing — with practical, realistic ideas to take away and use in everyday life.

If you’d like to join me, you can find all the details and book your place here:
https://linenhall.com/event/nourish-working-with-the-seasons-for-your-wellbeing-autumn/

11/09/2026

The kids are back to school, the alarm clock is ringing again and we’re all settling back into some sort of routine!

September can feel like a fresh start, but when life gets busy, I think the key to family nutrition is keeping things simple.

You don't need elaborate meal plans or hours spent in the kitchen. A few easy routines can make healthy eating much more manageable:

🥣 Start the day with a decent breakfast
🥪 Keep packed lunches simple
🍎 Have a few nutritious after-school snacks ready
🍝 Cook once and use leftovers for another meal
🥕 Add extra vegetables to family favourites
🌾 Choose wholegrains more often
🥦 Don't be afraid of healthy shortcuts like frozen veg
💧 Keep water easy to grab

And perhaps most importantly, don't aim for perfection. Family life is busy enough without making food another source of stress.

The best healthy eating routine is one that actually works for your family and can be repeated week after week.

💾Save this for those busy back-to-school weeks ahead.

07/09/2026

🍂 Autumn is on its way… so how can we nourish ourselves differently this season?

I’m really looking forward to speaking at the Linen Hall on Friday 25th September - Nourish: Working with the Seasons for Your Wellbeing (Autumn).

This first event focuses on autumn, and will explore how to nourish yourself well as the days grow shorter and routines begin to shift.

🍂 In the session, we’ll explore:

✨ Simple ways to support energy, immunity and wellbeing through autumn
🍲 Warming foods for cooler days — moving from salads to stews, with delicious ideas to nourish you throughout the autumn season
🥕 What’s in season? — how to make the most of this season’s local harvest
🫙 Preserving and fermenting — exploring the benefits for our gut microbiome and beyond

Friday 25th September | 1–2pm
📍 Linen Hall, Belfast
🎟️ £6–£7.50

I'd love to to see you there!

Book your place here:
https://linenhall.com/event/nourish-working-with-the-seasons-for-your-wellbeing-autumn/