Natural Equilibrium NZ

27/08/2026

Are the stairs starting to feel steeper? It can start around menopause. 🪜

From around menopause onwards, we can begin to lose muscle strength, balance, stamina and reaction speed — but ageing doesn’t mean we simply have to accept the decline.

The good news is that staying active, particularly including strength and balance work, can make a real difference.

A really interesting read on what changes as we age — and, more importantly, what we can do about it. 👇

Some age-related decline is locked in. Strength, balance and fall risk are not - and the evidence shows what works.

25/08/2026

It’s important to look at the bigger picture. Very appropriate after my last post…

“As we age, we know sarcopenia is a thing. We lose muscle mass. Well, that also occurs at your feet. People don't think about that.”

24/08/2026

What actually happens during a reflexology treatment?

If you’ve never tried reflexology, you might wonder what it feels like — and one of the questions I often get is: “Isn’t it ticklish?”

Surprisingly, no! Reflexology uses firm, purposeful pressure rather than light touch, so even people with very ticklish feet usually find it comfortable and relaxing.

Reflexology works with specific points and areas of the feet that are traditionally mapped to different parts of the body. A session combines pressure techniques with massage, and the treatment is always adapted to the individual.

People come for reflexology for many different reasons. Some use it simply to relax and switch off, while others find it a helpful complementary therapy when dealing with things such as:

• stress and tension
• difficulty relaxing or sleeping
• headaches and migraines
• digestive discomfort
• general aches and tension
• feeling tired, overwhelmed or run down

Research into reflexology is still developing, and I don’t see it as a replacement for medical treatment. But relaxation itself can be valuable — particularly when stress and tension are contributing to how we feel.

You stay fully clothed, apart from removing your shoes and socks, and simply lie back while I work on your feet.

And if you’re thinking, “Nobody is touching my feet — I’m far too ticklish!” … you may be surprised. 😊

Have you ever tried reflexology?

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17/08/2026

Does a good massage have to hurt to work?
There's a common belief that if a massage doesn't hurt, it isn't doing anything.
But more pressure isn't automatically better.
The right amount of pressure depends on the person, the area being treated and what you're trying to achieve. Sometimes deeper work is appropriate; other times a gentler approach can be much more useful.
Your body also gives us useful feedback. If pressure causes you to tense your muscles, hold your breath or brace against the treatment, pushing harder isn't necessarily going to achieve a better result. Massage should work with your body, not become something you simply have to endure.
That's why I adjust pressure throughout a treatment and encourage clients to tell me what they're feeling. What feels like a comfortable, effective pressure for one person can be far too much — or too little — for someone else.
A good massage isn't a test of how much pain you can tolerate.
I'm curious — are you team "the firmer the better" or team "please be gentle"?

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16/08/2026

Can we always trust what's on our food labels — even with everyday foods like tomatoes, eggs and turmeric?

I recently watched Duped: Food Exposed, an ABC Four Corners investigation looking at food fraud, food labelling and whether what's actually in some of the foods we buy matches what we're being told on the label.

What makes it particularly interesting is that it isn't just about highly processed foods. The investigation looks at familiar, everyday products including tomato products, eggs and turmeric, as well as seafood and other foods.

As a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, I found it fascinating and quite thought-provoking. We rely on food labels to make informed choices for ourselves and our families, so transparency around what we're buying really matters.

It is an Australian investigation, and there are differences between Australian and New Zealand food regulations, but many of the questions it raises around food quality, sourcing and transparency are relevant to us as consumers here too.

It's an hour long, but well worth a watch if this interests you.

Have you watched it? Did anything in it surprise you?

Can Australians trust the labels on the food they buy?In a major ...

14/08/2026

Proud to be part of this awesome initiative!
Next Wednesday we kick off a 9-week Fit 5 programme with Special Olympics Kāpiti, supporting athletes with nutrition, hydration and physical activity.
I’ll be leading the nutrition component, helping make healthy eating practical, understandable and achievable for our athletes.
Really looking forward to the next 9 weeks!

Fit 5 - First Friday session is on TONIGHT!
Our first Wednesday session kicked us off but if you were unable to make it then, we have our first Friday session starting tonight. 5.30pm in the classroom above the Kapiti College Mail Gym.

We are the first in NZ to have this programme, we would love to see you there. Pm us if you need help finding the classroom space

11/08/2026

How balanced is your favourite winter meal?
Soups, stews, curries and tray bakes are wonderful winter meals. They’re warming, easy to prepare and a great way to include more vegetables—but they aren’t always a complete meal on their own.
For a more balanced and satisfying meal, try including:
🥕 Plenty of colourful vegetables for fibre and a variety of nutrients
🍗 A source of protein, such as chicken, fish, lean meat, eggs, beans, lentils or tofu
🥔 An energy-rich carbohydrate, such as kūmara, pumpkin, brown rice, quinoa or wholegrain bread
🥑 A little healthy fat, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts or seeds
For example, a vegetable soup becomes a more substantial meal when you add lentils, beans or shredded chicken and serve it with abut if brown rice or wholemeal bread.
You don’t need to measure everything or make every meal perfect. Simply looking at what may be missing can help you create a meal that is more nourishing and keeps you satisfied for longer.

What is your favourite easy winter meal?

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04/08/2026

🥚 Are you getting enough protein at breakfast?
Protein provides amino acids—the building blocks the body uses to maintain and repair muscle, produce enzymes and hormones, and support many other essential functions.
Including protein at breakfast can also make the meal more satisfying and help provide steadier energy through the morning. This becomes particularly important as we age, when maintaining muscle mass and strength requires more attention.
Many common breakfasts, such as toast or cereal, contain mostly carbohydrate. They don’t need to be avoided—simply adding a good source of protein creates a more balanced meal.
Some easy options include:
• Eggs
• Greek yoghurt or cottage cheese
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans or leftover chicken
• A smoothie made with yoghurt or protein powder
Small changes can make a meaningful difference. What does protein at breakfast look like for you?

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