Specialist

Nikki Durnford

Nutritionist

I’m Nikki and I am a registered nutritionist who helps people who are generally in their 40s and 50s feel alive, thrive in the workplace and look and feel better than they ever have before.

My pathway to this career is perhaps not a typical route. I led a very carefree and fun life in an exciting corporate role through my 20s and 30s but I was working long hours, eating and drinking a little too much and not taking care of myself. This lifestyle was not sustainable and in my 40s, I hit the wall, suffered a serious illness and had to take some time off work.

When I returned to my job, I had very little energy and felt emotionally and physically drained, in a body that ached and creaked. This was the catalyst that sparked my interest in the power of nutrition in health and disease. How had I reached this age, knowing more about how my car worked than my body? And yet what I put into my body controls all its functions, right? Just madness!

Seeking the help of a nutritionist, I started to turn my life around. My energy and joie de vivre returned. I was so impressed with the results that I decided to quit my job and retrain as a nutritionist myself. I didn’t want anyone to feel the same as I had. I didn’t want them to struggle with their identity and feel that they had lost their way in the workplace and in their personal lives.

You may be experiencing some of what I was feeling right now. We have all been through turbulent times and a lot of upheaval and uncertainty over the last 8 months. You may not be feeling on top form. If some of this resonates with you, I would love you to join me at my workshop where I can show you the path towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. And remember that healthy eating isn’t about following a gruelling diet and punishing yourself. In contrast, it means caring for yourself, both body and mind with nutritious food that leaves you energised and raring to go.

Sessions Led by Nikki Durnford

New

Stress, Mood & Food: Eat Your Way to a Calmer, Clearer Day

Discover how the foods you eat can either fuel stress or support your mood, focus and energy throughout the day. You’ll learn simple, practical habits to balance blood sugar, support your gut and feel more resilient – even on your busiest workdays.

New

Upgrade Your Body: Nutrition Hacks for Energy, Focus & Healthy Ageing

Ready to feel better today and tomorrow? Learn the simple science-backed tweaks that keep your mind sharp, your metabolism humming, and your body resilient – no gimmicks, just real results.

New

Thriving Through the Years: Nutrition and Lifestyle for Optimal Ageing at Work

Ageing well is about thriving, not just getting by. In this session, we’ll show how small, practical changes in what you eat, how you move, and how you recover can protect your health, boost your focus, and keep you energised – today and for the years to come.

New

Ultra processed Culture: How Modern Food Environments Shape Workday

It is very easy to underestimate the effect of the workplace snack culture, energy drinks, grazing and “convenience lunches” on mood and attention. This talk explores the impact of ultra processed foods on cognition, cravings and stress resilience, offering practical, actionable ways to make smarter food choices during the working day

New

The Focus Formula: Nutrition and Lifestyle Skills for Clearer Thinking

In an age of constant digital distraction, maintaining concentration is a growing challenge. This session looks at how blood-sugar stability, nutrient density, hydration, stress levels and breaks influence cognitive performance. Learn practical ways to support sharper thinking and reduce mental fatigue.

New

Digital Fatigue & Fuel: Optimising Performance in a Screen-Driven World

With screens dominating the workday, employees often face hidden fatigue, brain fog, and energy dips. This session explores how screen exposure impacts metabolism, hunger, and stress, and provides practical strategies, from hydration and smart snacking to micro-breaks, to sustain focus, resilience, and wellbeing.

New

The Productivity Plate: Eating to Enhance Learning, Memory and Creativity

What you eat shapes how clearly you think and how well you learn. In this session, we’ll explore the simple food habits that support sharper recall, stronger focus and more creative thinking, and why certain meals make such a difference to problem-solving and mental stamina. You’ll leave with practical ways to fuel different types of […]

New

The Resilient Gut: How Modern Life Shapes Your Microbiome and Your Workday

Your gut influences far more than digestion; It affects mood, focus and stress resilience. Modern work habits, disrupted sleep and fast, convenience-led eating can all shift the microbiome in subtle ways that impact how we feel and think. This session explains how everyday choices shape gut health and offers simple, practical strategies to support a […]

Is Inflammation the Modern-Day Epidemic? Understanding the Impact on Well-being

In today’s fast-paced world, the impact of inflammation on health is often underestimated. This talk explores acute and chronic inflammation, emphasising how dietary choices can influence well-being. By offering practical strategies for integrating anti-inflammatory foods into daily meals, attendees are empowered to improve their overall health and vitality.

Menopause at Work: Understanding the Changes and Supporting Everyday Wellbeing

Menopause affects focus, energy, mood and sleep in ways that often go unnoticed. This session breaks down what’s happening hormonally and how those changes influence day-to-day life. We’ll look at the simple food, lifestyle and recovery habits that make symptoms easier to manage, helping you feel more steady, clear and energised through the working day.

Menopause Myths, Mindsets & Support: Creating a More Confident Workplace

There’s still a lot of confusion around menopause, and that can make the experience feel isolating. This session brings clarity by explaining the key hormonal shifts, how they show up at work, and the misconceptions that get in the way. You’ll learn practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies that genuinely help, alongside ways workplaces can build […]

Midlife Metabolism: Understanding Weight Changes

Many people notice their weight shifting in midlife, but the reasons are often misunderstood. This session explores the science behind metabolism, appetite, and body composition, and how stress, sleep, and blood-sugar balance contribute. You’ll gain practical, sustainable strategies for eating and daily routines that support long-term weight management—without restriction or overwhelm.

Women’s Health at Work and Beyond: A Practical Guide to Thriving

This fun, interactive, and insightful session is designed to equip women of all ages with practical strategies to feel their best – both at work and in life. From understanding hormonal shifts to building resilience and balance, attendees will leave informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Eat Well to Feel Good: Everyday Nutrition for Steady Energy and Focus

What you eat affects your mood, focus, and stamina. This session covers how foods influence blood sugar, why energy dips happen, and simple ways to build meals that keep you alert. You’ll get practical ideas for energising breakfasts, easy workday lunches, smart snacks, and planning tips for consistent energy at home or in the office.

New

The Power Trio: Fibre, Healthy Fats & Protein for Everyday Performance

Fibre, healthy fats and protein have been hitting the headlines lately, but their real value goes far beyond the soundbites. We’ll look at whether the buzz around these nutrients is just clever marketing or genuinely grounded in solid science, and what that means for your everyday energy and focus. You’ll leave with clear, practical ways […]