Why I became a Nutritionist

Pizza, pies, sodas, fast foods, fish n chips and baked beans these were foods I used to eat a lot of growing up in the 90s when they were considered harmless treats for the children…unfortunately by the time I was 9 years old I was obese (see photos) and I was constantly bullied by my peers at school…who called me chunky, bulgy and fatso. This really affected my self-esteem, I felt ugly and worthless and so I became a depressed kid. Until one day I decided I had enough and was no longer going to be that fat girl!
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When I was just 12 years old I decided to take my health into my own hands. I started reading nutrition books during play time and made huge changes to my diet, I stopped eating all the fatty foods and started exercising every day. The result; I lost 20kg in one year and I looked like a completely different person. In fact, many of my friends didn’t even recognize me!

I finally looked like a normal sized girl and I was no longer bullied but suddenly admired. More importantly, I became confident in who I am and what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. I realized the power of nutrition and lifestyle on not only our weight but also how we feel about ourselves. 

This was the start of my strong passion for health and nutrition, which led me to continue studying Nutrition. Since then I have completed my Double Major in Nutrition and Biochemistry at Otago University, started up my own nutrition consulting business to do what I love, which is helping people feel great about themselves.

Since then I have kept off the weight through continuing to eat the right foods, getting my DNA tested to fine tune my diet and maintaining regular exercise. I can honestly say that I love my body and who I have become because of my struggles. This is why I am passionate about helping other people who are struggling with their self-esteem due to health, skin or weight issues.

It is my mission to empower people to take ownership of their health, so they can feel great, look at their best and prevent future disease through making the right diet and lifestyle choices.

Elaine Bracefield
Nutritionist & Biochemist 
​Director of DNA Nutrition