CLIENT
STORIES
SKIN & GUT
"It's been transformational"
"After struggling with skin issues for a long time I tried everything under the sun, I had visited numerous dermatologists and doctors and none of them were able to help other than “incurable” and “use these creams”. I was running out of hope and then seeing some of Karen’s clients testimonials I put all my faith in her and thank god I did.
We discovered that I had multiple gut issues and infections and Karen developed a protocol for me which has been transformational. Always available and super helpful. Karen’s extensive knowledge and understanding approach really has changed my quality of life and I am very grateful."
CHARLIE . WARICK
"Karen is incredibly thorough and very intuitive in her work. She is always very caring , calming and professional and I have recommended her to several of my friends!"
HELEN . SHEFFIELD
SKIN & GUT
"I no longer have gut symptoms!"
I contacted Karen earlier this year as my eczema was becoming unmanageable. Despite using a strong topical steroid most days, my eczema was quickly spreading over my body and I was becoming increasingly intolerant to certain foods. This was made even worse by my IBS that developed after a bout of food poisoning in Mexico, my ‘safe’ foods were becoming extremely limited and I could no longer enjoy a lot of fruit and veg without extreme tummy issues. I felt really hopeless and like I couldn’t eat anything at all!
Karen was super supportive and knowledgeable from the get go and I felt very comfortable putting my health in her hands for the next 6+ months, and I’m so glad I did!! Within a few months there was a noticeable shift in my gut health, I was tolerating more foods and feeling less bloated. This improvement continued throughout the protocol to the point I can say I no longer have gut symptoms and can happily eat fruit and veg in peace again!! A MASSIVE win !!
My skin took a little longer to see noticeable improvements and I experienced a lot of up and downs along the way. However, Karen was there supporting me through the whole thing and would always listen to my concerns. She helped me to identify my triggers and allowed me to understand why my body was reacting the way it was – this has been invaluable! I’ve finally reached a point where I feel comfortable in my healing journey and will continue to check in with Karen monthly for the next few months until I feel ready to face it alone. Whilst I still have some intolerance to certain histamine foods, I feel confident that it won’t be forever and that my tolerance to these foods will only continue to improve. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Karen over the past year – learning about my body and health through gut/blood testing has been incredibly insightful. For me the protocol hasn’t just been a quick fix, but a lifestyle change that has allowed me to live a normal life again and feel truly amazing mentally and physically.
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Karen is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and really cares for her clients. I’d recommend her to anyone! (I already have!!) THANK YOU!!
ELSYE . YORKSHIRE
LOW MOOD
"The best decision I made"
Karen genuinely changed my life. I was in therapy and feeling down every day and feeling ill with most the food that I ate. Every month was a literal crying nightmare and then I decided to try Meraki nutrition. Karen helped me find a solution that was right for me. We took tests to identify imbalances I had and made protocols for how I would improve. Having regular sessions to talk through any problems I was having really helped adapt my solution to exactly what I needed. Now I feel so much happier. I’m not as emotional and I feel so much more healthy and the people around me see the difference. A nutritionist was my final solution and it was the best decision I made. Would highly recommend.
LILY . LONDON
LOW MOOD & WEIGHT GAIN
"I've lost over a stone and sleep better than ever!"
After multiple steroid creams and many courses of antibiotics the doctors only advice was go back on the pill, and lose weight for my low mood – but I was offered no support on how! I was in the darkest place I’ve ever been before working with Karen Ward at Meraki. I even said to myself this is my final idea of what to do.
How I wish it was the first thing I tried, I’d have missed out on 2 years of depression, weight gain and pain from my skin.
It’s been tough with how fussy an eater I am but Karen was understanding and not judgmental in my weird eating habits or hang ups. I have learnt much more than just “diet”, it’s a life style change that’s manageable and most importantly for me realistic.
I sleep better than ever, I’ve lost over a stone, my brain fog is finally lifting and my skin is finally pain free again all from the education and support of Karen.
I can’t thank you enough
SIOBHAN . WALSALL
SKIN
"I couldn't have done it without her"
I contacted Karen due to have severe eczema and I had tried everything and nothing had worked. Karen supported me for many months with my diet, supplements and lifestyle changes. My skin is now perfect and I never thought I would have been in a place where my skin no longer rules my life! Karen was always positive and supportive and I couldn’t of done it without her. Highly recommend Karen and Meraki Nutrition!!
CHARLOTTE . LEMMINGTON SPA
LOW MOOD & FIBROMYALGIA
"Karen is inspirational and knowledgeable"
Karen is not only knowledgeable but inspirational too.
Karen is a great listener and will see through the chaos to focus on the true root of the problem. I was feeling down with my fibromyalgia and not being able to lose those extra pounds. In just a few weeks, Karen’s advice and encouragement has turned my life around in so many ways. Karen, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me.
CATHIE . WARWICK
BLOATING & WEIGHT GAIN
"In 12 weeks, I've lost 8kg"
I came to Meraki Nutrition because I realised that something wasn’t really quite right with my digestion and also wondering what I was doing wrong in terms of weight loss. We know that medicine as a whole isn’t really geared at anyone from an ethnic minority and it’s very one size fits all.
Thankfully this isn’t the approach that Meraki Nutrition takes and Karen went through everything with me step-by-step. And not just food BUT everything in my life – key events in the last few years, any specific traumas – this helped Karen to understand my life, my personality and also, actually just me in general. What I’ve genuinely appreciated is the holistic approach to nutrition insofar that *everything* is connected. For instance – I have therapy and my sessions are tough and afterwards I used to always crave chocolate or a biscuit coz it’s tough right? BUT Karen explained *why* this was happening and now I just take a breath, make sure I have water nearby (or a cup of tea). Once I understood they *why* it was easy to *not*! All explained in a super accessible non-jargon-y way, not like some medical professionals.
Karen also helped unpack some of my harmful food behaviours from when I was younger and helped me to realise that I don’t need to do those anymore (Food Therapist anyone?!) So what have I achieved? I signed up for the 3 months option which was perfect for me. This meant that I had weekly check-ins with Karen, I was able to reach out to her anytime and I also did Food Diaries every week. I know it sounds like a lot but having the accountability has helped keep me on track and also to really pay attention to what’s happening to my body. Specifically my poo! (We spend a lot of time talking about poo) And I also had some blood tests done which helped contribute to some of my action points in my plan. (The more information, the better your results will be!).
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In 12 weeks I have lost 8kg, and many many centimetres from my waist and hips. Aesthetics are *great* BUT, I don’t feel bloated anymore, I barely fart (apart from after a curry) and my relationship with food has completely changed. I also sleep well and if I do have a cheeky bit of cake/chocolate/biscuits/crisps I save myself for the *good* stuff and not just mindlessly stuffing my face ‘because it’s there’. I never thought I would be the type of person that would go to a nutritionist (and I have acupuncture!) BUT it’s been the *best decision* I’ve made this Pandemic Year.
NATASHA . LEMINGTON SPA
FIBROMYALGIA
"If you have fibromyalgia, don't hesitate to make an appointment, it's SO worth it!!"
When I first approached Meraki for help I was feeling nervous, sceptical but willing to try anything as I was so desperate, in so much pain, and taking so much medication I rattled!I was diagnosed by my doctor with Fibromyalgia 8 years ago, not long after my 40th Birthday and came to see Karen after a severe reaction to the antidepressants my doctor had given me for nerve pain.During the consultation process I felt completely listened too.
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Karen understood all of my symptoms. I’ve been continually supported throughout my journey, she is full of great ideas, suggestions to tweak my diet, supplements to take etc. And ….. she’s a thoroughly lovely person too!I won’t say its been easy – for me food was the one thing that I used to seek comfort from. Having to massively change my diet has been tough but I knew I was doing it for the right reasons.I can’t believe the difference this has made to me in such as short space of time. The blood test I did with Karen showed I had 80% inflammation in my body.I now have 90% less pain. I’m still only part way through my journey so I still have some healing to do. When I set out to do this I said if it gave me 50% reduction in pain, then it would be worth it. So far I have benefited so much more than 50%.
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I’ve noticed simple things – being able to walk without getting out of breath or having palpitations or pain! I’ve started to use the stairs when out and about rather than the lift, and I’m even keeping up with my partner now, and having to coax him to walk a bit more with me. My brain is far more alert and I have no more brain fog. I have far more energy than I used to and actually looking into getting a pushbike!I eat far less than I used to as I’m not hungry (15lbs lost and 5” from waist and hips so far!) My hormones are getting back to normal and no more PMT! I’m not depressed or anxious. People have commented on how much brighter I seem and how good my complexion is looking now. The horrible bags (which I called suitcases) under my eyes have gone.
I would 100% recommend Meraki to anyone with Fibromyalgia. I tell everyone I know who has health issues to contact them! I feel like a human being again, not a zombie who rattled because of medication. I am off all of my meds (and it turned out I wasn’t going through menopause). My appetite is well controlled now – no more never feeling full! I am starting to live my life again and that is wonderful.
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I honestly didn’t think, before starting this, that I would be here now. In February/March I was at rock bottom. I began seeing Karen in March. We are now Mid May and I’ve come such a long way. If you do have the horror that is Fibromyalgia DON’T hesitate and make an appointment – the difference it will make to your life is amazing. Be prepared for hard work and overhauling your diet and lifestyle …. BUT IT’S SOOOO WORTH IT!!! I just want to say thank you Karen for giving me my life back and a future to look forward too!!!
JULIE . BIRMINGHAM
STRESS & GENERAL HEALTH
"I really don't know what I would be feeling like, if I hadn't taken this step"
I came to see Karen recognising that my health and wellbeing were suffering significantly due to poor diet and high levels of stress relating to my job. I was constantly tired, bloated, suffering headaches, low emotionally and I realised I needed some help to get myself well. Karen supported me throughout, giving me encouragement when I needed it and options when I was being picky about what I would and wouldn’t eat. She gave me the confidence to try new things and to believe that my health could be different.
I took the big step of getting the FDX test and seeing the results really reinforced the fact that I needed help. And that if I did nothing… I was on my way to much more serious health problems. I am so glad I had them done – I need that constant reminder of what I don’t want to go back to. I have completely changed my diet – and it has transformed how I feel and how I cope. Karen’s encouragement and guidance has helped me feel better and also given me the strength to change much more than what I eat. I’ve found the courage to take the biggest step and change my job for the benefit of my wellbeing. I don’t think I realised what I was doing to myself until I worked with Karen.
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I thoroughly recommend Meraki to anyone who knows they need to change what they are putting in their bodies for their wellbeing. I really don’t know what I would be feeling like if I hadn’t taken that step.
JACQUI . COVENTRY
GENERAL HEALTH & WEIGHT GAIN
"By week 3 I was back into clothes I've not fit into for 2 years!"
When I approached Karen I’d been feeling unhappy with how I felt about myself and the slimming club plan I was following. It just wasn’t working for me. Having read the Meraki website and looking at their social media, I was confident that they could help me improve my nutrition and help me achieve my goals. At the initial consultation Karen explained what was happening in my body based on the plan I was currently following, and how by changing my approach to food and nutrition I could improve my wellbeing, as well as achieve fat & weight loss.
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I put my faith in Karen and I am so glad I did. After the first two weeks I felt liberated being able to eat the foods I like and I also felt better in my wellbeing and had a lot more energy. By week three I was back into clothes which I could not fit into for two years!
Karen was always on hand with support, I sent my weekly meal plans to check that I was on track, and tracked my macronutrients using an easy app – she also suggested books that explain nutrition and include recipe ideas. I am so glad that I contacted Karen and made the change to my nutrition – I would describe the way I eat now as quality over quantity and I can see that this is sustainable. I would certainly recommend others to take the same steps if you are looking to better understand nutrition as well as to achieve fat & weight loss.
LISA . COVENTRY
LOW MOOD & ANXIETY
"I can honestly say my anxiety reduced hugely"
I had been recommended to Karen through a friend as was feeling at a particularly low point in my life and it had manifested itself in very poor eating, nutrition and inactivity to a point I had become so low I didn’t want to see anyone or socialise and was suffering from regular anxiety.
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Karen made me feel at ease right away and I was able to talk about how my situation had occurred. She offered great insight into what habits needed to change and introduced me to cooking from scratch which I rarely did. Within weeks I was feeling better within myself and had regular check in points with Karen to talk things through and get advice and guidance not only on what to eat but on other changes which have impacted me positively including sorting my sleeping habits out, learning relaxation techniques and getting the right supplements to support my health. I can honestly say my anxiety has reduced hugely and I am moving the dial in a positive direction towards a more healthy and happy me. I would absolutely recommend Karen and really enjoyed working with her.
ALISON . MILTON KEYNES
CORPORATE WORKSHOP
"I've been receiving some lovely feedback from the team"
Since our recent wellbeing week, I have been receiving some lovely feedback from the team. The presentations followed by the one to one drop in clinic were really supportive to people. Team members have reflected and reviewed their own lifestyle, and considered the alternatives you discussed to ensure they are living the best healthy version of themselves possible. Colleagues have made swaps in their shopping baskets opting for tasty healthy alternatives and are really enjoying it!
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This is week three since our well being week and some colleagues are looking visually well with a radiance about them. Some have even benefited from a small weight loss. They are claiming it’s all about the new sprouting venture in addition to healthy choices!!
The well being week will be a regular event now for our team, so no doubt we will be inviting Meraki Nutrition in again ensuring those that missed out have the same wonderful opportunity. I hope other organisations embrace and invest in opportunities like this. It supports having a healthier happier workforce with reduced sickness levels. My advice if you’re reading this it to “Go for it and enjoy”.
DENISE . SOLIHULL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
GENERAL HEALTH
"I can't recommend her services enough!"
“Thank you Karen for an amazing outlook on nutrition, it’s exactly what I needed as a vegetarian who wanted to increase on protein and overall diet.
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Not only are you passionate about what you do but you’re realistic. I love the fact that you still continue to have a full dialogue with me even after the “initial consultation”.
I can’t recommend your services enough. Thank you!!”
PARVEEN . LEMINGTON SPA
ENERGY LEVELS
"The results showed"
“I was feeling tired and lethargic and convinced that it was down to low iron levels. Karen was very approachable and I was confident that she was knowledgeable. She wrote to my GP to ask for blood tests. The results showed that I was not iron deficient. Karen recommended changes to my diet and some supplements. I felt the benefits almost immediately! I had lots more energy and I enjoyed the recommended foods and meals. Karen had ensured that she knew what my goals were and my food preferences. I hadn’t mentioned to Karen that I also had an issue with photosensitivity and stinging eyes. To my amazement this issue also cleared up with the changes to my diet! I have stuck to the eating plan and the changes have been easy to adapt to. I would thoroughly recommend Karen.”
CHARLOTTE . BUCKINGHAM
GENERAL HEALTH & ENERGY LEVELS
"In two weeks I'm feeling calmer and eating better"
“I recently met Karen and asked her to help me improve my general health, wellbeing and energy levels. After the honest completion of a medical questionnaire, Karen spent time considering my diet, lifestyle and fitness levels.
The result was an in-depth, one to one session, which addressed my lifestyle, stress levels, diet and exercise plan with amazing results. I now have a personal eating plan, which has helped me understand the benefits of eating well, cooking from scratch and eliminating key foods.
I have also reduced my stress levels, made time for me and my wellbeing and am exercising in a different way – using yoga.
After only 2 weeks, I am feeling calmer, eating better – (am never hungry) have more energy and have lost 7 lbs in weight. I couldn’t be happier with the results and am in keeping in touch with Karen – who is always available with answers to questions and recommended books, recipes etc. I highly recommend you use Karen, who is personable, fun and realistic – this has genuinely changed my habits and attitude to food for good – put yourself first for once!”