In this grounded and refreshing conversation, Lindsie sits down with holistic nutritional therapist Vera Jackson to unpack what it really means to take a whole-body approach to women’s health. If you’re tired of quick fixes, trendy biohacks, and starting over every January, this episode is your reminder that true healing isn’t about restriction or perfection — it’s about understanding your body in context. Vera shares how holistic nutrition looks beyond symptoms to uncover root causes, why food is only one piece of the puzzle, and how small, sustainable changes create lasting transformation. From PMS and fibroids to perimenopause and stress-related hormone chaos, this conversation emphasizes compassionate, realistic health strategies that support the whole person — not just isolated symptoms. You’ll walk away feeling reassured that you don’t have to give up everything you love to feel better… and that progress doesn’t require punishment.
The Fear Around Change
What Holistic Nutrition Really Means
What to Expect in a Nutritional Consultation
Why Quick Fixes Don’t Last
Do You Have to Give Up Your Favorite Foods?
Progress Over Perfection
(0:00 - 0:53) Another great topic, so scary changes, because you know, as people start making these changes, it is, it's scary, and it's the unknown, and something they're not used to, and they wanna be able to like live their lives, but for you, let me ask you this, for your clients, do they have to give up all their favorite foods to feel better? Hey friends, welcome back to the show. I'm Lindsie, and today's episode is for the woman who feels like she's constantly patching symptoms, juggling hormones, energy crashes, poor sleep, stress, and the mental load of trying to do everything right, and still not feeling like herself. My guest today is Vera Jackson, a holistic nutritional therapist, who helps women put their health puzzle together, so they can shift hormones, sleep better, feel more energized, and become more resilient.
(0:54 - 1:37) Vera supports women of all ages, including those navigating PMS, fibroids, heavy or painful periods, and perimenopause. What I really appreciate about Vera is that she doesn't just bring knowledge, she brings understanding. She found her way into holistic nutrition through her own health challenges, so she truly gets how hard it can be to even get up in the morning when your health feels like it's falling apart, and her whole approach is rooted in one big question, not what pill fixes this, but what's driving this, and how do we support your body at the root? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by health advice, or like you're stuck in a loop of starting over, this conversation is going to feel like a deep exhale.
(1:38 - 1:57) As always, the content shared on PCOS Unfiltered is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not intended to serve as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified health care professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.
(1:57 - 2:09) The information shared is based on personal experience and expert interviews, and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. All right, now let's dive in. Here's my conversation with Vera Jackson.
(2:17 - 2:27) Welcome, and welcome to Vera for being here. Thank you so much. I think we align in a lot of ways, so this is going to be a good conversation.
(2:29 - 3:01) So starting right off, first question, you know, holistic therapy, nutrition therapy, what do those mean? What do those do? Can you explain that to us? Yes, yeah, many people don't understand holistic therapy as such. You know, it's two funny words. Holistic therapy, what's that? It's, holistic therapy is about seeing the person as a whole and seeing the person in the environment where the person lives.
(3:01 - 3:26) And it's about, instead of asking what pill we can give someone to treat their symptoms, holistic therapy asks, so what are the causes of the problem? How can we get to the root cause of the problem and actually help body to recover, help body to heal? Yeah, yeah, I love that. Super important, right? I mean, that's the difference maker right there. Yeah, it is.
(3:27 - 3:43) Cases, right? Yeah, you can go to a doctor and they can prescribe something, but unless you're not really getting to the root cause, nothing's going to be. Yeah, that's true. Obviously, I don't mind doctors.
(3:43 - 4:05) I'm not against the doctors. They're doing the job and they're doing it well because as holistic therapists, obviously a little disclaimer here, we can't, we're not allowed to prescribe things and we're not there to cure or treat, but yeah, we can help body to recover. But yeah, if you go to GP in UK, you got 15 minutes, it's not much, is it? No, no.
(4:06 - 4:57) And that's where, yeah, yeah, I don't mean to come off too bad because I think there's, that's the part that like traditional medicine, I know in the US, it sounds like by you, it's kind of missing the holistic part because yeah, they want to prescribe or in my nursing days, it was always like prescriber cut, but there's so much more to it. And the more that I talk to people like yourself, just so many other guests I've had on the podcast, you start realizing how all these pieces play a role than just doing one thing. So the holistic piece is definitely, I think missing, even for myself sometimes, I'm like, I wish I had all this knowledge for all of it.
(4:57 - 5:35) And that's where I can lean on, on other specialties and other practitioners to compliment even what I do. So diving a little bit deeper into the nutritional therapy side of things, what can that do for women, for their health, their hormones, all that good stuff? Yeah. And I think that's so important to actually look deep into the things to see like, not let's say, why do you have the symptoms? Like why do you not have periods, instead of saying, oh, that's okay.
(5:35 - 6:07) That's just stage of life. You think, well, what's causing it? Then why is it happening? So why is the body behaving this way? What is there, which the body doesn't like, or what is causing these things? Yeah, I think that's a very, very dive deep and that's so much needed to get to the root cause of that, is it? Yeah, yeah, for sure. And you use nutrition as a piece of that, right? Like to kind of help figure out what's going on.
(6:08 - 6:19) Yeah, it's nutrition. Nutrition is only about food nutrition, is it? It's very common. I hear it so much from people when they say, oh, I'm a nutritionist.
(6:19 - 6:50) They say, oh, so what can I eat for breakfast? What can I eat to gain the muscle weight? And they say, well, you can eat this and this and this, but it's not only about food. It's about food and lifestyle and what nutrients person take in and how is their health overall and what's their stress and sleep and what's the whole environment where the person leaves, where someone leaves because it's so important. Yeah, oh yeah, yeah, everything.
(6:51 - 7:32) Everything plays a role. It just, and one break in that, I feel like just kind of can start that vicious cycle when you're getting poor sleep and then adding stress on top of it and then you just go to the comfort foods and then it just doesn't stop, for sure. So the whole person approach in nutrition, what does that mean? Yes, it means nutritional therapy sees the person as a whole person, not just, we don't just take, let's say, a body system or an organ, oh, a liver is not working properly.
(7:32 - 7:44) We take a look at the whole body. We see, okay, so the liver is not working properly. Why is it so? What is it connected? Connected to, so we see the connections to other organs and systems.
(7:44 - 9:00) We see the whole body and we see the whole health history from childhood, maybe some kind of childhood vaccinations, childhood health, teenage health, because it's so important, all these foundation years, how the diet and lifestyle was and we see what's happening currently in person's life. Like you guys already mentioned, what's the stress level? How is the person sleeping? What's their job? What's the demand of their job? What's the family situation like? Kids, maybe family troubles, any bereavements happening? Because all of it is taking a toll on their health and all of it can make things better or worse. So that's the whole person approach, taking the whole body and see, not just the small pieces of it, see the whole body where organs connected to each other, the work together, and see that person in the bigger environment, in the bigger work, family, the whole life environment and how that environment actually can make things better or it can make things worse.
(9:00 - 9:16) That's the whole body approach is. Yeah, I mean, we've become so specialized in many areas, whether that is medicine or other things. So you definitely need that look at the big picture for sure.
(9:16 - 10:03) And I love what you said because I know it's been on other episodes as well, but even just going back to childhood to birth, how did your mother give birth to you? Was it a C-section? Was it a natural birth? Did she breastfeed you? All that stuff plays a role even later on in life as we've discovered, so super important there. What can someone expect with a nutritional consultation with you that first time when they meet? Yeah, it's quite a mouthful, nutritional consultation, isn't it? Yeah, it is a bit hard. Yeah, it is.
(10:04 - 10:20) Yeah, it's a bit confusing, is it? Because we know what to expect from let's say a doctor's consultation. We go there, they ask what's going on and then they go from there. With nutritional consultation, it's a bit different and it's a bit deeper.
(10:20 - 10:49) So at the first consultation, I normally go through all the health with the person I support. I go through all the health from birth, their foundation years, their childhood and then health complaints, what's going on, any medications, anything. So like a big picture of their health history from birth until present days, including what's the health goals, what you want to achieve and health complaints, symptoms.
(10:50 - 11:08) And also we take a look very closely at the food diary, what person eats and how we can support them. And we take a look at the lifestyle as well. You guys have questions like what's your job title, how you sleep, what time you go to bed and what's your stress level.
(11:08 - 11:19) So all these three things will be closely looked at. And then at the end of the consultation, there would be a plan drawn. We call it health support plan.
(11:19 - 11:33) I call it health support plan. Just a few changes maybe we can start with to start kind of steering the things the correct way. So definitely a big deep dive.
(11:34 - 11:45) Sounds like you probably give like an hour or so, probably at least for something like that. Yeah, it's an hour. I'd say an hour is a good one, less than an hour.
(11:45 - 11:57) I know some people do less than an hour, but yeah, I wouldn't do less than 60 minutes because it's a lot of information and it's a big chat. Yeah, yeah. I'm very similar in that way too.
(11:57 - 12:21) And I also kind of ask how ready that person is to start making some changes, because I think that plays a role too into results and how they're going to progress as you work with them as well. Yeah, super important. My favorite topic, I feel like probably right now.
(12:21 - 12:39) So quick health fixes. Oh my gosh. So people won't be hearing this until, towards the end of February, but it's great because usually by then the resolutions have faded.
(12:40 - 12:57) Yes. That new year, new me motivation is gone. So for quick health fixes, why do you think these often don't work at all or maybe just work for a short period of time? Yeah, I'm not a fan of quick fixes myself. (12:59 - 13:27) I don't think they don't work or they work short time. It's like, I see quick fix, all these very popular in Toronto are body hacking, bio hacking tricks. I see it like if you have a big wound and the blood is coming out and you put a plaster on it, it may help somewhat, a little bit, but then the plaster will come off in a few minutes and then the issue will continue.
(13:27 - 13:34) I will get worse because the issue is not addressed. So it's like putting a patch on the wound basically. It doesn't address the issue.
(13:35 - 13:51) It doesn't see why is it happening. So what's causing the blood to come out? Why is the wound there? I should just kind of try to keep the problem, put it under the rug so we don't see it pretending it doesn't exist. Yeah, that's exactly it.
(13:51 - 14:18) I mean, and that's where, again, like I feel like we do compliments, can compliment so many other medical doctors and so many other specialties too. And the big buzz over here, of course, is like GLP-1s, for example. And while yes, I would, I don't wanna say this, you know, not discourage.
(14:18 - 14:39) If that's what they feel like they need, you know, to kind of bridge the gap, that's fine as they're making some changes, you know, with somebody like you or me, for example, you know, then that's great. But something like that is gonna be more of a, you know, a short-term fix, it seems like. Yeah, I see.
(14:39 - 14:47) I agree with you on that. I see it's, especially with GLP-1, it's quite a big hit right now. It's quite a big trend. (14:47 - 15:05) And I know a few people which have been on them, but it's from what I, again, from what people told me, as soon as you stop GLP-1, it all returns or it also stops or starts slowly creeping back up. So, yeah. Yeah, yeah.
(15:05 - 15:29) Yeah, that's why I say like, you know, use it then as a bridge to change your lifestyle then so that when you get off of it, you already have these habits, you know, good habits in life, for sure. Now, do you work with medical doctors specifically? Because, you know, it's a little bit different over there. Like, do you have any medical doctors that you work with or? Yeah, it's very different in UK.
(15:30 - 15:59) Not as such, because medical doctors here, they don't really refer patients to a nutritionist. They may suggest sometimes, like referring, but I do work with medical doctors in the way if I work with the person and they obviously got health concern and GP is aware I work with GP, you know, if there is red flags, let's say if a person is saying to me they're breastless, I have to let the GP know. Yeah, for sure.
(15:59 - 16:17) Yeah, I work in the creatine blood test or just basically just telling GPs what's going on in person's health. So GP can get the full picture when let's say they change medication or prescribe medication. So I work with GP with medical doctors in this way.
(16:18 - 16:31) I let them know what I do and what's happening. But here in UK, they don't really refer patients to a nutritional therapist. So, well, not as much as I know, maybe. (16:31 - 16:48) Yeah, not as much, no. What about in the US? Yeah, yeah, it's similar, it sounds like. You know, there's probably some doctors out there that regularly, you know, refer to health coaches and coaches and stuff, but it's not typical. (16:48 - 16:58) You know, they might say, yeah, you need to lose weight. Go see, you know, you might need to see a nutritionist. I think dieticians are kind of more, you know, they've had more schooling.
(16:59 - 17:56) So, but they're, again, kind of more hyper-focused on just the nutrition side of things, where I think somebody like myself, you know, like you, like we've been talking about, we're looking at the whole body approach, you know, along with that, so, yeah. Yeah, it's not just a diet. Yeah, yeah, another great topic, so scary changes, because, you know, if people start making these changes, it is, it's scary, and it's the unknown, and something they're not used to, and they wanna be able to like live their lives, but for you, let me ask you this, for your clients, do they have to give up all their favorite foods to feel better? Yeah, I feel that quite a lot, you know, when you start talking to someone about little changes, I feel this fear hanging in the air, like, oh, I'll have to give up my coffee.
(17:56 - 18:36) Maybe she will tell me to stop drinking. Yeah, it's, I'm, my method, it's sustainable changes, if, well, small steps at first, it's not gonna be like a bunch of, a list of 10 points, and you'll have to start making these points from today, like one by one, a must. It's small steps, and like few things at a time, let's say one thing at a time, and it needs to be sustainable, it needs to, the person must be able to actually stick to these changes, otherwise nothing will happen with their health.
(18:36 - 19:45) So, slow changes, and the changes which have agreed with the person, with the client, let's say we can agree, okay, you don't want to give up coffee, I don't understand, maybe we can switch to, like, instead of saying having four coffees a day, we can switch two to a day coffee, let's say have one in the morning, have you treat in the morning, and then have day coffee, or switch to herbal teas or some alternatives. These little things, and these gradual changes, step by step, which don't feel so overwhelming, and they can actually be sustained in the long term. Yeah, yeah, same thing, yeah, it's gotta be a process, right? I think that's one thing, like, one of the biggest pieces that I get, feedback-wise from my clients, is that they love the process of it, because, you know, you start other things, especially, I feel like, the beginning of the year, and it's just like, okay, we're gonna cut out this, and then you're gonna, you know, maybe drink this shake, or do, you know, do all these other things, and it's just a total lifestyle shift for a lot of people, and that's where the mind starts playing games, I know.
(19:46 - 20:59) It's like, yeah, I can't handle this. Yeah, I mean, it does, it has to be just small, little things, like you were saying, and sometimes, even, you know, I've told people, like, if you wanna start a new workout routine, sometimes, just putting your shoes out the night before, and maybe you don't make it out the door, but getting your shoes on in the morning, you know, like, that could be a baby step right there, because you're kind of training your brain to say, okay, I'm making this change, and then maybe the following week, you actually put your shoes on and get out the door for even just five minutes, you know? But yeah, small changes definitely lead to the sustainable lifestyle, and I think the other thing people have to realize is there's still gonna be ups and downs with that, right? It's not linear, you know, you're still gonna have setbacks, life happens, so even though you, you know, you might be good making changes for a few weeks, yeah, something might happen, and then you might have to kind of say, okay, how did that happen, why did that happen, and then just keep moving forward, and that's fine, too. Yeah.
(21:00 - 21:31) Yeah, I agree with you on that. Definitely, life happens, and we are not perfect, and we all have kind of this, the periods where kind of you feel like everything falls apart, and it can lead to self-punishment, and that guilt feeling, and that person thinking, oh, I don't want to go back to that, you know, to nutritionist because she'll probably blame me, and I'll feel guilty because I didn't do this and this. Yeah, it can happen, yeah.
(21:31 - 21:41) It's not about self-blame, it's just moving on. Yeah, exactly, exactly. Well, this was great.
(21:41 - 21:59) Last question is how can people find you and connect with you? Yeah, people can find me on Instagram. I've got a profile on Instagram. It's vera.jackson.wellbeing. You will have the links.
(21:59 - 22:12) I'll put it in the show notes as well, yeah. Yeah, I'm mainly on Instagram, and I've got a website as well. It's vera.jacksonnutrition.co.uk. I put quite a lot of information there.
(22:12 - 22:26) I put blog posts there about the things, like things which are trending now, let's say like winter health and winter. So yeah, people can connect with me on Instagram, and they can have a look at my website. Awesome, awesome.
(22:26 - 22:30) I love it. Thank you, thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate it.
(22:30 - 22:45) Thank you for having me. Yes, thank you. Such a great conversation with Vera because it brought the conversation back to what actually creates change, context, consistency, and compassionate strategy.
(22:46 - 22:53) A few things I want you to take with you. Holistic care doesn't mean anti-doctor. It means asking a different question.
(22:54 - 23:13) What's causing this? And what does your body need to recover? Nutrition isn't just food. It's also sleep, stress, environment, and lifestyle because the body doesn't operate in compartment. Sustainable progress comes from small steps you can actually stick to, not a list of 10 things you should start today.
(23:14 - 23:19) And if you've had setbacks, you're not failing. You're human. The goal is not perfection.
(23:19 - 23:37) It's returning to the process without punishment. If you want to connect with Vera, you can find her on Instagram and check out her website. I'll link both in the show notes so you can check out her work and her blog, especially if you're looking for practical education around hormones, seasonal wellness, and building healthier routines.
(23:38 - 23:51) And if this episode supported you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend or leave a quick review and rating. It helps more women find these conversations and feel less alone in what they're navigating. Thank you for being here.
(23:51 - 23:58) I'm sending you so much love and I'll see you on the next episode of PCOS Unfiltered, Nourish, Heal, Thrive.