
I receive a lot of emails each and every day, however one I received a few months back really took me by surprise. It was from the very lovely people at Yarra Trail inviting me to be a part of their ‘Trailblazer’ campaign – ‘a celebration of remarkably inspirational Australian women and their stories for Yarra Trail’s 20th Anniversary’.
At first I thought this email may have been a joke, spam or the likes. There are certainly many titles I identify with – mum, wife, cook, naturopath, health educator, blogger even, but trailblazer! It took a while to get my head around it – in my reply email I even admitted that I was ‘a bit shocked they had thought of me’.
So in accepting myself as a ‘trailblazer’ – I was nervously whisked down to Melbourne for what ended up being a super fun day of hair, make-up and a fashion photoshoot. You may have seen some pics already on social of little ole me at the shoot — modelling a heap of gorgeous Yarra Trail clothes, crazy right?
Developing an online presence with ‘Well Nourished’ has been the steepest learning curve I’ve experienced in my 40-something years. It’s been a little over 4 years since the day I nervously clicked the ‘go-live’ button and I can hardly believe that I’ve reached ‘trailblazing’ status, ha ha!
I endeavour to make Well Nourished centred around what I can do to support YOU to be well. Now with my beautiful new look website live (and my newly awarded ‘trailblazer’ status), I thought this the perfect opportunity to share my journey of how I came to become a Naturopath 20 something years ago and then went on to develop this wonderful resource that is Well Nourished. So here’s my story…
A not so well childhood that led me to Naturopathy
I think my love of food and my interest in holistic health began long ago during my childhood, so that’s where I’ll start.
Before my wonderful step-dad came along, my beautiful mumma raised me as a single mum with the help of my dear nan and ‘nunky’ (grandad). Mum worked as a waitress 7 days a week so I spent a lot of time with my nan who had the patience of a saint and we spent many hours together growing and cooking food. When I was around 12yrs old my ‘nunky’ passed away suddenly and my heart literally broke (stress and grief under-pin SO many illnesses which I didn’t really understand until many years on).
Within a month I went from a very robust, healthy, athlete to suffering a serious, life threatening decline in health. I spent quite a while in various hospitals, trying to find the cause of the severe arrhythmia I’d developed and a medication that would control it (it just wasn’t responsive to the usual treatments). Whilst the actual cause was never discovered, a very new to the market drug was tried as a last resort (whilst I was in a children’s specialty heart and lung hospital in London). Luckily it worked to control my arrhythmia, but it was a pretty hard core medication with dreadful side effects.
I was advised that this was my lot and I’d have to take this drug for the rest of my life (and that ever having children was most likely off the cards due to both the drug and the strain pregnancy would place on my weary heart). I hated taking it and tried to wean myself off the medication many times, always ending up in hospital again. Anyhow, not one to accept anything on face value, I eventually decided to see a Naturopath (there was actually only one in Perth at that time) and the rest is as they say, is history!
After successfully weaning myself of the heart meds I decided (having not long completed 3 yrs already at Uni studying Arts), to change the course of my life and study to become a Naturopath. I was determined that one day, I too could help others find good health.
Clinical practice and kids
Even though I hated science at school, after another three years of study, I graduated Dux of my year with a Diploma of Applied Science (Naturopathy). I was offered a job alongside one of my lecturers in clinical practice and a few years on became a lecturer myself. I also wrote articles for a local newspaper and was a resident Naturopath on talk back radio. After meeting my hubby and soul mate, we decided to travel and then live overseas for a few years where I established another clinical practice.
Next came babies and the juggle of a busy clinical practice and parenthood. You can read about how I pushed too hard and found myself once again floored by illness, this time an auto-immune thyroid disorder called Grave’s Disease (read more here).
So through my own health challenges, I have most definitely lived and learned. These experiences have certainly shaped my commitment to wellness and I currently live a very well balanced life, blessed with good health.
I just loved the textures of this, my favourite outfit – Yarra Trail White Textured Back Tank and Platinum Panelled Crop Pant
From diet junkie to being Well Nourished
During my years of study and early years in clinical practice I definitely explored the many ‘diets’ that came and went. I was a vegetarian for almost 20 years, vegan for a while also. I’ve eaten high-carb low-fat (the trend through my college years), high-fat low-carb, sugar-free, grain-free, etc; The one thing I’ve learned not only via my own experience but from treating thousands of patients over the years, is that there is no such thing as a ‘one fits all’ approach to diet. We are all individuals with our own nutritional requirements and most importantly, as life is fluid, so too are our nutritional needs. So whilst vegetarianism suited me for some time, after having my first baby and suffering Grave’s disease, I re-examined my whole lifestyle including my diet.
Part of that lifestyle re-evaluation included moving from Perth to Queensland where I gave myself the time and space to heal my thyroid. I did miss my passion in life (nutrition and naturopathy) so I went back to uni to upgrade my qualifications studying a Bachelor of Naturopathy. I also defied the odds and made a complete recovery from Grave’s without pharmaceutical medications and soon after, conceived and gave birth to my big, healthy baby boy without any complications or relapse (I was assured there would be many issues given my recent thyroid disease).
Being a parent and raising food loving kids was the point at which I stopped obsessing over my diet and re-examined the fundamentals of eating, nutrition and health. Consuming a variety of fresh, whole food and delicious moments shared with family and friends is now my food focus. My family motivates me each and every day to strive to nourish the world in every way I know how.
As my kids grew, I started to really miss doing what I love. I considered returning to clinical practice but with a husband who works away a lot and no family support, it just didn’t seem possible. Now I wasn’t one to spend much time online at all. When a friend suggested I might start a blog, I didn’t even know what ‘a blog’ was and I had no Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or any other social media experience at all. Though I really loved the thought of being able to reach more people than I would in clinical practice as well as perhaps developing a resource that other Naturopaths might find useful to help their patients to eat well.
Here I’m wearing the super summery Yarra Trail Black Two Stripe Jersey Dress
An accidental trailblazer
With nothing much to lose, I had a friend build me a basic website and set me up on Facebook. I can remember him suggesting Instagram would be a good platform for me too and the thought of learning how to operate another piece of technology absolutely terrified me at the time ha ha! I published my first recipe in 2013 – my Nourishing Anzac Biscuits and lost sleep over it, hoping like mad that people would enjoy it (it’s become one of my most popular recipes). I also had to teach myself to photograph food as it was important to me to really do the yumminess on the plate justice with a beautiful pic. I think my eye for form and design has helped me to become pretty good at styling and capturing the dishes I create (just don’t ask me to photograph anything that moves)!
So 4 years on and I’m really pinching myself as I write this. I find it hard to believe that someone as technologically challenged as I am is behind this online resource that has published 100’s of free recipes and health blogs. I have over 80,000 followers across my social media accounts and over 18,000 people receiving my weekly newsletters too. I’ve also produce three beautiful ebooks and sold almost 9,000 copies all up. My recipes have also featured on JamieOliver.com, EatWell magazine, Food Matters and many other fabulous publications and websites. Okay now, I’m feeling very emotional!
I think Well Nourished’s appeal is that no matter your ‘diet’ or food philosophy, the recipes and health blogs offer something for everyone. In my recipes I try to create the yummiest most nutritionally dense meal or snack with the simplest possible method (and least amount of dishes)! I endeavour to offer delicious recipes with variations to suit gluten, grain, dairy, sugar, egg-free diets and even in my meat based recipes you’ll often find a vegetarian option.
With my health blogs I like to offer practical advice to support my readers health journey and inspire them to source and eat the best food possible. I aim to motivate people to find the true health and vitality that is available to each and every one of them, without the stress of ‘being on a diet’. I think my ‘in the real world’ and fad-free approach resonates with many. I’m really proud of what I have achieved and to have always stayed true to myself and my health philosophy.
I believe the effects of improving ones health is far reaching – I certainly know first hand that without good health, there’s not much else. Change really does begin with each and every one of us and ultimately shapes our family and our world.
Thanks so much to those who’ve shared and supported my work, it’s very much appreciated. I have so much more to give via Well Nourished as I strive to make a difference to the lives of many!
I hope you love my beautiful new website and all it has to offer. As much as this post is about me, Well Nourished is about YOU – so please post any suggestions for future blog topics or recipes in the comments below.
With much gratitude
Georgia xx
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”
Winston Churchill.
Main image (top of the page) I’m wearing the breezy Yarra Trail S/L Textured Stripe Top
Renee says
Georgia I loved this article about your journey to date. Really nice of you to share your story so openly. Congratulations on being a trailblazer and such an inspiration to myself and other woman. Love the photos of you and new site! Renee
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Renee, thrilled you like it all. Appreciate you taking the time to comment too G x
Helen says
Huge congratulations on all you’ve achieved, Georgia! And you look fab in the photographs, too 🙂 I share your website with everyone I know – it is such a wonderful resource for recipes and easy-to-understand health and wellness information. Wishing you every continued success xx
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Helen for sharing my site, I’m so appreciative. Thrilled you love the new look website (and new look me, at least for that day anyway lol)! G x
Tanya says
You have always been one of my biggest inspiration since I met you way back when we were 12 and you moved into the hood. Your energy, zest for life and dedication to nourishing the universe especially our little people is so inspiring babe. Love the new site and you’re still a hottie ❤️ Good luck moving forward with your passion, we are lucky to have you help us to be the best version of ourselves (healthy body and mind)?
Georgia Harding says
My beautiful friend. I love how we’ve grown up and old together, you are so special and you have always been such a support, unwavering. I actually found a poem I wrote to you when we moved house – need to dig it out and send it to you (it says it all). Love you hun G xx
Shea says
I got all emotional reading this – and I haven’t even officially met you!!! What an inspiration you are Georgia and just so generous in the time and effort you dedicate to sharing your wisdom and life experience. I have a cousin who has been diagnosed with and is struggling to treat, Graves Disease. Have forwarded her this post. Thank you for all you do and hugest congratulations on your well deserved ‘trailblazer’ status and gorgeous site! X
Georgia Harding says
Hi Shea, I’ve shed a few tears this week, that’s for sure. I’ve been working towards this day for the better part of this year and finally, I get to share it with you. Thanks for your support and I hope your cousin benefits from my post. Graves is an awful condition, but as I’ve proven resolvable. Really appreciate your lovely comment, thank you G x
Katrina Tocco says
Wow that is so fantastic, reading your story is such an inspiration, it is fabulous to see all your hard work paying off. The photos are awesome, congratulations and may you continue to grow, succeed and inspire we mums to provide our families with tasty nourishing meals.
Katrina xx
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Katrina. I really appreciate your ongoing support and taking the time to write G xx
Cat says
Georgia, I loved reading your story too, and as a mom of two young kids I just love your common-sense, wholesome, joyous approach to food and well-being cause there is just so much food dogmatism and conflicting information these days.
Re; future blog topics, I recently bought a house, and am finding I have to cut my food budget… which is the only thing I actually spend money on… too much apparently 🙂 I’d love any ideas you have for how I can reduce spending/ have more budget meals but not give up the ‘SLOW’ food principles that I cherish. From one mom heart to another, thanks for doing what you do 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Hi Cat, thanks so much for your comment and I’m just thrilled you enjoy my blog. Thanks for the suggestion. I have a few posts that might help already if you’d like to take a look – there are 3 post linked at the bottom of this page that I think will help https://wellnourished.com.au/where-to-shop-and-what-to-buy/ G x
Gen says
Congratulations gorgeous George! Has been wonderful to share this journey with you, thank you for continuing to trust in me, its lovely to be at this point and to see the this next stage of Well Nourished unfold 🙂 My little fam enjoy making your recipes almost as much as they do eating them – our household has two little masterchefs in the making – and the valuable resource you’ve created in Well Nourished plays a key part in that! So thank you for sharing your passion and creations and knowledge, here’s to blazing more trails! Love always, Gen xxx
Georgia Harding says
Gen, well as you can see from all the comments here (and the 100’s on social media) – you have once again created something so beautiful and functional for Well Nourished. For anyone reading this Gen is my beautiful friend and very talented designer from First Nature Design (www.firstnaturedesign.com.au) – she’s behind the design of this site and all of my stunning ebooks.
You an Mel are just so brilliant, I can’t thank you enough for believing in and supporting me in making this world a healthier place. You just get me (and my brand) and my audience of mama’s who are just like me and you. Wish were were closer to celebrate (bubbles are in order) – next time I’m in Perth!!! Thank you , thank you G xx
Henrietta Flannagan says
Such a great read Georgia-You should be very proud of what you have achieved. An inspiration to many women and such a wonderful resource for other naturopaths like myself. You resonate all that I teach and believe in. Congratulations on being a TRAILBLAZER!! ❤️❤️❤️
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Henrietta. I actually first started discussing developing the website with a Naturopath friend who runs a very busy practice in Perth. We were talking about how it was so hard to fit everything we wanted to share with our patients into a short consult. Every patient that saw me, I gave handouts with recipes but I really just wanted to be sharing tips and strategies with them for cooking/ shopping/ living well over a period so to not overwhelm them. So part of developing the website was to help Naturopaths (like my girlfriend) who directs her patients to my site for recipes and healthy living tips (be gone lots of handouts ha ha). I hope I can support your patients in some way too G x
Fiona says
Georgia, thank you for sharing this article of your journey. I really enjoyed reading it and I hope one day I can be strong enough to find enjoyment in my work life to compliment my enjoyment of my family life. You are very inspiring in so many ways and so deserving of the Yarra Trail award so keep on doing what you are doing. Fabulous 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Fiona for your lovely comment. I really don’t see myself as inspirational (I’m rather ordinary really ha ha). But I am fortunate to be able to have found my passion and purpose in life. I’m very blessed G x
Gina Hughes says
Georgia … I am loving your new website … congrats!!!! Love all that you do … you are so generous with your information, and you genuinely care! xo Gina
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Gina, I really appreciate your message and I’m so pleased you love the new look and functions G x
Cecilia Rosenberg says
Your new website is fantastic – definitely not the product of a tech amateur – you’re totally a techy pro now ? as well as a wonderful source of all things health and wellness ?? I’m mid-leap from corporate lawyer to health coach – I find myself drawn to your posts & newsletters again and again. Your balanced stance in Well Nourished as a mama, naturopath & educator is so admirable. Thank you for sharing your journey ?
Georgia Harding says
Hi Cecilia. I have to confess I had an extremely talented designer Gen and tech guru Mel to bring this all together. Great to hear you are following your passion, the more of us out there shouting from the tree tops, the healthier the world will be. Hope I can continue to inspire you G x
Svetlana says
Thank you so much for sharing your story and how obstacles have shaped your progress and successes…in helping yourself and others! Love the new website, use your recipes and am grateful to have found you! Look forward to learning more from you Georgia!
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Svetlana, I’m just thrilled you like it and enjoyed my ‘journey’. Hope I can continue to inspire G x
Merinda says
I follow a lot of online content, trying out recipes and reading blogs from here and there… but I always come back to yours! When I have a family gathering or some other dinner party to plan, your website is one I come back to time and time again. Thanks for sharing your story and your passion.
Georgia Harding says
Ah you’ve made my day Merinda. So pleased you keep coming back to my recipes for inspiration. You’re very welcome G x
Ebony Lowe says
Georgia, WELL DONE! Thank you so much for sharing your story, your knowledge, your passion and your amazing recipes. You have inspired me to stop being consumed with fads and diets and instead celebrate life with delicious whole foods. I love being able to prepare yummy food with my family and share all the wonderful benefits that comes from SLOW FOOD (thanks to all the fabulous nutritional tid-bits you add in your posts and ebooks). You don’t know it, but you are my best friend in the kitchen 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Aw thanks so much Ebony. My daughter just asked me ‘why are you smiling?’ just reading this. So lovely of you to write and I’m just overjoyed to have inspired you to love food G xx
Ellen says
Beautiful Georgia!
I have always loved your website, and the new look is great. You are one of my ‘go to’ places for yummy, healthy food and a balanced approach to life. I have recommended your site to so many friends.
Looking beautiful in the photos 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so very much Ellen. SO happy you love the new layout and my recipes. I really appreciate you sharing my site with others, much gratitude Gx
Kaye says
So very proud of my beautiful daughter in everything she has achieved and how much you have inspired so many people ( love you more than words can say)
Georgia Harding says
Awww thanks mumma G xx
Amber says
Hi there, I am a big fan of your recipes, situated permanently in my bookmarks toolbar and make your nourishing creations for my family on the weekly, if not more. I just have a question out of interest I notice on your books you have N.D. as your title. I am 3/4 way through my Bachelor’s HSc, Naturopathy here in Aus. I was under the impression the N.D title was a North American thing, where they also fulfil two years minimum of medical school and walk away as a Naturopathic Dr. Are Australian’s also using the ND title? Is the requirement to also have your PhD? I haven’t seen it elsewhere here. Thanks so much!
Georgia Harding says
Hi Amber, thrilled you enjoy my recipes. In A to your Q, I graduated over 20 yrs ago now and that was standard back then and it’s something I haven’t given a second thought to since. I’ve just checked the website of one of Australia’s most highly regarded practices (http://www.remede.com.au/our-practitioner/) and they have the same ND titles (from much more recent qualified practitioners) so I’m assuming it is common practice here (but I’ll check with ANTA to be sure).
All the best with the final 1/4 of your studies – you’re on the home stretch!! G x
Aliese says
Hi Georgia, wow! I loved reading your story. Your resources have been a great help to me as I navigate setting up my kitchen and cooking for my toddler and husband. Can I ask where you studied your Bachelor of Naturopathy? Thank so much! xx
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Aliese. I studied over 20 years ago in Perth at PANT (no longer exists it was so long ago ha ha). I did my post grad 14 years ago at Southern Cross Uni. They discontinued the course but I have heard they are starting another. I’ve heard great things about Endeavour lately. Hope that helps G x