Heather Richards
BSc (Hons), Dip (Nut), Dip (Nat), mBANT, rCNHC, ACA.
My journey into food, nutrition and wellness was inspired by discovering simple dietary and lifestyle changes that could help my daughters overcome their health issues. With new scientific evidence emerging, there is always more to learn.
I am passionate about helping people change what they eat and how they live for the better of their health.
I am a mum with lots of hungry mouths to feed! I juggle work and family life and understand how difficult it can be to find the energy and inspiration to feed a family healthy meals day after day. I am an everyday cook with in-depth nutrition knowledge and determination to share my knowledge and experience with as many people as possible.
I am a Registered Nutritionist (mBANT) and the Director of Nutrition at the Sano School of Culinary Medicine. With a deep understanding of the impact of food choices on overall well-being, I am dedicated to guiding individuals towards informed decisions for optimal health.
As a Nutritional Therapist and Naturopath, with my team of Nutrition Coaches, my clinic supports patients on their wellness journeys.
In addition to my role as Clinical Director, and the Director Of Nutrition at Sano School Of Culinary Medicine, I serve as the Nutrition Lead for the College of Medicine, championing the integration of nutrition education into healthcare practices. I also regularly speak at events and conferences.
Recognised for my exceptional contributions, I received the 'Overall Academic & Clinic Results in Nutrition' award from The College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2014.
Sano School Of Culinary Medicine promotes nutrition education and, through qualification courses, membership, cooking demonstrations and events, strives to provide evidence-based knowledge translated into practical solutions for everyday life, empowering individuals to take control of their health.
As a qualified Naturopath, I have studied herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), iridology, Bach flowers, and homoeopathy. I have undergone extensive training in nutrigenomics with LifecodeDX and DNALife, and blood chemistry analysis with Functional DX.
I am passionate about lifelong learning and spend significant time researching emerging nutritional science to stay up-to-date. My particular areas of interest include metabolic health, weight loss, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, mental and cognitive health, women's health, and gut health, which is interconnected with all aspects of well-being.
Grounded in a scientific understanding of nutrition and its impact on health, I employ a functional medicine approach, considering each individual's unique biochemical makeup and the effects of various factors (diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics etc.). I review and apply scientific research to support dietary and lifestyle recommendations, similar to other health professions that integrate evidence with clinical experience and client preferences. I often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support.
I am a member of The British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Food, movement, sleep and healthy lifestyle choices are the foundations of vitality and continued well-being. I have studied nutritional sciences to a Degree level equivalent and have been trained to work with individuals clinically. Any recommendations on food choices are informed by the best scientific research ensuring that you have the most up-to-date evidence-based information.
I am regulated by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care. This ensures that I adhere to rigorous professional and ethical standards, including the CNHC's code of conduct, ethics, and performance, which mandates care based on current evidence and best practices, with regular continuing professional development (CPD) required to maintain registration.
Being a member of The British Association of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) I am bound by strict codes of Practice and have professional indemnity insurance. I am also registered with the Department Of Health's Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council and am a senior associate of The Royal Society Of Medicine.