Deb Ledgard has enjoyed what many would consider a lifetime in numbers; from her preference for mathematics at school to launching her own accountancy business and working for Walker & Sutcliffe Accountancy Practice in Huddersfield.
Despite this, she hid a passion that could not be ignored.
In November 2023, Deb received confirmation that she had qualified as a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist. This welcomed news followed three years of part-time study at the College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Today, Deb runs Balance Nutrition & Lifestyle, a practice that provides a personal approach to nutrition and holistic wellness.
Here she tells us about her incredible journey.
The reality that COVID brought
During covid Deb came across a prospectus that she had requested more than 10 years prior, it was to study to become a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist. For many years there were lots of reasons why she could not embark on this journey – after all, she ran her own accountancy business before joining the Walker & Sutcliffe team.
There was also a voice inside her head saying she wouldn’t be able to do it. She hadn’t studied chemistry, biology or physics since school, and in person clinics that included students, colleagues and examiners watching clinical consultation – were way out of her comfort zone.
However, when covid hit and the reality of lockdown placed a new perspective on people and how they viewed life, Deb chose not to make any more excuses. Instead, she decided to pursue a dream and develop her passion.
Deb explains: “During lockdown I was hearing more and more stories of comorbidity, this is when people simply ‘live’ with multiple, often chronic illnesses. When I chose to really look at this, and not just rely on what I was being told by friends and colleagues, it was alarming to see what people endure when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
“We know that our diet and lifestyle profoundly affect our health. I wanted to take the necessary steps that would allow me to share my knowledge professionally and in turn help people make sustainable changes to their health and wellbeing.”
Finding a way
Deb turned to her husband, Nick, and said that she wanted to follow her dream of becoming a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist. She was honest and open in that it would take up a lot of time and that it would be expensive – he backed her wholeheartedly and said that together they would find a way.
What was to come was initially a huge step for Deb. Surprisingly, she took this ‘OMG’ moment in her stride! She started her course, beginning with one year of biomedicine. Years two and three focused on nutrition.
Inspiring career
Debs explains: “My learning and training was quite an experience. It took a great deal of time, not just through attending online lectures and in-college clinics, but also dedicated study. Regardless, my commitment never wavered. I was often inspired by my fellow students who were all from different walks of life, and each had their own reason for embarking on this career path.
“As an example, one fellow student who was a hospital doctor had seen people ‘wheeled into surgery’ for health issues that they could have done something about.”
Having successfully passed all clinics and exams, Deb launched her practice in the spring of 2024. Today Deb spends her time helping people to reclaim their vitality and take charge of their wellbeing.
Debs approach
Through evidence-based nutrition advice and a personal, caring approach, Deb tailors dietary and lifestyle recommendations to each individual and their unique dietary preferences, goals and health history. She offers guidance to improve health and lower the risk of future disease, while also providing support for chronic conditions.
Debs adds: “As a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist I look at food, nutrition and lifestyle in the context of the whole person, which means from birth. My approach is to uncover the ‘root cause’ of health concerns rather than masking symptoms.
Nutritional and lifestyle plans
“Each individual that I work with receives a personal plan that supports their specific health goal. We collaborate and I empower each person while providing the support needed to make sustainable change.”
Deb can help with a whole host of health problems, from allergies and digestive issues to perimenopause and stress. With several packages available, there is a nutritional and lifestyle plan to suit each client she works with.
To find out more visit balancenutritionandlifestyle.co.uk or connect with Deb Ledgard on LinkedIn.
Deb Ledgard has been a Walker & Sutcliffe client since February 2024. Having launched her own business, Balance Nutrition & Lifestyle, the Walker & Sutcliffe team provided start-up support which included compliance and strategic advice.