Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Jeni Crane hold?
Jeni is a registered Nutritional Therapist, trained to diploma level, and is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). She is also a qualified phlebotomist, which means she can carry out blood draws directly. Jeni commits to ongoing professional development to ensure her practice reflects current nutritional science.
Is nutritional therapy regulated in the UK?
Nutritional therapy is not currently regulated by statute in the UK, but reputable practitioners voluntarily register with professional bodies such as BANT and the CNHC, both of which set rigorous standards for training, ethics, and continuing professional development. Checking that your practitioner holds these memberships is the best way to ensure you are in safe, qualified hands.
What is the difference between a nutritional therapist and a dietitian?
Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals, often working within the NHS, who focus on clinical nutrition and the dietary management of diagnosed medical conditions. Nutritional therapists take a broader, functional approach, looking at the whole person and using food, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation to address the root causes of symptoms. Both disciplines have value, and they can complement each other. Jeni works alongside, not instead of, your GP or specialist.
What conditions can nutritional therapy help with?
Nutritional therapy can be helpful across a wide range of concerns, including digestive issues such as IBS and bloating, hormonal imbalances, fatigue and low energy, skin conditions, weight management, stress, poor sleep, and autoimmune conditions. It is not a replacement for medical treatment, but it can make a meaningful difference alongside it.
Can nutritional therapy help with menopause?
Yes, this is one of the areas where many clients see significant benefit. Nutritional and lifestyle changes can help to ease symptoms such as hot flushes, low mood, disturbed sleep, and weight changes. Jeni works with you to build a plan that supports hormonal balance through this transition, often in conjunction with advice from your GP.
Is it safe to work with a nutritional therapist if I am taking medication?
Yes, though it requires care and transparency. At your consultation, Jeni will ask about any medication you are taking. Certain nutrients and supplements can interact with medications, so this information is essential. Nothing will be recommended that could interfere with your prescribed treatment, and Jeni will communicate with your GP or specialist where appropriate.
Will I be told to take lots of supplements?
Not necessarily. Whole food and lifestyle changes are always the starting point. Supplements are only recommended where there is a clear and specific rationale, and Jeni will always explain why she believes something would be of benefit to you. She works with every budget, and cost is always taken into consideration.
How long will it take to see results?
This varies depending on the complexity of your health picture and how long you have been experiencing symptoms. Some clients notice changes within a few weeks; for others with more deep-rooted or longstanding issues, meaningful progress may take several months. Jeni will give you a realistic sense of the timeline during your initial consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Yum Nutrition offers packages of three or six months, depending on your needs. This structured approach is intentional: lasting change takes time and regular review. One-off sessions are not offered, as a single appointment is rarely sufficient to make the kind of thorough, personalised assessment that genuinely moves the needle on your health.
What happens between sessions?
Between appointments you will have a written plan to follow, and Jeni is available to you via message for questions that arise along the way. You are never left to figure things out on your own. Each follow-up session reviews what is working, what is not, and adjusts the plan accordingly.
What kind of tests might be recommended?
Testing options range from simple home finger-prick blood tests to more comprehensive panels covering hormones, gut health, thyroid function, nutrient levels, and food sensitivities, among others. As a qualified phlebotomist, Jeni can also carry out venous blood draws directly, making the process straightforward. Testing is always optional and is only suggested when Jeni believes it would meaningfully change the direction of your plan.
Can I work with Yum Nutrition if I live outside the area?
Yes. All sessions are conducted via Zoom or telephone, which means Jeni works with clients across the UK and beyond. There is no geographical restriction. If you have concerns about using video calls, Jeni is happy to walk you through it before you commit to anything.
Does nutritional therapy have scientific evidence behind it?
Nutritional science is a growing and evolving field. Many of the approaches used in nutritional therapy are supported by published research, particularly in areas such as gut health, inflammation, and the relationship between diet and chronic disease. Jeni draws on peer-reviewed evidence and applies it to your individual circumstances, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
What is the difference between a nutrition consultation and wellbeing coaching?
Nutrition consultations focus specifically on food, nutrients, and the physiological factors affecting your health. Wellbeing coaching takes a broader view, addressing mindset, habits, stress, and lifestyle alongside nutrition. Many clients benefit from elements of both, and Jeni offers packages that bring these two strands together.