Well Told with Kylie McGregor, Certified Nutritional Practitioner

Kylie McGregor is a Vancouver-based holistic nutritionist. After years working in communications and PR, Kylie’s passion for nutrition, a desire to learn more and share this knowledge with others led her to enroll at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition where she completed the one-year diploma program. Kylie loves to share the knowledge she’s gained on her own wellness journey, and encourage others to take control of their own health, wellness and happiness.

Self-care can mean so many different things, what does it mean to you?

To me self-care is taking the time to prioritize yourself. Whether that’s working out because that’s what makes you feel healthy, or maybe sticking to a regular morning routine to set the tone for the day. Especially right now, as life starts to get busy again with social engagements, and for some heading back into workspace, it’s more important than ever to remember to look after ourselves and implement those self-care practices that help us stay grounded and avoid burnout.

How do you think the concept of self-care has changed over the last year and half?

I think a lot of us used to associate self-care with slowing down, maybe reading a book or taking a bath. Over the last year and a half, while so many of us were forced to stay home, and at times do nothing but take it easy, we’ve had to re-evaluate what self-care means. For a lot of people I think it’s meant learning how to set boundaries, whether between work and home life, or simply saying no to that fifth Zoom call of the day. If anything I think self-care has become a lot more personalized this year as we’ve all had the time to reflect on what it means to us and what our needs are.

Are there any wellness trends that have resonated with you recently?

What I’ve loved to see over the past couple years is a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. I think we’ve started to see a shift away from needing to label things (for example diets), and have increasingly adopted a more personalized approach to our own health needs. I’m a big advocate for the fact that what works for one person, whether it’s a type of workout or a type of diet or food, isn’t necessarily going to benefit another person. I think the more we realize this, the better off we are.

Are there any wellness practices that you feel have made a big impact on you?

Meditation is one that while challenging (I think like a lot of people my commitment to it ebbs and flows) is such an amazing tool to feel grounded and to quiet the mind. I’ve also recently been using an app that offers hypnotherapy sessions targeted at digestive issues, and I’m very curious to see if it’s effective – so far I’m really enjoying it. This year I have definitely not been working out as much as I would like to or should be, but have definitely discovered that a quick cardio workout, or even a good stretch is the fastest way to boost your mood or get you feeling better if you’re feeling antsy or anxious.

What’s been keeping you well these days?

As someone who works in the wellness industry, I wish I had a more elaborate answer, but I’d say one main thing has been regular contact with friends, whether it’s a lunch time walk to break up the day, a quick game of tennis after work or a day at the beach. Staying connected and talking through the ups and downs of the past year and a half has been really important for me. Then on the flip side, as someone who is very social but needs their alone time, it’s been really important for me to carve out space where I can be home alone reading my book or making dinner for myself.