A note from Sinéad, founder
My journey into the world of nutrition began much earlier than you might expect. While other kids in Cork were discovering the joys of a French baguette, I was tossing Ryvita crackers into the shopping trolley. Even then, I knew certain foods didn’t sit well with me - bread, in particular, left me feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
My complaints earned me the label of “fussy eater,” but I was simply listening to my body long before I knew the science behind it!
Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, healthy eating wasn’t exactly mainstream. My food choices, often jokingly labeled “rabbit food” by my family, stood out in a world where Italian cuisine had swept into Ireland, bringing pizza, pasta and lasagne a plenty.
My stomach however, wasn’t quite ready for it all!
These early experiences stuck with me as I headed to Aberdeen for university, where I studied Pharmacy. Even on a student budget, I prioritised homemade meals and salads, knowing that I always felt better when I ate well.
After university, I moved to Sligo and gained a greater love for wholesome, local Irish food. One of my favorite places, even today, is Shells Café in Strandhill, where fresh, local ingredients make every meal a treat. Of course, I also indulged now and then with a visit to Mammy Johnson’s for the best ice cream in Ireland, because everything in moderation…right?!
During my time in Sligo, I worked as a pharmacist at Sligo General Hospital and completed a master’s degree in clinical pharmacy under the guidance of an incredible geriatrician. My career flourished and so did my personal life.
Along came my two children and my focus on nutrition deepened. Late nights were often spent mashing sweet potatoes, carrots and filling ice cube trays with homemade purées.
My kids even developed a slight orange tinge from all the carrots, but I was so eager to give them the healthiest start in life, perhaps a little too eager!
While working in the hospital I quickly realised that many of my bedside conversations with patients weren’t just about medications, they naturally shifted to discussions about diet and lifestyle. This experience cemented my belief in the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition, where everyone from nurses, dieticians, doctors and pharmacists can have a role in spreading the message that food truly is medicine!
This led me to reflect on the traditional approach to healthcare, which often prioritises medication as first-line treatment. Of course, there are times when medication is essential but I’ve come to believe there is a huge value in empowering patients to make meaningful changes to their diet and lifestyle before turning to prescription medications. This realisation deepened my appreciation for preventative medicine and the role nutrition plays in promoting long-term well-being.
Life took a new turn when my family relocated to Puerto Rico, “La Isla del Encanto.” My husband’s career brought us to this beautiful island, offering a chance to explore a new culture and way of life. I embraced my role as a stay-at-home mum and dedicated more time to my passion for food and nutrition.
While the abundance of ultra-processed foods and the limited availability of fresh produce were challenging, I focused on cooking and baking everything from scratch; crackers, granola, brown bread, you name it……even my daughter’s birthday party was a baking party! Simply Add in the early days;).
During this time, I learned about the incredible nutritional value of oats, nuts and seeds which I now consider some of the best “superfoods” available.
However, my time in Puerto Rico was not without its challenges. I experienced two late miscarriages, which were devastating for my family and me. Returning to Ireland was a necessary step to heal and reconnect with familiar surroundings. It was a difficult period, but it also gave me time to reflect, recover and find a strength I didn’t know I had.
Back in Dublin, I was lucky to find comfort and strength in an incredible community of women. I joined a food exchange program with friends, where we shared homemade dishes and recipes. This simple act of exchanging food became profoundly healing for me.
In a time of deep emotional pain, the love and care poured into these meals gave me the support, understanding and kindness I truly needed.
During my journey of healing I discovered yoga through an incredible teacher and friend. What started as a calming practice soon became a transformative experience and I eventually enrolled in a yoga teacher training program. Becoming a certified yoga instructor was a fulfilling step in my personal growth, but I realised it wasn’t the final destination in my search for purpose.
This then led me to pursue a qualification in nutritional health coaching. I wanted to do more than just offer advice, I wanted to provide real, actionable solutions and help people make lasting changes to their diet and lifestyle. With my combined background in pharmacy, nutrition, yoga, breathwork and meditation, I now feel equipped to support others in a truly holistic way.
All of this has culminated in the creation of Simply Add, a project born from my passion for nutrition and wellness. Simply Add is all about empowering you to take charge of your health, one simple step at a time! It's about nourishing both your mind and body with delicious, wholesome foods that make you feel amazing.
I believe that small, sustainable changes can lead to big results, helping you heal, feel energised and live your best life. It's not about perfection; it's about finding balance, having fun with food, and discovering the joy of feeling your best every day!
