A parasite, a diagnosis and a moment of clarity – how Pippa Groves turned personal adversity into a thriving career in nutritional therapy and gut-focused wellness. She tells Natalie Li.

For many, the path to a fulfilling career is rarely linear. It takes unexpected turns, challenges that test resilience, and moments of clarity that change everything.

For Pippa Groves, a wellness chef and gut health specialist, that turning point came after a life-altering diagnosis, one that transformed her personal struggle into professional purpose. “I’d always been interested in healthy eating but never thought I could retrain and make a career out of it, especially after already spending four years at university!” she recalls.

But when a parasite contracted during her travels in Colombia triggered Crohn’s disease, she was forced to reconsider everything. “It was a super tough time, but it also gave me first-hand experience of how powerful simple nutrition and lifestyle changes can be in restoring health and balance.”

Finding the right fit

Determined to deepen her understanding, she sought out an education that would ground her passion in science. After attending open days at both CNM and the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), she knew where she belonged. “ION immediately stood out. It felt incredibly evidence-based and scientific, which really appealed to me, especially given my background in Chemistry.”

From the beginning of studying the BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy , Pippa was encouraged to think beyond symptoms and dig into root causes. “The modules were designed in a way that encouraged us to investigate how different systems interact: gut, hormones, immunity, lifestyle, and more. This approach completely shaped the way I work with clients today.”

One standout moment arrived in her second year, during a lecture on digestive and microbial disorders. “I remember it being a huge ‘aha’ moment for me, where a lot of things clicked into place. It opened up my eyes to the number of functional digestive imbalances that could be driving a client’s symptoms, and how effectively these can be addressed through nutrition and lifestyle intervention.”

Turning theory into practice

Yet even with a strong academic foundation, there’s nothing quite like working with real people, adds Pippa, who graduated in 2023. “Seeing my first real case study client in the clinic was huge. Suddenly, all the theory became real, I wasn’t just reading about gut health, I was working with someone who needed help.”

That experience has stayed with her. “Seeing the moment when everything clicks for a client, when they realise that their symptoms aren’t just ‘random’ but connected to something deeper. It’s incredibly empowering for them, and I love being part of that journey.”

For many, education is not without its obstacles, and her journey wasn’t immune to setbacks. A Crohn’s flare-up forced her to defer for six months, threatening momentum, but she fought her way back. “ION was incredibly supportive, and when I returned, I got back up to speed quickly. In hindsight, that pause reinforced my passion and resilience, it made me even more determined to finish strong.”

Small, powerful changes

Pippa’s approach to nutritional therapy is refreshingly grounded, with an emphasis on sustainability over quick fixes. “ION taught me that success isn’t about throwing every supplement at a client, it’s about small, sustainable changes that truly fit their lifestyle.” And having worked as a chef in a vegetarian wellness café while studying, she saw firsthand how food could be both nourishing and exciting. “Cooking helps bridge the gap between ‘knowing what’s good for you’ and enjoying it in real life.”

Now, her dual roles as a wellness chef and nutritional therapist create a powerful synergy. “Whether I’m working with clients, developing recipes, or cheffing on retreats, I love making nutrition delicious and accessible.”

ION taught me that success isn’t about throwing every supplement at a client, it’s about small, sustainable changes.

Among her proudest moments was receiving ION’s Most Outstanding Performance award upon graduation, an accolade she never saw coming. “Given that I had to defer for six months, I never expected it, but it was such a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define you.”

Pippa credits the wider ION experience, and the people, for helping shape her confidence and professional outlook. “The ION community were incredible. It was so motivating to be surrounded by like-minded people who were equally passionate about health. The encouragement from tutors was amazing and I love staying connected with alumni, my study group still meets every couple of months for lunch, and we are often messaging or jumping on calls to discuss different cases!”

Her continued commitment to growth ensures that she’s always learning. “I stay updated through practitioner memberships, PubMed articles, CPD courses, supplement company training, podcasts, and books. Plus, working with clients constantly challenges me to think critically and stay curious.”

As for what’s next? “This year, I’m focusing on expanding the corporate wellness arm of my business. I’ve got some exciting talks and workshops lined up with brilliant companies, and I can’t wait to grow this area.

“I’m also building partnerships with food brands and other health practitioners including chiropractors, osteopaths, Pilates instructors, which is opening up amazing opportunities. It’s an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to seeing where these collaborations take me!” 

Words of wisdom

For those considering studying at ION, she offers simple but heartfelt encouragement: “Go for it! It’s an intense course, but it’s 100% worth it. ION really reinforced the importance of integrity, meeting deadlines, and evidence-based practice. If you’re passionate about health, ION will give you the tools, confidence, and scientific foundation to turn that passion into a career you love.”

Follow Pippa on Instagram or pippagroves.com