From investment banking to nutritional therapy, Olga Jaffe has followedFrom investment banking to nutritional therapy, Olga Jaffe has followed an unconventional path towards understanding health. In an interview with Interessia Magazine, she explores the myths surrounding nutrition, the secrets of healthy ageing, and why lasting wellbeing has surprisingly little to do with miracle supplements or fashionable diets. an unconventional path towards understanding health. We spoke about the myths surrounding nutrition, the secrets of healthy ageing, and why lasting wellbeing has surprisingly little to do with miracle supplements or fashionable diets.
Olga Jaffe knows something about changing direction in life. After a successful career in investment banking, she found herself facing a very different challenge when her son experienced serious health difficulties. Her search for ways to help him sparked a lasting interest in nutrition and complementary approaches to healthcare. She went on to spend ten years as a trustee of charitable foundation in the UK, supporting children with serious illnesses, before training as a health coach and nutritional therapist.
Today, through Healthyopathy.com, Olga focuses on preventative health, nutrition and longevity. Her philosophy is refreshingly practical: forget the promises of instant transformation and concentrate on what actually makes a difference. In a world where almost every week brings another miracle diet, superfood or anti-ageing breakthrough, we asked her what healthy living really means.
Our understanding of nutrition has changed considerably in recent years. What are the most common misconceptions about healthy eating, and which established dietary recommendations do you think deserve reconsideration?
Some of today’s most common nutrition myths concern fat, calories, plant-based diets and food labels.
The first is that low-fat diets are necessarily healthy. Cutting fat out of our diet is one of the worst things we can do for our health. Healthy fats are essential for brain function, cell health, the nervous system, hormone production and the absorption of key vitamins: A, D, E and K. It’s all about choosing the right fats, not cutting them out. After all, our brain is about 60% fat, so perhaps it’s time we stopped demonising something so important to its structure and function.
Another misconception is that low-calorie diets are automatically healthy. Health is about nourishment, not just calorie mathematics. Calorie needs depend on age, metabolism and lifestyle. Extreme restriction can backfire, leading to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss and metabolic adaptations. Naturally, this myth has contributed to another common belief: that to lose weight, we must simply eat less. But lasting weight management isn’t just about eating less; it’s about eating well and finding the right balance. Our bodies don’t particularly appreciate being put into permanent low-power mode.
Then there’s the assumption that vegetarian or vegan diets are inherently healthier. A plant-based diet isn’t automatically a healthy one. It can easily be high in refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods. After all, chips and biscuits can be vegan too.
Finally, we often assume that products labelled ‘healthy’, ‘natural’, ‘low-fat’ or ‘no added sugar’ must be good for us. Yet these labels rarely tell the full story. Products can still contain hidden sugars, sweeteners or undesirable additives. Always read the ingredients. Sometimes the packaging is healthier than what’s inside.
In the end, genuine health comes down to whole, minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods and a diet suited to your individual needs. Good nutrition is about nourishing the body, not following the latest food fashion.
Personalised nutrition is gaining attention as an alternative to universal dietary advice. How much does our individual biology influence what we should eat, and can two people thrive on completely different diets?
I strongly believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. Our dietary needs are influenced by genetics, age, metabolism, gut microbiome, activity level, health conditions and even the climate we live in.
Two people can thrive on entirely different diets because their bodies may respond differently to the same foods. However, the basic principles remain the same: high-quality, nutrient-dense whole foods, a balanced diet and an approach tailored to individual needs and lifestyle.
The connection between gut health and overall wellbeing has become a major subject of scientific research. How significant is the gut microbiome for our physical and mental health, and what can we realistically do to improve it?
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our health, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to metabolism and the gut-brain connection.
A diverse, balanced microbiome is important for good health, and supporting it comes down to simple daily habits: prioritising fibre-rich plant foods, incorporating fermented foods, cutting back on ultra-processed foods, sleeping well and managing stress.
True gut health isn’t about finding a miracle probiotic pill. It’s about creating a sustainable environment in which beneficial bacteria can thrive.
Preventative healthcare has become increasingly popular, particularly among people interested in longevity. Which lifestyle changes do you believe can make the greatest difference to how well we age?
Healthy ageing isn’t simply about adding years to your life, but adding life to your years. It’s about preserving vitality, independence, energy and quality of life as time goes on.
The most meaningful impact comes from consistent, simple daily habits: a nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, particularly strength training to safeguard muscle mass, good sleep, stress management and strong social bonds.
Protecting our metabolic health and addressing the factors that contribute to chronic inflammation are equally important. In the end, longevity isn’t about buying expensive supplements or chasing the latest anti-ageing trends. It’s about the choices we make every day.
Most people know they should eat better, exercise more and manage stress, yet struggle to change their habits. Why is lasting behavioural change so difficult, and what actually helps people succeed?
I believe the biggest challenge today isn’t a lack of knowledge, but turning that knowledge into lasting habits. People often try to change too much at once, expect quick results and become discouraged when progress is slow. Stress, busy lifestyles and deeply rooted habits make it even harder.
The key is to start with small, realistic steps and focus on consistency rather than perfection. The right support and accountability can make all the difference.
Ultimately, lasting change isn’t about following strict rules for a few weeks, but creating a lifestyle you genuinely enjoy.
The wellness industry is full of fashionable diets, supplements and promises of remarkable results. How can ordinary people distinguish genuinely useful health advice from clever marketing and questionable science?
I always encourage people to be sceptical of anything promising quick fixes, dramatic results or miracle cures. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Good health advice should be based on credible scientific evidence, not celebrity endorsements, social media trends or clever marketing. It’s equally important to check who’s giving the advice, their qualifications and whether they have a financial interest in promoting a product.
Always ask yourself two simple questions: Who’s giving the advice, and what are they trying to sell you?
Supplements can certainly be beneficial, but they should complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
Ultimately, good health is far less complicated than the wellness industry would have us believe. Science offers no magic solutions, but consistently points us towards the fundamentals: whole foods, regular movement, quality sleep and understanding our body’s needs.
And that’s something no marketing campaign can beat.
