In Conversation with Jacqueline Alwill
We sat down with Jacqueline Alwill to talk about nourishment, modern womanhood, and the foundations that support how we move through the world. From food philosophy to capsule dressing, this conversation explores what it means to care for yourself in practical, sustainable ways.
Jacq’s perspective is grounded in science but delivered with warmth. Whether she’s speaking about blood sugar, confidence, or building a wardrobe with intention, the through line is the same: consistency, simplicity and strength.
1. If you could have dinner with five women, past or present, who would they be and why?
Aretha Franklin – for her unapologetic voice, both literally and culturally. She embodied
strength, conviction and artistry. I’d love to talk to her about courage and owning your space in the world.
Cathy Freeman – She represents grace under pressure. Watching her win at the Sydney
Olympics (I was 17 at the time) was such a defining moment in Australian history. I’d want to understand how she carried that weight and still ran her own race.
Eileen Gu – she’s such a modern example of multidimensional womanhood: elite athlete,
academic, businesswoman. I admire the way she navigates ambition without apology. An insane role model for women everywhere but especially for the next generation.
Coco Chanel – for redefining how women dress and move in the world. She challenged
restriction, both physically and socially, which I think parallels how I feel about freeing women from restrictive food rules.
My mum – Because she’s the woman who created me. I’d want to share these conversations over dinner and with these other inspiring women with her too. Mum’s warmth and quiet strength have been a beautiful influence in my life.
2. What first drew you to working in nutrition, particularly in women’s health?
I was drawn to nutrition because I saw how deeply food influences not just physical health, but confidence, mood and identity. Women in particular are often navigating messaging that tells them to shrink, restrict or “fix” themselves.
I wanted to create a space where nutrition felt empowering rather than punishing.Women’s bodies move through so many phases – menstruation, fertility, perimenopause, menopause – and they deserve support that’s grounded in science but delivered with compassion.
3) What do you think is the biggest misunderstanding people have about their nutrition?
That it needs to be perfect to be effective.
Most people believe change requires extreme discipline or cutting entire food groups. In reality, consistency beats perfection every time. The basics – regular meals, fibre, protein, plants, hydration – make more difference than any trending diet.
4) What are your top five simple nutrition habits that make the biggest difference to energy and wellbeing?
1. Eat within an hour or two of waking – it sets up blood sugar stability for the day, and you’re less likely to be overeating or powering through half a block of chocolate at the end of the day.
2. Prioritise protein at every meal - especially for my women over 40 when your body undergoes so many changes hormonally. This simple tweak can be a complete game changer.
3. Aim for diversity of plants across the week – variety supports gut health and resilience. Your gut microbiome influences immune, metabolic and neurobehavioural traits - it’s very worth your while looking after it.
4. Don’t skip carbohydrates – they fuel your brain, nervous system and let’s be fair, good quality carbs are a delight to eat!
5. Prioritise sleep - especially in this modern world where things are so fast paced and demanding, sleep and recovery is a critical piece of the pie in health. Aim for 7-9 hours each night and observe how much easier it is to function at your best.
They’re simple tips, but they’re powerful.
5) How does what we eat influence how we show up in our work and lives?
Food influences our energy, concentration, emotional regulation and even our confidence. Stable blood sugar means steadier moods. Adequate iron, protein and carbohydrates support cognition and stamina.
When we nourish ourselves well, we’re more present, more patient and more capable of meeting the demands of work, family, and life overall.
6) When selecting your edit from the Nique collection, how did you approach building your capsule wardrobe?
I approached it the same way I approach nutrition – with intention and longevity in mind.
I looked for pieces that feel effortless, structured yet comfortable, and that can move between client sessions, events and everyday life. I value quality, versatility and silhouettes that allow me to feel strong yet feminine and always grounded. A capsule wardrobe, like a balanced plate, is about thoughtful simplicity.
7) What is your favourite piece from your edit and why?
Tough question, they're all gorgeous!!!! My favourite piece is the Juno Pleat Shirt. It’s soft yet defined and the design detail in the pleat at the back is stunning.
For me, it represents quiet confidence. It’s structured but not restrictive, polished but everyday wearable. I love clothing that supports how I want to feel: capable, comfortable and composed.
Shop Jacq Edit →
8) What does International Women’s Day mean to you today?
It’s a moment to reflect on how far women have come, but also how much work remains.
To me, it’s about collective strength. It’s about lifting other women up, supporting their health, their ambitions and their autonomy. In my work, that looks like helping women trust their bodies and take up space in their lives – nourished, informed and unapologetic.