Creating a healthy relationship with food and a lifestyle that makes you feel good is no easy task. One solution is to look to a food nutritionist or dietitian in Hong Kong for some guidance. We’d like to introduce you to KATIA DEMEKHINA, a nutritional therapist and the owner of Omni Vitality. We ask her about what led her to this career path in Hong Kong and why she is passionate about supporting women to feel their best.
Where are you from originally, and what do you miss about it?
I’m Ukrainian. Sadly, I’ve been unable to return home for more than four years because of COVID and the war. Ukraine is a beautiful country – amazing warm-hearted people, great seasonal food, beautiful architecture and lush nature. I miss summer evening strolls in Kiev’s green parks, and sharing meals with friends on the city’s outdoor terraces. Most of all, I miss gathering together with my whole family as everyone is now scattered around the world.
What brought you to Hong Kong, and when?
I came here in 2010 with a work transfer (still in my finance days), thinking it would just be for two years. Here I am, 13 years later, still loving it. I live here with my husband and our four-year-old son Michael (or Misha as I call him). We also have two rescue cats, Archie and Jaspie.
Tell us a bit about your career shift from finance to learning about becoming a food nutritionist.
I spent more than a decade working in high pressure corporate environments such as UBS and Bloomberg, but it began to take a toll on my health. I found myself emotionally on edge, and my physical health suffered too – persistent bloating, unshakeable fatigue and a perpetual cycle of illnesses.
Frustrated with the lack of solutions despite countless doctor visits, I started looking for answers elsewhere. When I turned to nutritional therapy, my mood stabilised, I regained energy, and I even lost a few kilos of weight I had struggled to shed for years.
I got so interested in the science behind the changes I achieved through diet, lifestyle and supplements that I wanted to know more. Fast forward several years, and I have nutrition and psychology master’s degrees, NLP accreditation and raw chef training under my belt, and I help busy women rediscover what it’s like to feel great and truly alive again.
When did you launch Omni Vitality, and what was your aim?
When I discovered the transformative power of “diet”, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted supplements, it changed my life. Now in my 40’s, I’m far from perfect, but I feel great. I wanted to provide other women with the often missing support they need to feel great too.
Omni Vitality came to life as a sanctuary, a safe space where women can find the guidance needed to re-establish a healthy relationship with food. It’s a place where women can receive support for their body and mind through tailored nutritional and lifestyle recommendations offered without judgement.
What is the key to the services you offer as a nutritional therapist?
I believe in an approach that acknowledges the individuality of each person. No two clients are exactly alike, even if they are presenting with what appears to be identical illnesses or symptoms. Acknowledging that our genetics, histories, lifestyles, tastes and constraints differ, I recognise that there isn’t a “onesize-fits-all” solution in terms of diet, exercise and supplement regimens. It’s essential for each individual to discover their own healthy way of life.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Cooking is my therapeutic escape. My heart truly sings when I work with food – I revel in experimenting with new recipes and crafting nutritious, flavourful alternatives to beloved classics. Whether I’m preparing meals for my family or hosting gatherings for friends, the true delight for me lies in creating delicious dishes that bring people together.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen the practices that help me prioritise self-care, and ensuring my own cup is full without being harsh on myself for taking time out. And, if the stars align, I’d like to start on a cookbook of my recipes that have become favourites within my inner circle.
Find out more about Katia’s work as a nutritional therapist at omnivitality.com.
This article about the career and life of a food nutritionist and dietitian in Hong kong first appeared in the Winter 2023/2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
Interested in reading more about wellness or looking for more information about dietitians in Hong Kong? Find more articles like this in our Health & Fitness section.
