Alicia McCarthy a nutritionist, health and wellness coach based in Christchurch, New Zealand, specialising in autoimmune disease, gut health and reducing symptoms of chronic health challenges with a holisitic dietary and lifestyle approach.

Personalised nutrition and wellness coaching to improve gut health, reduce chronic inflammation, and naturally manage autoimmune symptoms.

Gone are the days of accepting life as is.

The Grounded Health mission is simple: to help you feel better in your body every day.

Hey, I’m Alicia - founder of Grounded Health, a qualified nutritionist, and wellness coach. I know what it’s like to struggle with health, because I’ve been through it myself.

I offer online 1:1 nutrition consultations and health and wellness coaching programs, providing holistic, evidence-based support that looks at the bigger picture of everything influencing your wellbeing. Through personalised health coaching, we’ll create strategies to help you improve your health, manage symptoms, and achieve your goals with confidence.

From dealing with autoimmune disease since a young age, I understand the challenges involved in finding answers and the feelings of desperation when things just don’t seem to be working.

I know how hard it can be to change habits and behaviours and understand the mental challenges involved, especially when dealing with chronic illness, gut issues, fatigue, inflammation, and other symptoms, that can make everyday tasks and activities really challenging.

At the heart of my practice is a commitment to providing evidence-based health support that empowers you to make informed choices. You’ll get guidance and accountability to save you time, avoid unnecessary trial and error, and feel supported while building sustainable habits for long-term wellbeing.

I provide ongoing support so you don’t have to go through the process alone - helping you move toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle at a pace that works for you.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, I work with clients online across New Zealand and worldwide.

About Grounded Health

Learn more about me

autoimmune disease and gut health nutritionist and wellness coach health coach christchurch new zealand

Areas of expertise

Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, navigating an autoimmune disease, managing gut health issues, or trying to build healthier habits, I provide personalised, evidence-informed nutrition and wellness support.

I specialise in helping women with:

Nutrition for Autoimmune disease – including rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Chronic fatigue and low energy – support for brain fog, poor sleep, and chronic inflammation
Digestive health and gut symptoms – including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, discomfort after meals, and leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability)
Building sustainable lifestyle habits – creating routines that support long-term wellbeing, resilience, and symptom management

Your symptoms are not random - they’re messages from your body.

Together, we’ll uncover what those signals mean and identify the root causes behind them. My role as a nutritionist and wellness coach is to guide you in reducing discomfort, restoring balance, and improving your quality of life through holistic nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

With the right tools, you’ll feel more connected to your body - and more empowered to support your long-term health and wellbeing.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science specialising in Human Nutrition
Associate Registered Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand
Completed “Low FODMAP diet for IBS” training with Monash University
Certificate in Exercise

Services

Testimonials

I found working with you was delightful, I felt at ease and that you were very knowledgeable about gut health and particularly IBS. You also offered on-going support if needed and had suggestions and recommendations for me for going forward. It changed my life, I felt normal again. definitely recommend.
Brenda.
Working with Grounded Health to improve my gut health has been fantastic.
Before starting, I’d lived with poor gut health for two years and assumed it was just part of turning 30. It affected both my work and social life. Since working with Alicia, things have dramatically improved, I haven’t felt this good in years.
I really enjoyed her coaching style; it was the perfect fit for me. She combines practical tips with deep knowledge of gut health, making complex information easy to understand. I appreciated how she focused on the basics of nutrition first, as my understanding wasn’t as solid as I thought. I was surprised to learn that some foods I believed were “good” for gut health weren’t, and with a few simple changes Alicia suggested, my gut health improved dramatically.
Like many people, I didn’t know how to get back on track. Thanks to Alicia, I feel like myself again. If you’re struggling with gut issues, I highly recommend reaching out to Grounded Health to start your journey toward better health and quality of life.
Tim.
I just completed the 12-week program with Grounded Health and really enjoyed working with Alicia. From the start, everything was tailored to my specific issues and lifestyle - juggling two businesses, parenting, and all the other things that affect how much time I can put into looking after myself.
What stood out was her empathy and understanding - no judgement, no unrealistic demands. Sessions were relaxed, supportive, and full of practical advice, from mindful eating to planning ahead. I loved that Alicia shared her own experiences with gut health too - it felt like being part of a club rather than being lectured.
I now have tools, strategies, and a better understanding that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” with nutrition. I find myself planning meals differently, making better choices, and hearing Alicia’s kind voice in my head when I’m deciding what to eat.
Most of all, I feel supported in my actions. If you’re considering working with Grounded Health, I’d absolutely recommend it. Alicia is approachable, knowledgeable, and makes the whole process feel achievable and personal.
Dionne