Cork woman on a mission to help people feel good 

We all know sharing meals fosters valuable social connections and family bonds.

Lorna O’Regan, from Clonakilty, of Feel Good Food, fosters the belief that a balanced diet promotes better physical strength and better mental wellbeing.

How do we go about this healthy way of life to improve our lifestyle, and why did Lorna, a mother to three daughters, formerly a medical sales rep, get involved in the world of nutrition and wellbeing?

“I was a medical sales rep for 16 years after graduating from UCC in Nutrition and Science,” says Lorna.

“Before that I worked in a science laboratory for two years.”

Lorna liked travelling the highways and byways of Ireland.

“I loved being on the road,” she says.

“Because I am a people person, I love meeting people and interacting with them.

“The job involved great variety for me every day.”

Being a sales rep suited Lorna’s domestic life as well.

“My kids were small then and I could vary my working hours,” she says.

“For 12 years on the trot, I worked with the same medical company before accepting a part-time role with a medical sales company in Cork.”

Then covid came.

Like many of us, Lorna had time to reflect and reset.

“I was in a bit of a conundrum,” she admits.

“I decided I would use my degree in nutrition, and the life-coaching aspect of my studies.”

She furthered her studies.

“I studied nutrition and life coaching online,” says Lorna.

“When covid [restrictions] was lifted, I took part in a strength and conditioning programme in Kildare which I did at weekends, travelling up and down from Clonakilty.

“Then I decided to try and combine the two and bring my knowledge and expertise out into the community.”

People differ from one another in their approach to a healthy lifestyle.

“For some people, it’s all about exercise,” says Lorna.

“Other people think they have to starve to lose weight. A balance is what’s needed.”

Lorna ventured out into the community to help people understand the importance of good food and regular exercise.

One lady, Una Hegarty, reaped the benefits of Lorna’s decision to spread the word about Feel Good Food.

“I have been following Lorna on Facebook and Instagram for a few years now,” says Una.

“I really admire her holistic approach to wellness. I was inspired by her philosophy.”

Una was inspired to act.

“I asked Lorna if she would be interested in delivering exercise classes and cookery classes at Gaggin Community Hall.

Lorna took up the challenge.

“Her enthusiasm for health is infectious,” says Una.

“And she has a unique way of making everything simple and achievable.

“Her exercise classes have been a huge success, especially the two fitness sessions she runs for seniors every Tuesday and Friday at 12.30pm.”

Lorna is an accomplished cook too and she brings her enthusiasm to all the people she encounters day by day.

“Lorna’s cookery classes are equally fantastic,” says Una.

“She hosted a delightful ‘Come Dine With Me’ ‘cook along’ which was such good fun and a really memorable experience.”

Lorna had a little help from her friends. “Una organised a mobile kitchen for me for the ‘cook along’,” she says.

“There was only two kettles and a sink in Gaggin Community Hall! So thanks to Una we could go ahead and cook healthy, fresh wholesome food on a budget.”

The ‘cook along’ revealed other things other than good daily nutrition.

“Some people had never seen a chickpea,” says Lorna, laughing. “It was great to try out recipes and try out new food groups.”

There were added benefits. They were all in it together.

“We chopped, stirred and whisked the food together,” says Lorna. “We all sat down together to eat after we finished cooking.”

Where and who did Lorna learn her cooking skills from?

“I was one of six children who grew up in Bandon,” says Lorna.

“I learned how to cook good food from my mum.”

Lorna’s three girls are vegetarians.

“It’s always a case of three veg in our house,” she says.

“I always insist that nobody leaves the house without a proper breakfast.

“It could be three different breakfasts, scrambled eggs, or a nutritious smoothie made with bananas and dates for instance.

“David, my husband, isn’t a great cook” admits Lorna.

“He doesn’t cook much, although he can make spaghetti bolognese and a stir-fry. He tends to use jars of sauces instead of cooking from scratch.”

Lorna is hopeful.

“He got better and will get better at cooking over time.”

She does insist on some rules in the kitchen.

“We don’t use processed food in our house,” says Lorna.

She often leaves the house to advise others on good nutrition and the benefits of maintaining regular exercise.

“I’ve worked with the Men’s Shed and various local schools,” says Lorna.

“I enjoy hosting workshops and retreats.”

She gives everyone sound advice.

“A balanced diet and regular exercise promote physical health and mental wellbeing,” says Lorna.

“Proper nutrition helps in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It helps maintain your immune system and allays the effects of aging.

“Protein aids our bodies in the restoration of damaged or dead cells.”

Lorna, on the right road promoting Feel Good Food, is happy that she changed her career, making use of her nutrition and science degree.

“Being self-employed can be challenging,” says Lorna.

“But the rewards advising people on a healthier lifestyle and making even small changes are really great.”

See Feel Good Food on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events.