Meet Dr Libby: The woman who’s changing the way we think about wellness.
A bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and nutritional biochemist with a PhD to her name, Dr Libby is one of the most quietly influential voices in health today. Raised in Tamworth and now based in the lush surrounds of South-East Queensland, she’s spent over a decade decoding the complex interplay between biochemistry, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing — and doing it in a way that actually makes sense.
With fourteen books, global audiences, and a suite of online programmes and supplements under her belt, Dr Libby is no stranger to the spotlight. Yet, at her core, she’s a self-confessed homebody — happiest in the garden, immersed in a book, or walking in nature with her nearest and dearest. It’s this beautiful tension — between science and soul, intellect and intuition — that gives her work its rare resonance. And in a wellness world often dominated by extremes, Dr Libby’s approach feels like a deep breath out.
In conversation with Dr Libby
Let’s get up to speed. Tell us a bit about you and your career to date.
I went to the University of Newcastle for 14 years where I did a Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics), graduated with Honours and then did a PhD in biochemistry. Since then I’ve worked with people one-on-one in private practice and at health retreats, written fourteen books, developed online courses, formulated supplements and spoken to audiences all over the world. There are three pillars to my work – biochemistry, nutrition and emotions/mindset. I feel so very fortunate that I get to do work that I love and find meaningful.
At heart, I’m very much a homebody. I love nothing more than being in my garden, curled up with a good book or enjoying time in nature with the people I love most. It’s in those quiet, simple moments I feel most connected with what truly matters – and it’s this balance between science and soul that I try to bring into everything I share.
What first drew you to nutritional biochemistry and dietetics? Was there a moment you knew this was your path?
I was originally drawn to study nutrition because I was fascinated about the connection between what we eat and our health. Then, during the first year of my PhD in my early twenties, I experienced some health challenges that two GPs and a medical specialist were unable to help with at the time. As scary as that initially felt to my young self, I’m now grateful for the experience because it taught me so much. That experience sparked a deep curiosity in me and from there, my mission became supporting people to connect the dots between the science of what’s happening inside them and the practical steps they can take to feel more energised, resilient and alive.
What’s a common misconception people have about wellness or nutrition that you wish you could reframe?
Food isn’t ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’; people are. Food is either nutritious or it isn’t. When we view food through this lens of nourishment, it helps us cut through the confusion – the marketing messages, the conflicting voices online, the many ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts’.
Instead of getting caught up in labels, we can come back to asking: Will this truly nourish me? That simple question creates space for both knowledge and intuition. It shifts the focus away from judgement or guilt and back to care, compassion and choice.
At the heart of it, wellness isn’t about perfection – it’s about consistently choosing what supports our body and mind to thrive.
You’ve spent over 25 years helping women reconnect with their health. What continues to excite you most about the work you do today?
There is always something new to explore, and that keeps me endlessly curious. Right now, I’m particularly focused on helping people understand the impact of low iron. It’s the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, yet it so often goes unrecognised or is misattributed to stress, busyness or even ageing. I spent the last five years working on the development of a ground-breaking, highly effective iron supplement called Iconic Iron. It’s made from food and I am beyond excited by the results this is getting for people.
What uplifts me is seeing the transformation that happens when people finally understand what their bodies have been trying to tell them. When iron levels are restored, energy returns, moods lift, sleep deepens, and life feels lighter again. To witness that spark come back – to see people reconnect with their vitality and sense of self – is still the most rewarding part of the work I do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Deal with ‘what is’, not imaginings.
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most? Are there any New Zealand designers you gravitate toward?
I have no idea what my style is – it’s something I need help with haha. I love jeans and a t-shirt or jeans and a jumper. I can throw anything on top with Zambesi trousers. I love things with a nod to the 70’s. I wear flares even when they are not in fashion. I also love oversized sunglasses. I love a denim jumpsuit and have been known to wear this with rollerskates on the odd occasion.
How do you define success – not just in business, but in life?
Success to me is a life brimming with appreciation. It’s cultivating your own path, rather than letting the voices or expectations of others dictate your choices, instead staying connected to what matters most to you – your values.
For me, success is found in alignment – when how I spend my time reflects my values, when my work feels purposeful, and spending time with the people I treasure and experiences that bring us all joy. It’s less about achievement in the traditional sense, and more about peace, contribution and authenticity.
What do you find to be underrated right now?
Rest. True, nourishing rest. In a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity, rest is often seen as lazy or indulgent, when in fact it’s essential for our hormones, nervous system and overall wellbeing.
So many of the women I work with are exhausted not because they’re doing too little, but because they’ve been doing too much for too long without enough recovery. Rest isn’t just sleep – it’s also time for reflection, creativity, joy and simply being. I believe it’s one of the most underrated yet powerful health practices we have.
Quick fire questions
The next item on my wardrobe wishlist is… I don’t think like this. If I see something I like and that will stand the test of time, I might buy it.
The book currently on my bedside table is… Phillip Pullman’s The Book of Dust Volume Two: The Secret Commonwealth. The final book in this epic trilogy is coming out soon so I’m rereading the second one.
If you could only save one item in your wardrobe, what would it be? The Spell biker t-shirt my goddaughter gave me.
My favourite place to dine… Ahi in Auckland
My next holiday destination… Martinborough, to play tennis on their red clay courts.
My guilty pleasure TV show or movie is… Rivals. Season 1 was such fun so I’m busting for season 2 to be released. It’s set in the 80’s in the UK in the television industry. The performances are captivating, everyone has oodles of charm, and you laugh out loud, a lot.
My ultimate day off looks like… At the moment this is a day with zero time commitments where I can read ferritin-iron research, water my garden and cook dinner for my boyfriend.
The song I currently have on repeat is… A remix of “Forever” done by Flight Facilities, Broods and Roosevelt
Three beauty products I can’t live without… Bio Blends Skin Nutrition, Organic Rosehip oil, Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche
