Before You Meet Food Therapy's Temitope Ajao, Let Me Tell You My Own Story 😂

I have always wanted to have twins. In fact, I think that was one of the reasons I jumped at the chance when my friend introduced me to my now-husband, who is a twin. 😉😉

In my head, the plan was simple: just born two, and be done! Paapaapa! Finish! 😂😂

I'm sure God looked at me and said, “See this one! 😂😂 You no even know wetin you go chop tomorrow, but you don dey plan for twins? With which money? Inside which house? On top which salary? Madam, WHO DEY RUSH YOU?! You too dey jump mai dearrrrr! 😭😭😂 Abeg, take one first. let's see how you cope before you start submitting applications for twins!” 🤣🤣🤣

Guess what? I didn't give birth to twins. My best friend did! And the funniest part? She didn't even have twins running in her family. 😭

God, You really have a sense of humour. 😂😂

Anyway, at that point I still had one thing going for me, ..my shape.... After I had my first son in 2014, I more or less maintained my shape without doing anything special to lose weight. So, naturally, I assumed I had cracked the code. 😌

Then came baby number two in 2017. And no, he wasn't a twin either. 😜😜

God, by the way, we suppose talk ohhh! Because what exactly was the plan here? 😂

After having my second son, I went from size 8 to size 12. And instead of accepting that pregnancy and postpartum weight gain could affect people differently, I decided to blame my friend. 😭😂

You see, this my friend would eat plenty of eba during pregnancy and still come out looking like a stick after giving birth. Meanwhile, I was looking at her like, “If she can eat like this and still maintain her shape, why can't I?”

So, in 2017, I decided to follow her example.

My people, I blew up like a whale. 🥲🥲🥲

Apparently, my body did not receive the same memo as hers. 😭😂

Then one day in 2018, I saw a colleague who used to be quite big. She popped into my office looking sooooo good that I almost needed to call a meeting. 😂

I had to ask her, “Abeg, what is the secret?!” 👀

That was when she mentioned @foodtherapyng to me.

I decided to give it a chance too, and my people, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made for myself.

I locked in for three months, and ol' boy! Tope was God-sent! ❤️

Kemi Mobuse Transformation from Size 12 to 8

She was relatable, genuine, caring and supportive, but she was also strict when she needed to be. No pampering me into abandoning my goals! 😂

And the food? Ah-ah! 😭❤️

I felt like a rich woman eating food with fancy-sounding names, only to discover that they were basically everyday foods. But the combinations? Chef's kiss! 🤌🏽😂

And the results? I went from size 12 back to size 8!

SIZE EIGHT, MY PEOPLE! 😭🙌🏽

I was so happy that I told practically everyone who cared to listen about this wonder woman. If you knew me then, chances are you heard about Food Therapy whether you asked or not. 😂😂

Fast-forward to 2026.

Eight years later, here I am again! 😂

Apparently, the UK looked at me and decided, all by itself, that I was getting too skinny and needed to be fattened up. 😭🤣

Excuse me, please, WHO authorised this national decision concerning my body?! Did I attend any meeting? Was there a referendum? Did anybody ask for my consent? 😂😂

Because, my people, I have a fashion agenda!

I want to wear my belle-button tops in peace! 😝😝😝 I want to wear my clothes and enjoy myself without my body deciding to join a different political party. Abeg!

So, naturally, when I needed to get back on track with my weight goals, I remembered the woman who had helped me before.

Back to Food Therapy NG!

And that is part of why I'm particularly happy to bring this feature to you. My relationship with Food Therapy didn't start yesterday, and this isn't one of those situations where somebody mentions a brand and I immediately come online to shout, “Best thing since sliced bread!” 😂

I've actually experienced the programme myself, back in 2018, and I know what made me recommend it to people around me.

Now, it's time for you to meet the woman behind it all.

Temitope Ajao is the pharmacist-turned-coach behind Food Therapy NG, and there's a story behind the woman, the business and the approach to weight loss that made such an impression on me.

In this interview, we talk about her journey, her business, her approach to helping people lose weight, motherhood, relocating to the UK and what comes next for Food Therapy.

So, make yourself comfortable, my people. Enough of my own gist for now. 😂❤️

Let's meet the woman behind Food Therapy:

For people meeting you for the first time, who is Temitope Ajao, and what is Food Therapy all about?

Temitope Ajao is a disciplined and straightforward woman who loves good food, travel, long walks and a really good chat.

Temitope Ajao

Food Therapy is a nutrition company that bridges the gap between simply providing a meal plan and helping women identify their struggles with dieting. We create a safe space for women to build long-term, sustainable habits that will not only help them lose weight but also thrive on their wellness journey.

Take us back to the beginning; what made you get into nutrition, weight management and helping people change their relationship with food?

In 2015, I had pre-eclampsia, which led to an emergency C-section. By 2016, I had pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and was weighing about 90kg.

Tope Ajao’s personal weight-loss journey — the inspiration behind Food Therapy NG. 💗

Most of the older people in my family had been on high blood pressure medication for as long as I could remember, so I decided I wanted to avoid going down that route if possible.

As a pharmacist, it was easier for me to monitor my numbers with a chart while changing my lifestyle. I started taking walks and lost 30kg in the process.

I quickly realised that a lot of ladies could benefit from what I was doing, especially as I kept getting asked the famous question: “How did you do it?”

I started a free coaching programme, which quickly became popular. That was how Food Therapy became monetised in 2017.

Did you always know this was what you wanted to do, or was there a particular experience that pushed you into this journey?

Nope!!! Zero!!! 😂

I was not interested in social media or running a business. The ultimate goal was to get a role as a pharmacist at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the National Assembly clinic. Yes, I wanted more money with less work! 😂

But here I am, working more than I anticipated and running my own business. 😊

You've built quite a recognisable approach to weight loss. What would you say makes Food Therapy different from the usual “just eat less and exercise more” approach?

Humanity and empathy. That's it!

Food Therapy recognises that it is not just about eating less and moving more. A lot goes on behind the scenes: health issues, limited time, family dynamics and so much more that can make even the most basic things difficult.

You've helped so many people lose weight, and you actually helped me with my own weight-loss journey too. What do you think is the biggest thing people misunderstand about losing weight?

I'll say fast progress.

The world has become fast-paced. Everything is expected to happen now, and people are forgetting about delayed gratification.

With weight loss, progress is slow and steady. A lot of people give up because of this, and it always breaks my heart.

I always like to say, give it a year of little changes here and there.

Client Transformation Picture

Nigerians love their food 😂, so what does healthy weight loss actually look like when you still want to eat normal Nigerian food and enjoy your life?

Sis!!!! I love my food, and I am not willing to give any of it up. 😂

This is why my meal plans usually consist of regular meals we are familiar with.

It is a total misconception that we need to give up Nigerian food to lose weight. It has always been about moderation and our primary-school education on a balanced diet.

Forget the craze around protein, fibre, blueberries, avocado and whatever else social media influencers are peddling. If you don't have a medical need for something specific, focus on a balanced diet in moderation.

What kind of foods do your clients actually eat while they're on your programmes? Is it mostly “diet food”, or can someone genuinely eat normal everyday food and still lose weight?

I don't even like the term “diet food” because it connotes limitation.

My clients and I eat regular, everyday foods like rice, beans, potatoes, plantain, meat and fish. The occasional treat is also factored in.

 

Thanks for saying this! ❤️

As I said earlier, I coached for free before I even monetised the programme. The goal for me is to make this knowledge easily accessible to people all over the world.

For this to happen, I had to build a structure that helps me provide adequate support to my clients. I also offer private coaching for people who desire that extra support.

Beyond the number on the scale, what do you look at when deciding whether someone is actually making progress?

I actually look at their attitude towards the result on the scale more than the number itself.

I also look at their journal and chat records to see how their meal and workout habits are improving, because I know that once there is improvement here, the scale will surely move.

We also look at physical indicators such as pictures, how clothes fit, inches lost and whether the person is getting stronger. For example, how many steps can you take before catching your breath?

Client Transformation Picture

I can't name just one person because I have lots of clients whose stories have stayed with me.

I actually have client stories that inspire me. I mean, having ladies abroad without house help like they might have back home, while schooling, working and still showing up for themselves  knowing how overwhelming that situation can be.

I remember some of these ladies on difficult days, and they push me to keep going.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see people making when they're trying to lose weight — especially people who have tried several times and keep starting again?

This always pains me because it is the same thing with most people. They QUIT.

Had a bad day at work on Wednesday? The whole week is ruined, so they decide to start over on Monday.

Had a dinner or outing on Friday evening? What's the point? The weekend is gone.

Couldn't meal prep or do groceries? No point.

This can genuinely be a frustrating cycle, so they end up quitting altogether.

You may not get your food portions right, you may skip a workout, fail to drink enough water or not get enough sleep. Yes, all these are mistakes, but the greatest mistake of all is quitting.

Client's food

You're a wife, a mum and a coach/businesswoman. How do you manage all these roles and make it look so seamless? 😅 What does that actually look like behind the scenes?

It is not seamless o! 😂😂😂

One word again: ROUTINE. By now, it looks like I have one word for most things! Lol.

I have since realised that keeping things simple works. So, I have a routine for almost every aspect of my life, from when I wake up to when I sleep.

Also, during different seasons of my life, my routine changes. My routine when the kids are in school is different from my routine when they are on holiday.

When there is a structure in place, discipline comes naturally. I know what time I work out daily. If I am travelling or have an appointment that will affect that time, I quickly reschedule it and still factor it into my day.

I have a time when I make meal plans, a time to send them out, and specific days for shopping and groceries.

I also have a time when I switch off my Wi-Fi and then switch off my phone completely. I make time to watch TV, gist with the kids and relax.

I have built all these things into my day, so it looks and feels seamless.

Basically, it comes down to routine. And once in a while, when things don't go to plan, I don't turn one bad day into several bad days. I just pick right up.

Now let's go back to your own story. Do you have a “grass to grace” story when it comes to business? What was your humble beginning like, and what did you have to overcome to get to where you are today?

I wouldn't really call it a grass-to-grace story, but there has definitely been a lot of learning as I grow.

I didn't start out intending to build a business, as I shared earlier. I was coaching for free while practising as a pharmacist in the hospital.

When I started Food Therapy as a business, I was still practising. I eventually resigned when I could no longer meet the demands of both roles, and I employed help.

I'm really grateful. It has been a beautiful journey so far. Some months are better than others, as is the case in any entrepreneur's life. 😊

You've now relocated your family and your business from Nigeria to the UK. How has that transition been for you personally and professionally?

It has definitely been one of the most difficult things I have done, but God has been faithful to me personally. I have a supportive spouse, and I have met amazing people, so I am settling in well personally.

Professionally, it is still a bit of a challenge, but things are beginning to pick up.

I have had to create a new meal plan that is more adaptable to Africans in the diaspora, and this has been a turning point in the right direction for Food Therapy.

One of the major hurdles I have faced professionally since relocating is having some clients who live here wanting to pay in naira. Sadly, I have had to choose between sticking to my pricing and losing some business.

Temitope Ajao - Food therapy Transformation through Food

Building a business in Nigeria and then having to establish yourself in a completely different country must have taught you a lot. What has been your biggest lesson from that whole journey?

I am naturally a patient person, but I am learning to add jara to my patience level. 😂

My biggest lessons are to be patient and not be afraid to speak up or step out of my comfort zone.

For someone reading this who genuinely wants to lose weight but feels overwhelmed and doesn't know where to start, what would you tell them?

I'll say, don't do too much.

Start with taking short walks, drinking water, sleeping well and reducing how much you eat. So, if you were eating four slices of bread before, make it two.

Start small and build from there.

And for someone who is looking at what you've built and thinking, “I'd love to get into the nutrition, wellness or coaching business too,” what advice would you give them?

They should go for it! A lot of people still need this service, so take a course and keep building your knowledge so you can serve people well.

You currently have different programmes running — how do they differ, and when is the next programme starting?

I have a general group programme and a private programme.

The main difference is that the private programme has tailored meal plans with daily accountability, while the group programme uses a general plan created with a calorie deficit. Everyone follows the same plan and stays accountable within the group.

There is also a breastfeeding mum's plan for mums who are at least eight weeks postpartum.

The next programme starts on 2 November, 2026.

Food Theraphy Current Program & Pricing

Finally, for anyone who wants to work with you or learn more about Food Therapy, where can they find you and what's the best way to get started?

You can find me on Instagram at @foodtherapyng.

Email: Foodtherapyng@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +44 7300 551277

More pictures below:

Thank you so much for choosing to sit with KMB.