In interview, we sit down with Selen Gulbahce, a nutritionist and wellness coach, whose unique approach to health and nutrition is transforming lives. With a background in computer engineering, Selen applies analytical thinking and scientific principles to her holistic wellness practice. She is the founder of the Alka-Terranean Method™, a revolutionary approach that prioritises balance and gut health over restrictive dieting. Below we explore her journey, insights, and expert advice on sustainable nutrition.

You started your career in computer engineering. What led you to change your profession to becoming a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach?

My career began in computer engineering, but my true transformation started during a study abroad semester in the United States. Growing up in Turkey’s Mediterranean region, I was accustomed to fresh, whole foods. However, my experience with the Standard American Diet took a toll—I quickly gained weight, my gut health suffered, and my confidence plummeted.

At 21, I was excited for a new adventure in the U.S., but I wasn’t prepared for the relentless bloating, digestive issues, and weight gain. I tried everything—cutting carbs, skipping meals, counting calories—but nothing worked. The more I restricted myself, the worse I felt. That’s when I realised traditional weight-loss advice wasn’t working.

So, I applied my analytical skills—I researched, tracked data, and optimised. I treated my body like a system, diving into biochemistry, gut health, and nutrition. Instead of dieting, I focused on balancing pH levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting digestion through alkaline and Mediterranean principles. Within two months, I lost 30 lbs, my energy soared, and my gut issues disappeared. For the first time, I felt in control of my body.

At first, it was just for me. But friends, family—even strangers—noticed and asked what I had done. So, while completing my engineering degree and working in corporate, I became qualified as a nutritionist. What started as casual coaching soon became a thriving side business. My clients weren’t just losing weight—they were healing their gut, gaining confidence, and breaking free from dieting cycles.

Word spread quickly. Soon, my coaching business out-earned my corporate salary. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just a passion. It was my calling. So, I left the corporate world behind and never looked back.

Today, I run a global coaching brand, helping thousands transform their bodies and lives with my Alka-Terranean Method™—without restriction, dieting, or giving up their favourite foods. And my engineering background? It became my biggest asset. I approach wellness like coding—with strategy, data, and systems that actually work.

Can you tell us about your approach to nutrition and how it differs from conventional dietary advice?

Unlike traditional diets, my approach focuses on balance, sustainability, and science rather than restriction. Most diets fail because they rely on cutting things out—low-carb, calorie counting—which leads to cravings and an exhausting yo-yo dieting cycle.

I experienced this firsthand. I tried to “eat clean” by cutting carbs, avoiding sugar, and skipping meals, yet I felt worse. My energy dropped, my gut health suffered, and I saw no results. When I stopped restricting and focused on balance instead, everything changed. I optimised gut health, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion—all while eating satisfying meals. The weight came off effortlessly, my bloating disappeared, and my energy skyrocketed.

You emphasise balance in your approach to food. What does “balance” mean in the context of nutrition, and how can someone achieve it without feeling deprived?

Balance isn’t about restriction—it’s about strategy. Most diets fail because they rely on cutting out food groups or using willpower, which leads to cravings and burnout. True balance means working with your body, not against it.

That’s the foundation of the Alka-Terranean™ Method—instead of eliminating foods, we balance them with alkaline, anti-inflammatory foods that reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and boost metabolism.

For example, if you drink coffee, pair it with mineral-rich water and alkaline foods to avoid digestive issues.

How do you tailor your nutrition plans to meet individual needs, given the diversity of people’s lifestyles, genetics, and health conditions?

Every person is unique—different lifestyles, different metabolisms, different needs. That’s exactly why my approach isn’t about rigid meal plans or a one-size-fits-all formula.

With my Alka-Terranean Method™, we focus on principles, not restrictions. Instead of telling my clients exactly what to eat, I teach them how to eat in a way that works for their body, their lifestyle, and their goals—while still allowing flexibility for social life, travel, and real-life moments.

What is your stance on restrictive diets like keto, veganism, or intermittent fasting? Are there any that you particularly recommend or avoid?

I don’t believe in restrictive diets—for most people, they’re simply not sustainable. Keto, veganism, and intermittent fasting each have benefits, but many struggle to do them correctly, turning them into just another diet.

You talk about intuitive eating. Can you explain what intuitive eating means to you and how it can be incorporated into daily life?

To me, intuitive eating is about self-trust, listening to your body, understanding its needs, and nourishing it in a way that supports both your well-being and goals.

Many use intuitive eating to justify poor habits, but if you constantly feel sluggish, bloated, or inflamed, it’s not intuition—it’s imbalance. Real intuition leads you towards foods that help you thrive.

How important is gut health in your approach to nutrition, and what are some practical ways people can improve their digestive health through food?

Gut health is everything. It’s the foundation of metabolism, immunity, energy, skin, and mood—everything in the body is connected to it. Instead of cutting food groups, we add more alkaline, anti-inflammatory foods to counterbalance acidic ones, keeping digestion smooth.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you in terms of your career and wellness philosophy? Are there any new projects or practices you’re excited about exploring?

My mission remains the same: helping people break free from restrictive dieting and feel at home in their bodies, without sacrificing their favourite foods or lifestyle. But the way I deliver this mission is evolving.

I already run a subscription-based wellness platform in Turkish with over 9,000 active members, transforming lives daily. My next big step? Launching it in English to bring the Alka-Terranean Method™ to a global audience.

I’m also integrating AI into my offerings to make personalised wellness even more intuitive and effortless (details coming soon!).

At the same time, I’m diving deeper into functional medicine and hormonal health, particularly in women’s metabolic balance, an often overlooked but crucial area.

And as always, I lead by following my own method because when you feel unstoppable in your body, you become unstoppable in your life.

selencoaching.com

Find Selen on Instagram @selencoaching and send her a direct message with the keyword “hipandhealthy” and she’ll get back to you.