Before we get into what we do, I would like to explain how I became a dietitian. I have always been interested in the care of the human body and I also loved biology at school. I have also always loved food! As a teenager I was lucky enough to only have a very brief interlude with eating and body image issues. From there I became more interested in how food is used as fuel and for longevity and vitality and have also always been a more intuitive eater. I was pretty sure in high school that dietetics was on the cards, along with maybe homeopathy or physiotherapy. I went the dietetics route and studied for 5 years (3 years BSc at Wits followed by a post graduate at UCT). I have worked I this profession as a dietitian in South Africa for almost 20 years now an absoloutly love it!
I currently work a lot online with virtual consults, but have offices in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and I currently move inbetween the two.
I work with a wide range of clients but my special interests lie in weight management, auto-immune and inflammatory conditions, gut health and hormonal health.
So, what is it that dietitian’s do? Are we different to nutritionists? The main defining factor and what sets us apart from the others is that we have studied extensively. We are more qualified to deal with more serious medical issues and in South Africa, being a dietitian also means that we can contract with the medical aids. A nutritionist may or may not have studied extensively but in general a dietitian would be the highest nutrition qualification. All dietitians are nutritonists but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Dietitians play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness through nutrition. They are experts in the science of food and nutrition and apply this knowledge to help individuals make informed dietary choices. Here’s an in-depth look at what dietitians do, their areas of expertise, and the impact they have on public health.
Assessing Nutritional Needs
One of the primary responsibilities of a dietitian is to assess the nutritional needs of individuals or groups. This involves evaluating dietary habits, medical histories, and lifestyle factors. By gathering this information, dietitians can identify deficiencies or excesses in a person’s diet and develop tailored nutrition plans. This might also include blood and genetic testing, both of which I offer in my poractice. This all allows me to create a more individualised approach to each patient.
Creating Personalised Nutrition Plans
Based on their assessments, dietitians design personalised nutrition plans that align with an individual’s health goals, medical conditions, and dietary preferences. These plans may include meal suggestions, portion sizes, and specific foods to emphasize or reduce. Dietitians ensure that these plans are sustainable and enjoyable, making it easier for clients to adhere to them. I am a foodie myself so I enjoy making delicious meal plans and offering recipes to fit different tastes, budgets and cooking skill levels.
Coaching Clients
Dietitians also play a role in initiating and maintaining behaviour change and in motivating clients towards their goals. They do this by building rapport and trust, motivational interviewing techniques, understanding triggers and barriers, realistic goal setting, education and empowerment. I believe that everyone has a unique relationship with food and different food challenges and triggers. It's about finding solutions to the barriers that are sabotaging the necessary lifestyle changes.
Managing Medical Conditions
Dietitians often work with individuals who have specific medical conditions and help develop specific nutrition and lifestyle strategies to manage these conditions. Their expertise is essential in coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. My areas of expertise include weight management, gut health (IBS, IBD, gut dysbiosis, constipation etc), hormonal issues (PCOS, menopause, diabetes, thyroid issues etc), auto-immune and inflammatory issues (fibromyalgia, arthritis etc).
Staying Current with Trends and Research
The field of nutrition is constantly evolving, and dietitians are committed to lifelong learning. They stay updated on the latest research, dietary guidelines, and food trends to provide the most accurate and effective advice to their clients.. I love staying abreast on new research in my fields of interest to make sure I give balanced advise and am able to stear my clients away from fads and misinformation.
Working in Diverse Settings
Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, corporate wellness programs, and private practices. They may also be involved in community health programs, food service management, or sports nutrition, tailoring their expertise to meet the needs of different populations. My plans are adaptable to the cultural diversity that South Africa has to offer. I work a lot in the corporate sector too and participate and organise wellness days and workshops. In my practice I see tweens, teens and adults.
Dietitians are essential healthcare professionals dedicated to improving individual and public health through nutrition. By assessing needs, creating personalized plans, educating clients, and engaging in research and advocacy, they help individuals achieve their health goals and foster healthier communities. Whether managing a chronic condition or simply seeking to improve overall well-being, working with a dietitian can provide valuable support on the journey to better nutrition.
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