Dietetics

With Maddi Parsons

There’s a commonly held view that Dietitians are the ‘food police’. That their main role is of an enforcer to take away your donuts, burgers and beer.

 
Our Dietitian, Maddi, brings a fresh new view to the table. Under her guidance, you’ll soon form simple, achievable, and realistic goals.
 

It’s not all about how much you weigh! The focus is on improving your health. The rest looks after itself.

 
She can help with different aspects of your wellbeing, such as:
  • Improved energy levels
  • Better sleep
  • Enhanced sports performance
  • Managing medical conditions (eg. chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, anaemia, allergies)
  • Optimising nutrient blood levels (eg. Calcium, Iron, B12)

Some reasons you might be referred to, or want to book in with Maddi include:

  • To manage a food allergy or intolerance
  • A newly diagnosed chronic disease
  • A poorly managed chronic illness
  • Significant weight changes
  • Recent poor food intake, poor appetite or difficulty eating food
  • Changes in medication
  • Accelerated recovery from injury
  • To optimise sports performance
  • To manage a healthy body weight
  • To improve your relationship with food

 

What to Expect When You See a Dietitian

A consultation with a Dietitian is very different from the one you would have with your GP.

The appointment will usually last around 45 minutes (or longer for some health conditions). This ensures there will be plenty of time to go through any health issues or concerns in great detail. Maddi will assess all of the factors that have an influence on your nutrition.

She’ll take her time to get to know you and ask a variety of questions to get a thorough understanding of your health. She’ll ask questions based around your eating habits, food intake, and lifestyle. She’ll also ask questions regarding your digestion, and any symptoms of concern.

Based on your personal goals, she’ll work with you to come up with a plan, and provide you with a personally tailored nutrition education package.
Maddi’s goal is not to tell you what to do, or boss you around, but to work alongside you to make realistic and long-lasting changes.

 

Depending on your situation, this education could look like:

  • Explaining the science of your health condition and help you understand how food can influence it 
  • Discussing how certain lifestyle factors can influence your health
  • Collaborate with you to come up with a realistic and achievable plan to make changes 

 

Will I need to do anything before the appointment?

Once you’ve booked your session with Maddi, she’ll send you an intake form to complete before coming in to see her. This will give her an early understanding on what you’re looking to achieve, and help get the most out of your appointment.

Depending on your needs, Maddi may also ask you to complete a 3 day food diary prior to the appointment. This will give her a good insight into your nutritional intake, and dietary patterns.

 

What do I need to bring with me to the appointment?

Some helpful things to bring to your first Dietetics appointment include:

  • Your GP care plan (if applicable)
  • Medicare card
  • Private Health card
  • A list of medications or supplements you are currently taking
  • Any recent medical or blood test results
  • A list of any burning questions you may have

 

What happens after the first appointment?

Maddi will provide you with written information and resources on the dietary changes you need to make to achieve your goals. This allows you to take immediate action.
 
A follow-up Appointment is then recommended.
 
This is important so Maddi can track your progress, and make any necessary adjustments to your nutritional intake, and diet.
Changing your diet can be difficult sometimes. Day to day, you’ll have successes and failures. Ups and downs. This is normal. But, with a little support, and a few simple adjustments, Maddi will keep you on track.
 

 

How many sessions will I need?

How many sessions you will need is variable as everyone has different needs.

Generally speaking, you’ll need at least two sessions with Maddi to set you on the right path. However, if you want to make long-term changes to your diet, health or weight, you may require more than this. Feel free to discuss this with Maddi, she’s very easy to talk to, and has your best interests at heart.
 
People often choose to check in with Maddi regularly. This ensures that the improvements in your diet are maintained, and long-lasting.

 

Will I be given a meal plan?

Many people think of Dietitians as people who only provide meal plans. The trouble with meal plans is that they are often very rigid and restrictive.

More often than not, they are a one-size-fits-all, short-term solution, to a personal and multi-faceted problem. Instead, Maddi will work with you to build knowledge, understanding, and the skills necessary to make healthy food choices to achieve your goals.
 
That being said, if you’re after more structure with your daily food intake, please download the free meal planning and grocery template below, to make healthy eating in your busy schedule a little easier.

>>>CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY<<< 

 

Please click on the button below to book an appointment to see Maddi.

Not sure? Please send any questions to maddi@physiocentral.net.au