Nutrition

Nutrition is a critical part of  health and development. Good nutrition is one of the foundations of optimal health and is related to improvement in infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems and lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and longevity.

Nutrients are the building blocks of our body allowing us to grow, repair, protect, eliminate waste and create energy.

Nutritional assessment and advice should typically consider:

• Protein, fats and carbohydrates [the macro-nutrients], plus their sub-components [e.g. fibre, sugar, saturated fat].
• Vitamins & Minerals [the micro-nutrients].
• Fluid intake [as water and other sources].
• Total energy balance [energy in/out and effect on health].
• Socio-economic considerations [budget, lifestyle, preferences].

Nutrition Professionals

In Australia, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist – qualified or not – as it is not a regulated profession.

Our Exercise Physiologist Andrew Bell is not only an Exercise Physiologist but also Nutritionist, with a postgraduate degree in Human Nutrition, a 12-month degree [AQF Level 9] from Deakin University, and several years of client-based experience, he is perfectly placed to provide nutrition support as part of your overall health and lifestyle plan. He also knows when it’s important to refer to clinical specialists – like an Accredited Practicing Dietitian or Doctor – for more complex clinical cases e.g. eating disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and for seeking a professional diagnosis.

What can I expect from a Nutrition appointment?

Nutrition services are typically offered in two parts:

• Initial Interview and Assessment – this phase explores your personal background, clinical history, goals, previous experiences, personal preferences and – importantly – gathers biometric data such as muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass and metabolic rate to make accurate recommendations based on your goals. At the end of this stage, we have all the information required to make the very best recommendations for your individual goals.

• Design & Education – designing your plan is a collaborative process… we may be in touch via phone, email or SMS to confirm a few meals or ingredients, to check a few preferences or to run an idea by you. Once your plan is finalised, we conclude the process with a 30 min follow up appointment to walk you through every aspect of the plan, setting you up for success.

One thing Andrew always considers with Nutrition is “could we make this more appealing / cheaper / easier” ?

What can our Nutritionist help with?

Weight Management – keeping a healthy weight is the best predictor of long-term health [not smoking is first]. We will work together to design a strategy to control energy intake to manage your weight, whilst keeping your preferences in mind and your plates tasty and satisfying.

Metabolic Conditions – we can aim to better control levels of blood cholesterol and blood glucose with advice about what to eat, what to reduce, and how to stick to your plan – especially as part of a broader lifestyle intervention to include exercise.

Musculoskeletal Conditions – alongside appropriate exercise, adequate nutrition is critical for improving bones, muscles and joints. For example, we can support increases to bone density for osteoporosis/osteopenia, or ensure your protein intake is optimal for improving/maintaining muscle mass.

Performance Nutrition – need to be at your best for training, matchday or in the lead-up to an event or competition? Optimal nutrition is often a major difference between average, good and GREAT results. Over the past decade, dietary intake has rapidly become one of the top ranking considerations for sports performance. Get your fueling reviewed and upgraded!

Education – do you have a certain strategy in mind? We can provide detailed education on diets such as low-carb, low-fat, keto, paleo, plant-based, vegan… this list continues! With our advice you can ensure that any dietary changes will not leave you short on important nutrients, and explore similar options that may work out even better.