FAQ

Clinical Nutritionists have an in depth understanding of the science of nutrients – how they are digested, processed, stored and excreted by the body. They understand the complex relationship between nutrition and disease, using evidence-based, clinical nutritional and dietetic medicine to address a wide variety of health concerns and conditions.

Clinical Nutritionists should have, at a minimum, university level qualifications in nutritional science, encompassing an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, human nutrition, food science and public health. In order to use the title “Clinical” Nutritionist, they should also have completed clinical practice hours, and have attained clinical skills in physical examination and individual counselling as part of their academic education.

I am a degree qualified Certified Practicing Nutritionist (CPN), registered with the Australasian Association and Register of Practicing Nutritionists (AARPN). AARPN is the primary, single-profession association governing Clinical Nutritionists in Australia. CPN’s are also recognised as primary healthcare providers by Allied Health Professions Australia. You can find out more here: https://ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions/certified-practicing-nutritionist/

Clinical Nutritionists and dietitians both practice evidence-based nutritional medicine and hold the same overarching vision for better nutrition, health and wellbeing for all. However, the two disciplines draw on very different philosophies. Whereas dietitians focus on medical nutritional therapy for the management of disease and illness, often in a hospital or outpatient setting, Clinical Nutritionists adopt a holistic approach to healing, recognising the complexities of disease and the interconnectedness of the body and all of its systems.

Clinical Nutritionists are required to participate in continued education to maintain current and up-to-date industry knowledge and remain as active members of their professional associations. As a member of AARPN, I am required to have a current Advanced First Aid qualification, hold a Police Clearance and a Working With Children check.

Health or life coaches, personal trainers, wellness consultants and other weight loss mentors that refer to themselves as “nutritionists” often have little or no nutritional education or qualifications. They are restricted to offering basic dietary advice based on the health department’s Australian Dietary Guidelines and are not permitted to prescribe diets or meal plans, nutritional supplements, or diagnose and treat medical conditions.

They often amplify the negative messaging of today’s diet culture, promoting food perfectionism, cyclic dieting and excessive exercising. This culture, focused on weight loss, detoxing and “clean eating”, reinforces the drive for unattainable perfectionism, perpetuating negative body image, weight stigma and disordered eating behaviours.

As a Clinical Nutritionist practicing from a weight inclusive, Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective, I’m here to guide you through the maze of nutritional information and misinformation, helping you distinguish between what’s truly beneficial and what’s just another passing fad.

Using evidence-based nutritional therapies and dietetic medicine, I address a diverse range of health concerns, all while promoting the principles of HAES to support your journey towards optimal well-being.

At Lotus Health + Nutrition, my goal is to empower you to nourish your body without restriction or deprivation. Together, we’ll explore how to eat intuitively, live healthily, and find joy in every aspect of your life. My mission is to help you embrace and love the body you’re in, so you can live your best life with confidence and vitality – nourishing body + mind.

Prior to your Initial Nutritional Therapy Session, you will be sent a secure link to complete your New Client Registration Form, which you should complete and submit before the day of your consultation. This form establishes your main presenting health condition or concern, a brief medical history and administrative information for our client records.

If you have had any recent pathology tests or investigations please bring the results/reports when you attend the clinic for your consultation, as I will review these as part of the comprehensive investigation into your presenting condition, assisting me in providing the best Treatment Plan for your individual needs.

After your consultation, I will email a copy of your Treatment Plan to you so you don’t have to try to remember everything discussed 🙂

Lotus Health + Nutrition offers a 20% discount off service and consultation fees to seniors, HealthCare Card holders, and full-time high school students between 16-18 years of age.

I also thank and support our Defence Force veterans, current serving members and their immediate families by offering a 20% discount off service and consultation fees.

PLEASE NOTE: discounts are not available on products (including nutraceuticals and supplements) or functional diagnostic or pathology testing.

Yes!

Clinical Nutrition consultations are covered by many private health insurance companies and I am a registered provider with the following health funds: AAMI, APIA, AHM, Australian Unity, CUA Health, HBF Health, Latrobe Health Services, Medibank Private, Mildura Health Fund, NIB, Phoenix Health Fund, Qantas Health Insurance, Suncorp, St Lukes Health and Westfund Health Insurance.