Ford

I am a New Zealand Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist and have worked in a variety of areas including hospitals and private practice. My background and training in the past has been in the standard medical model which focused on the standard dietary guidelines for health and treatment of conditions such as Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Weight Management. However, I no longer follow these guidelines.

A few years ago I came to the realisation that the standard  approach was not working and was possibly doing more harm than good for some of my clients. My clients reported that despite following the recommended plan they had ongoing issues with weight gain, poor blood sugar control, increasing medications and feeling unwell.

So I began to research the latest evidence based science relating to the ideal nutrition approach for those with Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes.

This research led me to undertake updated  training and self-experimentation  and enabled me to develop a more Holistic or Integrated approach to health with a focus on using whole foods and considering aspects of Mind, Body and Spirit or Emotional Health to support my clients with their health. Every client is listened to as an individual. This can be called an Integrative or Holistic nutrition approach.

Although there is no one diet that suits all, there are general principles that apply. A whole foods approach uses foods in their most natural form. Generally these foods do not come in packets, do not have artificial ingredients or preservatives added, are naturally low in sugar, carbohydrates and gluten as well as being naturally higher in healthy fats. These foods are super high in the nutrients that everyone needs to thrive and be healthy.

Using real food as medicine is very powerful and can help support the body to heal itself. My approach is to empower my clients to be find the best way to eat for their needs as well as to enable them to lose excess weight, gain energy, easily control blood sugars, improve memory and brain function, and improved digestion. Overall the result is improved resilience and enhanced immune performance or overall well-being. Many of my clients have been able to reduce, stop or avoid the need for prescription medications. They also report feeling finally free from the treadmill of restrictive weight loss dieting and excessive cardio exercise to try and burn fat. They are able to take back control of their own health.

I offer both face-to-face and Telehealth options for clients and accept self-referrals as well as referrals from Health Professionals.