Hi, my name is Zoe, and I am a Clinical Nutritionist. I am sure many of you have heard about a nutritionist, dietitian or health coach, but some of you may not know what the difference is between them all. Well, I sure didn't prior to studying it.
In Australia the word Nutritionist isn't regulated, meaning that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or use this is their title with little to no education on the topic.
So, who can call themselves a 'Clinical Nutritionist'?
They are someone who have done a degree level of further education in this area. For example, I completed a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine which took me 3 years full time.
What is the difference between a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian?
They are very similar; however, the two practices draw on different philosophies.
Dietitians (generically speaking) use scientific knowledge of the effects nutrients have on clinical conditions and provide dietary advice to treat and manage that condition.
As a clinical nutritionist, I follow a holistic approach to treatment, considering the whole person (body, mind, soul), their environments and understand that disease (dis-ease) is complex and caused by a combination of lifelong factors. I use evidence-based research and traditional medicine knowledge to make informed decisions.
Nutritionist or Health Coach.
Now there are some people out there that have done extensive research and have gained a lot of knowledge, however some have only done a few short online courses, normally in their chosen topic of interest, which really doesn't provide enough education on the human body.
What to look for!
Look for qualifications. People who are registered with an association (I'm with NATA) have to do a certain amount of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year to stay up to date with the most recent research and are monitored in this profession to make sure the best information and support is provided to the community.
More about my practice.
My experiences have informed me that most people are disconnected or misunderstand the impact nutrients, from food, have on our health. I work with people for different durations depending on the individual and the health symptoms. My goal as a nutritionist is to create a level of health that the individual is happy with, which looks different for everyone I see.
My role as a nutritionist is to understand biological dysfunctions presenting as physical symptoms and provide nutritional and lifestyle advice to rebalance the body. This involves multiple consultations so both me and the client gain as much information about their health history.
Yes, a lot of people I see have been diagnosed with a condition, but through my understanding of how the body works, even people in good health, can have imbalances, or lack specific nutrients requirements to reach their goals. Our bodies are constantly changing due to everyday life, and your dietary requirements should change to support your body health.
What is involved in a consult.
1. Complete an initial intake form- This is an in-depth questionnaire that provides me with a better understanding of your health. This helps direct questions and discussion in the initial 1:1 consult.
2. Biological System Questions- I’ll ask specific questions depending on the information that you have provided me. These questions are a tool that allows me to differentiate where the imbalance is occurring.
3. Diet Diary- This is a snapshot of your diet at one particular time, but it does provide me with enough information of possible nutritional deficiencies and a summary of your macro nutrients intake.
4. Follow-up consultations- I will always recommend at least 2-3 consults. This provides us both with time to understand your body and what is required to rebalance your body. This will be roughly a 2–3-month period which allows you to implement suggested changes and create lifestyle habits.
5. Post Consultations- After a consult, I go and do a lot of work behind the scenes. I create a timeline of the events we have discussed to see if there are any correlations, create a mind map of the biological imbalances and determine which systems are affecting each other to understand the best protocol going forward.
Your health means a lot to me and is not something that changes overnight. As mentioned, multiple sessions are required to get appropriate treatment from myself as Clinical Nutritionist.
Zoe X
I can concur to become a ' clinical nutritionist ' is full on! Dedicated and in depth studies on Biochemistry, Pathology, counselling, Human biology, Nutrition etc etc for 3 whole years! They know their health!!!