FAQS
Find out how we work and
get nutritionist-endorsed tips.
These are some of the questions we are commonly asked, but we understand that every situation is different. If the information you are looking for isn’t here, call us to learn more.
We believe in developing healthy eating habits through gradual changes that build on your current lifestyle. This approach forms the basis of our consultation structure.
Your first consultation is 60 minutes and is all about getting started. Your dietitian will spend time getting to know you and your lifestyle, and identifying which factors are influencing your eating habits. Using this information, your dietitian will then work with you on areas for improvement.
During your second consultation we provide practical nutrition tips and plans, as well as help with applying our advice to your day-to-day life. The aim of this process is for you to feel confident to build healthy, sustainable habits.
It’s important not to expect a complete diet overhaul after your first visit. We recommend a tailored program to your individual needs so the number of recommended visits will differ from person to person. Your dietitian will discuss what’s best for you and provide advice, meal ideas and recipes accordingly.
We also run supplementary services throughout the year, such as healthy eating workshops.
You can book an appointment directly on our website here! You are also welcome to call us directly if you prefer.
To make it easier to find the time to see us, we have appointment times available outside of regular work hours. Consultation times are as follows:
Monday: 7–9am, 4–7pm
Wednesday: 1–6pm
Thursday: 7–9am, 4–7pm
Friday: 7am to 12pm
So that we have more time to focus on your plan during your consultation, we ask that you complete and return this form prior to attending your consult. This is sent to you via email after you have made your first appointment and takes around 5–10 minutes to complete.
Depending on what you are coming in for, there may be some things you should bring with you.
- If you currently take any medications or supplements, bring these, as well as any recent blood test results.
- If you were referred by your GP, bring your referral letter and details of any past or present medical or health conditions.
- If you are coming in for a sweat test or sports nutrition consultation, bring details of your current hydration or nutrition supplements and strategies.
This is the best reason to not cancel! We’re here to help and by attending this visit, you can discuss the challenges you faced and how to overcome them next time. It takes time for change to really stick, so be patient with yourself and know that we are here for support and encouragement.
We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or failure to attend an appointment may attract a fee if less than 24 hours’ notice is provided (cancellations fees are 50% of the cost of your appointment).
Please note that it is not our aim to profit from these fees, but rather to make sure appointment times are available for others. We do appreciate that cancellations at short notice are occasionally unavoidable, and we are accommodating in these instances.
The main difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is that a dietitian has undertaken extensive studies under supervision involving clinical nutrition, human nutrition, food service management and medical nutrition therapy. As a result of their studies, a dietitian is considered both a dietitian and a nutritionist. However, a nutritionist without a degree in dietetics cannot practice as a dietitian. All of the practitioners in our clinic are classified as both dietitians and nutritionists.
Performance nutrition focuses on personalising food, nutrient and dietary strategies to optimise both physical and mental performance. Good nutrition can play a significant role in enhancing your performance and is achieved through adequate fuelling, recovery and hydration.
Performance nutrition can be applied to athletes involved in individual or team sports, and those who want to improve their everyday health and performance – whether that’s at home, at work or for a regular exercise training program.
No, a dietitian is trained in many areas of human nutrition. A dietitian can provide you with advice on a wide range of topics, including:
- Sports nutrition
- Diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational)
- Heart health, such as high cholesterol
- Gastrointestinal health such as IBS, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea and constipation
- Osteoporosis
- Antenatal and postnatal
- Under-nutrition
- Cancer
- Healthy eating
- Fussy eating
- Food allergies and intolerances
No, a dietitian helps you to implement healthy lifestyle choices. We work with you to make recommendations that fit in with your likes, dislikes and – most importantly – your life.
Yes! Many people we see feel that they’ve tried everything, but with personalised advice they start to see results. We work with you to identify and understand the factors that affect your weight. Our aim is to help you find a balanced approach to nutrition that isn’t only sustainable, but also flexible to fit in with your current lifestyle.
If you have private health insurance, you’re eligible to receive a rebate from your insurer when you see our dietitians. HICAPS facilities are available at our practice, allowing us to offer your rebate at the point of sale. All you need to do is pay the gap.
The amount you can claim with your private health insurer depends on your level of cover. You can enquire with your private health insurer prior to your consultation – simply provide your insurer with the cost of the consultation and the HICAPS item number below.
HICAPS item number:
- First consultation: 500
- Second and support consultations: 600
There are a number of the participating health funds for dietetic services through HICAPS. Please check with your health fund to determine whether you’re eligible for a rebate.
Medicare rebates are only available for certain dietetics services. They are available for patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs with a referral from their GP.
To be eligible for a rebate, you must book in with a dietitian and have one of the following Chronic Disease Management reports provided by your GP:
- GP Management Plan (GPMP) – item 721
- Team Care Arrangement (TCA) – item 723
The Medicare rebate for dietetic services is $52.95 and is available for a maximum of five services per patient each calendar year. One appointment is equivalent to a consultation and additional services aren’t possible in any circumstances.
Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, as they provide fuel for your body and brain to use. They also contain fibre, which is important for a healthy gut. There is no scientific evidence that avoiding carbohydrates is any more beneficial for weight loss than other forms of energy restriction.
Because many of the foods we tend to overeat are carbohydrate foods such as bread and pasta, removing them from your diet will likely lead to weight loss. However, it isn’t the carbohydrates themselves causing this weight loss; it’s the overall energy restriction. The key to long-term weight loss is to implement a healthy lifestyle including a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.
Artificial sweeteners are found in foods such as diet soft drinks and are often used to sweeten hot drinks such as coffee. While we don’t recommend excessive consumption of these types of sweeteners, it’s important to be aware that there is no evidence to suggest they’re unsafe for consumption. Extensive studies have been conducted around the world and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved artificial sweeteners.
As with anything, moderation of artificial sweeteners is recommended. Based on the results of studies conducted on sweeteners including aspartame and their recommended limits, an occasional diet soft drink is safe for consumption.
While there is a lot of interest in organic foods, we understand that eating entirely organic isn’t financially viable for many people, so it’s important to make your own informed decision. Testing of organic foods has been conducted in Australia and the results found little nutritional difference between foods farmed conventionally and those grown organically.
It’s also worth noting that FSANZ does monitor the use of chemicals and chemical residue in foods to protect the health of Australians. We always recommend washing your fruit and vegetables before use.
While multivitamins can be beneficial as a supplement to a healthy diet, they aren’t a substitute for eating well. Your body takes many different vitamins and minerals from food and a balanced diet provides it with the carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and fibre it needs to stay healthy. However, there are instances where supplements may be necessary to assist with a dietary condition or where you’re unable to meet your recommended dietary intake through food. Examples of this include vegetarians and vegans, who may need to take iron supplements.
To ensure you’re taking only the supplements your body needs, we review your vitamin and supplement intake in a consultation and provide advice based on our experience and your blood test results.
Is there more you could learn from
our nutritionists and dietitians?
For more information or to book a consultation to discuss your food intake, please contact us.
