If you’re living with endometriosis, you may have felt the daily mental load of trying to navigate the pain and symptoms you experience all too frequently:  Will I need my 6-month belly bloat pants today? Will I make it out with friends or is it a heat pack and couch day? What can I do to stop the pain and brain fog? What even is the anti-inflammatory diet? Will I be able to have a baby?   You may have spent hours googling for answers. Often the results show a long list of fo

Our relationships with our body and food are deeply rooted in our beliefs and values. They are shaped by our upbringing, cultural expectations and pressures, tress, health experiences and the roles and responsibilities we hold in our lives. Journaling allows us to slow down and reflect on these influences and where we are at. It gives us an opportunity to notice with curiosity – not judgement -and create space to consider if and  what changes we would like to explore and in w

Hormones have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. Hormones are like the body's internal messengers. They regulate everything from our energy levels, metabolism and mood, to our menstrual cycle and fertility. There are many different hormones but some common ones are growth hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol, insulin, oestrogen and progesterone, FSH and LH and testosterone. Needing to "Balance your hormones" is a common phrase in the wellness space, but can be misleadi

If you've never seen a dietitian before you may be feeling a little nervous, unsure or wondering what does a dietitian even do and what will it be like?   So to give you an idea about how I structure my appointments and what to expect, here is my agenda and timing for our first appointment. How long does an appointment last? My first-time appointments are 60 minutes long. That might seem like a long time in comparison to a standard GP appointment! But to ensure I understand y

Different eating disorders require different support methods. I've outlined below a list of different ways a dietitian can support you with your specific eating disorder in a compassionate, evidence based manner. Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia often begins as a way to feel in control, through food, numbers, or routines. But over time, that control starts to control you. Meals can feel overwhelming, hunger cues fade, and normal foods start to feel “unsafe.” Many people feel trapp

Food can become a challenge in many people's lives - getting tangled with emotions, control, fear, shame, and identity. If you feel like you have a complicated relationship with food or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder you are not alone. It is estimated around 1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder .   If you feel nervous or scared about seeing a dietitian for support for eating disorder recovery you are also definitely not alone. It's ok to feel

Keep reading to find out: Can diet reduce risk? How can what we eat improve perinatal anxiety and depression? What doesn't help Practical tips and take aways Additional resources and support This week is Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week! So, to raise awareness I wanted to share from my experience as a mum and also share my perspectives as a women's health and eating disorder dietitian on how diet and nutrition can support our mental health during pregnancy and postpartu