Question 1

What is a Nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

A nutritionist is a health practitioner who can design and implement population or individual health interventions with the goal of improving health, fitness and general wellbeing through food and nutrition.
This may be through providing an individually tailored food plan or specific advice regarding food and exercise habits.
The qualifications required for a person to call themselves a 'qualified nutritionist' include a Bachelor level degree with a major in nutrition, food science or public health, to a postgraduate degree specialising in nutrition (including a Graduate certificate, a Graduate diploma, a Masters’ degree or a PhD).
In Australia, there is no legal protection over the title ‘nutritionist’.
This means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist even if they do not have proper qualifications. To protect yourself always ensure you have confirmed the qualifications and experience of your practitioner before booking an appointment with them.

Question 2

Is a Nutritionist the right choice for me?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or health concerns a Nutritionist can help you:
- Fatigue
- Low energy levels
- Stress
- Weight gain
- Inability to shift unwanted weight
- High cholesterol levels
- Vitamin deficiency (iron, calcium, B12 etc.)
- Bloating, gas, gut discomfort
- Obsessing over food
- Lack of knowledge of which food to eat and when
- Irritability and mood swings
If in doubt - call and ask. A nutritionist can help you with a lot more than you may think.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietician?

Accepted Answer

A nutritionist has the expertise to provide a range of evidence based nutrition services related to nutrition, public health nutrition, policy and research, and community health.
Dietitians are also qualified to provide this range of evidence based nutrition services, but have completed a masters in Dietetics in addition to the three-year bachelor of food and nutrition degree that qualified nutritionists should possess. Therefore, Dietitians have the expertise to provide specific medical nutrition therapy, group dietary therapy and food service management.
Both Nutritionists and Dieticians are able to assist with weight loss and weight management, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction and nutrition and diet related health issues such as low energy levels, stress, fatigue and more.
As a Nutritionist, I work with not only the specific health issue for treatment but also look at the lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the maintenance of that unhealthy habit. In doing this I can help you make changes that can be MAINTAINED for the future. Changing the habits around food are as important as changing the food itself.

Question 4

How often do I see my Nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to improving your health old habits that are less beneficial to your health need to be replaced with new healthy habits. The creation of new habits and making sure those habits are being maintained is not an overnight or one week process.
I recommend a once a month consultation for at least three months. This is to allow time to adapt to your new food plan and eating habits as well as ensuring you are giving yourself adequate time to see results and then ensure results are being sustained.

Question 5

What if I don't like the food plan I am provided with?

Accepted Answer

Laura Sitter Nutrition is always going to do everything possible to ensure your food plan is individually tailored to suit your lifestyle and food preferences. If you are not happy with your food plan or feel it is not alligning with your every day life, Laura Sitter Nutrition will happily make changes to that food plan to better suit you. These changes to your food plan are always free of charge.