Nutrition Therapy Services
Nourish your Ability offers full nutrition support services with a Certified Practicing Nutritionist* (CPN), focusing on a one-to-one holistic nutrition therapy approach to address sensory and difficult eating behaviours, for people with chronic health conditions and/or disability.
Our Approach
We use a holistic therapeutic approach to support you and your family with your health goals to provide health outcomes and to improve your quality of life. This includes a realistic approach to move you towards healthful eating. I focus on nutrition protocols and programs that are individualised to your needs to nourish and restore vitality, so that you can reach your full potential; and yes, sometimes this means removing foods too!
Our therapeutic approach has two phases:
1. Initial assessment
First, we assess your nutritional status by reviewing what you are currently eating, significant health symptoms, and the behaviours that are most often associated with your eating habits; for example, is it likely you have food intolerances, is your gut health compromised, are sensory sensitivities limiting food choices, is food anxiety causing problems at meal times?
2. Individualised strategy + implementation
Once we understand what you are currently eating and what is influencing your food choices, we will recommend a treatment strategy that will be successful for you as an individual. This may include a specialised diet plan and targeted meal inspirations, mentoring, nutrition supplementation or participation in a practical hands-on food therapy program.
The goals and priorities for Nutrition Therapy usually include supporting families to create healthy eating habits and therefore consultations will usually include family mentoring and support.
FAQs
Some common questions about nutrition therapy answered
How can nutrition help me to be healthier?
Good nutrition support can assist you to create health eating habits, which will have a positive impact on many health conditions including obesity, food intolerances, over and under nutrition, chronic health conditions, eating behaviours associated with autism – including self-limiting and selective eating behaviours, and food anxiety.
What is a CPN Certified Practicing Nutritionist?
A Certified Practicing Nutritionist (CPN) is a tertiary educated, degree qualified, clinically trained Practicing Nutritionist, whose qualifications have been assessed and accepted as meeting the training and competency standards of the Australasian Association and Register of Practicing Nutritionists (AARPN).
Clinically trained Nutritionists have been formally recognised as Health Professionals via section 42AA of the Australian Government Australian Therapeutic Goods Act since 1990 and hold Private Health insurance rebates with Clinical Nutrition recognising Private Health insurance funds.
Practicing Nutritionists practice as Clinical Nutrition Therapists are qualified to recommend dietary modifications and prescribe supplements for both nutrient repletion and complex Nutritional Medicine purposes.
A Certified Practicing Nutritionist (CPN) should not be confused with a non-clinically trained nutrition scientist (also termed a Nutritionist).
For more information about the standards and practices of Certified practicing Nutritionist visit the Australasian Association and Register of Practicing Nutritionists: https://aarpn.com/
How will a nutritionist help my child with autism eat better?
There are many reasons why Autism affects food choices. In your initial health and nutrition assessment with Nourish your Ability we explore the underlying causes, behaviours and nutrient imbalances that may be influencing food choices.
Then step by step we address these with small steady recommendations and actions to ensure nutrition adequacy. Eating is a demanding sensory experience; it is not as simple as will and won’t eat certain foods. The way food looks, how it smells, if it is smooth or lumpy, hot or cold, the time of day, and their current mood all influence how the eating experience will be enjoyed.
Do I need a referral from a GP to see a nutritionist?
No, you can refer yourself or family member, or you can be referred by your GP or other health professional. If your Dr has recent blood tests or medical reviews it is beneficial to bring those to your initial consultation.
Can I claim my Nutrition Consultations on my private health insurance?
Yes, if you have extras cover that includes Nutrition. Check with your individual health insurer about the rebate you would receive for each appointment.
Will Nutrition therapy help my child to eat vegetables?
That depends on why your child is not eating vegetables. There are so many reasons why we all have different food preferences. For example: some children are fussy about the textures of foods, some don’t like that they taste different each time, while other just haven’t been exposed to them often enough. A more common reason is that some vegetables cause digestive discomfort, and your child might associate that discomfort with all vegetables. A review of food intolerances will help to identify the foods that more compatible, and therefore which vegetables will be most beneficial.
Our Services
Nourish your Ability services and programs are aimed to support you to create healthy eating habits, to improve your health and wellbeing.
Resolving Difficult Eating Behaviours
The Resolving Difficult Eating Behaviours Program is suited to children, teenagers, and adults with or without a disability who are at risk of nutrition inadequacy/deficiencies due to their restricted diet.
Food Sensory Program
The Food Sensory Awareness program introduces foods using practical, fun activities. Anyone with sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidance or sensory seeking preferences to food textures will benefit.
Creating Healthy Eating Habits
Do you have a clinical condition that requires a specialised diet? Do you have specific health goals you want to achieve? Clinical nutrition consultations will help develop the strategies and inspiration you need.