Health at Every Size® & The Non-Diet Approach
Melissa strongly believes in and adheres to the Health At Every Size® Principles. She hasn’t always had a healthy relationship with food or her body. Like many others she spent years caught in the cyclic trap of restricting, bingeing, feeling guilty, testing diet after diet, failing and starting all over again. When she discovered the non-diet approach to nutrition it was like a light bulb went on and a long standing pressure lifted off her shoulders. She realised how broken the weight loss industry is and became passionate about helping others gain freedom from dieting culture. She is very excited to help you find a more relaxed approach to eating and moving, whilst learning to love the body you are in.
Still not sure what Health at Every Size® and the Non-Diet Approach involve?
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Chronic Disease Prevention & Management
Melissa spent the first 10 years of her career working as a registered nurse gaining experience across a variety of acute areas. During this time her passion became prevention and management of chronic disease. Moving into dietetics she worked across a spectrum of clinical, public health and private practice areas continuing to help people prevent and manage a range of chronic conditions. She is excited by the emerging evidence that supports a weight neutral approach to chronic disease prevention and management.
The most common identified risk factors or chronic conditions Melissa can help with are:
- High Blood Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance
- Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Osteoporosis
Melissa will work with you using a combination of weight-neutral strategies and evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to guide you towards optimal lifestyle choices for your individual needs.
Vegan & Plant-Based Nutrition
Melissa has been an ethical vegan since the end of 2012. In 2014 she undertook professional development, attending the Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference in San Diego. She has also since completed the Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell and T. Colin Campbell Centre for Nutrition Studies.
Being a proud advocate for the non-diet approach, Melissa takes a more relaxed approach to her vegan lifestyle and doesn’t follow or advocate for a strict Whole Food Plant-Based diet, instead encouraging balance and mindfulness when choosing plant-based options.
Whether you are new to veganism, just starting out learning about eating plant-based or have been on this journey for a while but just don’t feel your optimum self, with her first hand experience and extensive knowledge Melissa is here to help.
PLEASE NOTE
Whilst Melissa follows a vegan lifestyle she is inclusive of everyone and will never push her personal beliefs on you. This information is for those looking to gain guidance from someone with first hand experience living a vegan lifestyle. If you are not interested in veganism or a plant-based diet she is still able to offer judgement free assistance in whatever area you require it.
Online Consultations
Why Online?
As a working mum, Melissa knows how hard it can be to find the additional time needed to attend a physical appointment. Especially if you are looking for someone with specific knowledge or experience suited to you. Therefore, to make it as convenient as possible, she only offers online consultations.
What do I need for an online appointment?
Just a reliable internet connection and a device (computer, laptop, tablet or phone) with a camera and microphone. Prior to your consultation you will be sent a welcome pack with a pre-consultation form and any additional information you will need to know prior to your appointment.
Can I get a rebate for the consultation?
Yes!! The Australian Government is currently providing Medicare rebates to those with a current Chronic Disease Management Plan until March 31st, 2021. If you are unsure if you are eligible, please speak with your GP. Alternatively, you may eligible for a rebate through your private health insurance, please contact them PRIOR to your consultation to confirm your eligibility.
How is the payment made?
You will either be required to provide credit/debit card details when you book your appointment then the payment will be taken after the consultation. Or if you don’t have a credit/debit card, payment must be made prior to the consultation.
What happens if I have to cancel?
24 hours notice must be given for cancellations or 50% of the consultation fee may be charged.
*Discretion will be exercised on a case by case basis