NUTRITION

Naturopathic Nutrition is a holistic therapy which treats everyone as an individual, seeking out and removing the cause of disease rather than simply suppressing the symptoms.

In ancient cultures the beneficial effects of a good diet were fully recognised.  However, today this knowledge seems to have been largely lost in a busy world.  It is hardly surprising that we are now suffering the ill effects of a highly refined, over-processed and de-natured diet which in turn has manifested into degenerate diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, IBS, arthritis, allergies etc.

Naturopathic Nutrition can treat people with all manner of health problems and concerns whether it's weight loss, physical, emotional, chronic or degenerative states. Although many people are now becoming interested in a healthy diet, most do not realize the true therapeutic value of food and the fact that it can be used to reverse the course of disease to regain optimum health.

Treatment is a partnership between the patient and the therapist, who both share in the goal of learning the cause of the illness and finding the very best approach to combat it.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THIS APPROACH

Like a personal trainer at the gym who creates individual training programs, Athena will work with you to create a lifestyle and diet that works for you. The only way to make permanent changes to your diet and lifestyle is by introducing changes layer by layer, allowing each modification to become a habit. Rush diets and dramatic changes seen on programs like the 'Biggest Loser' often cause physiological stress and don't assist with long term results.

You will develop the ability to recognise food that is healthy and beneficial to you and understand why. You will be amazed how simple changes can make you feel and look fantastic! When you experience the difference you will never look back. 

WHY THIS APPROACH WORKS
* Increased energy, energy slumps a thing of the past
* Lose weight forever by learning how to control your weight
* Sluggish stomachs, food allergies / intolerances; learn what will work for you
* Enjoy the benefits of a stronger immune system
* Look and feel younger!

WHAT DO YOU GET?
* Tailored nutrition and life style program
* Individual weight loss program
* Stress management
* Ongoing maintenance and goal setting

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS / HOW LONG?
The initial consultation takes 60 minutes.
Follow up consultations approx. 30 minutes.

You will need to complete a food diary for 7 days to bring to your first consultation. Click here to download the document for this.

During the initial consultation we will define your goals and objectives.  A full medical history including lifestyle factors will contribute vital information. The review of your food diary will mark the first steps towards your new diet / lifestyle plan.

Progress is reviewed fortnightly, with additional suggestions and recommendations for the following fortnight. As the different goals are attained your sessions will be reduced in frequency, then ultimately six monthly check ups are recommended to maintain achievements.

USEFUL NUTRITIONAL TIPS

WEIGHT LOSS / WEIGHT CONTROL
Low fat, high protein, low carb, no carb – confused?  Never before has there been so much information on weight loss.  So why then is the population getting fatter?  Obesity is on the increase along with the related diseases.  One possible explanation is the reliance on the media as the preferred source of information.  Opinions change by the day, fad diets come and go and the information received is often misleading at best.

DIETARY TRAPS:

Calorie counting:
The idea is dangerously simplistic and virtually impossible to sustain due to a number of physiological and biochemical factors.  Dieters are often hungry and are left to control cravings by willpower alone.

Low fat:
Going too low in fat, skipping meals and short term diets can place the body into a fat defensive mode which slows down fat loss and leaves the dieter hungry and frustrated.  Good fats or essential fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, cold pressed olive oil, flax seed oil and cold water fish actually help burn fat.  Fat also signals the brain that it is time to stop eating.

High protein / low carbs:
High protein diets are designed to lead to ketosis. Ketosis is the bodyĆ's use of ketones as energy.  Ketones are produced by the body due to the lack of carbohydrates.  Ketosis can lead to dehydration, headaches, mental fatigue and constipation.  Long term effects of high protein diets can result in kidney damage and significantly increase the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis.  There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that this type of diet is beneficial for long term weight loss. These diets should only be undertaken under trained practitioner supervision. This includes the popular Atkin's Diet.

What does it all mean?
Diet is a word often associated with a weight loss period, something that can be discarded once a goal is achieved.  One of the biggest mistakes that most people make is not planning for permanent weight loss.  Their goals are set too high and results expected too quickly.  Permanent weight loss requires changes in lifestyle, food perception and eating style.  Effective weight loss is 50% diet and 50% exercise.
 
Weight loss and health isn't about going hungry, over-exercising and becoming extremist in the latest fads.  If you are concerned about your weight and would like to discuss a permanent weight loss program, please make an appointment with our Naturopathic Nutritionist and food coach, Athena Nicholas