Doing Our Best
A lot has been happening lately, a lot of unexpected things and a lot of unfortunate events. And it seems we are all just trying to do the best we can to stay sane and roll with the punches.
Sometimes it is worthwhile taking a little time out for yourself to feel you have a little control. Go out for that walk or run when the weather permits, not when you would usually go, put on some music, call a friend to check-in. Find some time to cook a nutritious meal using fresh ingredients that you enjoy and really savour it- the smell of rosemary, the tangy burst of a cherry tomato or the crunch of some mixed seeds sprinkled on yoghurt.
Please reach out, connect with us and share your ideas or little ways you have coped with these unexpected recent events via our Facebook group Bright Bods!
What's New
Clinic time available
We have had a very busy start to the New Year, with our appointments becoming full quickly. As Kylie settles in and learns the ropes, we have ensured she is not overwhelmed.
However, now she is ready for fuller clinic days at Woy Woy and Wyoming and can also offer video or home consults. So if you prefer not to wait, you can ask to book in with our wonderful Kylie to be seen sooner. Call Kylie on 0419 612 807 or book online here.
Telehealth Made Permanent!
Telehealth rebates for Dietitian consults have been made a permanent feature of Medicare, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and some private health funds. This means that if you cannot make your appointment in person, a phone or video consult can be arranged instead. Simply call your Dietitian or email: dietitians@brightdiets.com.au.
Workshops
We are excited to be back running nutrition workshops again!
Kylie Spicer is speaking on Nutrition and Well-being For Women at The Peninsula Women's Health Centre over the next few weeks.
And we are off our in-house nutrition workshops again in April; Eating For Your Golden Years, Eating for Your Best Blood Sugar Management and Diets for Autism and ADHD. All the details of these and future upcoming workshops are on our Facebook Page.
If you would like us to host a nutrition workshop at your workplace or community group on the Central Coast, please contact Carin on 0407 492 278 or dietitians@brightdiets.com.au.
Dietitians Week
March 21-27th is Dietitians Week, where we celebrate our profession. As health care workers, we love to help people, and here is an interview with our super passionate Dietitian, Christina Batey.
Why did you become a Dietitian?
I became interested in food quite late in life - I watched the early seasons of "Masterchef" like almost everyone else in the country and shows like "Ready, Steady, Cook!" which were all about using what you had to make something special. I got interested in nutrition itself when we began to foster dogs for a dog rescue - seeing the changes that a good diet and healthy lifestyle can make in a dog's life is really rewarding. Of course, when you have kids, their health and well-being are always front and centre in your mind!
I've always been interested in human biology and biochemistry, so taking on a course that incorporated a lot of this seemed logical to me. Being able to combine this with my interest in food was even better!
What do you love most about your job?
I love our clients. Every single person brings their own individuality to our consults, which is always refreshing, rewarding and challenging.
What do you find the most challenging about working with people to change their eating habits?
Overcoming the myths that are often perpetuated online, through the media, and through social media. People often needlessly restrict nutritious foods because they "read about it" or "heard about it" somewhere that it was "bad".
What would you say to someone who is a bit apprehensive about seeing a Dietitian?
Many of our clients are a bit apprehensive about seeing a dietitian when they make their booking with us. Often it is because they have received a diagnosis from their doctor, and because of this, they may feel a bit overwhelmed. Sometimes they feel that they already know what they need to do and really just need the motivation to do it. Sometimes they feel confused about all the conflicting information they have heard about diets. And often, they are worried that we will judge them or be the "diet police".
Dietitians are experts in nutrition and also the science of nutrition, and all the biochemical processes that go along with it. We have more time in our consultations than our referring doctors do, which means we have the time to explain our clients' conditions when they don't quite understand what is happening in their body, and we have the time to explain why making changes are important. We are experts in working with our clients to help them set realistic goals, keeping them accountable, and helping them make changes that not only improve their health and well-being but fit their lifestyle. We have the expertise to sort out what is myth and what is fact with all things nutrition and biochemical science.
I love food, and I love to eat, so I will never judge. I admit that I have to sometimes be the "diet police", but I'm more like the police officer that comes to your primary school and talks to you about how I can help you if you are in trouble, rather than the "handcuff you and throw you in jail" kind! Many of our clients are surprised when they come for a consultation with us about how many questions we ask, not just about food but also about their life. We will always work with our clients and tailor our nutrition therapy around their lifestyle, likes and preferences.
Bright Blogs
This month we had a wonderful Student Dietitian, Alison Knapp, write our Bright Blog: Are Your Kids Getting Enough Iron? Check it out here.
Recipe of the Month
Home Made Nutty Hommus
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g can of chickpeas, drained
- 2 Tablespoons of peanut or cashew butter
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice, 1/2 clove garlic, pinch of salt
Method
- Place all ingredients into a blender
- Blend until smooth, adding a little more water or lemon juice to reach desired texture and taste
- Serve onto a share platter so your kids can help themseves. You may include some raw vegetables which they may help to chop up: carrot, celery and cucumber, some cut up fruit, a few canned legumes, like from a 4 bean mix, and cracker biscuits.
For more healthy food ideas check out Bright Diets Facebook Albums.