How you could benefit from seeing a nutritionist and what to expect
Learn how qualified nutrition guidance can support your energy, exercise and OVERALL health
Medically Reviewed By: Adam Gavine, BHK, M.Chiro
Original Published: November 2021
Updated On: September 2026
Nutrition is such a loaded subject nowadays and there is so much information - and unfortunately misinformation - out there, it is hard to keep track. Thankfully, there are nutritionists that can help with all kinds of health goals that you would like to achieve. When we think about nutrition, most of us think of weight loss but that is only one small area that nutritionists can help with.
So what can a nutritionist do for me?
A nutritionist provides education, support and accountability whether you want to manage a health condition, stop feeling tired, getting bloated all the time, support exercise, navigate food allergies or simply feel better!
Qualified nutritionists complete at 3 years of studies covering chemistry, biology, biochemistry, public health, food science, food safety and obviously, nutrition. This creates a science-based, well rounded understanding of food, body systems, social determinants and health conditions, to help you cut through the copious amounts of information out there and create a clear plan for you to feel good.
What does an appointment involve?
Firstly, we need to figure out your ‘WHY?’. Do you want to be able to run around with your kids? Go a day without pain? Enjoy a meal with friends without worrying about the calories?
A strong “why” holds you accountable and drives you to want to make positive changes.
The initial consultation involves a judgement-free discussion about your main health concerns, goals and a range of background questions covering all body systems and lifestyle habits.
Expect questions about sleep, hydration, lifestyle, exercise, food preferences, budget, food intake and more to gain a deep understanding of your health. This allows us to develop the most beneficial plan to suit you and your goals.
A follow-up consultation is highly important for support and accountability. We will also analyse the treatment plan to see if any areas can be modified to be more beneficial.
The way in which each consultation is run depends on the individual. Whether you would like a face-to-face consult at the clinic, a video call, a phone call, sit outside... the limits are endless really! Consultations can also be more hands-on; for example, a grocery shop walk -through (label reading/food choices) or a cooking lesson.
You can be 100% transparent about what you want to get out of the appointment and how you would like it to go!
Will I have to stop eating foods I love or start counting calories?
Absolutely not!!!
The healthiest and most beneficial diet is one you get excited about and want to sustain! Cutting out your favourite foods and turning your whole diet into numbers pushes you into a cycle of restriction, over consumption & starting all over again. Shifting the focus to adding nutrients and finding balance, removes the fear around foods, creates sustainability and produces positive momentum towards a healthy lifestyle.
No short-term fixes or fad diets, instead providing you with the knowledge and understanding to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Why is it necessary for me to see a nutritionist? I already know what I should be eating.
Time and time again I hear “I know it’s ‘naughty’ but I couldn’t control myself” or “I just think about and crave foods all the time”. While most people have some idea of what a ‘healthy diet’ looks like, sticking with it is the hard part. A nutritionist can give you the tools and knowledge to eat a well-rounded diet that makes you feel good, without cravings or feelings of restriction.
We are inundated with information and generalised ideas as to what optimum health/nutrition is, which becomes confusing. Social media, family, ‘influencers’, personal trainers and friends who have little or no qualifications in nutrition often share their individual experiences which may not work for you. A nutritionist acknowledges your personal medical history, lifestyle, food preferences, budget, hobbies, genetics and goals to construct personalised advice and a specific treatment plan.
Lastly, a nutritionist provides consistent support, and will hold you accountable helping to achieve your health goals.
As always, if you have any questions please email (sarelle@backtofunction.com.au) or call us (0468 749 223) and we are happy to help.
With kindness,
Sarelle
UPDATES BY DR. ADAM GAVINE - BACK TO FUNCTION
Nutrition advice has never been more accessible. Unfortunately, it has also never been more confusing.
Social media provides an endless stream of meal plans, supplement recommendations and conflicting rules about carbohydrates, fats, fasting and protein. One source tells you to eliminate a food group, while another promises that a single ingredient will transform your health.
General nutrition information can be useful, but it cannot always account for your health history, culture, budget, food preferences, training demands or relationship with food. That is where a consultation with an appropriately qualified nutrition professional may help.
A nutritionist consultation should provide practical education and individualised support. It should not leave you feeling judged, frightened of food or dependent on expensive supplements.
What Does a Nutrition Professional Do?
A qualified nutrition professional can help you understand how your usual food and fluid intake relates to your health, lifestyle and goals.
Depending on their qualifications and scope of practice, they may assist with:
improving the nutritional quality of everyday meals
planning food around exercise or sport
supporting adequate energy intake
developing practical shopping and meal-preparation strategies
accommodating cultural and ethical food preferences
reviewing hydration habits
identifying overly restrictive eating patterns
providing general education about nutrients and food groups
supporting gradual, sustainable behaviour change
Nutrition support is not limited to weight loss. Many people seek guidance because they want more consistent energy, better preparation for training, improved recovery or greater confidence when making food choices.
Nutritionist or Dietitian: What Is the Difference in Australia?
The distinction is important because the titles do not necessarily represent the same qualifications.
According to Dietitians Australia, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. The title “nutritionist” is not regulated in Australia and may be used by people with considerably different levels of training.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian, commonly known as an APD, has completed an accredited university qualification in nutrition and dietetics. APDs can provide medical nutrition therapy and work with clinical conditions in hospitals, medical practices and private healthcare settings.
When choosing a practitioner, ask about:
university qualifications
professional memberships
current credentials
clinical experience
areas of special interest
professional insurance
referral and communication practices
whether their services qualify for available rebates
For a diagnosed medical condition, an APD is generally the most appropriate nutrition professional.
Who May Benefit From Nutrition Advice?
Active adults and recreational athletes
Exercise increases the importance of appropriate energy, carbohydrate, protein and fluid intake. A qualified professional can help align food choices with:
training frequency and intensity
competition schedules
recovery between sessions
changing energy demands
travel or early-morning training
dietary preferences
gastrointestinal comfort during exercise
This does not necessarily require supplements or a complicated athlete meal plan. Often, the first step is ensuring that ordinary meals and snacks adequately support the work being performed.
People with inconsistent energy
Fatigue can have many causes, including sleep disruption, stress, illness, medication effects, iron deficiency and inadequate energy intake.
A nutrition professional can review eating patterns and identify whether meals are irregular or potentially inadequate. Persistent or unexplained fatigue should also be discussed with your GP, as food changes alone may not address an underlying medical cause.
People experiencing digestive symptoms
Bloating, altered bowel habits and abdominal discomfort may be influenced by food, but they can also arise from numerous medical conditions.
A practitioner can help you document symptoms, assess dietary patterns and avoid unnecessary restriction. Persistent pain, bleeding, unexplained weight change, recurrent vomiting or significant changes in bowel habits require medical assessment.
Highly restrictive approaches, such as a low-FODMAP diet, should be supervised by an appropriately qualified dietitian when clinically indicated.
People managing a diagnosed health condition
An APD may assist with the nutrition management of conditions such as:
diabetes
cardiovascular disease
kidney disease
gastrointestinal disorders
food allergies
coeliac disease
malnutrition
disordered eating
cancer and its treatment
pregnancy-related nutrition concerns
These conditions require advice based on diagnosis, medication, pathology and medical management. General wellness coaching is not a substitute for clinical dietetic care.
People overwhelmed by conflicting food advice
You may already understand the broad foundations of healthy eating but find it difficult to translate them into everyday life.
A consultation can help turn general advice into specific decisions, such as:
what to eat before an early training session
how to build a satisfying work lunch
which snacks travel well
how to plan meals on a limited budget
how to increase food variety
how to adapt family meals without cooking separately
whether supplements are necessary
How Nutrition Supports Physical Activity and Recovery
Food provides the energy and nutrients required for daily life, exercise and tissue repair.
Carbohydrate supports activity
Carbohydrate is an important fuel source, particularly for moderate and higher-intensity exercise. Requirements vary with training volume and activity type.
Carbohydrates do not need to be feared or removed automatically. Suitable sources may include:
wholegrain bread and cereals
rice
pasta
potatoes
fruit
legumes
milk and yoghurt
The timing and amount can be adjusted according to the individual.
Protein contributes to tissue maintenance and repair
Protein provides amino acids used throughout the body. Active people may benefit from including appropriate protein sources across the day rather than relying on one very large serving.
Food sources include:
fish and seafood
lean meat and poultry
eggs
milk, yoghurt and cheese
tofu and tempeh
beans, chickpeas and lentils
nuts and seeds
Protein powder can be convenient, but it is not mandatory for everyone.
Dietary variety provides micronutrients
A varied eating pattern helps provide vitamins, minerals, fibre and other food components that support normal body functions.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods from the core food groups. These guidelines provide a population-level framework, but individual needs may differ because of health, age, activity, allergies or other circumstances.
Hydration matters
Fluid requirements are affected by temperature, exercise intensity, duration and individual sweat losses.
A nutrition professional can help you develop a practical hydration strategy without assuming that everyone needs the same amount of water or electrolyte products.
What Happens at a Nutritionist Appointment?
A high-quality consultation should begin with listening.
Your goals and priorities
The practitioner may ask why you are seeking advice and what you want to change.
Your goals could include:
feeling more prepared for training
improving meal regularity
building confidence with food
supporting recovery
reducing reliance on takeaway meals
managing a medically diagnosed condition
feeding a family more practically
understanding whether supplements are needed
Your goal should be meaningful to you, not imposed by the practitioner.
Health and lifestyle history
Questions may cover:
medical conditions
medications and supplements
allergies and intolerances
recent pathology results
sleep
stress
work patterns
exercise and training
digestive symptoms
food access and budget
cooking skills
cultural preferences
previous diets
A practitioner working outside their scope should refer you to a GP, APD or another qualified professional when appropriate.
Review of usual food intake
You may be asked to complete a food diary or describe a typical day.
This is not intended to classify meals as good or bad. It helps the practitioner understand timing, variety, adequacy and practical barriers.
A personalised plan
Your initial plan should be achievable. It might involve only two or three changes, such as:
adding a suitable pre-training snack
including a protein source at lunch
preparing one additional meal at home
increasing food variety
establishing more regular meal timing
keeping an appropriate snack at work
changing a hydration routine
A plan that requires a complete lifestyle overhaul from the first day is unlikely to be sustainable.
Follow-up and review
Follow-up appointments can be used to assess:
what worked
what felt unrealistic
changes in symptoms or performance
barriers that emerged
whether the plan needs adjustment
whether referral or further assessment is required
Follow-up should support independence rather than create indefinite reliance on appointments.
Will You Have to Stop Eating Foods You Enjoy?
A responsible practitioner should not automatically remove favourite foods or label ordinary choices as toxic, bad or forbidden.
Restrictive plans may be clinically necessary in limited circumstances, such as a confirmed allergy or medically supervised therapeutic diet. Outside those situations, unnecessarily eliminating foods can:
make social eating difficult
increase food anxiety
reduce dietary variety
create nutrient gaps
make the plan difficult to sustain
intensify cycles of restriction and overeating
Healthy eating is determined by the overall pattern, not one meal or ingredient.
Will You Have to Count Calories?
Not necessarily.
Some patients may find temporary tracking useful for a specific clinical or sporting purpose. Others find it stressful, impractical or unnecessary.
Alternative strategies include:
meal structure
hunger and fullness awareness
food-group targets
portion guidance
meal planning
performance and recovery monitoring
symptom diaries
The method should suit the individual and should not worsen anxiety or disordered eating.
Be Cautious With Supplement Recommendations
Supplements can be useful when there is an established need, but more is not always better.
Before taking a supplement, consider:
Is there evidence that I need it?
Could a blood test or medical assessment be appropriate?
Does it interact with my medication?
Is the dose safe?
Has the product been independently tested?
Is the claim supported by quality evidence?
Could food meet the same need?
Products marketed as detoxes, hormone balancers, fat burners or immune boosters often make claims that exceed the evidence.
Competitive athletes should also consider sports supplement contamination and anti-doping requirements.
Warning Signs of Poor Nutrition Advice
Be cautious if a practitioner:
claims one diet cures many unrelated conditions
recommends extensive testing without clear clinical justification
sells a large supplement package at the first visit
labels numerous foods as toxic
promises guaranteed results
discourages communication with your GP
advises stopping prescribed medication
recommends substantial restriction without monitoring
uses fear to encourage repeated appointments
cannot clearly explain their qualifications
You are entitled to ask questions and seek a second opinion.
What to Expect at Back To Function
Back To Function’s listed clinical services focus on chiropractic treatment, shockwave therapy, Active Release Techniques®, myofascial release and kinesio taping.
During a musculoskeletal consultation, Dr Adam Gavine may discuss broad lifestyle factors that relate to physical activity and recovery. This does not replace individual nutrition assessment from an appropriately qualified nutrition professional.
If nutrition appears relevant to your health or rehabilitation, the next step may involve:
Identifying the concern: This could include inadequate fuelling around training, persistent fatigue or difficulty recovering.
Remaining within professional scope: Adam can provide general education relevant to musculoskeletal care but does not present himself as an Accredited Practising Dietitian.
Recommending medical assessment where needed: Symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, digestive changes or unintentional weight loss may require review by your GP.
Referring appropriately: Clinical dietary concerns may be referred to an APD or another qualified professional.
Coordinating care: With your consent, relevant practitioners can communicate so that nutrition, exercise and musculoskeletal recommendations do not conflict.
Contact the clinic directly to confirm whether any dedicated nutrition consultation or referral option is currently available.
Practical Steps You Can Take Now
Before changing your entire diet, begin by reviewing the basics:
Eat regularly enough to support your daily activity.
Include a variety of foods across the week.
Add vegetables or fruit where practical.
Include an appropriate protein source in main meals.
Choose carbohydrate sources that support your energy demands.
Drink according to your needs and environment.
Avoid removing complete food groups without a sound reason.
Discuss persistent symptoms with your GP.
Seek an APD for condition-specific medical nutrition therapy.
These are general principles, not a personalised treatment plan.
Choose Qualified, Practical Nutrition Support
A nutritionist consultation can provide clarity, structure and accountability, but qualifications matter. The right practitioner should consider your health, lifestyle, food preferences, budget and goals before making recommendations.
Good nutrition guidance should help you make more confident decisions. It should not create fear, guilt or an unnecessarily complicated routine.
If nutrition concerns are affecting your exercise, recovery or musculoskeletal rehabilitation, contact Back To Function on 0468 749 223 or email adam@backtofunction.com.au to discuss the most appropriate next step.
The Mona Vale clinic is located at Suite 36/38, 12–14 Waratah Street and services patients from Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the Central Coast.
AUTHOR BIO
Dr Adam Gavine, BHK, M.Chiro, is the Director and Chiropractor at Back To Function. He has more than 19 years of clinical experience and a special interest in sports rehabilitation and soft-tissue health.
Adam is a full-body certified Active Release Techniques® (ART) provider, one of only a handful in Australia. He is also co-founder of the Wasabi Method, a shockwave therapy partnership. Adam is currently completing a PhD at the University of Sydney and services patients across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the Central Coast.
For individual medical nutrition therapy, Adam supports referral to an appropriately qualified dietitian or other relevant healthcare professional.
READ MORE
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