FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be vegan to work with you?
Not at all. While my professional focus is plant-based nutrition, I work with people from a variety of dietary backgrounds. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or simply interested in eating more plant foods, I can help you find an approach that suits your goals and lifestyle.
Can I get enough protein on a plant-based diet?
Yes. A well-planned plant-based diet can provide adequate protein through foods such as legumes, soy products, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
During consultations, I can help you identify suitable protein sources and ensure your eating pattern supports your individual needs and goals.
What's the difference between vegan and plant-based?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
A plant-based eating pattern focuses on foods that come primarily from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to avoid animal exploitation and cruelty wherever practical and possible. Food is just one aspect of veganism.
It is also worth noting that, in nutrition research, the term plant-based is not always used to describe a fully vegan dietary pattern. Depending on the study, a plant-based diet may include small amounts of animal-derived foods while still emphasising plant foods.
If you would like to learn more about veganism as a philosophy and lifestyle, you can visit The Vegan Society
Do people following plant-based diets need supplements?
It depends on the individual, their dietary pattern and their nutritional needs.
For anyone following a fully vegan diet, a reliable source of vitamin B12 — through a supplement or fortified foods — is essential, since B12 is not naturally present in plant foods. Other nutrients (e.g., calcium, iodine, omega-3, vitamin D, iron, zinc) may also warrant attention depending on individual intake.
If appropriate, supplement options may be discussed as part of your personalised nutrition plan.
Do I need to eat a fully plant-based diet to experience health benefits?
No. Research suggests that including more whole plant foods in your diet may be beneficial, regardless of whether you follow a fully vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
For many people, small and sustainable changes can be easier to maintain than an all-or-nothing approach.
What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian in Australia?
In Australia, 'nutritionist' and 'dietitian' are different titles with different qualifications and scopes of practice. As a nutritionist, I focus on nutrition education, dietary guidance and lifestyle support to help clients build sustainable, healthy eating habits — diagnosing or treating medical conditions falls outside my scope of practice. If a client presents with a complex medical condition or needs clinical nutrition therapy, I'll refer them to an Accredited Practising Dietitian, GP, or other appropriate healthcare professional.
What happens during an initial consultation?
The initial consultation is a comprehensive assessment designed to explore your health concerns, dietary habits, lifestyle and goals.
We'll discuss your current eating patterns, preferences, challenges and priorities so that I can develop practical, personalised recommendations tailored to your needs.
