Meet Wendy
03/09/25 12:48
Online Dietitian
Hi 👋🏻 I'm Wendy. I love food - everything about food. Talking about it, cooking it, eating it, and sharing it with friends and family.
Hi 👋🏻 I'm Wendy (Registered Dietitian, South Africa).
My favourite way to spend my free time is in the kitchen kneading dough to make mouthwatering focaccia or burger buns for a picnic.
If I'm not in the kitchen, I am probably browsing through a recipe book or foodie website or thinking about how I'm going to use last night's leftovers.
Healthy Food Choices
Like many of you, I sometimes question my food choices. After all, some foods are better for your health than others. But there's more to eating than building muscle and preventing disease.
Of course, these are important considerations, but, my years of experience have also taught me that strict dietary rules don't work - for most people. Learning how to make mindful food choices is more likely to help you reach your health and weight loss goals.
Are Dietitians Really the Food Police?
Contrary to popular belief, dietitians are not the food police. While people consult with me for advice on what to eat to help them lose weight or gain health, I enjoy delicious, forbidden treats just as much as the next person. In fact, when a group of dietitians gets together you may even see us eating pizza and drinking a glass of wine! I know, right! How could we?
The truth is, dietitians love to eat as much as you do. I may have made it my life's work to guide people's food choices, but that doesn't mean I don't understand your struggle.
Are Dietitians Worth it?
There's a quote from Wolfgang von Goethe I've been referring to since I opened my first practice in 1999 that sums up why so many people battle to stick to their lifestyle changes. It goes like this:
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
In my twenty plus years working as a dietitian (I'm getting on a bit 😉), I have learned that most people who seek help from me know what they need to do, but don't know how to apply their nutrition knowledge to their unique requirements.
Engaging with me indicates that you are willing to change your eating habits, but the reality of doing so is challenging. In life, you are constantly playing diet dodge ball. Temptation is around every corner making it seem impossible to stick with your good intentions.
Yes, it is my job to assess your food choices and eating habits and inform you where you are going wrong. However, more important than that, is having the knowledge and the experience to tell you what you're doing right and what you can do to make your diet even better.
Confusing Messages From "Dr Google"
In this digital age, you can pick up your phone and search for dietary advice any time of the day or night and get an instant answer. For example, there is an astounding number of search results when you type "diet for weight loss" into your browser - nearly 2.5 million! While many will give you accurate, science-based advice, there are many more that will muddy the waters, causing confusion about which is the right path for you.
This is where a dietitian's knowledge and experience working with real people becomes valuable. First, in order to become a dietitian, we must complete a medically based BSc as well as post-graduate training and community service. This enables us to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Allied Healthcare Professional.
Furthermore, learning how to read scientific papers is integral to our education and essential for staying on top of developments in diet and nutrition. That means, as a dietitian, I am equipped to evaluate the latest fad diet and help you make an informed decision about the best dietary choices you can make for yourself. Whether you are considering a keto diet, intermittent fasting, or a low fat diet, I can show you why it will work for you, or why it won't.
Motivation and support
Apart from the wealth of nutrition knowledge I love sharing with people, the real value in working with a dietitian is the support we offer to help you make lasting lifestyle changes. Let's be honest, change is hard! But, it helps to have someone in your corner who can adjust the rudder when you drift off course or give you a gentle nudge when your motivation begins to slip. The best part of my job as a dietitian is celebrating your victories with you.
FAQs
Can a dietitian help me lose weight?
Yes. A dietitian is an expert in diet and nutrition and can create a practical diet plan that meets your unique needs to ensure that you lose weight and gain health.
Are dietitians doctors?
No. Dietitians are not doctors. However, they are medically trained allied healthcare professionals that are qualified to help people manage their weight as well as chronic health conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What do dietitians eat?
Dietitians eat the same food you eat. While we strive to live by the rules we encourage people to follow, like you, we are tempted by delicious food that may not always be the healthiest choice. The trick is to enjoy your more decadent meals and move on, eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins for most of your meals.
Why see an online dietitian?
There are many reasons you should book an online dietitian consultation. Even the healthiest person can benefit from some expert nutrition support - online or in person.
You can see a dietitian for weight loss, but you can also see a dietitian for diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, brain and mental health, and dietary support for cancer and surgery. Dietitians can also help athletes plan a diet that will boost their performance.
PS: You can spell "Dietician" with a 'c' or a 't', though "Dietitian" is the official spelling.
I look forward to virtually meeting you!
Wendy Lord,
Registered Dietitian, South Africa
Tags: nutrition support online, online dietitian consultation, registered dietitian South Africa
