A registered dietitian is a trained healthcare professional who provides dietary guidance for nutrition-related diseases through assessments, counselling, and understanding the connection between diet and health. Accredited Practising Dietitians are also qualified Nutritionists, that are recognised by Medicare in providing nutritional-medical care. ​ A dietitian will work closely with you, understanding your unique needs and preferences, to help you achieve your nutrition and health goals.

They conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current medical condition or health concerns, considering presenting symptoms, medical history, medications and supplements taken, lifestyle, dietary habits, and your relationship with food and food preferences.

In a follow up consultation, they review available blood test results and medical reports to comprehensively understand your health history.

A dietitian doesn't just dictate a meal plan but collaborates with you, ensuring that the eating pattern aligns with your health goals and addresses your dietary concerns.

Dietitians are not just nutritionists; they are qualified Medical Nutrition Therapists. To become a dietitian, one must undergo a rigorous process, including obtaining an approved dietetics qualification, completing clinical placements, and achieving accreditation. This ensures that they have the highest level of nutrition education among health professionals.

In contrast, "nutritionist" is not regulated or protected, meaning anyone can use it regardless of qualifications.

Dietitians possess the highest level of nutrition education among health professionals. They are the only ones recognised by Medicare to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. They often work collaboratively with other health professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible health outcomes for their clients and patients. To be a dietitian, you must have an approved dietetics qualification, complete clinical placement, and undergo accreditation.

It's important to note that the term 'nutritionist' is not regulated or protected, meaning anyone can use it, regardless of their qualifications. This lack of regulation underscores the importance of being cautious about who you seek nutritional advice from.

Dietitians don't work in isolation. They collaborate with other health professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible health outcomes for clients and patients. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are considered, leading to more effective care.

A holistic dietitian looks beyond just food and symptoms. While a traditional dietitian focuses mainly on nutrition and out-dated and often ineffective clinical guidelines, a holistic dietitian considers the whole person—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Did you know? - your emotional state affects your gut function, stress levels and eating patterns - sleep quality affects your energy levels, mental health and brain function - stress affects your digestion, hormone balance and pain - gut inflammation creates brain inflammation, poor mental health and fatigue Everything is connected. Working on one area often affects a different area. This approach aims to uncover root causes, address imbalances, and support long-term healing, not just short-term fixes. Bonny takes an integrative and functional medicine approach, addressing not just nutrition but also lifestyle, stress, sleep, environmental factors, and habits to support lasting well-being.

Bonny does not see minors under 18 at this time. Please enquire with Rocco Di Vincenzo: https://www.brunswickintegrativecare.com.au/our-practitioners/dietetics/rocco-di-vincenzo-dietitian/

At this stage, I do not support a strictly vegan diet, as I believe the body requires certain nutrients that are most bioavailable in animal-based foods. While a vegetarian approach may be possible, it generally requires more effort and supplementation to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

If you are strictly vegan, I recommend working with a dietitian who specialises in vegan nutrition, as they will be better placed to guide you in line with your values.

That said, I strongly believe we can nourish the body while also caring for the planet and supporting animal welfare. Choosing organic, ethically raised, and wild-caught options allows us to access high-quality nutrition while supporting farmers who prioritise sustainable and humane practices. Contrary to popular belief, regenerative and ethical animal farming can actually contribute positively to the environment when done well — a perspective highlighted in The Magic Pill documentary by Pete Evans.

My focus is always on finding a balance: supporting your body with the nutrition it truly needs, while also honouring ethical and environmental considerations.