FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Nutritionist Trauma? You're in the Right Place.

Real answers for real humans navigating complex health journeys. No judgment, no diet culture, just straight-talking, evidence-based information.

The Consulting Zone

So… are you going to make me eat kale for every meal?

Absolutely not. I'm not here to force-feed you trendy superfoods or take away everything you love. My job is to find nutrition solutions that work for YOUR body and YOUR life - including foods you actually enjoy eating. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Do I have to track every calorie and macronutrient?

Hard pass on that. We don't do calorie counting here. That obsessive tracking often creates more stress than health benefits. Instead, we focus on how foods make your body feel, identifying patterns, and making sustainable changes that don't require a spreadsheet to manage your me.

Will you judge me when I tell you what I actually eat?

The only judgment-free zone that actually means it. I've heard it all, from secret car chocolate binges to 3AM cheese raids. Food has a moral value of exactly zero - it's not "good" or "bad," and neither are you for eating it. Let's skip the shame game entirely.

I’ve tried everything. How is this different?

You've probably tried a lot of one-size-fits-all approaches that... surprise!... don't fit all. I work specifically with complex chronic conditions and understand that your body isn't following the textbook. We'll create a personalised approach based on YOUR symptoms, YOUR triggers, and YOUR life circumstances - not some generic protocol.

What actually happens in a consultation?

You talk, I listen - like, genuinely listen. We explore your health history, current symptoms, what's worked, what hasn't, and what you're actually willing to try. Then we collaborate on practical strategies that make sense for your real life. No lecture, no judgment, just problem-solving with a side of dark humour.

Do I need to prepare anything before our first meeting?

"How long before I'll feel better?"

I wish I could give you an exact timeline, but bodies are wonderfully complex and stubborn things. Some people notice improvements within days, while others take weeks or months. What I can promise is that we'll be persistent (name drop!) in finding what works for YOU, adjusting as needed, and celebrating every tiny win along the way.

"What if I 'cheat' on the plan we create?"

First, let's throw out the word "cheat" - this isn't an exam. Life happens, bodies have cravings, and sometimes that doughnut is necessary for mental health. Our work together includes building flexibility and self-compassion. We'll focus on patterns, not perfection.

The Practical Stuff

"Do you take insurance?"

Unfortunately, most insurance companies haven't gotten the lowdown that nutrition is kind of important for health. I don't directly bill insurance, but I can provide you with documentation that you may be able to submit for reimbursement or use with your NDIS plan.

"How many sessions will I need?"

It depends on your goals and health situation. Most clients benefit from at least 3-5 sessions to implement changes and adjust as needed. We're building sustainable habits here, not quick fixes, and that takes a little time. That said, you'll never be pressured to book more sessions than you need or want.

I'm not tech-savvy. Is that a problem for virtual appointments?"

Not at all! If you can read this, you've got all the tech skills needed.
I offer flexible options including video calls, phone calls, or even text-based sessions. We'll find what works for you - I promise not to judge if you can't figure out how to unmute yourself. (It happens to the best of us.)

"What if this doesn't work for me?"

We troubleshoot
Adjust strategy
Explore alternatives
Refer to another service or practitioner if needed.

The Sensitive Stuff

"I have a really complicated relationship with food. Is that going to be a problem?"

It's actually incredibly common, especially among those with chronic health conditions. Whether you're dealing with disordered eating patterns, food anxiety, or trauma around food and body image, I create a safe space to work through these complexities alongside your nutritional needs. No shame, just support.

"Will you make me step on a scale?"

Hard no. I don't own a scale in my practice, and I'll never ask for your weight. Our work together focuses on how you feel, not what you weigh. If you have weight concerns, we can discuss them - but always through the lens of health behaviours, not numbers.

"I have dietary restrictions due to religion/ethics/culture. Will you work with those?"

Absolutely. Your values around food are an essential part of who you are and will be fully respected in our work together. We'll find nutrition solutions that honour both your health needs AND your personal beliefs. This is about enhancing your life, not compromising your values.

"I'm LGBTQI+/disabled/ neurodivergent. Will I feel comfortable working with you?"

Creating an inclusive, affirming space isn't just a buzzword here—it's foundational to my practice. As a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community myself, I understand the importance of healthcare that sees and respects your whole self. Your pronouns, your identity, your accessibility needs, and your neurotype are all welcomed and accommodated here. No exceptions.

COMPATIBILITY QUIZ

Persistent Nutrition provides evidence-based nutritional consulting specializing in chronic health management. Serving clients locally across Perth and Western Australia, with in-person consultations available upon request and comprehensive telehealth services extending internationally. Personalized nutrition strategies designed for women managing complex health conditions, delivered through flexible, compassionate consultations tailored to individual accessibility needs.