FAQ's

Dietitians are registered healthcare professionals, capable of assessing, diagnosing, and treating nutritional concerns. They are experts in human nutrition and the regulation of diet, and can help with chronic disease management, weight loss, digestive concerns, and more.

Some professionals use the terms Dietitian and Nutritionist interchangeably. All Dietitians are Nutritionists but not all Nutritionists are Dietitians. The terms ‘dietician’ or 'dietitian' are protected terms. A Dietitian is a registered health professional who meets specific standards and training requirement as set by the NZ Dietitians Board. A Dietitian is required to have both an undergraduate science degree in human nutrition along with a Masters in dietetics. Dietitians may work in many of the same settings as Nutritionists, such as public health and community nutrition, research and teaching, food industry and nutrition marketing and communications. However, Dietitians are also qualified to work in the medical nutrition industry. If you're looking for a dunedin nutritionist or dietitian near you one of our Dunedin Dietitians can help.

No. Registered Dietitians cannot prescribe medication you will need to speak to a general practitioner if this is what you’re looking for.

No, we create customised nutrition plans. These are treatment plans created after a thorough review of your daily nutrition and lifestyle during your Initial Assessment. We train you to understand what your unique body needs to feel good and full of energy again. These are best delivered by working with a Dietitian as an accountability partner and reviewed to ensure you get the maximum health improvement.

Dietitians create nutrition plans AND educate you on how to make the best food choices in any situation.

We don't promote quick fixes like experimental supplements, magic pills, or intermittent fasting for weight loss. We want to give you the skills to change your health for life. We don't offer expensive supplement subscriptions.

Our Dietitians can prescribe evidence-based supplements such as specific vitamins or probiotic strains but only if it is medically necessary and can't be achieved through diet alone.

 Registered Dietitians are part of a regulated industry and only offer evidence-based solutions.

We are focused on transforming your life with science and proven methods that benefit you.

Yes. They are the most qualified professional to do so due to their medical training. Most people have a cupboard full of supplements and vitamins that are expiring, you will never get a Dietitian overprescribing, they prescribe when there is a clear benefit to the client not a financial benefit of making the sale. Their registration ensures this.

Your Dietitian will first spend time understanding your specific situation, work with you to help clarify your goals and steps that you can take to meet these goals. Dietitians are skilled in assessing your needs based on your history, age, medical conditions, current lifestyle, and your skills and interest etc. He/she will take these into consideration when designing an individual plan that is tailored to your needs.

Your Dietitian will provide recommendations based on his/her expertise coming from continuous education & research, as well as knowledge developed from professional and personal experiences. He/she will guide and support you through the process of change to achieve your goals (change is hard work!), help you problem solve, keep you accountable and answer any questions along the way.

You can consult a Dietitian anytime you have a nutrition question, need a clear plan of action and/or want professional accountability to achieve your nutrition goals.

Some common topics people consult our Dietitians include:

• Binge Eating and Cravings
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Food Allergies & Intolerance
• Celiac Disease
• Weight Concerns (Weight Loss and Weight Gain)
• Gut / Digestive Health
• Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
• Meal Planning (different from meal plans)
• Womens Health (Fertility, Pregnancy, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and more....

Yes. Our preference is to provide you a single point of care, someone who can work with you over time to create meaningful results.  In most cases, with planning, we can cater to challenging schedules and keep you and your Dietitian unified as a team.  If schedules cannot allow, or for any other reason you need to change Dietitians, we have a robust internal handover process to ensure smooth service without disruption.

Yes, all you have to do is book your free 15 minute phone call with a Dietitian near you and we can book you in at one of our Dunedin Dietitian Clinics or Christchurch Dietitians. Whichever suits. If you are based in Auckland, Wellington or anywhere else in New Zealand or if you prefer online dietitian appointments then book in with one of our virtual dietitians.

Nutrition & Life Dietitians are licensed to provide Registered Dietitian services within New Zealand but if you live in the Australia or elsewhere, we can provide you with online nutrition education services that would not be considered medical nutrition therapy.  Please contact us to share your needs and to find out more.

Yes, many of our clients successful claim against their health insurance. However, please check with your provider to be sure.

No, Dietitians are not permitted to be affiliates and we don't do bulk billing. However, we have worked with many Southern Cross members who have had their claims accepted. Please ensure you check with Southern Cross Health Insurance or your insurance provider first if you have any concerns.

There are a number of ways. Firstly you can self-refer by enquiring using the button below. Secondly, you could be referred to us by your General Practitioner (GP Doctor), or another healthcare provider. A number of medical professionals refer their patients through to Dietitians. These include gastroenterologists, bariatric surgeons, proctologists, as well as allied health care professionals. For example, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and nutritionists.

We have Christchurch Dietitians and Dunedin Dietitians based in clinics. See our contact page for information about our Dunedin Clinic and Christchurch clinic locations. Alternatively, you can book a virtual Dietitian appointment from anywhere in New Zealand.

You will be provided with this information if you choose to work with us.

In summary, if necessary, you can cancel your appointment by emailing bookings@nutritionandlife.co.nz or using the cancellation link in your appointment confirmation anytime. Alternatively, you can call 0800 909 878 and leave a message. Our phone is monitored 9am-11am Monday to Friday so please aim to leave a message before 10.30am for same day cancellations.

Please note: Cancellation fees apply if you cancel your appointment with less than 2 working days notice. You can switch to a virtual appointment by emailing your Dietitian prior to your appointment so that they can send you a zoom link.