Meet Ciana . . .
I am a pilates loving, Sunday bushwalking, sun worshiping, sucker for a good book who has a passion for family health. Many moons ago I began my studies to become a primary school teacher, however, halfway into my degree I realised the timing wasn’t right and I pursued my other passion, working in the fashion industry for 10 years. After a few life turns (and a couple of small humans later) I completed my Bachelor of Health Science Degree, in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, to become a Clinically Trained Nutritionist and Paediatric Specialist. In a way, I feel this has brought me full circle, as a Nutritionist, I take on an educator role in helping people improve their symptoms and overall wellbeing - and I get to work with families, which is definitely the best part!
There are a few things I can share with you about myself, which will hopefully give you an idea of what it will be like working with me. . .
I am a food first practitioner. I will likely not be sending you away with armfuls of supplements (unless you absolutely require them - which in some cases this is appropriate), rather, I will empower you with the knowledge in how to reduce symptoms, improve your current habits and create lifelong changes that will enhance overall health and help to reduce risk of developing potentially dangerous lifestyle diseases later in life.
I am a mother, raising strong and healthy children has become the greatest priority in my life. Like so many parents, I too have battled the tiny but fierce resistance army when it comes to meal times, however, my priority has always been to foster a healthy relationship between my daughters and food. Eating real food to nourish our body is equally as important as enjoying something purely because it looks (and tastes) incredibly delicious!
I do not believe in, nor will I ever promote, diet culture. Cutting out entire food groups or adopting restrictive eating behaviours purely to lose weight is not only temporary - the lost kilos will eventually find their way back - it is not ideal for your long term health, it can be psychologically damaging and may also send our children the wrong message about what their own relationship with food should look like.
I encourage my clients to take a balanced approach to life and nutrition
by enjoying actual food and by this I mean mainly eating food that your great-grandmother would have recognised. Pretty much achieved by limiting (not always eliminating) the “4P’s” in food products, which are; packaged, processed, preservatives and pesticides
finding a physical activity that you love doing at least a couple of times a week that will elevate your heart-rate, in addition to moving your body for at least 20 minutes, everyday
enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation - the things that feed your soul - for me this is a pinot noir and a decadent grazing platter
honouring the powerful connection between the mind and the body, by taking time in your day for yourself and grounding your energy with nature
I am half Italian, so pasta and red wine basically run through my veins. However, after suffering for far too long with painful bloating, anxiety, brain fog, migraines and extreme fatigue in my 20’s, I finally took a recommendation to see a nutritionist who carried out some blood tests, which revealed I had severe intolerances to wheat, dairy and egg. In honesty, I really struggled to eliminate these foods in an effort to heal my gut, so I understand first hand how hard it can be to moderate diet to improve health. However, since working on my gut issues from a functional perspective I again am able to enjoy most foods and while not perfect, I’m a long way from where I started from and have been able to live my life, more so than I have been able to in years. Without taking that first important step to seek deep healing support, rather than simply treating symptoms, I know I would still be suffering and more importantly missing out on many of the foods that give me joy. It was this experince that I saw first hand in my own health that inspired me to become a clinical nutritionist so I could help educate others and help to aleiviate discomfort from dietary and lifestyle associated impacts.
If you got this far, thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I look forward to working with you and supporting you and your family into good health.
Ciana xx
Clinically Trained Nutritionist (BHSc Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine)
Certified Paediatric Nutritionist (Monash University)
Member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) since 2016
