About Me
Hi, I’m Fofe*, the principal APD** and nutritionist at Bowral Nutrition. I pride myself on having a common-sense approach that complements my scientific training.
My eldest child is neurodiverse, diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 6, and Autism (ASD) 3 years later. He was also diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) at the age of 9, but this did not last long. A change in his diet recommended by his paediatrician made such an enormous difference to his quality of life, that it inspired me to return to university and study to become a nutrition scientist. Working in the disability sector further inspired me to undertake postgraduate study to become a dietitian specialising in digestive or gut health (including the link between ‘Food and Mood’ or the ‘gut-brain axis’), food intolerance, and ‘fussy eaters’.
I additionally have personal experience with autoimmune disease, menopause, and bone health, and a keen interest in the prevention of bowel cancer and chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
* Fun fact about me: My name rhymes with ‘coffee’ – my favourite beverage!
** APD is the only credential for dietitians recognised by the Australian government (for Medicare and Department of Veterans Affairs purposes), many state governments and many private health insurers. The APD program is a way for consumers and other stakeholders to recognise professionals with qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice in a safe and evidence-based way.
The Bowral Nutrition philosophy is that…
- food is key to optimal health. We use a ‘food first’ approach.
- nutrition and dietetic advice must be personalised – you are unique!
- our gut microbiome plays a significant role in our health and wellbeing
Focus & Specialties
Gut Health
Gut Health
Conditions I can help with include: Allergies and intolerances; Barrett’s Oesophagus; Coeliac disease; Colitis; Constipation; Crohn’s Disease; Diarrhoea; Diverticular disease or Diverticulosis; Duodenal ulcer; Dyspepsia; Dysphagia; Gastric ulcer; Gastritis; Gastroparesis; Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GORD; Heartburn; Helicobacter pylori; Lactose Intolerance; Indigestion; Irritable Bowel Syndrome aka IBS; Malabsorption; Odynophagia; Peptic ulcer; Reflux; Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO; Ulcerative Colitis.
Services include: Medical Nutrition Therapy; Gut Health optimisation; the Low FODMAP diet; Microba™ microbiome testing; Oral Nutrition Supplementation, and more
Food and Mood
Food and Mood
Eating for better mental health for sufferers of anxiety and depression. The evidence base that diet affects our mood is growing. Find out how you can reduce your anxiety and depression by making some simple changes to your diet.
Food Intolerance
Food Intolerance
Apart from a buccal (cheek) swab or genetic blood test for lactose intolerance, the only evidence-based test for food intolerance is an elimination diet. Guidance for this is included in your normal consultation fee, there are no additional expensive tests required!
Find out if you are intolerant of amines, food additives, glutamates, gluten, lactose, salicylates, and more. Intolerances may show as physical or behavioural issues, the latter is particularly evident in children.
Discovering these adverse food reactions may be the key to feeling great again or getting your harmonious family life back!
Healthy Eating for Adults
Healthy Eating for Adults
Lifestage nutrition: Young, Middle-aged and Older Adults
Allergies and intolerances; anti-inflammatory diet; autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Rheumatoid Arthritis; bone health; cardiovascular disease; DASH diet; diabetes management or prevention; digestive health; eating for a healthy heart; fatty liver disease; gout; healthy weight gain; healthy weight loss; high cholesterol; high blood sugar; insulin resistance; Ketogenic diet; low carb diet; malnutrition; managing nutritional deficiencies; Mediterranean diet; menopause; MIND diet; neurologic disorders including stroke, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease; obesity; osteoarthritis; overweight; pre-diabetes; thyroid disorders, Vegan and Vegetarian diets, and more.
Healthy Eating for Children
Healthy Eating for Children
Lifestage nutrition: Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Primary school-aged, Adolescents/Teens (includes healthier eating for healthier skin).
ADHD nutrition; allergies and intolerances; Autism Spectrum Disorder nutrition; Cow’s Milk Protein allergy or intolerance; disordered eating; fussy eaters; healthy weight gain; healthy weight loss; nutrient deficiencies; sports nutrition for active kids, and more.
Plant based eating
Plant based eating
Find out how focusing on a plant-based diet may help prevent or manage chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, or cardiovascular diseases, and add years to your lifespan. This is not the same as veganism or vegetarianism, it’s simply shifting your mindset to making vegetables, whole grains, beans or legumes the focus of your plate. From the Mediterranean to the DASH diet and more, there are many patterns of eating that may suit you, or we simply optimise your existing diet with a few tweaks.
How it Works
You can call, leave a voicemail message, use our contact form, or book a consultation using our Facebook booking tool.
Your initial consultation will take approximately one to one and a half hours. We will go through your medical history and dietary habits, and discuss your goals. Please ensure you bring along any recent (last 6 months) blood test results, or have your doctor fax them to us.
Your first review is scheduled 2-4 weeks later. Subsequent reviews are normally 3-6 months apart for weight management or 6-12 weeks for clients with complex needs. This is a flexible guide, your appointments will be tailored to your needs.
Please note that Medicare rebates are available to clients who have a chronic condition being managed by their GP under a Team Care Arrangement (formerly known as EPCs). After paying our full fee you will be able to claim the rebate from Medicare. GP referrals must be accompanied by a signed Referral Form for Allied Health Services to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Please contact your Private Health Insurance provider directly to confirm your eligibility to claim our services.
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Normally yes, we do.
If you cannot leave your home, please know that you do not have to come into our Mittagong office. We can use Telehealth (Zoom video chat) instead. A ‘kitchen table consultation’ via Zoom can actually be mutually beneficial. It allows us to see the tools we have to work with and review pantry staples, medications and supplements in a way that is relaxed and less reliant on memory.
Unfortunately, home visits are not available during the COVID-19 pandemic (except for NDIS clients), and they are not covered by health funds.
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Bowral Nutrition is a registered business. Our ABN number is 64 715 430 479
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We accept bank transfers or deposits into our Commonwealth Bank business account, as well as credit card payments (American Express, Mastercard, Visa)
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To ensure we receive a copy of your results use: REFFV6LP7Y6 when ordering your microbiome test.
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Yes we do. You can view our privacy policy by clicking the link at the very bottom of this webpage.
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Medicare rebates are available to clients who have a chronic condition being managed by their GP under a Team Care Arrangement (formerly known as EPCs).
After paying our full fee you will be able to claim the rebate from Medicare. GP referrals must be accompanied by a signed Referral Form for Allied Health Services to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Eligible conditions include diabetes.