Meet the Dietitian: Retha Harmse (5/24/2023) - We spoke to ADSA Executive Committee member and registered dietitian, Retha Harmse. She has served on the ADSA Executive Committee in the Public Relations portfolio for the last two terms (2019 – 2023). She is a powerhouse and we are glad to have her on the ADSA team! This is quite a tough question as … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Estelle Strydom (5/20/2023) - We met up with ADSA Executive Committee member and registered dietitian, Estelle Strydom. She serves in the Treasury portfolio and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Read more to get to know her better! I stay in Potchefstroom with my 4 blue-eyed boys: a lovely husband, a darling baby boy and two Ragdoll … Read More
Peanut Butter Spice Granola (7/18/2022) - Recipe by registered dietitian, Rhodene Leydekkers Amount of servings: 8 ServingsPreparation time: 10 MinutesCooking time: 45 minutesTotal Time: 55 Minutes Ingredients:2 Cups rolled oats1/3 Cup no-added sugar Peanutbuter100 g Pitted Dates1 Medium Apple100 ml Boiled water1 Teaspoon Vanilla1 Teaspoon Cinnamon1 Teaspoon TurmericPinch of Salt Method: Pre-heat the oven to 180 C. Add the peanut butter, … Read More
Black Forest Smoothie Bowl (7/18/2022) - Recipe by registered dietitian, Lila Bruk. Ingredients: If frozen cherries are not available, use any frozen berry (e.g. blueberries) as an alternative. Method:Blend, top with sliced cherries and enjoy! • Why we love it: Smoothies are very popular, but very often drinking your breakfast does not feel as satisfying as eating your breakfast. Smoothie bowls … Read More
Moroccan Spiced Lentil Salad with Dried apricots and Almond flakes (7/18/2022) - Consuming all types of plant-based foods has been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions like heart disease
Lentils are a plant-based protein, providing your meal with carbohydrates as well as protein. Plant-based proteins do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats.
Lentils are also a rich source of fibre.- Paediatric Food Based Dietary Guidelines (2/14/2022) -
Meet the Dietitian: Philna Eksteen (2/8/2022) - Philna Eksteen serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the Portfolio CPD (Continuous Professional Development). Read on to get to know her better! Tell us a bit more of yourself? I was born, raised and went school and university (North West University – NWU) in Potchefstroom. Having a father as a lecturer … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Alta Kloppers (1/25/2022) - You might have heard the name Alta Kloppers. She serves on the ADSA Executive Committee from 2019 – 2023 in the Private Practicing Dietitian portfolio. Do yourself a favour and get to know them better! Tell us a bit more of yourself? I was born more than a half century ago at one of the … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Cindy Chin (1/11/2022) - Get to know Cindy Chin, who serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the Communications portfolio (and she is the Woolworths dietitian)! Tell us a bit more of yourself? I live in Cape Town, I have two beautiful daughters (almost both teens) and an amazing husband. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Fatima Hoosen (12/14/2021) - We had a chat with Fatima Hoosen, who serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the Ad Hoc portfolio. Read on to get to know her better! Tell us a bit more of yourself? My name is Fatima Hoosen, I am from Cape Town, married and a mom of 4 with ages … Read More
ROAST RED PEPPER PASTA (11/30/2021) - By Megan Clarke Serves 4 Ingredients: 400g cooked fusilli pasta 2 red peppers 2 cloves garlic 1 brown onion 1 block (350g) tofu 1 tin (450g) chopped tomato/ tomato puree 2 Tbsp Olive oil 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Method: Cut the red peppers in half length-ways and deseed. Place … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Nireshnee Reddy (11/30/2021) - Nireshnee Reddy is a registered dietitian and serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the portfolio Public Sector. We thought it well to meet up with her and get to know her a bit better. Tell us a bit more of yourself? I’m 39 years old, wife to my high school sweetheart, … Read More
SWEET POTATO AND OAT MUFFINS (11/27/2021) - By Kelly Francis Ingredients: 1 cup mashed sweet potato (roasted) 1/2 cup canola oil 2 whole eggs, large 1/2 cup plain, fat free yoghurt 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 cups oat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon Method: Preheat the oven to … Read More
MELANZANE (11/26/2021) - By: Mico Price Serves: 4 people Ingredients: 3 – 4 aubergines 2 tins chopped pureed tomatoes 1 tsp crushed garlic or 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tsp sugar Salt & pepper to taste 15 ml olive oil 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese White sauce 2 tbsp … Read More
STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD (11/25/2021) - By: Mariska Barnard Serves: 2 portions Ingredients: Chicken: 120 g Chicken breast fillet 1 tsp Olive oil Chicken spice to taste Salad: 1 cup Baby spinach ½ cup Cucumber ¼ medium Avocado ¾ cup Strawberries ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese 10 g Cashews, unsalted 1 tsp Balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Method: Grill chicken … Read More
VEGETABLE PASTA (11/24/2021) - By: Mico Price Serves: 4-6 people Ingredients: 1 punnet or 250g mushrooms, quartered ½ – 1 pepper, chopped 6 cups chopped spinach or baby spinach leaves Olives, pitted Sundried tomatoes (in olive oil/rehydrate in warm water for 30 minutes or until soft) 1 aubergine 1 tsp crushed garlic or 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely 1 … Read More
COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY (11/23/2021) - By Tharien Bezuidenhout Serves 6 Ingredients: ½ Onion – finely chopped 1 Garlic clove – finely minced 2 tsp Olive oil 2 tsp Curry masala 2 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Coriander ½ tsp Cinnamon 1 tsp Mustard seeds 1 Thumbnail fresh ginger – finely grated 2 Red chillies – deseeded (optional) 2 Tbsp Chutney 1 … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Michelle Zietsman (11/16/2021) - Michelle Zietsman serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the Representation portfolio (and she serves as chair of our ADSA Pretoria branch). We thought it well to meet up with her and get to know her a bit better. Tell us a bit more of yourself? My name is Michelle Zietsman and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Janke Draper (11/2/2021) - We caught up with Janke Draper, who serves on the ADSA Executive Committee in the Membership portfolio. We met up with her to get to know her a bit better!
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (10/19/2021) - By Marcelle Zahn Kruger Hi, I’m Marcelle. I will try to keep this as short as possible. A few facts about me; I grew up in Centurion where I matriculated from Hoërskool Zwartkop. Thereafter I moved to Potchefstroom to study at North West University and graduated in 2019. I am currently serving my community service … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (9/6/2021) - By Danisa le Roux My community service story looks a little different to most newly graduated community service dietitians. As my graduation drew near, the fear around the reality of my future started to become overwhelming. I started to have countless doubts about the path that I decided to take. Not because I didn’t love … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (8/23/2021) - By Elske Rich When it came to choosing a career path I knew one thing: I want to help people. This combined with my passion for Biology at school led me to find dietetics. At the University of the Free State, I met the most amazing group of ladies and lecturers who made me fall … Read More
PROTECTING BREASTFEEDING IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY (8/2/2021) - Breastfeeding is the recommended ideal, a natural and sustainable food for the healthy growth and development of infants and young children. Yet, South Africa’s breastfeeding rates, at all ages, are low. The recommendation for infants 0 – six months is exclusive breastfeeding (feeding breastmilk only). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (7/27/2021) - By Leandré Piek “Flexibility is key” I remember doing a “personality test” during my dietetics studies that pointed out that I’m as flexible as a rock, not having the ability to eagerly adapt to new and unexpected environments and changes. This was true of me since I absolutely love structure, or so I thought. As … Read More
OPTIMISING HEALTHY EATING HABITS (7/20/2021) - There’s nothing quite like a (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime experience of a global pandemic to focus our attention on the status of our health, and the preventative benefits of a healthy lifestyle. As rolling lockdowns have restricted our movements and options, and tightened our belts, we’ve had little choice but to adapt our shopping and exercise habits; … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (7/13/2021) - By Chené Vorster “Stay positive by staying negative.” – The main joke of 2020 I stumbled upon dietetics by accident and I have never looked back. A friend of mine stated that she wanted to become a dietitian and she was going to shadow them in the upcoming holidays. Curious about this unknown career and … Read More
ROASTED TOMATO SOUP (7/6/2021) - By Rhodene Oberholzer Serves 4 Ingredients: 6 Medium Tomatoes 2 Small onions 1 Green pepper 2 Garlic cloves 1 Cup cooked split red lentils 500 ml Boiled water 1 Tomato and onion stock cube 1 Cup plain low-fat yoghurt 1 Tablespoon tomato paste 1 Teaspoon ground Cumin 1 Teaspoon Turmeric ½ Teaspoon Cayenne pepper 1 … Read More
DATE AND CHICKPEA BROWNIE BITES (7/6/2021) - By Michelle Zietsman Serves: Makes 14 date balls Ingredients: For the date balls 1 cup dried dates, soaked in boiling water for 20 minutes and then drained 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 cup tinned chickpeas, rinsed well and drained pinch of salt 1 tablespoon shredded coconut 1/2 cup cocoa powder For the chocolate coating 80 … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (6/29/2021) - By Santi Turner Hello, my name is Santi Turner and I’m currently 1 year post-comserve I’ve always had a big passion and interest in health, food and people. Dietetics is a combination of all 3 of these elements and that’s why I chose it! My aunt is a dietitian in Namibia and she definitely sparked … Read More
RECOVERING FROM COVID-19? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NUTRITION (6/22/2021) - COVID-19 has impacted infected people in different ways. Some have been asymptomatic; many have had mild cases; some have had to be hospitalised but didn’t need ventilation and others have endured long stays in ICU. There are those who have recovered quickly, but a number of people are suffering from ‘long-COVID’ and experience symptoms that … Read More
The Importance Of Nutrition In Fighting Cancer (5/18/2021) - As many of us know all too well, a cancer diagnosis for you or a loved one is a sea change. While day-to-day life goes on, cancer symptoms and the ongoing effects of treatments usher in a myriad of adjustments. Typically, our food preferences and eating habits are deeply entrenched, and therefore, getting optimally supportive … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (5/17/2021) - My Unexpected Journey Written by JéJéan du Plessis As a little girl walking around the grocery store, it was the norm for me to turn around the pretty pictures of products and focus on the more ‘boring’ nutritional information. This was to ensure that I stay clear from any allergens that could lead to … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (3/23/2021) - By Ilse Gravett At the end of every stage in our lives, we find ourselves in a tricky position where we need to decide what our next step is. For a 17/18-year-old, it is quite daunting, well it was for me. I had so many different ideas of where I wanted to be and what … Read More
WHY ‘EAT LESS, MOVE MORE’ IS NOT OBESITY’S SILVER BULLET (3/2/2021) - We would like to believe there may be small, simple solutions to big problems, but when is that actually true? The answer is probably, never. Intractable, extreme issues arise out of complexity, and nothing less than a host of multi-dimensional, cross-functional countermeasures issued at the right time and the right place can bring about sustainable … Read More
ADSA Kwazulu-natal: Who we are (2/27/2021) - Hi! We are ADSA KZN! 😊 Hi fellow dietitians, our lovely Exec PR lady Mrs Retha Harmse has kindly requested that we share some information about the branches with you guys, what a pleasure. My name is Megan Clarke and I am the ADSA KZN secretary, as such I feel it is my duty to … Read More
ADSA Gauteng South: Pivoting in the Pandemic (2/12/2021) - Adaption has been the name of the game for 2020. The ADSA Gauteng South branch is doing their best to adapt to these strange times. The year started off as usual with a live hosted event in February. We were fully booked with a variety of advertisers to discuss all things on weight loss. Lock … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (1/18/2021) - By Nicoli Haasbroek “Trust the process!” No one would ever really know what a dietitian does until they are on the receiving end of our services. I remember another health professional saying to me that she never really knew what a dietitian does until her mother was hospitalised and treated by a. That is when … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (1/4/2021) - By Dur-e-nayab Burki As the name Solanum Lycopersicum is not commonly said, neither is mine. Hello everyone, my name is Dur-e-nayab Burki and like the word mentioned before, not everyone calls me by it, instead, they call me Nayab or Nabi for short as it is easy, the same way we call Solanum Lycopersicum a … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: ANNETTE WEAVER (12/21/2020) - Tell us a bit more of yourself? 2020 marks my 35th year of being a registered dietitian! Most of my career has been as a food service dietitian. I am married to wonderful man, whose work took us to Germany, Qatar and Egypt. We have a beautiful daughter who is now the doctor in the … Read More
NUTRITION AND IMMUNE HEALTH (12/18/2020) - With South African being in the second wave of Covid 19 cases, remember to still look after your health through nutrition.
See the blog written by Registered Dietitian and ADSA blog writer, Natasha de Almeida.
FESTIVE SEASON & FOOD IN A PANDEMIC YEAR (12/16/2020) - We’ve had a year like no other, and while the shadow of the pandemic still looms over the world, South Africans can breathe a sigh of some relief, that it is, at least, the summer holiday season. A good dose of festive cheer has rarely felt so crucial. The pandemic will inevitably mute our celebrations … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (12/7/2020) - By Mariska Barnard I started my studies enrolled in the BPharm course, but realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted to journey with my patients and help them achieve health through nutrition. I have a passion for prevention of disease as I don’t want anyone to go through long, tiresome treatments for … Read More
LOADED BAKED POTATO (12/3/2020) - Look at this wonderful recipe for loaded baked potatoes, from registered dietitian, Cheryl Meyer. Give this delicious recipe a try! We Love: That loaded baked potatoes are so easy to make. Both oven and airfryer methods provide beautifully crispy and flavourful on the outside, whilst soft and fluffy on the inside baked potatoes. What the … Read More
Meet the dietitian: Blog series (11/23/2020) - By Darinka Theron: I was born in Port Elizabeth (also known as the friendly city). I have lived in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Cradock, Beaufort West and Knysna. The last 9 years I have worked in the government sector at 7 hospitals and 39 health clinics in two of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces. I … Read More
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MANAGING DIABETES IN THE FAMILY (11/11/2020) - As the rates of Type 2 diabetes continue to rise in South Africa, more and more South African families are meeting the challenges of living with the condition. A diagnosis of diabetes in the family is a life-changing event, but it is important to remember that diabetes can be managed. If you, or a family … Read More
Meet the dietitian: Natasha de Almeida (11/9/2020) - Hi everyone! My name is Natasha de Almeida, I am a 26-year-old Registered Dietitian from Johannesburg, and I absolutely love food. I spend a lot of my time eating, or thinking about eating, or cooking food, or watching people cook food on TV. Food brings people together, when we’re happy or sad, and there are … Read More
Blueberry Breakfast Bars (11/6/2020) - This month’s wonderful and nutritious Nutrition Confidence breakfast recipe was formulated by registered dietitian, Julie Perks. See how creatively Julie combined these ingredients for a delicious “on the run” breakfast but also an ideal snack. As much as I wanted to create a lovely crunchy breakfast bar, I kept making granola as nothing was sticking … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (10/26/2020) - By Jemima Meyer As a dietitian especially enthusiastic about community health development and digitalising healthcare, I can’t wait to harness the potential of digital technologies to improve our food and nutrition systems. But first I’ll have to complete my community service year. After graduating from the University of the Free State, I was placed at … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: BLOG SERIES (9/28/2020) - Meet the contributing dietitian Hi. My name is Rendani Ratshibvumo. I am currently working as a clinical dietitian in the public sector. My function as a dietitian is predominantly clinical nutrition, 20% community-based nutrition, and 20% foodservice management. I have been a clinical dietitian for the past 8 plus years. My role in the hospital … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: COMMUNITY SERVICE SERIES (9/14/2020) - ONCE A FUSSY EATER, NOW A REGISTERED DIETITIAN By Jessica Botes I was unsure of what I wanted to study but one thing I did know was that I wanted to help people on a daily basis – yes, I know its cliché. So when the time came to apply for university I chose … Read More
Seafood & stirfry Paella (9/7/2020) - This month’s recipe is by registered dietitian, Retha Harmse. A classic Spanish rice dish with a healthier twist. We used wholegrain brown rice, added extra veggies but kept the delicious prawns, calamari, mussels, clams and shrimp and loaded with flavour.This delicious recipe is very filling, has a low glycaemic index and is high in Omega … Read More
Meet the Dietitians: Rosey Lombard & Jenna Spooner (8/31/2020) - We spoke with ‘softie’ Rosey and ‘ants-in-her-pants’ Jenna as they referred to themselves. These best friends are not only dietitians, but also triathletes and they both competed in IronMan. We had a chat with them to get to know them a bit better: Tell us a bit more of yourselves? Rosey: My name … Read More
Apple Flapjacks (8/8/2020) - The latest NutritionConfidence recipe from the authors of Food for Sensitive Tummies, registered dietitians Cath Day and Gabi Steenkamp! Makes 15 flapjacks (3 per serving – 175 g) Ingredients: 1 large egg 10 mL (2 tsp) sugar 2.5 mL (½ tsp) salt 1 ripe banana (80 g) 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla essence 250 mL … Read More
BREASTFEEDING & COVID-19: BUSTING THE MYTHS (8/1/2020) - We’ve had an overload of fake news over the past pandemic months. One of the most damaging falsehoods to emerge has been that COVID-19 + moms can transmit the virus through breastmilk to their little ones, and should stop breastfeeding. Spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), Andiswa Ngqaka, a registered dietitian … Read More
Nutrient-Dense ‘Lockdown’ Recipes (7/18/2020) - 67 minutes for Mandela Today is Mandela Day, but how we approach it and which activities we engage in will no doubt look different than it did in previous years due to the pandemic. But to quote the inspirational Nelson Mandela himself: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. … Read More
GREEK STYLE CHICKEN FOIL PACKET DINNER (7/17/2020) - This delicious Greek style Chicken foil packet dinner was formulated by Registered Dietitian Cheryl Meyer from Dish & Delite. @dishanddelite Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 500 g skinless, deboned chicken breasts, cubed (3-4 chicken breasts) 250 g baby potatoes, skins on, quartered 2 large or 3 medium-sized peppers (any colour), sliced 1 onion, sliced 1 … Read More
SOUTH AFRICA’S SUPERHERO DIETITIANS (6/1/2020) - Superheroes are dedicated to making the world a better place and protecting the public. They stand up to threats and use their superpowers to ensure people’s well-being and safety. As COVID-19 has spread across the world, we have seen dietitians at the frontlines of the health response supervising life-sustaining nutrition in hospitals and care homes. Many have also been working remotely, helping patients manage their health and nutrition under lockdown. Those in public health have been contributing their expertise to emergency food relief efforts as South Africa faces a sharp crisis in food security. These are just some of the vital roles that registered dietitians play across a range of fields.
9-Veg Lasagne (5/22/2020) - This month’s Nutrition Confidence recipe is a nutrient-dense veggie-packed lasagne formulated by Registered Dietitian Julie Perks. While this recipe uses a lot of ingredients and take more than average steps it is SO worth it. It makes a large serving dish and freezes well for use when you’re too busy to cook. This also … Read More
Good Nutrition, a priority during COVID-19 (4/30/2020) - The global pandemic has stripped daily life down to the essentials, and we find ourselves under lockdown restrictions with our thoughts and actions around food set in a very different context to anything we have known before. As it grows ever clearer that the threat of COVID-19 will be with us for quite some time … Read More
Green salad: Green beans, courgettes , tarragon, capers and peppercorns (4/26/2020) - Our new NutritionConfidence recipe created by dietitian, Mpho Tshukudu, is a flavour powerhouse and oh-so nutrient rich everything green salad. This is a great in between seasons - not completely cold, but also not a warm salad, for those in-between days.
Courgettes are indigenous to South Africa. They make beautiful salads, soups, stir-fries and can also be used in baking to add moisture and fibre to the dish. They are a relatively low kilojoule vegetable and are a source of fibre and vitamin C.
Plant-based Breakfast: Sweet potato rosti with sautéed vegetables (4/9/2020) - We love the latest NutritionConfidence recipe from registered dietitian, Retha Harmse. This recipe is a delicious twist for those who want to embrace plant-based eating but don’t know where to start. It is also an interesting way to incorporate more veggies into your breakfasts. The kilojoule content is greatly reduced by making basil-and-pea pesto instead … Read More
Dietitian Tips for COVID-19 Food Shopping and Preparation (4/2/2020) - No take-away foods. No home deliveries. No hot counter meals. No restaurant fare. For now, and the foreseeable future, COVID-19 has us all cooking from home, 7 days a week. Lockdown rules and the need for social distancing also mean that we need to do our best to reduce the amount of times we are … Read More
Nutrition for Women – should it be different? (3/25/2020) - When it comes to the basics of healthy eating, there’s no doubt that what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander. No matter your gender, you can’t go wrong with eating a variety of healthy foods including lots of fresh vegetables and fruit; legumes and pulses, nuts and seeds; lean proteins and … Read More
COVID-19: KEEPING SAFE AT WORK (3/18/2020) - With the arrival of COVID-19 in South Africa, our focus is on the health and safety of our members and the clients and communities you serve. We have put together a list of action points that can be implemented by our dietitians across various industries. Primary prevention measures include washing your hands frequently with soap … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Wenda Nel (3/16/2020) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian and Olympic 400m hurdler Wenda Nel. We got to know her a bit better; from the deep things, to her secrets and even the silly things like her favourite foods. She is truly an inspirational woman and amazing RD flying our profession-flag high!
Read on and be inspired.
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (2/24/2020) - By Danielle Smith I studied dietetics at Stellenbosch University and Mia was at University of Cape Town, after her undergrad and an honours degree at SU. Both of us ended up graduating as dietitians at the same time last year. To our surprise, we both ended up being placed together at Themba Hospital for … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (1/6/2020) - “You care capable of anything” By Bianca Lawrie Why dietetics? Throughout school I had a ‘love – hate’ relationship with food. I felt like I never truly understood nutrition messages and how I could nourish my body without causing more damage to my disastrous relationship with food. Should I skip breakfast? Should I only … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Jodie Mouton (12/16/2019) - Meet Registered Dietitian Jodie Mouton, that is more than your average dietitian – she is also a personal trainer! Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? From a very young age I knew I always wanted to work within the health sector, but never knew which route was intended for me. My aunt studied to be … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (12/2/2019) - By Kinza Hussain I always say the profession of dietetics chose me. After completing a 3-year B.Sc degree in Biochemistry, I attended the Honors evening at the University of Cape Town to figure out what my next step would be. I was always intrigued by the medical field but when I heard what an … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Nadine van Niekerk (11/25/2019) - Inspirational Dietitians Nadine van Niekerk and Stefanie du Plessis make a huge impact in their area (Bethlehem, Free State) by going above and beyond their job description of Dietitians. They empower, encourage and equip their patients and colleagues and frequently reach the papers for the impact they are having. We spoke to them both and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Stefanie du Plessis (11/25/2019) - Inspirational Dietitians Stefanie du Plessis and Nadine van Niekerk make a huge impact in their area (Bethlehem, Free State) by going above and beyond their job description of Dietitians. They empower, encourage and equip their patients and colleagues and frequently reach the papers for the impact they are having. We spoke to them both and … Read More
Diabetes in the family – It’s All for One, and One for All (11/14/2019) - A diagnosis of diabetes in the family comes as a shock and sets in motion a range of emotional and practical lifestyle changes. How well you come together as a family to master those changes, not only restores peace in the home, but also positively impacts on the ongoing well-being of your loved one with … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service edition (11/11/2019) - By Marlize Erasmus Every 4th-year Dietetics student experience feelings of stress, anxiety and excitement when making the decision of where to do their community service year. I googled every hospital on the list, trying to figure out where to go. I got my first choice (believe it or not) – a rural hospital (Connie Vorster … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Karla Pretorius (10/28/2019) - Not only is Karla Pretorius a Dietitian; she is also a Protea netball player, vice-captain and announced as the Player of the Tournament at the Netball World Champs earlier this year! Thank you Karla for flying the Dietetic flag high. Karla Pretorius: My participation as an elite netball athlete in the professional world of … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (10/14/2019) - Dietetics might have been my plan B, but it turned out to be the (B)est plan yet! By Carmyn Gast Nutrition has been known to play a key part in good health since the time of ancient Greeks, with Hippocrates famously writing “Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food” … Read More
Make Eating Whole Foods a Way of Life (10/9/2019) - Despite what we know about the impact of food choices on our health, overweight and obesity are still on the rise in South Africa, alongside a host of preventable diseases that can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyles. Thanks to our industrialised food system, and far greater, ultra-processed and fast food choices aimed at our ‘convenience’, … Read More
Thai Meatballs with Green Salad and Corn (10/4/2019) - Serves 4 – Makes 16 mini meatballs Ingredients: ½ small onion, very finely chopped or grated 5 ml fresh crushed garlic and ginger mix (1 t) freshly ground mixed peppercorns to taste 10 ml fish sauce or soya sauce (2 t) 10 ml soft brown sugar (2 t) 90 ml fresh coriander leaves, chopped … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Robyn Duarte (9/30/2019) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian, Robyn Duarte, working in the interesting field of Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS). Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I’ve always had an interest in food; the effect different nutrition has on our bodies and the psychology behind eating. In school there were many girls with eating disorders and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (9/16/2019) - Take the journey! By Colette Dreyer Are you ready for your journey in Dietetics? My journey started from a young age having a passion for delicious food and a healthy, active lifestyle. Cycling competitively made me realise that proper nutrition was essential to sustain performance. I realised how big the impact of food is … Read More
SPRING CLEANING YOUR LIFESTYLE (9/6/2019) - Finally! It’s time to emerge from the heft and sluggishness of Winter, and tune into the bright, clean energy of Spring. It is the season for clearing out the old and slow and kicking up our heels to livelier, sunnier rhythms. Springtime brings the perfect opportunities to reboot our immune systems after the cold-and-flu … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Leanne Katzenellenbogen (9/2/2019) - Meet Dietitian, Leanne Katzenellenbogen, that dispels the myth that “diet” food is boring. My name is Leanne Katzenellenbogen and I am a dietitian. I originally decided to study to become a dietitian because I love helping people and I believe that good nutrition is integral to good health. I did my undergraduate BSc degree at … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (8/19/2019) - “DIETITIANS ARE ADAPTABLE!” By Yuri Bhaga I am a community service dietitian currently working at a hospital in Witbank, which places me very far from where I got my dietetics training at UCT . But a lot closer to home in Pretoria where I completed my BSc degree 3 years ago. When I … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (8/19/2019) - Read more about her love-at-first-sight story with Dietetics. By Rhodene Oberholzer A little over seven months ago I moved into a tiny apartment in Johannesburg, nervous about starting my community service year at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Suddenly, I felt as if I forgot everything I learned in my four years studying at the … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Raeesa Seedat (8/5/2019) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian, Raeesa Seedat, creative and passionate about the field of nutrition. Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? Being a Dietitian is like being the Terminator, except that you’re analysing food instead of potential threats (even though some may be treated as such). So you get to see each food … Read More
EMPOWERING PARENTS TO ENABLE BREASTFEEDING: COMMUNITY (8/5/2019) - Breastfeeding is one of the most crucial strategies to boost mother and child health. While South Africa has made some gains over the years, we still have one of the world’s lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Instead of being revered as the ‘superfood’ that it is for … Read More
EMPOWERING PARENTS TO ENABLE BREASTFEEDING (8/1/2019) - Snickering, disparaging, denigrating and casting aspersions on breastfeeding; shaming moms who breastfeed; who breastfeed in public or who excuse themselves to express breastmilk at work; raising doubts that a breastfeeding mom is producing enough milk to meet her baby’s needs; expecting a breastfeeding mom to place other priorities above her baby’s hunger – these … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service series (7/22/2019) - Meet Community Service Dietitian, Iman Gierdien! She is passionate about forming relationships with patients, remembering faces and seeing the impact she is making on, not only the patients, but on their families too.
AGEING AND ITS NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES (7/8/2019) - Around the age of thirty years, the strength and vigour of the human body naturally begins to decline. There are gradual losses we have to accept as we make our way into our older adult years; less elasticity, less muscle and bone mass, less energy and physical efficiencies. Decades later, we reach a time when … Read More- Meet the Dietitian – Estée van Lingen (7/1/2019) - We chatted to Estée van Lingen, a dietitian who is passionate about growth and evolving in her field. And is willing to share a chocolate brownie or cheesecake!
Media release: Stress, digestion & nutrition (6/11/2019) - Stress, as an appropriate response to a real danger, is an evolutionary life-saver. Thanks to the fight-flight responses in our ancestors’ bodies, we, the descendants have made it through to the 21st Century. It’s ironic that in this modern age with extraordinary technologies devoted to eliminating hazards and increasing our ease in life, our stress … Read More
Dietitian’s week 2019 (6/3/2019) - Dietitians do much more than you think! The careers of dietitians are way more diverse than many think. The typical assumption is that a dietitian is a nutritional health professional available through private practice to those who need and can afford weight loss expertise. The reality couldn’t be more different. Dietitians are employed across private … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (5/30/2019) - An unforgettable community service experience in the ‘forgotten province’… By Inarie Jacobs Health should not be taken for granted – a lesson I learned as a child whilst being very ill due to my poor lifestyle and dietary habits. After this experience, I decided to study dietetics at the North-West University of Potchefstroom to share … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community service series (5/13/2019) - “The best decision I’ve made in my life…” By Bonnie Evert “TPN? Food in arteries?” These were my thoughts, as a very inexperienced 17- year- old girl, when the Registered Dietitian (RD), who was assisting a very close family member of mine in the ICU, explained what all the little bags hanging above the bed … Read More
Making the best food choices for HIV & TB (5/2/2019) - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Tuberculosis (TB) are two of the most prevalent infections in South Africa, and both conditions present nutritional challenges that must be met to effectively treat these diseases. “HIV/AIDS and TB patients are not just eating to maintain their normal bodily functions, like moving their muscles and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Community Service Series (4/17/2019) - Challenge… Accepted! By Liezel Engelbrecht I am probably not your typical community service dietitian: I am 37 years old. At 32, after nearly a decade in the media industry, I gave up my career as a content editor in order to pursue a new goal: to make a contribution in the field of preventative healthcare. … Read More
Red Lentil Veg Curry (3/27/2019) - Our latest NutritionConfidence recipe, created by registered dietitian Alex Royal, is a delicious Red Lentil Veg Curry, filled with veggies, herbs and aromatic spices. We love lentils. Not only are they a great plant protein (containing the third highest levels of protein of all legumes and nuts) but they are also a great source of … Read More
The planetary health diet: what, why and how… (3/20/2019) - For the first time in human history there is a proposal on the table that all the world’s people follow the same diet. The EAT-Lancet Commission brought together more than 30 world-leading experts to figure out if we can feed a future population of 10 billion people a healthy diet within sustainable planetary boundaries. According to the report’s authors, food is “the single strongest lever to optimise health and environmental sustainability on earth.”- ‘Stay consistent’ – success story: Simone de Pinho (3/18/2019) - We chatted to Simone de Pinho about her journey with registered dietitian Michelle McDermott. Why did you decide to see a dietitian? (the before story) I have been a yo-yo dieter all my life. I struggled with my weight from the time that I became aware that weight means something in the world. I have … Read More
- ‘Notice and appreciate the smallest changes in yourself and body’ – success Story: Kim Gunnell (3/11/2019) - Kim Gunnell struggled with her weight her entire life. Her gran’s passing was her turning point, which resulted in her meeting registered dietitian Jade Seeliger and kicking off her weight loss journey and a whole new way of seeing herself: Why did you decide to see a dietitian? (the before story) I’ve struggled with my … Read More
Banking Your Breastmilk Saves Lives (3/6/2019) - The breastmilk bank is probably the most altruistic banking system in the world. Healthy, lactating moms express and donate their excess breastmilk. The milk is tested and pasteurised, and then distributed to neo-natal intensive care units around the country, where it is used to feed the most vulnerable babies. Every year, donated breastmilk saves the … Read More
NutritionConfidence Blog 