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'I love to help people with what they eat because I want everyone to enjoy eating. Everyone is so different and what works for one, will not work for another. It can be so confusing, especially if you have special dietary needs.'
Qualifications & Experience
I have two degrees, a BSc (Hons) Nutrition as well as a BA (Hons) Health Studies. I am registered with the Association for Nutrition as well as being fully insured. During lockdown, I started a counselling course so I could empathically communicate with my clients. I enjoyed it so much I have continued. I have received my CPCAB level 3 certificate in counselling studies and I am currently working on level 4 to eventually be a qualified counsellor halfway through 2024. I am currently doing my counselling placement at The Dorset Practice.
I work as a Nutritionist with private patients at the Dorset Practice and also online. I have worked with clients with various health conditions such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, diverticulitis, toddler fussy eating, elderly malnutrition as well as general healthy eating but now my passion is gut health, after suffering from years with gut issues and eventually being diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
I am also a Registered Nutritionist Professional with The Early Years Alliance, going into nurseries to guide them on healthy eating and communicating this message. I'm currently working with Tops Nurseries and Nara Nurseries.
I also consult for The Sheiling school in Ringwood helping with individual students and their families as well as working with the catering team to create nutritious meals.
I have delivered group seminars, as well as one-to-one consultations, on behalf of BNY Mellon in Poole, Wayfund Managers Ferndown, as well as Reboot Dorset at their bootcamp in Bridgwater. I have also worked with Jurassic Climbing at Vauxwall Climbing Centre in London and Sean Burgess Fitness in Broadstone. I also presented the Nutrition talk at the 'Nurturing your Menopause' day at Merkabah Retreat in Blandford.
© 2022 Melanie Smith Nutritionist, ANutr
My motivation
My passion in nutrition started when my husband and I were planning our first child. I read articles about foetal programming and how important a mother's diet is to the developing child and how it can affect the baby's future health by either creating risk factors for chronic diseases or elevating risk factors. The importance of nutrition continued throughout breast-feeding, weaning and then through the fussy eating years.
After my children started school, I decided to go back to university and learn about nutrition from a scientific perspective.
I have since been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. My diet has taken a very different turn. I have had to cut out dairy, gluten, red meat, fried food, sugar and fizzy drinks. My new diet changes constantly, depending on my symptoms. I am embracing my new diet with all the new tastes and textures. I am also learning to adapt to my life with a chronic illness. Crohn's disease is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life but it is not a death sentence nor will I be defined by it.
I look at nutrition from a scientific perspective, meaning not only lifestyle changes but behavioural change. With my counselling skills, I see the whole person and understand the importance of listening.
Registered with the Association for Nutrition - www.associationfornutrition.org
Protecting the public and promoting high standards in evidence-based science and professional practice of nutrition.