Entries by Dr Shelley Wilkinson

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PODCAST – Eating for Two? Peak Nutrition for Pregnancy

Recently, our Director and Principal Dietitian, Dr Shelley Wilkinson spoke with Laureate Professor Clare Collins about pregnancy nutrition. In this podcast Clare and Shelley cover nutritional needs of pregnancy. Topics they discuss include the importance of a nourishing, high quality diet in pregnancy, food safety, weight gain, and recommended supplements. They back up these facts […]

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Busted! (PART 2). Three more myths about pregnancy nutrition: Supplements, morning sickness, and food freedom

Congratulations! You’re embarking on an incredible journey of pregnancy. Amidst the excitement, there’s also a whirlwind of information (and sometimes misinformation) about what to do (and not do) to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Nutrition plays a crucial role, and navigating myths surrounding supplements, morning sickness, and food choices can feel overwhelming. Last month we looked […]

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Busted! Three Myths About Pregnancy Nutrition (PART 1)

Congratulations! You’re pregnant. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, doctor’s appointments, and a million questions about what to do (and not do) to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Nutrition is a big one, and with all the information (and sometimes misinformation) floating around, it’s easy to get caught in a web of myths. Let’s debunk three of […]

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Prepping your pantry – the new mum’s kitchen cupboard makeover

Those early days with a newborn are a whirlwind of sleep deprivation, endless cuddles, and a constant hunger that seems to come from nowhere. But amidst the chaos, taking care of yourself and your growing bub through nutritious food remains paramount. This is where a well-stocked and organised kitchen cupboard becomes your secret weapon. Let’s […]

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Ultra-Processed Foods: A Hidden Threat to Our Planet

In the bustling aisles of supermarkets, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) reign supreme. Their colourful packaging and enticing flavours beckoning shoppers to indulge. These heavily modified products, often brimming with unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium, have become a staple in many diets, offering convenience and taste at a seemingly low cost. However, beneath their appealing façade […]

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Ultra-Processed Foods and Weight Gain

Ultra-processed foods have become increasingly prevalent in modern diets. They are heavily modified and contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, and salt. While ultra-processed foods may taste appealing, their excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and other health problems. How Ultra-Processed Foods Contribute to Weight Gain Several factors contribute to the weight-gaining potential of ultra-processed […]

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Ultra-Processed Foods and Gut Health

Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been heavily altered from their natural state through a series of industrial processes. But isn’t chopping and canning also processing? Food processing generally refers to any action that alters food from its natural state, such as drying, freezing, milling, canning, or adding salt, sugar, fat, or other additives for […]

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Ultra-Processed Foods and Pregnancy Health: Understanding the Risks and Making Informed Choices

During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs increase to support the growth and development of her baby. However, the modern diet is increasingly dominated by ultra-processed foods, which can pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the potential consequences of ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy is crucial for making informed dietary choices and […]

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Five important things to consider when becoming pregnant after weight loss surgery.

What is bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a type of surgery that involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. It is designed to make the stomach much smaller, which causes you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food. The most common types […]

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Is what and how you eat working for you…or against you?

We think ‘diet’ is a four-letter word. Food restriction or “dieting” means intentionally depriving yourself. Ongoing deprivation is generally only ‘successful’ for a certain amount of time before we ‘fall off the wagon’ and start eating for comfort or to rebel against the ‘diet’. Initially we might feel temporarily better before we inevitably become disappointed […]

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Controlling Non Hungry Eating: one piece of the puzzle for achieving your most comfortable weight

One of the most common techniques our Lifestyle Maternity Dietitians use with clients is a range of strategies to help them identify their patterns of Non Hungry Eating, also known as NHE. WHAT IS NHE?  Non hungry eating is eating when you aren’t physically hungry for food. HOW CAN I TELL IF I DO ANY NHE?  Ask yourself the following […]

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Can what I eat and how I move help my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects around 10% of Australian women in their reproductive years. This is due to hormonal changes. This ‘syndrome’ is linked to a range of health issues for affected women, trans or non-binary people. In the short term, those with PCOS may have reduced fertility and difficulty conceiving. In […]

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The Ultimate Guide to Supplements and Fertility: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Avoid. (Hint: it’s probably not what you think…)

If you are trying to conceive, you may wonder if taking supplements can improve your chances of falling pregnant. After all, nutrition plays an important role in reproductive health, and some vitamins and minerals may support fertility in various ways. However, before you rush to the nearest health store, pharmacy, or order online, there are […]

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Help! I’ve got gestational diabetes and my blood glucose readings are high.

What is gestational diabetes? Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is diagnosed following a 2-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) at around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.   Some women whose health, pregnancy or family history put them at a higher risk will […]

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Going against the grain – What are you missing out on if you go grain-free in pregnancy?

Grain foods have received a lot of unfavourable attention recently.  Many popular diets label them ‘high carb’ or ‘unhealthy’ and promote removing them from our diet. However, there is very little evidence that going grain-free will be anything but troublesome. In fact, it may even be detrimental to our health. Read on to find out […]