FAQ

Working with a Nutritionist

If your question is not answered below, please give us a call on 0422 888 114 or email katie@thebalancednutritionist.com.au.

Is it possible for me to talk to you before making an appointment?

You can book a 20 minute, complementary discovery call especially if you are interested in a program; Habits 4 Health or Metabolic Balance.

You can also explore blogs, and podcast, the Metabolic Balance page (https://thebalancednutritionist.com.au/metabolic-balance/) and this FAQ page.

Where is your clinic

No clinic address as we only do online consultations via ZOOM or phone consults. We have clients all over Australia and in NZ. You will receive the zoom meeting link in your confirmation emails.

What are your fees for new clients?

These are all outlined in ‘what to expect’ which you should read before booking.

I am interested in the Metabolic Balance® program, where can I get more information.

Read more about the program here. And google away – MB is available in over 35 countries around the world, do not just take our word for it that it is amazing. A food plan created just for you based only on you… compiled by Drs and Nutritionists and well supported by us. It truly is fantastic. To get started book in for an initial consultation.

I don’t live locally… can we still work with you?

Yes. I have clients all over Australia and a couple in NZ and operate only by telehealth so you can be anywhere really.

My partner and I both want to come and see you… do we book in separately?

You will need to book separately for an initial fact-finding appointment.

It’s likely we can do ongoing appointments together, the fee for this is $169 for you both and we do allow a little extra time (70 minutes).

Do you accept patient care plan / DVA gold card discounts/pensioner rates?

I am a privately billing nutritionists so I am not able to provide you with our services under a Medicare care plan – you will need to see a Dietitian for this or see me privately.

What should I bring to an appointment?

You should bring copies of your most recent blood tests if you have these. We have a Medway portal that permits QML tests to be uploaded directly to us. Blood results provide another piece of the puzzle as far as your health is concerned. Any other recent testing such as endoscopy/colonoscopy results may be useful as sometimes you won’t remember these details when we are sitting down talking.

You should also bring a full list of any current medication and supplements.

I am interested in the MB program but I would like to do it with a practitioner near me. Are there other trained practitioners?

Yes, definitely. To find your nearest practitioner go to this website and enter EITHER your postcode OR your nearest CITY and the nearest practitioner will be returned to you.

If there is no one then we can do this program via Skype / Zoom so book in an initial with us.

Are you covered by private health funds?

Some. About 50% of funds cover nutrition. I can’t keep up – funds change their policies and we often don’t find out for 6 months. Please check with your individual fund and ask if you are covered for ‘Nutrition’ if getting a rebate is important to you.

Are you covered by Medicare?

No. Medicare does not rebate for Nutritionist services so you cannot come to me for consultation under a chronic health plan referred by a GP. I am a ‘nutritionist’ not ‘dietitian.’

Are you the same as a dietitian?

No. I am degree-qualified, evidence-based nutritional medicine practitioner otherwise called a Nutritionist

Nutrition is very much an evidence-based practice but at the same time, it is holistic. Physical, mental, and spiritual health should be considered in everyone’s treatment.

What are your qualifications:

Katie King: Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine) registration – AN14116 (registration). Certified Metabolic Balance® coach

Do we like Paleo?

Paleo – just like intermittent fasting, autoimmune diets, gluten-free diets, low FODMAP plans, vegetarian eating styles – has its place and may be appropriate for some individuals depending on the symptoms, presentation, and diagnosis. It may be appropriate for a short time or a long time. Again, individuality. Everyone is different. We have seen clients who have suffered from a variety of complaints for many years so experimenting with various styles of eating and some initial drastic changes is often what is called for.

In our experience, as people ‘get better’ the diet can become more varied again and doesn’t require a ‘label.’ We like to work towards everyone being able to tolerate a large number of ‘wholefoods.’ Our main priority is REAL FOOD EATING.

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Naturopath?

A Nutritionist generally only works with nutritional medicine in the form of vitamins, minerals, and nutraceuticals. We don’t use a lot of herbal medicine which a naturopath may choose first. Nutritionists will also prioritize changes to the diet of an individual (even if they are slow, sustainable changes) as correcting diet and lifestyle are paramount to restoring health.

The actual format of a nutritionist and naturopath visit are similar – health history, followed by treatment aims, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, and supplements where necessary. The ‘tools’ we choose may be slightly different – i.e. a nutritionist will focus more on dietary advice and nutrient supplementation, not herbal medicine. Here at The Balanced Nutritionist I absolutely believe that having a ‘real food diet’ is the core of health and the first building block.

Can you order blood tests?

Yes. I can order most blood tests and will if necessary. However, these tests will be at a cost to you as Medicare will not cover them. We only order further testing if it is absolutely necessary.

Do you use any other testing?

I can order a whole host of another functional medicine testing including DUTCH Hormone testing and Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (this is different to a fecal PCR you may have done through your GP). I have also used neurotransmitter testing (you can read about Katie’s experience here) and can organize allergy/intolerance testing and a whole host of other tests if required.

Generally, comprehensive testing is not required. I can tell a lot about what is going on and what to do, by asking you lots of questions. This means you don’t spend lots of money on the testing – you can spend your energy on the solution!

Do you do calorie-controlled plans for weight loss?

No. The concept that we are all going to require exactly the same amount of food every day is a little strange… each day our physical, mental and bodily demands are different…. we all have an innate sixth sense built into us called appetite, I truly believe we need to learn how to listen to our bodies once again…. therefore our nutritional recommendations are not calorie-controlled. They are wholefood-focused.

Our answer to finding a healthy weight for life is a Metabolic Balance® program.

Do you believe in food as medicine?

I believe that a diet mostly of whole foods, real foods, movement, reasonably managed stress, happiness, family and friends…. would prevent a lot of conditions.

You can read more about my food philosophy here.