About
Helping You Make a Difference
Maria Andonopoulos is a qualified and Accredited Practising Dietician, Nutritionist and Food Scientist based in Sydney.
Maria has a University Degree in Food Technology and a Masters Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics. Her experience spans over 20 years, working in the food and healthcare industries combined.
She has worked for large corporations and food companies, to make foods healthier and safer for consumers, from paddock to plate. She has worked in hospitals, and one to one with clients to encourage them to make healthy food and lifestyle choices.
Maria Andonopoulos
Maria is the founder of Dietology, a clinic that helps clients achieve their nutrition and lifestyle journey, as well a consulting service to companies providing food science and nutrition services.
Maria is based in Sydney, with her clients being located throughout Australia and internationally. She specialises in face to face and online consulting, with individuals, couples, and group workshops.
With Maria’s vast knowledge and experience, she has the skills to provide clients with tailored knowledge to educate and empower them to make healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices in order to reach achievable goals.
She is professional and personable and will support you on your nutrition journey. Many clients often feel overwhelmed with their symptoms or diagnosis. Maria has the ability to help and empower you to feel in control and that your goals are not out of reach. She provides tailored solutions which are achievable. Clients are left feeling like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
Outside of her working hours you will find Maria spending time with family and friends, going for walks, at the beach or out an about in nature. She likes to spend time baking delicious cakes, or just relaxing with her nose in a book.
Get In Touch With Maria To Help You On Your Journey
Specialisation
I have years of experience, problem solving, understanding and most importantly compassion to assist you on your health journey in the following areas of nutrition:
Women’s Health
Endometriosis, Amenorrhea, PMS and/or Period Pain, Pregnancy, Post Natal Nutrition, Perimenopause and Menopause
Planning or Trying to Conceive (for both men and women)
Hormonal Issues and Autoimmune conditions
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Thyroid problems; Hypothyroidism, Hashimotos Disease
Food Allergies and Food Intolerances
Gut Health, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation
Depression, Mood, Stress and Fatigue
Weight Management (Weight Loss and Weight Gain)
Heart Disease and Associated Health Concerns
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
Children’s Nutrition, Fussy Eating, Autism and Weight Management
General Nutrition Advice
My Qualifications
Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist,
The Dietitians Association of Australia
Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics,
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Applied Science Food Technology,
University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
TAE40110, CBD College
Sports Nutrition for Dietitians, Further Education Course,
Sports Dietitians Association, Australia
A University Lecturer, educating students
in nutrition and dietetic medicine.
Dietology Philosophy Principles
Healthy Eating is not
meant to be complicated
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I find that we tend to over think and over complicate food and our food choices. We seem to be continuously searching for answers as to what we should be eating to find the newest panacea, by seeking the newest fad or diet. Health and nutrition is always evolving with more and more evidence and scientific facts available, however, food and nutrition should be simple and not an added stressor to our lives.
It may be obvious, that we eat to live by nourishing our bodies with healthy food and good nutrition, but food also has a key role in our life, we eat to socialise and feel good. Food choices should be made on good nutrition for health but we must also be mindful that this does not lead to deprivation. It is important to nourish our health physiologically, mentally and emotionally.
Eating healthy is not just about cooking well. As a food scientist and someone who loves to cook, and eat out socially and is also super busy with work, life and family, I can teach you how to navigate foods, make a tasty and filling meal or snack, to support your lifestyle, busy schedule and nutrition needs – stress free and comfortably.
Good Nutrition and a Healthy
Lifestyle can be Life Changing
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What and how we eat can have a profound impact on our health. Eating well (not perfectly) provides us with the foundations to live a confident and healthy life. Food can have a medicinal effect on our bodies, what it looks like and where it has come from are very important things to consider.
Our food choices can have life changing effects on our bodies and how we nourish them in a healthy or unhealthy way.
Changing how we view and feel about food, can also be life changing. Research shows what, when and how we think about food, can have a profound effect on our mental, emotional and physical health. Hence my professional approach due to my unique combined qualifications, are scientific based and holistic, which provides you with a well-rounded and balanced method.
Everything in Life
in Moderation
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Moderation means something different to everyone. I find many of my clients and friends tend to over complicate food and nutrition.
What does this mean? I am an advocate for eating healthy food as close to its natural state as possible for optimum health and wellbeing. I also understand that we should be making choices in moderation so that we do not feel deprived. I help educate you to understand what healthy eating and moderation, tailored to you is, for your stage in life and your lifestyle.
I advise individuals, families and groups on how to improve diet, lifestyle and feelings towards food to promote health and happiness by tailoring these principles to suit their individual circumstances. I understand that many people may not have the lifestyle or means to adopt these principles, and so I work with you to meet these principles for your personal situation.
Healthy eating should not be difficult. It’s a lifestyle that feels great and is so enjoyable you want to maintain it lifelong.
Holistic Nutrition based
on Scientific Evidence
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The availability of information on nutrition and health, not to mention the advice from friends and family, can be quite overwhelming. The endless ‘Dr Google’ searches often lead us to diagnosing symptoms. Most of the time the information we are given is incorrect and it is not corroborated by scientific evidence. This is what I offer - holistic nutrition that is founded on evidence-based principles and practical advice to meet your needs.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Non-judgemental – I am here to help you, educate and guide you through your personal journey and help you get results. The journey towards a healthy and nutritious lifestyle is never easy. It can sometimes be filled with obstacles and I am here to motivate you to overcome those challenges.
Supportive and Adaptable - I coach you to help motivate you to overcome challenges.
Compassionate – I am kind, caring, understanding and passionate about helping others. Having personally dealt with my own and family health challenges, I know too well how daunting and overwhelming this can be. I am here to help and empower you.
Qualified – Not only am I highly qualified, both clinically and medically, I am also a food science expert. I have worked in the food industry for 20+ years, and this is something unique I have to offer. I describe my qualifications and experience as ‘well rounded’ and have a full circle of knowledge in the food industry and healthcare industry. I have developed products and improved their nutrition profile, and worked in food regulation to assess and substantiate the veracity of marketing claims, i.e. what can and cannot be labelled on pack and stated on advertisements. I know what processes foods go through and why things are added or removed, from paddock to plate, or in many instances from paddock to supermarket shelf, to plate. I interpret the latest nutrition, food science and fads into translatable and practical knowledge for you to understand and use.
Realistic – I don’t provide rules, they tend to be rigid and not individually tailored. Lifestyle and nutrition changes take time. I empower you to make changes to meet your goals which are not a quick fix, but at the same time ensure it is within an evidenced based and realistic timeframe. My approach is food first education, to help build your knowledge and enable you to make healthy decisions. Supplements do not have the same nutritional and therapeutic benefits found in wholesome food. I am also realistic and understand when food is not sufficient or a plausible option and so may include these as part of a tailored approach, when there is a proven need.
Proudly Working in Partnership with Nutrition Plus
I am an affiliated member of the Nutrition Plus team. Nutrition Plus is an alliance of experienced, specialist Dietitians who provide expert individually tailored dietary advice in pre-conception, fertility, pregnancy, post-natal nutrition and women’s health.
Becoming a member of Nutrition Plus requires qualification, effective training and assessment to ensure the specialisation of improvement in the health and wellbeing of Australian women.
