You will be
working with Gel
I’m Gel, a Clinical Nutritionist based in Torquay, Victoria. I hold a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetic Medicine), a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism major). Needless to say, I have extensive experience as a student.
During my time at law school, I developed an unhealthy relationship with food and my body, one that affected both my mental and physical health. It wasn’t until I began studying nutrition that I truly understood the pivotal role food plays in learning, motivation, and connection.
I wholeheartedly believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a healthy relationship with food and their body. There are moments in life that can challenge or strain that relationship, and my role is to help you and your young people strengthen it again. My approach is evidence-informed, drawing on practices proven to support sustainable, meaningful change for young people and their families.
I offer a warm, brave, and confidential space for honest conversations about the role food and mealtimes play in your home. My hope is that everyone I work with leaves feeling seen, and with practical steps to support a more joyful relationship with food and their body.
So, let’s get started.
Why is building a joyful relationship with food important?
Wanting to be ‘skinny’ or ‘muscular’, and wanting to be ‘healthy’ are two very very different things.
We all are biochemically unique, which means that all our bodies are going to look, move and feel different. Our DNA is our genetic blueprint. It determines characteristics like our eye colour, hair colour, whether we have curly hair or straight hair. It also determines our weight and height. Even if your teen ate the same foods, did the same amount of exercise, used the same products and got the same amount of sleep as their best friend, the physical and psychological outcome would be completely different.
It is important that our teens learn to value their health over their physical experience. Research has shown that when young people shift the focus from their weight and appearance to their health, they are more likely to:
Maintain relatively stable growth and development.
Move their body in a way that is enjoyable (not focusing on changing their body).
Be in tune with their bodies' need for rest, comfort, healthcare and movement.
Have high self-esteem
Prioritise getting enough food over having to get ‘healthy’ foods.
Have lower rates of disordered eating and eating disorders.
Collectively, these behaviours move your young person away from diet culture and towards a life where they can feel proud of and appreciate the body they’re in!
One on one sessions
for teens
In addition to the education work I do in schools, I work with students that need additional support one on one. I use my clinical knowledge and lived-experience to provide evidence-informed advice that is specifically curated and tailored for them. The hope I hold for all my young people is that they learn to appreciate their body, and make choices to support their health and wellbeing over their appearance.
Why might my teen need 1:1 nutrition support?
Uncertain of foods they can eat before school
Struggling to find foods they want to put in their lunch box
Nervous to eat in front of their friends and family
Labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’
Restricting intake of foods they previously enjoyed
Compulsive exercise or overexercise
Experiencing food guilt/food noise
Having trouble with their body image
They’re always tired
Gut issues (bloating, constipation, loose bowel movements)
Always catching colds
They don’t know how to fuel themselves for the sports they’re playing
They struggle to concentrate/focus in class or when they’re studying
They’re struggling to manage daily stress
Uncertainty surrounding their their menstrual cycle
Issues with their skin (acne, eczema, dermatitis)
What will my teen walk away with…
I will create a detailed and individualised treatment plan specifically designed to support your teen. This can include specific dietary advice recipes, and journal prompts to encourage reflection and acknowledge the challenges that may arise along the way.
One on one sessions
for parents
Conversations about food and changing bodies can sometimes feel daunting. Many parents tell me they worry about saying the wrong thing or accidentally making things harder. I hear you. Watching a young person struggle with body image is incredibly difficult—especially if you went through something similar at their age.
I work with parents to explore how food is spoken about in your home and the role it plays within your family. From there, I offer practical, evidence-informed strategies to support you and your young person. This might include:
This might include:
helping you initiate conversations about changes in food preferences
providing insight into the factors that may be influencing your child’s body image
removing labels such as “good” or “bad” when describing food in your home
showing you how you can ADD more to your family favourites
support you in identifying opportunities for more connection at the dinner table
steps you can take to invite your young person to share meals with your family
