Meet Vivienne
Vivienne is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) with a passion for PCOS, fertility, and a diet-free approach.
“After working with so many PCOS clients over the last few years and managing PCOS myself, I realised that there has been a massive gap in the industry. I noticed that a lot of people were struggling to achieve regular menstrual cycle and stable weight. They try dieting, fasting, all kinds of herbs and supplements but end up hitting some serious roadblocks and still struggle for what to eat.
This was driving me insane and I thought to myself there must be a BETTER way to help people achieve a sustainable way of managing PCOS.
This is where my passion was ignited to be a dietitian, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping women optimise their health, as well as the health of their baby-to-be. I specialise in women’s health concerns to fertility, all the way through to pregnancy nutrition.”
My Story with PCOS
In middle school, I was diagnosed with PCOS after struggling with 10kg weight gain, binge eating, and skincare issues. However, it took over a year to diagnose because nobody took it seriously. I was embarrassed and sad at school, resulting in a bad relationship with food and turned to dieting to lose weight. I was prescribed metformin and birth control pills but was also told that they could do nothing if I could not work hard enough to lose weight. My life was occupied with fighting against PCOS, and I’ve tried contraceptive pills, metformin, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and of course calorie counting for weight loss. Nothing worked perfectly back then.
After losing 12kg of my body weight with calorie restriction, my acne and body hair much improved, but I was still trapped in calorie counting and body image issues. I was living in fear of getting weight back all the time. Then I went to college and learned about intuitive eating and science-based nutrition, helping me develop a healthier and positive relationship with food. I focused more on my holistic health rather than calories day in and day out. I exercised for a stronger body not for a calorie deficit. I regained my freedom of managing my body and symptoms finally, and found a way to take care of my body kindly.
Now I want to share my journey and knowledge with people who might experience something similar like me. I discovered that everyone has their way to manage their PCOS and became a non-diet approach dietitian to help others who struggle with PCOS symptoms. I get what it’s like, and you’re certainly not alone.
Vivienne is based in Melbourne, Australia.
Telehealth via secured medical software is available for couples all around the world by booking.
Vivienne is an Accredited Practising Dietitian registered with Dietitian Australia. She offers medical nutrition therapy for people struggling with all kinds of chronic health conditions that need guidance from a practising dietitian.
Certified Fertility and Prenatal Dietitian
Vivienne has undergone extensive training with ELNA (Early Life Nutrition Alliance, previously known as Nutrition Plus) to provide nutritional therapy for fertility and pregnancy.
Vivienne is a dietitian credentialed by the Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) for treating eating disorders.
Vivienne is a Brainz Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine of Health and Wellness category.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
In Australia, there is a difference between a dietitian and other nutritional health providers, including nutritionists. All dietitians are nutritionists, but nutritionists without a dietetics qualification can't call themselves dietitians.
As a profession, nutritionists aren't regulated and can have limited qualifications. The dietetic profession is regulated. Most dietitians have graduated with an approved dietetics degree from an Australian university. Dietitians with the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential commit to ongoing training and education throughout their careers.
It's important to check the credentials of your healthcare provider before making an appointment.