About Diet Consulting
Helen Gibbs
Nau Mai, Haere Mai – welcome! This is a place where we learn about our connection with kai (food).
So, why did I become a dietitian? I’m the youngest of four in a family that cares a lot about health. When I was little, my mum became a dietitian.
It was my mum’s work that first got me interested in food. She was one of the first dietitians at the National Heart Foundation, and I got to help with some of her health promotion work.
After high school, I worked in the kitchen at Princess Margaret Hospital. That’s where I saw more of what dietitians do, and it made me even more interested in food and nutrition.
My path to becoming a dietitian took a few turns! I finished a Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Sciences in 1994, then did an Honours degree in Food Science. I finally completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics in 1997.
I moved to the UK and got my first job as a dietitian. I worked with many people, including outpatients and those in aged care. I later helped set up Counterweight, a well-known trial for weight management in General Practice. They were part of the Direct trial, which looked at how people with diabetes could reach remission.
When I first came back to New Zealand, I lived in Auckland and worked in a few different roles. I worked for the Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa and also started my own practice. I began mentoring students and new dietitians too.
Later, I returned to the UK and spent eight years working as a community obesity specialist dietitian. I ran two weight management programs and helped show that dietitians could play a key role in getting people ready for weight loss surgery.
In 2014, I came back to New Zealand again—this time to Dunedin, where I’ve stayed. Since then, I’ve taken on more roles in the profession, including speaking to the media and offering nutrition advice as a consultant. In 2022, I was elected to the Dietitians NZ Council (Ngā Pukenga Kai Ora o Aotearoa).
At the start of 2023, I decided to focus full-time on my business, Diet Consulting. I now run a busy clinic at McLeod Nutrition in Oamaru.
Here’s what I help people with:
Managing body weight, including support after weight loss surgery and during the use of medical weightloss programs including medication and meal replacement
Support for eating distress and disordered eating
Nutrition advice for older adults
Reducing the risk of heart disease
Preventing, managing, and putting type 2 diabetes into remission
Helping people with complex health needs who aren’t sure what to eat
Sasha Stevenson
I’m Sasha Stevenson, a New Zealand registered Dietitian and Social Worker. I moved to New Zealand from South Africa 16 years ago. I am married with two children.
My interest in nutrition began during my social work career, when I observed the link between nutrition and emotional/psychological wellbeing. Frustrated with conflicting online nutrition information, I pursued university qualifications in nutrition and dietetics. Utilizing my expertise in social and nutritional sciences, I work holistically, tailoring nutrition plans to meet individual’s specific needs considering the different dimensions, systems, and factors influencing an individual’s wellbeing.
Since completing post-graduate studies in nutrition and dietetics, I have supported clients at several medical practices in Whangaparaoa, Northcote, Ponsonby, Kelston and Onehunga in Auckland to improve their health through diet and lifestyle changes. This work has involved supporting patients with hypertension, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, weight management, pre- and post- bariatric surgery care, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, general healthy eating and improving fitness.
I have special interests in workplace wellness (particularly healthy eating, fitness, and stress management), dietary support for ADHD, and weight management. At Diet Consulting, I look forward to helping clients achieve their health goals through implementing effective and sustainable diet and lifestyle adjustments.
I am Auckland based, so I am on telehealth initially, but may end up with some face-to-face clinic time, eventually.
Millie Keown
Kia ora, I’m Millie, a New Zealand Registered Dietitian.
I’ve recently returned from the UK, where I worked as a locum specialist dietitian in the NHS. During this time, I covered a variety of dietetic specialities, including gastroenterology, surgery, oncology and care of the elderly.
I am joining Diet Consulting to take on some of the bariatric surgery cases, which is a chance to revisit and upskill in an area I worked in with my original job.
Before this, I spent six years working as a dietitian in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience in both public and private healthcare settings.
Over the years, I’ve developed a strong passion for gut health. Having completed the Monash Low FODMAP training to support people managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I’m committed to providing highly skilled dietetic care to support your well-being and help achieve symptom relief.
I take a holistic approach, always considering unique lifestyle factors alongside dietary needs to help manage troublesome gut symptoms. Whether it’s relieving debilitating gut symptoms, enhancing your quality of life, or finding freedom with food, I’m here to help you feel your best.
Anita Jewell -Admin and Wrangler
Anita is our very talented administrator. Her specialist skill is keeping us on task and organised.
She does bookings and invoices, and makes sure we get our communication out to you, your doctors and other important people.
Any questions she can usually answer them on hello@dietconsulting.nz
Diet Consulting Locations
Appointments can be scheduled to take place at:
- For your convenience, you can also book an appointment to take place via Telehealth
