How Our Dietitians Help Change Lives Through Whole Person Health

Ask our dietitians why they love what they do, and the answer is simple: it’s about helping people live well - through food that supports health, enjoyment and everyday life. At Sanitarium, our Trans-Tasman team of Accredited Practising Dietitians play a central role in bringing our purpose of changing lives through whole person health to life, by genuinely caring for the health of individuals and communities through their work.

For many, the motivation to become a dietitian sprang for a desire to help people make sense of nutrition in a world full of mixed messages. "With misleading nutrition information often circulating the internet, I wanted to be a source of practical, evidence‑based nutrition advice that helps people make informed food and nutrition choices that works for them and their lives," says Nicola Perry. At Sanitarium, dietitians are supported to do exactly that – applying sound science into advice and products people can trust.

Our dietitians work across community partnerships, product development, education and advocacy, using food as a foundation for whole person health. From community events and product innovation to the free Ask a Dietitian service and discussions on plant‑based eating, their work focuses on improving everyday wellbeing. Trish Guy explains her choice of career, "Dietetics allows you to translate the science of nutrition into practical and inspirational ways to improve health through food and the enjoyment of eating."

Sanitarium also provides opportunities to see the broader impact of this work, both locally and internationally. Some of our dietitians have participated in community service initiatives across the Pacific, supporting communities through nutrition education and shared meals. After a trip to Papua New Guinea to educate school children about healthy breakfast foods and serve them nutritious Sanitarium products, Dr Jessica van der Veer says "It was great to see Sanitarium’s impact beyond the AU/NZ market - the communities were so joyful and engaged," Others focus their passion for nutrition closer to home, delivering nutrition education sessions in the local community, promoting health across the business, and engaging with local universities to help support future Dietitians.