Nutrition & Wellness Blog: Expert Tips from a Dietitian

A balanced festive spread focuses on vibrant colours and whole-food ingredients. Social gatherings and festive seasons often revolve around food which can create anxiety for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people feel torn between enjoying the celebration and sticking to their nutritional goals. If this tension is ignored it often leads to a cycle of overindulgence followed by guilt or physical symptoms like bloating and inflammation that can derail your lo

Fuel your brain with vibrant foods that lift mood and support mental clarity In this article we’ll walk through everyday questions about how what we eat affects how we feel — covering the links between diet, gut health, brain health and mood. You’ll find simple questions you might ask yourself, and clear answers based on the latest research in nutritional psychiatry, gut-brain science, and dietary neuroscience. Q1. Can food really change how I feel? Yes. What you eat affects

While skipping meals or relying on ultra-processed foods can spike cortisol and amplify anxiety, choosing regular, nutrient-dense meals acts as a biological buffer that stabilises your mood and builds resilience against stress. Have you ever noticed how a missed lunch can turn mild worry into panic, or how a stressful deadline sends you searching immediately for comfort food? You aren't imagining it; the link between what you eat and how you feel is governed by a complex biol

Highly processed foods activate the brain’s reward system, making cravings stronger and harder to manage. Q1. What is food addiction? Some people eat certain foods especially highly processed, high-calorie foods in a way that looks similar to addiction. Research shows cravings, loss of control, and continuing to eat despite harm match criteria used in the DSM-5 for substance use disorders (1). Without recognising these signs, people may continue overeating and develop long-te

Master your hormone health and reclaim your energy with evidence-based nutrition. Feeling constantly wired yet tired is a common struggle in our fast-paced world, often leaving you feeling depleted and overwhelmed. When your body remains in a perpetual state of high alert, the persistent flood of stress hormones can lead to significant health risks including weakened immunity, disrupted sleep, and metabolic decline. At FerFit Dietetics & Nutrition, we provide a holistic and e

Understanding Dopamine: How it Connects Fear, Anxiety, and Disordered Eating. Q1. What does dopamine do in the brain? Dopamine is best known for making us feel pleasure and motivation, but it also plays a big role in how we respond to fear and anxiety (1). It helps the brain learn what’s safe and what’s dangerous, shaping how we react to threats. This means dopamine isn’t just about feeling good it helps regulate emotions, fear responses, and decision-making. Problems with do

When accountability becomes pressure: Finding balance in health and well-being. Accountability is often sold as the missing ingredient for dietary success yet for many it creates a recipe for metabolic disaster. While having a coach or diet plan to answer to can drive initial weight loss it frequently evolves into a source of chronic psychological stress that derails nutritional health. If you find yourself obsessing over macronutrients or feeling immense guilt after a single

Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health. Gheonea et al. (1) explore how dietary habits, physical activity, and lifestyle choices collectively influence psychological well-being. Understanding these links is essential for fostering a holistic approach to mental health and empowering individuals to make informed choices. The Impact of Diet on Mental Health The study by Gheonea et al. (1) examined data from 1,719 participant

Understanding the relationship between trauma and eating disorders is essential, as these conditions frequently overlap and influence one another in powerful ways. Trauma whether from early adverse experiences, acute events, or chronic stress can profoundly shape how individuals regulate emotions, cope with distress, and relate to their bodies. For many, disordered eating becomes a way to manage overwhelming feelings linked to traumatic memories, while the physical and psycho

Mood starts in the gut. Improve your mental well-being with the right nutrition. Emerging research highlights the powerful relationship between our digestive system and our mental well being. Many individuals struggle with unexplained mood changes or persistent brain fog without realising the source may be in their gut. Ignoring these signals can unfortunately lead to worsening mental health symptoms or chronic digestive distress over time. FerFit Dietetics & Nutrition offers

The foods you eat fuel your brain, supporting focus, memory, and mental clarity. In our busy, fast-paced lives, many people notice their memory slipping, their focus fading, or their mind feeling “foggy,” but they’re not sure why. What most of us don’t realise is that the brain relies on very specific nutrients to think clearly, regulate mood, and stay energised throughout the day. When those nutrients are missing, even slightly, it can affect how well we concentrate, remembe

Fuel your brain with nature’s finest: Incorporating fatty fish, seeds, and leafy greens into your daily meals provides the essential EPA and DHA your cognitive system needs to thrive. Many individuals struggle with persistent brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and a noticeable decline in memory that makes daily tasks feel overwhelming. When these cognitive warning signs are ignored, the risk of long-term neurological decline and chronic brain inflammation increases, potenti

That "on top of the world" feeling? It’s not magic; it’s biology. Serotonin is the key to your mood, sleep, and energy. You may know it as the chemical that makes you feel good but serotonin does so much more than just lift your spirits. Many people today struggle with unexplained fatigue low moods and irregular sleeping patterns without realising that a chemical imbalance could be the root cause. If left ignored these subtle signs can spiral into chronic mood disorders anxie

Fuel your mind and extinguish silent brain inflammation by incorporating these colourful, omega-rich essentials into your daily diet. Many Australians wake up every day fighting a losing battle against persistent brain fog and mental lethargy. You might feel like you are wading through treacle unable to hold onto thoughts or focus on simple tasks. This is not just a symptom of a busy life it is often a biological warning signal that your brain is under siege. When ignored the

Ensuring your family gets deep, restorative sleep goes beyond a consistent bedtime. It relies on balancing two hidden biological factors: Temperature and Nutrition. Tossing and turning throughout the night is a frustrating experience that affects millions of Australians. Whether it is waking up drenched in sweat or staring at the ceiling unable to drift off, the struggle for quality rest is exhausting. While many dismiss this as simple stress, ignoring chronic sleep disturban

Nutrition approaches backed by research to improve concentration, reduce mental fatigue and support overall brain health in ADHD. Q1. What does ADHD look like in adults? Adult ADHD presents differently than childhood ADHD. While children often show hyperactivity, adults typically experience: Chronic disorganisation Difficulty completing tasks Losing track of time Forgetfulness Mental restlessness rather than physical hyperactivity Irritability and emotional dysregulation (1)

Cultivating a positive and safe environment at mealtimes helps children with ASD & ADHD explore new textures and flavours. Navigating the complexities of neurodivergence often feels like an uphill battle against sensory overload, executive dysfunction, and restrictive eating patterns. Whether you are managing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or both, the struggle to maintain a balanced diet while dealing with burnout is a common reality that many face alone. If ignored,

Chronic fatigue syndrome can drain your energy Why Am I Always So Tired? Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Many people today feel tired, but some experience a level of exhaustion that is far beyond the usual feeling of being worn out. For individuals like Sarah, a 37-year-old working in a demanding finance role while caring for her family, this tiredness is constant and overwhelming. Even after a full night of sleep, she wakes up feeling unrefreshed and struggles t