What is an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are recognised health professionals with the qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. They know about food and health and can help you sort through the maze of nutrition information. APD is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. APDs translate scientific information about nutrition into practical advice about what to eat.
Ola Luczak Master of Dietetics (APD, BSci(Psy), MDiet)
Director of Dietitian Services at Rowville Sports Medicine Centre
Ola is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who graduated from the Master of Dietetics at Deakin University. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Central Florida (USA), where she was awarded a full sporting (tennis) scholarship for the duration of her studies.
Ola has always been drawn to working with motivated people who want to make positive changes to improve their health and sporting performance. She is an active member of Sports Dietitians Australia and works with junior and elite athletes across a range of sports including Tennis, AFL, Ballet, Soccer, Volleyball and Golf among others. In addition, she has strong experience in weight management through her work as a company dietitian for Jenny Craig Head Office and has also worked in a private practice and hospital setting.
Products
What does an Accredited Practising Dietitian do?
- Assess individual nutritional needs
- Develop personalised eating plans according to nutritional guidelines
- Sort out nutrition fact from fiction
Provide information on:
- Healthy Eating
- Reading food labels
- Healthy methods of food preparation
Dietetic management of disease and obesity
Dietitians are trained to assess an individual’s diet in order to help manage a wide range of conditions including:
- Overweight / Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease (eg. High blood pressure, high cholesterol)
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (eg. Coeliac, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fructose Malabsorption, Lactose Intolerance, Reflux)
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Malnutrition (Nutrient deficiencies, Cancer)
You may be eligible to claim back from your Private Health Insurance Fund or through the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan via a GP referral.
Sports nutrition
Ola Luczak is also an Accredited Sports Dietitian who competed at an international level of competitive tennis. She quickly learned that adequately fueling the body was critical for sporting success.
Ola can help optimize your sporting performance in areas that follow:
- Maximising energy levels for your sport
- Eating to optimise growth and development
- Maintaining appropriate body fat levels and developing lean muscle tissue
- Eating before, during and after competition
- Eating when traveling
- Use of dietary supplements
Common myths about dieting
Myth: Crash dieting or fasting helps you lose weight.
Fact: This may be true in the short term, however, is likely to lead to yo-yo dieting and weight gain in the long term. It is more important to make small sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyles for long term weight management.
Myth:I should avoid eating carbohydrate, especially if I have diabetes.
Fact: Carbohydrate is an important fuel source for your muscles and brain. It needs to be incorporated into every diet in the correct type and amount based on your individual needs.
Myth: Your blood type affects the food you should eat.
Fact: There is currently no scientific evidence to support these claims and it is dangerous to avoid a whole range of nutritious foods for this reason. It is more important to eat a right for your health and enjoyment.
