Apart from her work in private practice, Jaime consults to food companies, co-authored a book on gut health and is a regular contributor to various magazines and websites. 

Q. Your profession: What drew you to this area?

A. I have always loved anything to do with food – from shopping to cooking and creating recipes. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a chef but I also had a strong interest in science and medicine because my Mum is a GP. I was fortune enough to be able to get the best of both worlds in my career by combining the two and now I use food and nutrition for health.

Q. Tell us about your work with toddler/children’s health and nutrition?

A. In private practice, my work with kids ranges from nutrition advice for general healthy eating to more serious medical issues. Some families come to see me for help to create a healthy diet for kids at certain ages or for kids who are very sporty or perhaps they are a bit fussy with their food. I also see kids with specific medical issues who require targeted nutrition therapy.

Q. Can you tell us about your involvement with the NSW Government’s Go4Fun program, which aims to improve the health of overweight and obese children aged 7 to 13?

A. When I finished university I ran the Go4Fun program for many years. It is aimed at kids and their families who want to learn more about good health, nutrition and activity and establish healthy habits for the whole family. It is a free, 10 week program that runs each school term. 

Q. What are some of the typical food behaviours in new mums?

A. As a new Mum myself, I’ve got both clinical and personal experience in this arena! Food behaviours and eating patterns for new mums can be so varied!Typical experiences however are grabbing quick and easy food that can be eaten with one hand like toast or a bowl of cereal. Ordering take away is another one.

I always say that if you’re a close friend or family, bring new mums food when you visit. It’s so helpful to have a nutritious meal that just needs to be heated up. Another good tip is to set up home delivery groceries for when you get home from hospital initially so there’s always quick and healthy food available.

Q. What diet tip would you give to women trying to conceive? 

A. There are now quite specific guidelines available. They include working towards being your healthiest weight, whether that’s gaining or losing weight. Using wholegrain, slow-release carbohydrates like rolled oats and ditch the skim dairy, go for full fat dairy products. Switch some of your animal protein for plant-based proteins like legumes and switch some red meat for plant-based iron sources like green leafy veg. Avoid the trans fats and sugars in processed foods such as margarines, cakes and cookies and use more plant and fish fats like extra virgin olive oil and salmon. Cut out sugary drinks and cut down on caffeine and alcohol and get moving every day. It’s a good idea to be taking a conception vitamin and lastly, try not to stress!

Q. What topics are you most passionate about and why?

A. I’m really interested in diet and lifestyle strategies for improving fertility because I have had my own personal experience falling pregnant naturally after making changes to health habits. I’m passionate about helping set women up throughout this journey so we can de-bunk this myth of ‘eating for two!’

Q. What does your life look like when you’re not working?

A. Off duty for me now is when my 11 month old is in day care! If I’m not in clinic you can find me in my active wear in a café eating breakfast and writing away on my laptop.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

A. My two major career accomplishments are setting up a private practice within two clinics and having a regular busy stream of patients. The second is my very own solo book deal including an incredible food photo shoot – that was a big dream of mine.

Follow Jaime Rose 

Web: jaimerosenutrition.com.au Facebook: jaimerosenutrition Instagram: @jaimerose_nutrition