About

About Me

Cath is a Registered Dietitian based in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town in Constantia. I provide scientifically sound and individualized nutrition advice and recommendations to my clients/ patients. Let me help you make lifestyle changes to adopt for the long term in order to achieve your health and weight loss goals which are sustainable. This is only truly possible if the recommendations given to you fit into your life (and your family’s) – this is something I strive to achieve with every client/ patient.

Why me? My experience..

As a former lecturer  from the Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Biology at the University of Cape Town, I have a burning passion for teaching my clients/ patients about nutrition and lifestyle. My approach to nutrition is simple but requires dedication – I help you to find solutions that will suit your lifestyle. Helping you to focus on healthy meal choices which are delicious is what makes my eating plans sustainable. Working with the mind when it comes to healthy living, so I can help you navigate this complicated space too as this allows me to help you focus on a holistic approach to health.

I have been in private practice since 2012, first starting in Tokai and then moving offices in 2013 to Constantia. I am currently situated at 41 Ladies Mile, Constantia.

My love for writing helps me to contribute to various media pieces where I cover topics which focus on all things nutrition and lifestyle. Being involved in corporate wellness days by organizing healthy food displays, smoothie and lunchbox demonstrations as well as professional presentations on healthy eating and living keeps me on my toes.

My special interests include

• Gut health, the microbiome, IBS, sensitive tummies and low FODMAP diet
• Genetic Testing and personalized nutrition recommendations using the 3×4 genetics kit
• Non-diet approach to improving health, lifestyle and weight
• Metabolic health concerns (type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid (over and under active)
• Inflammatory health concerns (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia etc.)

My other loves and passions in life (other than nutrition)

My husband, my children, my pets (two dogs, a cat and a bunch of fish). I am an avid foodie (see my Instagram page), squash player, runner and nature lover!

I am also a true farm girl at heart as I live in the city but on a farm which prides itself as being a WWF partner.

My motto: Love Food. Eat Smart. Love life.

Qualifications

I have the following qualifications from reputable universities in South Africa:

• BSc Human Life Sciences – University of Stellenbosch
• BSc (Med)(Hons) Medical Physiology – University of Stellenbosch – Cum Laude
• BSc (Med)(Hons) Nutrition & Dietetics – University of Cape Town
• Postgraduate diploma in South African Lactation Consultancy – University of Witwatersrand
• Certified in the Low FODMAP diet by Monash University – Australia

I belong to the following professional boards and associations:

• Health Professionals Council (DT0038369)
• Board of Health Care Funders (0840000449008)
• Association of Dietetics South Africa – Executive Board Portfolio Holder: Communications 2015-2017
• Association of Dietetics South Africa Board Western Cape Branch Committee: Chairlady: 2015-2016

Additional work experience:

• Lecturer at the University of Cape Town: Division of Human Nutrition: Nutrition Science, Breastfeeding, Infancy Nutrition, Childhood Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition (Weight management, Lower GIT issues, Rheumatic Disease, Food intolerance)
• Research: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – Child development (University of Cape Town)
• Early childhood development and nutrition for childhood training

Courses attended:

• Treating the Emotional Eater Foundation Course (Module 1 & 2) in 2013
• Treating the Emotional Eater Course (Module 3 & 4) in 2014

About Tessa

Her love and passion for people, health and food led her to a career in Nutrition and Dietetics. Tessa is deeply dedicated to helping others lead healthier lives through her expertise in nutrition. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections with people and guiding them towards healthier lifestyles. She believes that achieving health is about finding balance whether it is in daily routines or dietary choices as well as prioritizing progress over perfection to foster sustainability.

Tessa’s mission is to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to make mindful and healthier decisions in their everyday lives. Through personalized guidance and evidence – based approaches, Tessa is dedicated to helping her clients achieve sustainable health improvements and overall well-being.

She is a Registered Dietitian that is based in Constantia, Constantiaberg Mediclinic and Panorama.

When Tessa is not consulting at Wellness on 41 Ladies Mile in Constantia, she focuses on her work in chronic pain management at the Pain Collective. Additionally, Tessa consults at Constantiaberg Mediclinic, where she actively engages with patients in the ICU, medical and surgical wards, ensuring her clinical nutrition and medical knowledge stay up – to – date.

Her recent passion lies in advocating a plant forward diet, encouraging all clients to integrate more plant – based foods into their meals, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Tessa’s special interests include

Gut health, the microbiome and chronic digestive issues (reflux, indigestion, inflammatory gut disorders and controlling constipation)

Chronic pain and inflammation (via The Paincollective)

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions (PCOS, Arthritis conditions, Thyroid conditions)

Metabolic and lifestyle health conditions (diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure)

Healthy weight management (weight loss and weight gain)

Sports nutrition (main focus on endurance and ultra running – both road and trail)

Outside the nutrition and dietetics world for Tessa

Tessa is an incredibly active and adventurous person! She has a love for the outdoors and enjoys running and hiking in the mountains in her spare time. Tessa’s dedication to running extends across road and trail, providing her with invaluable insights into the world of ultra running. She also enjoys cooking (loves purchasing new cookbooks) and experimenting with recipes, combining her love for food with nutrition expertise. She tries to live a balanced life both professionally and personally, embracing health, fitness, and culinary creativity.

My motto: Progress over perfection wins every time!

I belong to the following professional boards and associations

Health Professional Council (DT0050377)

Board of Health Care Funders (0840000725676)

Associations of Dietetics of South Africa (ADSA) Western Cape Branch Committee: 2019 – Present

PainSA

Courses attended

Eatfit IBS Training in 2019

Module 1 Principles of Pain by International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in 2022

Tessa also features on The Health Collective Youtube channel and has made several TV appearances on SABC 3’s Expresso TV Show.

Qualifications

B.Sc in Human Physiology and Biochemistry (UCT)

B.Sc (Med) (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics (UCT)

Media

Scientific Journal article published

• Harbron J, Booley S, Najaar B, Day CE. Responsive feeding: establishing healthy eating behavior early on in life. S Afr J Clin Nutr 2013; 26(3)

TV appearances

• Hectic 9 TV Show – Food safety & Sugar and Health (aired November 2014 on SABC 2)
• Expresso TV Show – Competitive Eating (aired March 2015 on SABC 3)
• Expresso TV Show – Breastfeeding in the work place (aired August 2015 on SABC 3)
• Special Assignment – Sugar and obesity (aired January 2015 on SABC 3)

Radio talk shows

• Cape Talk with Pippa Hudson (aired November 2015)
• Voice of the Cape with Yusuf Mallie (aired December 2015)
• SAFM with Ike (aired February 2016)