Imagine Dietitians

Imagine Dietitians Chantel, Bianca and Megan are dietitians with a passion to heal your relationship with food and body

Imagine Dietitians (practice number: 0595039) opened its doors on the 4th of January 2016 in Stellenbosch. Imagine Dietitians offer various dietetic services which include (but is not limited to) nutritional assessments and counseling in hospital for patients who need nutritional support (sip feeds, enteral- or parenteral nutrition) or patients diagnosed with insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus

(or any other chronic disease of the lifestyle), cancer, renal problems, auto-immune disease, eating disorders, and children who are picky eaters, suffer from constipation, have an iron deficiency or have inadequate dietary intake. We are three registered dietitians working at the practice: Chantel Walker, Maya du Plessis and Danielle le Riche.

✨ PREGNANCY DO’S & DON’TS (That Actually Help You Feel Better)⁠⁠Pregnancy nausea and food aversions aren’t about “being ...
28/05/2026

✨ PREGNANCY DO’S & DON’TS (That Actually Help You Feel Better)⁠
⁠
Pregnancy nausea and food aversions aren’t about “being picky” — they’re a real, physiological response.⁠
Here are simple evidence-supported tweaks that can ease the overwhelm:⁠
⁠
🌿 DO: Try These Soothing Options⁠
⁠
🍋 Sour & acidic foods⁠
Citrus, pineapple, lemon water, lemonade, lemon lozenges.⁠
These can stimulate digestion and ease nausea for many.⁠
⁠
🫚 Ginger⁠
Ginger tea, ginger chews or even ginger biscuits may help settle the stomach.⁠
⁠
🥗 Cold, fresh foods⁠
Cold fruit, raw veggies, fresh sandwiches, wraps or smoothies often feel easier when hot foods are triggering.⁠
⁠
🌱 Mint⁠
Brushing your teeth, mint tea, mint gum, or a gentle peppermint rinse can relieve lingering nausea and reduce sensitivity to smells.⁠
⁠
🔥 DON’T (For Now): Foods That Often Make Nausea Worse⁠
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🌶️ Spicy meals⁠
Curries or chilli can irritate the stomach when you’re already feeling sensitive.⁠
⁠
🧄 Strong smells⁠
Garlic, pesto, fish, or anything with an intense aroma can quickly trigger nausea.⁠
⁠
🍳 Hot foods with steam⁠
Even “safe” foods may feel overwhelming when warm — the smell rises with the heat.⁠
⁠
💛 A gentle reminder⁠
⁠
Pregnancy eating is not about perfection.⁠
It’s about finding what feels doable, honouring your body’s signals, and reducing pressure or rules wherever possible.⁠
⁠
If you need personalised support with pregnancy nausea, food aversions, or keeping meals tolerable, you’re welcome to reach out for gentle, practical dietetic care.⁠
⁠

✨ PICA IN PREGNANCY: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What It Can Look LikePica during pregnancy is more common than most...
25/05/2026

✨ PICA IN PREGNANCY: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What It Can Look Like

Pica during pregnancy is more common than most people realise — yet many feel embarrassed or scared to talk about it.
Let’s bring clarity, compassion, and evidence to the conversation.

🌿 What is Pica?

Pica is the craving or eating of non-food substances for at least one month.
In pregnancy, this can show up as intense urges for items that have no nutritional value.

👀 How Does Pica Look in Pregnancy?

Common cravings include:
• Ice (very common — pagophagia)
• Soil or clay
• Chalk
• Paper or cardboard
• Starch (cornstarch, laundry starch)
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Sand

These cravings may feel irresistible or soothing — and that doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with you.

❓ Why Does Pica Happen in Pregnancy?

Research suggests several contributing factors:

🩸 Iron deficiency (the most common link)
Pica — especially ice eating — is strongly associated with low iron or low ferritin levels.

🧪 Other nutrient deficiencies
Low zinc or other micronutrients may play a role.

🤰 Physiological changes of pregnancy
Shifts in hormones, appetite, taste and smell can influence unusual cravings.

🧠 Sensory needs
Some textures (like crunching ice) can feel soothing or help with nausea.

💛 Emotional factors
Stress or anxiety during pregnancy can heighten certain cravings.

None of these causes are your fault — they’re signals your body is sending.

🌼 What Should You Do?

Pica in pregnancy is treatable, and support is available.

The next steps usually include:
• A simple blood test to check iron + micronutrient levels
• Supplementation if needed (iron deficiency responds beautifully once treated)
• Gentle support from a dietitian to meet increased nutritional needs
• Exploring sensory or emotional triggers if cravings continue

💛 A gentle reminder:

Pica in pregnancy is not a moral failing, not “weird”, and not something you have to hide.
Your body is communicating — and with the right support, these cravings can improve quickly.

Fuelling your body properly before and after a workout can make a big difference in your energy levels, performance, rec...
22/05/2026

Fuelling your body properly before and after a workout can make a big difference in your energy levels, performance, recovery, and muscle support 🏋️

The goal is not perfection but rather giving your body the nourishment it needs to move, recover, and feel its best. A combination of carbohydrates for energy and protein for recovery is often a great place to start.

Some balanced pre or post workout meal and snack ideas include:

🥜 Peanut butter on toast with banana
🥣 Greek yoghurt with berries and granola
🍳 Eggs on toast with avocado
🍌 A smoothie with fruit, yoghurt, oats, and nut butter
🍚 Chicken, rice, and roasted vegetables
🧀 Crackers with cheese and fruit
🥪 A chicken or tuna sandwich
🍫 Chocolate milk and a banana for quick recovery fuel

Remember that everyone’s needs, preferences, training intensity, and timing are different. What works for one person may not work for another and that is okay 💛

Food is fuel but it is also enjoyment, satisfaction, and part of caring for your body.

If you would like guidance with sports nutrition, workout fuelling, recovery nutrition, muscle gain, or performance support, feel free to contact us to book a consultation with one of our dietitians!

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is so much more than occasional tummy issues. Conditions like Crohn’s disea...
19/05/2026

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is so much more than occasional tummy issues. Conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis can affect every part of a person’s life from energy levels and nutrition status to mental health, social situations, and quality of life.

Many people living with IBD fight battles that others cannot see including pain, fatigue, food fears, flare ups, hospital visits, and uncertainty. Yet they continue showing up every day with incredible strength 💜

Nutrition can play an important supportive role in helping manage symptoms, maintain nourishment, support gut health, and improve overall wellbeing during different stages of the disease. Every person’s journey with IBD is unique which is why individualised care matters.

Today on World IBD Day we stand with every person navigating life with IBD both seen and unseen.

Your experience is real and you deserve support and care!

🌍 World Hypertension Day — 17 May⁠Supporting your heart starts with small, sustainable habits — no pressure, no perfecti...
17/05/2026

🌍 World Hypertension Day — 17 May⁠
Supporting your heart starts with small, sustainable habits — no pressure, no perfection. 💚⁠
This year, Bianca (Dietitian) and Shingi (Physio) are teaming up to highlight how nutrition + movement work together to care for your blood pressure.⁠
⁠
🥗 Nourishing Habits for Blood Pressure⁠
- Add more plants to your plate: Fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains support heart health and steady energy.⁠
- Build flavour creatively: Herbs, spices, lemon, vinegar, garlic, and fresh ingredients enhance taste while helping you keep salt mindful.⁠
- Include balanced meals: Pair carbohydrates with proteins and fats to keep you satisfied and stabilise energy levels.⁠
- Stay hydrated: Water, herbal teas, and infused water all count.⁠
⁠
👟 Movement That Supports You⁠
- Choose movement you enjoy: Walking, dancing, Pilates, swimming, strength training, stretching — anything that feels good in your body.⁠
- Consistency over intensity: Gentle, regular movement can be just as supportive as harder sessions.⁠
- Listen to your body: Build movement around comfort, capability, and recovery.⁠
- Incorporate strength work: Light weights or body-weight exercises support circulation and heart health.⁠
⁠
🤝 Stronger Together⁠
⁠
Managing blood pressure is easier with a team behind you.⁠
Bianca and Shingi combine nutrition and movement to help you build realistic, supportive habits.⁠
⁠
If you’d like personalised guidance,⁠
📩 Send us a message to book a session — we’re here to help.⁠
⁠

Cholesterol isn’t just about what you avoid.It’s also about what you add to support heart function, hormones, digestion,...
14/05/2026

Cholesterol isn’t just about what you avoid.
It’s also about what you add to support heart function, hormones, digestion, and inflammation.
Your body needs fats — the goal is to lean into the ones that help cholesterol work with you.

Here are nourishing foods shown in research to naturally support healthier cholesterol levels:

🥑 Supportive plant fats
Avocado, nuts, seeds, olives and olive oil are rich in monounsaturated fats that help improve HDL while lowering LDL.

🐟 More oily fish, chicken & venison
Oily fish like salmon, sardines and trout provide omega-3s that reduce inflammation.
Chicken and venison offer high-quality protein options with less saturated fat.

🌾 Oat β-glucan
A type of soluble fibre in oats that forms a gel in the gut and helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Even one bowl of oats can make a difference.

🌿 Plant sterols & stanols
Found naturally in nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.
They help block cholesterol absorption in the gut.

🍎 High-fibre foods
Beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and seeds support cholesterol excretion and nourish the gut microbiome.

🍇 Antioxidant-rich foods
Berries, citrus, leafy greens, colourful vegetables, herbs and spices help reduce oxidative stress and support cardiovascular wellbeing.

If you’re wanting guidance on how to gently add more of these foods into your routine,
👉 you’re welcome to reach out and work with a dietitian for personalised, supportive care.

🌿 EAT MORE, NOT LESS.Because supporting your body isn’t about restriction — it’s about addition.Adding nutrients, adding...
11/05/2026

🌿 EAT MORE, NOT LESS.
Because supporting your body isn’t about restriction — it’s about addition.
Adding nutrients, adding energy, adding satisfaction, adding ease.

When we shift from “What should I cut out?” to
✨ “What can I add to support my wellbeing?”
— everything changes.

Here are simple, powerful additions that make a real difference:

🥑 Plant fats
Add avocado, nuts, seeds, olives, or tahini to meals.
These support hormones, brain health, fullness, and blood sugar balance.

🐟 Omega-3 rich foods
Think salmon, sardines, trout, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Omega-3s support brain health, reduce inflammation, and help regulate mood.

🌾 High-fibre foods
Whole grains, beans, lentils, oats, seeds, and pulses keep digestion steady, support gut health, and help stabilise energy levels.

🍎 Fruits & vegetables
Add colour, not restriction.
Each shade brings unique antioxidants, vitamins and minerals — nourishment your body deserves.

💛 This is not about dieting.
It’s about nourishment, satisfaction, and supporting your body with what it needs — without fear, rules, or rigidity.

If you want support in adding more nutrition, comfort and confidence to your meals,
👉 book with Imagine Dietitians.
Let’s build a way of eating that feels good, gentle, and sustainable.

✨ “EATING FOR TWO” — What does the research actually say?⁠⁠Pregnancy comes with a lot of opinions… especially around foo...
08/05/2026

✨ “EATING FOR TWO” — What does the research actually say?⁠
⁠
Pregnancy comes with a lot of opinions… especially around food.⁠
But here’s what evidence and real-life experience consistently show:⁠
⁠
🍽️ You are NOT literally eating for two.⁠
Most people only need a small increase in energy intake — mainly in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.⁠
This doesn’t mean doubling portions… it means honouring your hunger, supporting growth, and nourishing your body too.⁠
⁠
And speaking of hunger…⁠
⁠
🌿 Pregnancy hunger is REAL.⁠
Shifts in hormones, metabolism, placenta development and higher nutrient needs all increase appetite.⁠
This isn’t “lack of control.”⁠
This is physiology.⁠
⁠
🍫 Cravings are normal too.⁠
They can reflect hormonal changes, sensory shifts, emotional needs, disrupted sleep, or simply what feels comforting in that moment.⁠
You’re not doing anything wrong.⁠
⁠
So where do things go wrong?⁠
Often when people feel pressured to be rigid.⁠
⁠
❌ Rigidity, restriction or obsession around “perfect eating” can lead to:⁠
• Anxiety around food⁠
• Shame after eating⁠
• Stronger cravings⁠
• Overeating in response to restriction⁠
• Disconnection from hunger and fullness cues⁠
• Increased stress (which affects digestion + wellbeing)⁠
⁠
Pregnancy is not the time for food rules.⁠
It’s the time for care, flexibility, and nourishment — emotionally and physically.⁠
⁠
💛 Here’s the truth:⁠
Your body is wise.⁠
Hunger signals are information, not something to fight.⁠
Balanced nutrition doesn’t require perfection; it requires permission to eat, tuning into your needs, and getting support when things feel confusing.⁠
⁠
👉 If you’re pregnant and feeling overwhelmed by pressure, food guilt, cravings or mixed messages, a dietitian can help you build a calm, compassionate, evidence-based approach to eating during this season.⁠
⁠
You deserve to feel supported — not stressed — as you nourish yourself and your growing baby. ⁠
⁠

You’ve had the surgery, now don’t neglect your recovery 🛠️The post-operative phase is where healing really happens, and...
01/05/2026

You’ve had the surgery, now don’t neglect your recovery 🛠️

The post-operative phase is where healing really happens, and nutrition plays a key role!

After surgery, your body has increased needs, but often a reduced appetite or tolerance to food.

Here’s what to focus on:
• Start where you’re at → small, frequent meals if appetite is low
• Modify as needed → softer, easy-to-digest options depending on your procedure
• Prioritise protein → essential for wound healing and recovery
• Use supplements when needed → especially if meeting needs through food feels difficult
• Stay consistent → even small amounts regularly can make a big difference

Recovery is not about eating perfectly; it’s about giving your body what it needs to heal.

If you’re navigating recovery and unsure what or how to eat, we’re here to support you 🤍

Comfort food isn’t something you have to “earn” or justify 🍲 ...
29/04/2026

Comfort food isn’t something you have to “earn” or justify 🍲
It can be warm, nostalgic, messy, simple, shared, or eaten alone on the couch. It can be mac & cheese, takeout, toast, or something sweet at midnight. All food fits—and that includes the foods that bring you emotional comfort, not just physical fuel.
Health isn’t defined by a single meal, your body size, or what’s on your plate today. You deserve to eat in a way that feels safe, satisfying, and supportive of you.
If you’re navigating a complicated relationship with food, this is your reminder: there’s room for compassion here. No guilt required. 💛.

Address

Suite 110, Drive Abrie Vermeulen's Rooms, Stellenbosch Mediclinic
Stellenbosch
7600

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 - 14:00

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