Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD’s) are experts in food and nutrition. Qualification requires a minimum four-year tertiary degree and certification by Dietitians Australia. Dietitians use evidence-based research and their thorough understanding of human metabolism to help clients navigate their nutrition needs.
With the endless supply of online nutrition information, it can be challenging to determine which diet is best for you. Dietitians offer individualised advice and can help translate the latest evidence into practical steps to guide you in the right direction toward better health.
Gympie Sports & Spinal is NDIS registered and accepts Medicare rebates and HICAPS health fund claims. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available for payment.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Introduction & Goal Setting
The first session is designed to learn more about you, your lifestyle, and what you want to achieve. Our dietitians will work with you to set clear, measurable goals to help determine the best possible treatment plan to get results.
Education
Our dietitians will give you the knowledge and understanding to take charge of your health. They can explain the link between dietary patterns and health outcomes and allow you the confidence to make changes now and in the future.
Plan
At the end of the consult, you will receive specific dietary strategies to help get you started toward your goal. Recommended time frames for reviews vary between fortnightly and monthly consults. A minimum of 2-3 review consults are often required to ensure you receive the opportunity to explore any challenges and adjust the plan as needed. Our dietitians strive to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your journey.
Are you stuck in the ‘dieting cycle’? Are you constantly switching between phases of weight gain, weight loss, and simply getting nowhere?
Our dietitians take the time to understand your situation – your goals, lifestyle, social and medical history to tailor advice to suit you. Our dietitians can help you to develop the knowledge and skills to improve your relationship with food, achieve a balanced lifestyle and empower you with the confidence to be your best, healthiest self.
Dietitians can provide education on the role of nutrition in managing diabetes and blood glucose levels. We take a holistic approach, taking into consideration different medications, physical activity, and lifestyle choices to provide you with the best treatment plan for your situation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) refers to a collection of symptoms including diarrhoea and/or constipation as well as accompanying symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. The cause of IBS is not really known, but a number of factors appear to worsen symptoms. These can include some of the foods we eat, stress or an infection.
Whether you have a diagnosed food allergy or suspected food intolerance such as IBS, you may need to reduce or eliminate certain foods from your diet. Food intolerances can be particularly debilitating as the exact cause is often unclear and can often lead to overly restricted diets in fear of experiencing a flare-up. If you suspect you may have a food intolerance, a dietitian will conduct a detailed assessment of your medical history, diet and lifestyle to determine the likely cause of your symptoms. You will then be provided with the knowledge and personalised resources to confidently manage your health independently.
Diet plays a big role in managing IBS as we can modify the diet to identify any “trigger” foods that may make IBS symptoms worse. This process is called the FODMAP diet. Our dietitians have a particular interest in the FODMAP diet and would love to help you to minimise your IBS symptoms to limit the impact they are having on your life! We also ensure that you are eating a healthy variety of foods and not missing out on any important nutrients.
The presence of 3 or more metabolic risk factors increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors include high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood glucose and high blood pressure. While certain conditions are inherited, diet and lifestyle plays are major role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis are characterised by intermittent flare-ups of abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. Over time, this can result in nutrient deficiencies as inflammation can block the absorption of essential nutrients in the intestine. While the cause of these conditions is still not well understood, dietitians can provide the latest evidence-based strategies to manage your flare-ups and support you in maintaining a healthy balanced diet.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your meat intake or go completely vegan, dietitians can help you navigate the expanding world of meat and dairy alternatives to ensure you are receiving the necessary nutrients on a plant-based diet.
If you or someone you love is experiencing an eating disorder, you can understand just how isolating and overwhelming it can be to live with this condition as it impacts many areas of a person’s life. Eating disorders are a complex mental illness but with the right treatment and support, full recovery is possible. Our dietitians can support you no matter what stage you are on your journey, whether you’re looking to learn more about your condition, explore your food fears and anxieties or are ready to set actionable goals toward regular eating.
Disordered eating on any level can often go unnoticed and be accepted as a normal part of today’s ‘diet culture’. There’s a common misconception that to have an eating disorder, you have to be extremely underweight, which is absolutely not true. Disordered eating can be present regardless of body shape, size, age or gender. If you ever experience a loss of control around food, engage in secretive or binge eating or struggle with poor body image, a dietitian can help you understand how these behaviours develop and work with you to build your confidence and improve your relationship with food.
Bariatric surgery is an effective tool to promote weight loss by reducing the size of your stomach capacity. It is essential that you receive the support of an experienced bariatric dietitian during your pre and post-surgery journey to ensure you are able to meet nutrient requirements. Our dietitians understand the different challenges you may face along the way and can help you to develop sustainable healthy eating habits long term.
Sports Dietitians provide specialised advice for athletes with various training intensities. Whether you’re looking to change body composition, run your first 10km or compete at a high-level sport, proper nutrition is an essential part of optimal performance. Sports Dietitians can provide individualised advice on pre and post comp nutrition and recovery, hydration, supplementation and develop personalised meal plans.
OUR TEAM
Courtney Bruce
Dietitian
Courtney Bruce
Dietitian
Courtney is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) boasting over 10+ years of experience in the healthcare field, where she has worked extensively in both hospital and community settings. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) in 2011, and since then, she has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health and nutrition goals.
With a particular focus on chronic disease management, weight loss, weight gain, and supporting individuals with disabilities, Courtney is committed to positively impacting her clients’ lives. She takes pride in fostering a healthy and positive relationship with food for those she works with.
Outside of her professional life, Courtney finds joy in various activities. She relishes spending time at the beach, camping amidst nature’s beauty, savouring meals at restaurants, exploring new destinations during her travels abroad, and cherishing quality moments with her family and friends.
Courtney’s warm and friendly personality ensures clients feel at ease during their sessions. She eagerly looks forward to collaborating with you on your improved health and nutrition journey.
Courtney is available for Dietitian consults at our Gympie clinic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Upon making your initial appointment, you will receive an email including a 3x day food diary. This will be helpful information for your dietitian if completed ahead of time, along with any recent blood test results or relevant medical procedures. If applicable, our admin team may require your private healthcare card or GP referral.
This will vary depending on your goals and the level of support you would like. A minimum of 2-3x review consults are recommended to cover the necessary education and tailoring of treatment plans. Certain conditions, such as IBS management and body composition goals, often require longer-term support.
Initial consults are 45 minutes to 1 hour; review consults are 30 minutes.
A meal plan is like receiving the answers to a test; it may be helpful in the short-term but doesn’t teach you how to maintain healthy eating behaviours for life. Personalised meal plans may be combined with nutrition education to help you understand the ‘why’ behind recommended food choices.
You can select a telehealth appointment on the online booking or request telehealth with our admin team. You will receive an email with instruction and link to video call. Our dietitian will provide a consult summary and any additional information via email.
You’re welcome to contact your dietitian via email with any questions.
Depending on your cover, you may be eligible for a rebate.
In Australia, nutritionists aren’t regulated and may have limited qualifications. Dietitians require a minimum of 4 years of tertiary study at an Australian university and are credentialed by the governing body Dietitian’s Australia. Dietitians must continue training and education throughout their careers to maintain APD status.
services & FACILITIES
- On-Site Parking (5 spaces)
- Street Parking
- Gym & Pilates Equipment
- NDIS Registered
- Medicare Rebates
- HICAPS Health Fund Claims
WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF US
Have you sorted the dessert for Christmas day yet?
Why not try our Dietitian approved Christmas Pav?
Ingredients
⭐ 150ml egg whites (approximately 4 eggs)
⭐ 1 cup caster sugar
⭐ 1 teaspoon white vinegar
⭐ 400g reduced-fat Greek yogurt
⭐ 300g strawberries, diced
⭐ 300g blueberries
Method 🥄
1. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, waiting 30 seconds between each tablespoon. Whisk for 6 minutes or until stiff and glossy.
2. Scrape the sides of the electric mixer, add the vinegar and whisk for 2 minutes or until glossy and combined.
3. Spoon 6 rounds onto the baking tray. Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C and bake for 30 minutes or until crisp to touch.
4. Cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Top meringues with yogurt and fresh berries or whatever fruit you like!
Have you sorted the dessert for Christmas day yet?
Why not try our Dietitian approved Christmas Pav?
Ingredients
⭐ 150ml egg whites (approximately 4 eggs)
⭐ 1 cup caster sugar
⭐ 1 teaspoon white vinegar
⭐ 400g reduced-fat Greek yogurt
⭐ 300g strawberries, diced
⭐ 300g blueberries
Method 🥄
1. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, waiting 30 seconds between each tablespoon. Whisk for 6 minutes or until stiff and glossy.
2. Scrape the sides of the electric mixer, add the vinegar and whisk for 2 minutes or until glossy and combined.
3. Spoon 6 rounds onto the baking tray. Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C and bake for 30 minutes or until crisp to touch.
4. Cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Top meringues with yogurt and fresh berries or whatever fruit you like!
High Fibre Rum Balls 💫
Get Christmas started early with these healthy rum ball recipes. best of yet, you can bake them now and freeze them for the big day.
Ingredients
🎄1 can black beans, rinsed
🎄1/4 cup natural peanut butter
🎄2 tbsp cocoa (additional for dusting optional)
🎄4 tbsp rum
🎄1 tsp vanilla essence
🎄6 dates
🎄2 tbsp maple syrup
🎄2 tbsp flour
🎄 2 tbsp almond meal
🎄 Desiccated coconut for dusting (optional)
Method 🥄
1. Soak dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain fluid.
2. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Roll dough into small balls and coat in coconut, extra cocoa, or as is.
4. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
High Fibre Rum Balls 💫
Get Christmas started early with these healthy rum ball recipes. best of yet, you can bake them now and freeze them for the big day.
Ingredients
🎄1 can black beans, rinsed
🎄1/4 cup natural peanut butter
🎄2 tbsp cocoa (additional for dusting optional)
🎄4 tbsp rum
🎄1 tsp vanilla essence
🎄6 dates
🎄2 tbsp maple syrup
🎄2 tbsp flour
🎄 2 tbsp almond meal
🎄 Desiccated coconut for dusting (optional)
Method 🥄
1. Soak dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain fluid.
2. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Roll dough into small balls and coat in coconut, extra cocoa, or as is.
4. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
Disability Action Week 2023 💪🏻
“From 25 November to 2 December 2023 celebrates Queenslanders with disability and the contributions they make to our families, communities, workplaces and economy.
This year’s theme – ‘Access ignites: it’s good business’ – focuses on increasing employment and economic participation of people with disability.”
Sports and Spinal Kawana works closely with their patients to increase their health and well-being to build community, social and economic participation 😃
Check out our range of classes ran by our exercise physiologists and physiotherapists via our bio 🙌🏻
#sportsandspinal #disabilityactionweek #alliedheath #exercisephysiology #physiotherapy #exercise #gym #disbaility #disabilityawareness #ndisprovider #ndis #ndisaustralia
Disability Action Week 2023 💪🏻
“From 25 November to 2 December 2023 celebrates Queenslanders with disability and the contributions they make to our families, communities, workplaces and economy.
This year’s theme – ‘Access ignites: it’s good business’ – focuses on increasing employment and economic participation of people with disability.”
Sports and Spinal Kawana works closely with their patients to increase their health and well-being to build community, social and economic participation 😃
Check out our range of classes ran by our exercise physiologists and physiotherapists via our bio 🙌🏻
#sportsandspinal #disabilityactionweek #alliedheath #exercisephysiology #physiotherapy #exercise #gym #disbaility #disabilityawareness #ndisprovider #ndis #ndisaustralia
Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅
▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)
Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour.
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!
* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative
Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g
Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅
▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)
Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour.
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!
* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative
Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙
➡️ Swipe to see the men of Sports and Spinal Kawana show the love 💙
“November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Men’s mental health in Australia presents some scary statistics, with 1 in 8 men experiencing depression and 7 men committing suicide a day.
Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from mental health issues than those who are active. Exercise can do incredible things for your mental health as it releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain that help improve your mood and mindset.
Exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help improve your mental health, and it can have a long-lasting effect on your overall health too.
However, exercise and movement are only so powerful.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional. There are many confidential helplines you can reach out to such as Lifeline and Beyond” (@exerciseright_aus).
#sportsandspinal #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #exercisemotivation #alliedhealth #physiotherapy #exercisephysiology
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙
➡️ Swipe to see the men of Sports and Spinal Kawana show the love 💙
“November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Men’s mental health in Australia presents some scary statistics, with 1 in 8 men experiencing depression and 7 men committing suicide a day.
Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from mental health issues than those who are active. Exercise can do incredible things for your mental health as it releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain that help improve your mood and mindset.
Exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help improve your mental health, and it can have a long-lasting effect on your overall health too.
However, exercise and movement are only so powerful.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional. There are many confidential helplines you can reach out to such as Lifeline and Beyond” (@exerciseright_aus).
#sportsandspinal #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #exercisemotivation #alliedhealth #physiotherapy #exercisephysiology
Disability Action Week! 👩🦽
All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!
Disability Action Week! 👩🦽
All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!
Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!
Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠
Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!
Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!
Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠
Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!
✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨
THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯♀️
At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕
“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼♀️
That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾♀️
Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect.
The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational
PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums
✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨
THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯♀️
At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕
“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼♀️
That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾♀️
Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect.
The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational
PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums