Meet Kristina – Rocky Bay Dietitian

Kristina Davey is Rocky Bay’s newest Dietitian, and has been partnering with our customers since late 2021 to support them in reaching their nutritional goals.

Kristina has many years of experience in the disability sector in particular, and works alongside individuals to help them better understand their dietary needs, empowering them with the knowledge to make positive changes to their health.

Get to know Kristina and her role as a Rocky Bay Dietitian a little better with our Q&A!

Kristina has also shared one of her favourite easy to make, healthy recipes – Mexican bean wraps. See below!

Describe what a typical day looks like for you?

I run dietetic clinics across various Rocky Bay hubs, conduct consults and then prepare any resources to assist customers in reaching their goals.

Tell us more about your experience?

I have worked in the disability sector for four years, mostly working alongside adults with intellectual disabilities. Previously I worked in private practice, aged care and in a mental health ward.

How can you support people as a Dietician?

I can help individuals to improve their health and wellbeing by making positive changes to their diet.

My goal is to help customers better understand their dietary needs to empower them to make positive changes by giving them individualised support. I can assist with losing or gaining weight, diabetes management, improving bowel health, helping ‘fussy’ eaters better meet their nutritional requirements, and reviewing enteral nutrition plans.

I also work with individuals who have specific dietary requirements to ensure that they are consuming foods that meet their body’s needs, while preventing nutritional deficiencies.

What do you love most about your role?

 I love seeing our customers reach their goals!

What do you love to do in your free time?

I love spending time with my 13-month-old son, and when I get the chance I like to bake and decorate cakes.

What are three things you can’t live without and why?

1. Coffee: I look forward to this every morning and it puts me in a good mood to start the day!
2. Cuddles from my kitty when I get home
3. Coastal walks on my day off – I love getting some fresh air and getting out of the house.

Plant based diets – Kristina’s healthy recipe

Including plant-based meals is an excellent way to increase your daily veggie intake, and they are also packed with vitamins and minerals. They are high in fibre that can help to keep you full and help to promote gut health.

Plant based proteins are often long-life and can be much cheaper to prepare than meat dishes. Simple tips for plant-based meals include swapping meat for tofu, beans or legumes (lentils or chickpeas). Even halving your meat intake and replacing with lentils once a week can be beneficial.

Mexican bean Wraps – serves 6 (Livelighter.com.au)

Ingredients

• olive or canola oil spray
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1 x 400g can no-added-salt diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 x 400g can no-added-salt red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 x 400g can no-added-salt brown lentils, drained and rinsed
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 12 lettuce leaves, shredded
• 6 tortillas

Method

1. Spray a large non-stick saucepan with oil and place on medium to high heat

2. Cook onion for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally

3. Add spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant

4. Add zucchini, carrot, corn kernels, canned tomatoes, lentils and beans

5. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or longer if time permits, stirring occasionally until thickened

6. If desired, heat tortillas in the microwave for 1 minute on HIGH, or according to packet instructions

7. To serve, top each tortilla with bean mix, tomato and lettuce, then roll up to enclose filling.

Buon appetite!