Liz Powell
Registered Dietitian
It can be difficult to implement change in our lives. Regardless of how motivated we are to make changes to our eating habits, we often don't know where to start and life can get in the way. We are also living in a world where we are bombarded with nutrition information ALL THE TIME and so much of this information is inaccurate, conflicting, and in some cases, even harmful. With all the rules of what we “should” be doing, we often lose touch with what truly makes us feel good and supports our overall well-being.
You know your body best. My goal is to provide you with evidence-based, compassionate support so that you can develop eating patterns that promote all aspects of your health and well-being. Healthy eating shouldn’t cause stress, guilt, or anxiety. This is why I practice as a non-diet, weight-inclusive dietitian. I advocate against dieting (restriction, rules and deprivation) and weight stigma because of the harms they cause to our overall well-being. Together, we can develop strategies to get you more in tune with your body, feel confident in the food choices you’re making, and promote your overall health.
Whether your goals are to improve your relationship with food, learn how to eat well with a busy schedule, manage your high cholesterol, or help alleviate unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms, I would love to work with you one-on-one to help you achieve them.
Liz's Background
I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), majoring in Dietetics. I completed my dietetic internship with the Provincial Health Services Authority, which included experience in paediatric nutrition at BC Children’s Hospital, sport nutrition with the Canadian Sports Institute, oncology nutrition at the BC Cancer Agency, and more. As a Registered Dietitian, I began my career at Vancouver General Hospital providing relief coverage in a variety of areas, including General Surgery, ICU, Burns & Trauma, Transplant, Geriatrics, Neurology, Palliative Care, and Acute Medicine. I currently work part time at Vancouver General Hospital and part time in private practice with Yaletown Nutrition. Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and baby girl, patiently awaiting the arrival of our second baby, exploring new places around the world, and trying new recipes and cuisines.
Areas of Practice include:
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Vegan & Vegetarian Diets
- Chronic Disease Management (eg. Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease)
- Oncology Nutrition
- Food Relationship
- Weight Concerns*
- Gut Health (eg. IBS, IBD, Constipation/Diarrhea, Celiac, Food Intolerances)
- Sport Nutrition & Active Living
Alexandra Haggis
Registered Dietitian
Recognizing the challenges of today’s food environment and diet culture, I practice from an anti-diet perspective. This means I will never tell you to restrict certain foods or deprive yourself in any way. I am passionate about empowering others to honour their body and hunger cues to reach a place where food no longer causes stress or anxiety. It is important to me to provide evidence-based nutrition care, while expressing empathy and compassion to each and every client.
Areas of Practice include:
- Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle
- Chronic Disease Management (Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, CKD/Dialysis, Fatty Liver Disease)
- Bone Health
- Gut Health (IBS, IBD, Celiac, Food Intolerances, Constipation/Diarrhea)
- Endocrine Disorder Management (Type 1 Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, PCOS)
- Weight Concerns*
- Plant-Based Nutrition
- Body Confidence and Food Relationship
Alex's Background
I graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, majoring in Dietetics. My dietetic internship was completed through one of the major healthcare networks in Montreal, McGill University Health Center (MUHC). I gained valuable experience in nephology, neurology, diabetes management, oncology nutrition, older adult nutrition and more. Before joining the team at Yaletown Nutrition, I worked as a Registered Dietitian at a lifestyle medicine clinic. I worked with patients looking to make diet and lifestyle modifications to help prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease rather than using pharmaceutical treatments. I have also worked in the long-term care setting where I specialized in older adult nutrition. Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with friends, working out, and dancing salsa.
What is a Dietitian?
And how are they different from other nutrition professionals?
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Nutritionist is a general term used to describe anyone who studies or has expertise in nutrition. It is important to note that the title Nutritionist is not protected or regulated, so anyone can use this title regardless of their educational level or background.
A Registered Dietitian is a nutritionist who has a degree in nutrition from an accredited university, has completed hands-on training through a comprehensive internship, and passed a registration examination. They are also required to remain in good standing with their regulatory body, with the completion of yearly continuing competency programs.
To learn more, visit Dietitians of Canada.
