Arlene Normand
Professional Profile
-
Bio
Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last 17 years.
She has dealt with thousands of clients from all walks of life, all of whom have a common goal – to lose weight. Most medical conditions she deals with tend to focus on correcting people’s eating habits and weight loss. For example, high blood pressure is often linked to obesity, so losing weight and increasing levels of physical activity are important.
Arlene focuses on assisting people with high cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure concerns, obesity, gastro-intestinal problems and associated conditions.
Arlene has written a book on weight loss – “The 10 Commandments of Losing Weight”, and continually writes articles for many magazines, internet sites and newspapers. She has featured numerous times on Television and Radio, discussing nutrition related health issues. - Areas Of Interest Weight Management Fitness Nutrition and Healthy Eating Obesity Vegetarian Eating
Answers contributed by Arlene Normand
-
I have high cholesterol and I want to know if I can use olive oil in my cooking and salad dressing?
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and it is thought to have a cardio-protective effect as opposed to saturated fat (found in meat, chicken, dairy products and coconut milk, for example) which has damaging effect. ... read more -
How do I raise my iron levels permanently?
Iron deficiency is a common problem with people who are initially diagnosed with celiac disease. However, once they are on a gluten-free diet and the small intestine has returned to normal, the iron requirements would ... read more -
How can I lose weight after a hip replacement?
It is important that you control your weight to prevent extra stress on you hip. I suggest you consult a dietitian about your diet as you might be consuming healthy food, but eating too much ... read more -
How do I lose weight while on anti-depressants?
Unfortunately one of the side effects of most antidepressants is weight gain. However this can be combatted with correct eating habits and exercise. Antidepressants tend to slow down your metabolic rate so often it is ... read more -
How common is obesity in Australia?
Australia is today ranked as one of the fattest nations in the developed world. The prevalence of obesity in Australia has more than doubled in the past 20 years.Here is a round up of Australian ... read more -
What health concerns are associated with obesity?
Obesity can bring many health hazards. Heart disease, heart attacks strokes, Type 2 Diabetes are complicated by obesity. In fact gaining weight can precipitate developing Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity can lead to complications such as ... read more -
Why is it so difficult for me to lose weight?
You have to look at your body shape. There are many types of shapes - some of us are larger boned and will never have a slim svelte body shape. If you are exercising, and ... read more -
Where do you draw the line between being overweight and obese?
One method you can determine if you are overweight or obese is by using the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by the following ofrmula: BMI = weight (in kilograms) \ height (in metres) ... read more -
Will dieting help me lose weight?
You have to stop dieting and make it a lifestyle. To lose weight you have to change your eating and eercise patterns . To maintain your weight loss you have to maintain the new eating ... read more -
What are the nutrition guidelines for a pregnant women?
Despite the common idea that women need to 'eat for two' when pregnant. there is actually only a small number of extra calories needed in pregnancy. No extra calories are needed during the first 28 ... read more -
Are egg yolks bad for you?
Egg consumption is fine!!! Both the white and the yolk. Numerous arguments have been made against eggyolks in the past, but in more recent studies there is agreement that in moderation eggs are acceptable. I ... read more -
What are some of the negative side effects of a low-carb diet?
Most high protein, low carb diets are higher in fat and saturated fats. They avoid certain vegetables, whole grains and fruits - a risky approach, since unprocessed produce is packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and ... read more -
Is sugar bad for you?
Honey is like liquid sugar with a few trace elements. Certain honey types, eg Manuka honey are supposed to have healing powers for example if you put them on wounds. Sugar is basically empty calories ... read more -
How do I know if im eating the right quantity?
Australian portions are too large so we have become accustomed to eating too much. Your meal should consist of protein (meat, chicken, fish, eggs. lentils), carbohydrate, veges and salad. Serving sizes vary per person, gender, ... read more -
What is the best way to detox?
I am thrilled to see you have given up smoking - that is the first step in detoxing, the next is eliminating alcohol. Living in a healthy balanced way is the best advice I can ... read more -
Should I be taking vitamins and supplements?
It is ideal to get your vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet. If you have restricted eating you often do need to take a supplement. For example a vegan would need to take vitamin ... read more -
Do carbohydrates make you gain weight?
Carbohydrates don't make you gain weight if you eat the correct portions and select unrefined, unprocessed carbohydrates. Never blacklist individual foods or entire food groups from your diet, unless you have a food intolerance or ... read more -
How can I stop myself from overeating?
Eating is a most pleasurable activity - it is relaxing, tastes good, pleasant way to socialise - but you do not have to overeat to enjoy food. You have to be mindful when you eat. ... read more -
Does skipping breakfast affect my weight?
Never skip breakfast. "Break your fast" after sleep and start your metabolism for the day. The variety for breakfast is limitless. If you want something quick to do the trick grab a yoghurt or a ... read more -
What can I do for my depressed cousin?
It appears that your cousin should be under professional counselling - firstly to deal with her psychological problems and secondly how to overcome her weight issues. Whoever precribed her with medication should also advise her ... read more -
Does menopause cause weight gain?
When menopause strikes your metabolsm does slow down. You also can lose muscle mass if you do not exercise regularly. Yo should partake in both aerobic and resistance exercise. You have to watch your portions ... read more -
What's the best diet for a PCOS sufferer?
ANyone with PCO'S must exercise regularly, watch portion sizes and try to eat unprocessed food. Must watch their carbohydrate intake and try have wholegrain not white sugary and fatty foods. Keeping to a good weight ... read more -
Do the same principles apply for men and women when trying to shed excess kgs?
The same principles apply to men and women. Energy in versus energy out. Eat regularly but make better choices and reduce your portion sizes, and partake in regular exercise. read more -
What is a realistic amount of weight to lose each week?
You should be aiming to lose 1/2 - 1 kg per week. A good average is to look at your weight monthly, and a healthy weight loss which can be sustained is 2-2.5kg per month. read more -
Will eating less make me loose weight?
You can eat everything if you keep your portions small. Put everything you eat on one plate so that you can view the portions you are consuming. Consider what is on your plate, not just ... read more -
Does green tea have as much caffeine as coffee?
Green tea appears to boost metabolism slightly, but nobody has documented that drinking it helps people to lose weight. Only one published study, a Swiss trial conducted on 10 men, has tested the effect of ... read more -
After school snacks for teens.
Fruit is a great choice. Many children enjoy a sandwich or melted cheese with tomato on toast. Dried fruit and nuts. I often give my children sushi. In the cold weather soup is great, or ... read more -
Acne and lactose intollerance
You can often tolerate yoghurt and mature cheddar cheese in limited amounts as most of the lactose has been broken down. Lactose in small amounts when eaten with other foods might be tolerated - you ... read more -
Is there a special diet that helps to lower blood pressure?
Hi Carol I do not have any facts about your dad, but I would initially advise him to attain a weight that is within the healthy weight range. He might have to make changes to ... read more -
I am 24 years old with severe PCOS. Can I have children naturally?
HI Amy Have you seem a gynaecologist? I have seen numerous girls your age that have lost weight with PCO's. Often you need to be put on medication like metformin which assists with weight loss. ... read more -
I was diagnosed with Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome when I was 16 years old, I am now 24 and I have NEVER been able to lose weight and keep it off.
It is extremely difficult to lose weight with PCO's. You must ensure that you keep your portions small and start doing regular exercise. It would help for you to see a professional dietitian to give ... read more