At Women's Fitness Education, we know that women’s health needs are often overlooked in traditional fitness education. That’s why we were thrilled to chat with Gia Stewart, an award-winning dietitian, accredited health coach, and former personal trainer, who has dedicated her practice to supporting women’s health through fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. Gia’s insights into how nutrition can support women’s unique health journeys are invaluable for personal trainers aiming to provide the best care for their clients.

From Personal Trainer to Dietitian: Gia’s Journey

Gia’s path to becoming a dietitian wasn’t straightforward. Like many in the fitness industry, she started as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor. However, she felt there was more to learn to truly support her clients, particularly women. Inspired by the stories of her clients and the gaps in available information, Gia returned to university as a mature-age student to study nutrition and dietetics.

“Women have so much history around their bodies,” Gia explained, “but we don’t often have enough understanding of what’s happening internally. I wanted to know more to support them better.”

Six years later, Gia began her career as a dietitian, focusing on women’s health. Today, she operates her practice in Kiama, NSW, where she also collaborates with pelvic pain clinics and runs workshops alongside women’s health physios.

Understanding Endometriosis: Nutrition and Advocacy

Endometriosis is a condition many women suffer from, but diagnosis often takes years. Gia emphasized the importance of recognising symptoms and advocating for better care.

“If pain is stopping a woman from living her life, it needs to be investigated,” Gia said.

Gia supports women in reducing inflammation through diet. Although surgery is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, nutrition plays a vital role in managing symptoms. Gia tailors her approach to each woman’s needs, emphasising that there’s no one-size-fits-all diet.

The Role of Anti-Inflammatory Diets

Gia highlighted the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, for women dealing with chronic conditions like endometriosis and those going through perimenopause.

“The Mediterranean diet is one of the most researched diets in the world,” she noted. “It’s rich in vegetables, good fats like extra virgin olive oil, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish.”

Gia recommends practical ways to incorporate more vegetables and good fats into meals. For example, adding a lettuce leaf to a sandwich or a handful of frozen cauliflower to a smoothie can help women increase their intake without feeling overwhelmed.

Perimenopause and Menopause: Supporting Women Through Transition

Perimenopause can last up to a decade and brings a host of symptoms that impact a woman’s health and wellbeing. Gia shared that many women struggle with weight gain, particularly around the midsection, during this phase.

“Women’s hormones are on a rollercoaster during perimenopause,” Gia explained. “We need to focus on symptom management and ensuring women get the right nutrients to support their changing bodies.”

She advises women to increase their protein intake throughout the day, not just at dinner, to help manage weight and maintain muscle mass. Gia also encourages women to prioritise self-care, reminding them that addressing stress and getting adequate sleep are just as important as diet and exercise.

Practical Nutrition Tips for Fitness Professionals

Personal trainers often want to provide holistic care for their clients but may hesitate to give specific nutrition advice. Gia emphasised the importance of collaboration between fitness professionals and dietitians.

“Having a dietitian in your network means you can offer your clients a more comprehensive approach to their health,” Gia said.

Some practical tips Gia shared for personal trainers:

• Encourage clients to add more vegetables to their meals gradually.

• Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like extra virgin olive oil, fish, and legumes.

• Remind clients of the importance of protein throughout the day, not just at dinner.

Why Nutrition Matters in Women’s Health

Gia’s holistic approach to women’s health goes beyond simply recommending a diet. She considers each woman’s lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, and exercise routine when offering advice. Her philosophy is to add nourishing foods rather than focusing on restrictions.

For example, swapping deli meats for tinned fish or adding lentils to a meat sauce can reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Gia encourages women to take small, sustainable steps to improve their diet and wellbeing.

Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health

Gia’s passion for women’s health advocacy is evident in her work. She encourages women to trust their instincts and seek help if something doesn’t feel right with their bodies.

“If a woman feels that something isn’t right and isn’t getting the support she needs from her GP, she should seek a second opinion,” Gia said.

Final Thoughts: Collaboration for Better Health Outcomes

As fitness professionals, it’s essential to recognise when our clients might need more specialised support. Collaborating with dietitians like Gia can help personal trainers offer a more rounded approach to health and fitness, particularly for women navigating hormonal changes and chronic conditions.

Where to Find Gia Stewart

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At Women’s Fitness Education, we’re committed to providing our students with the knowledge and resources to support women’s health at every stage of life. If you’re interested in learning more about our comprehensive Cert III and IV in Fitness programs, get in touch with us today.