Femme Philosophy

At Femme Nutrition Australia, Janelle understands the challenges we face in aiming for optimal health during our busy lives. The Femme Philosophy is not about quick fixes but a subtle journey towards long term health and well being. Below are Janelle’s considerations to various factors during consultations, recognising that barriers can often hinder our health choices. Australia's Eating Guide (The 5 Food Groups) creates challenges and confusion for us and excludes some of Australia’s diverse cultures, as well as with the availability of packaged foods sometimes being cheaper than fruits and veggies food. Our fast paced lives make it difficult to prioritise cooking with whole foods and spending quality time with family or friends, especially with the need to work more due to the rising cost of living. However, Janelle believes in finding a balance between whole foods and convenience foods, making it achievable for everyone.

WAY OF LIFE

Femme’s philosophy is to support and encourage women to try new foods and include some whole foods from their cultural backgrounds to reconnect with the dietary practices of their ancestors. The word ‘diet’ derives from the Greek word ‘diaita’ (δῐ́αιτᾰ), meaning way of life/way of living. Janelle educates about “fad dieting” and moves away from the quick fix approach. Health is not about how we look but how we feel. The aim is long-term and permanent results… so we then feel like we have the time, interest and energy to cook with wholesome foods.

MODERN ADVERTISING

The pervasive influence of modern Western food advertising has disconnected us from our intuition and the passing down traditional food knowledge which distances us away from seasonal foods. Junk food advertising predominantly target children and individuals with lower incomes. Currently, between 90 – 95 % of Australians do not eat 5 to 6 servings of vegetables per day, and between 40 – 55 % of Australians do not consume 2 serves of fruit per day. These statistics contradict what we are aiming for health wise. We want to eat healthy and yet most advertisements are for unhealthy and processed foods. Focusing just on this issue alone is not enough …

DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

At Femme Nutrition Australia, Janelle combines her growing knowledge in clinical nutrition with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness with determinants of health. Her approach includes evidence-based practices, nutritional rights, intersectional feminism, minimalism, whole-foods plant-based (WFPB) nutrition, mindset and lifestyle. She believes that by addressing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, she can support them in achieving optimal well-being and contribute to creating a healthier and more just world.

The worldwide determinants of health are:

  • the social environment

    - Do you have a welcoming friendship circle? Do you have a healthy support system?

  • the economic environment

    - Do you have a secure income? Are you able to expand in your business?

  • the physical environment

    - Do you have shelter? Do you feel safe at home? Is there enough fresh air flowing through your home?

  • the person's individual characteristics

    - Do you know who you are and what makes you tick? Do you know where your ancestors are from? …characteristics are not something you can change but you can get to know about yourself.

  • the person's individual behaviours

    - Are their behaviours we can work on that benefit your future? …behaviours are something you can change.

 SELF-SUPPORT

Janelle's philosophy at Femme Nutrition Australia encompasses self-actualisation, personal growth and the importance of developing one's own unique expression and potential, both physically and mentally. She encourages the idea of adaptability and flexibility in all aspects of life, supporting individuals to be okay with where they are at and embrace holistic approaches to nutritional and lifestyle development by integrating the mind and body.

SUPPORTIVE SPACE

By providing a supportive and inclusive space, Janelle creates an environment where clients can explore their health journeys, practice self-support and experience personal growth. She is dedicated to holding space for individuals, respecting and honouring diverse identities and lived experiences. Her commitment to nutritional activism and community involvement is her belief that positive change happens through collective action.

HEALING ONE FEMME AT A TIME

In the context of clinical nutrition and addressing the underrepresentation of all women in nutritional health (in the sense of, most nutritional/sports studies were on male cohorts, which do not have accurate outcomes for female body systems), Janelle uses the term "femme" to emphasise the focus on a woman's long term health and well being. This specialised approach acknowledges and addresses the nutritional needs and challenges faced by women. By incorporating the term "femme" into the field of clinical nutrition, Janelle highlights the importance of studying and understanding the specific health concerns, hormonal changes and dietary considerations that impact women's health throughout their lives. It serves as a reminder to prioritise women's health and to ensure that research, education and clinical practices in nutrition are inclusive and responsive to the needs of women.