Lets get to know each other!

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The Ostomate Nutritionist

Hi, I’m Ann-Marie. I became an ostomate in 2020, weeks after the birth of my first baby. My ileostomy was created due to severe acute ulcerative colitis. From the moment I was handed an A4 sheet with β€œfoods to avoid” in hospital, I knew there was a huge gap and lack of understanding in helping ostomates with their nutritional goals while navigating this β€œnew normal”. My background in nutrition allowed me to focus directly on nutrition for ostomates and J-pouchers and in 2023, Nua Nutrition the home of The Ostomate Nutritionist was born.

Nua

- β€˜new’ in Irish to reflect this new way of living

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Living with an ileostomy or J-pouch comes with unique challenges, and nutrition advice is often confusing, conflicting, or simply not designed for your reality.

At Nua Nutrition, I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your body, your surgery, your symptoms, and your lifestyle are unique. That's why I provide practical, personalised nutrition support that meets you where you are.

My approach combines evidence-based nutrition with real-world strategies that help you:

βœ“ Build confidence around food after surgery

βœ“ Manage common challenges such as high output, dehydration, blockages, gas, and unpredictable bowel function

βœ“ Expand your diet safely and comfortably

βœ“ Optimise your energy, hydration, and overall wellbeing

βœ“ Create sustainable eating habits that fit your life

Whether you're newly adjusting to life with an ostomy or have been living with one for years, my goal is to help you move from fear and uncertainty around food to confidence and freedom.

Together, we'll develop a nutrition plan that supports your health, respects your individual needs, and helps you get back to living life fully.

Nutrition matters for ostomates.

Why Me?

When it comes to nutrition after ostomy surgery, generic advice often falls short.

As The Ostomate Nutritionist, I specialise in supporting people living with ileostomies and J-pouches. This isn't just one area of interest among manyβ€”it's my focus.

I understand the questions, concerns, and challenges that can come with life after ostomy or J-pouch surgery:

β€’ What foods can I safely eat?
β€’ How do I manage high output?
β€’ Why am I struggling with hydration?
β€’ How do I get enough nutrition without triggering symptoms?
β€’ Will I ever feel confident around food again?

My role is to help you find answers that are practical, evidence-based, and tailored to your individual needs. After being handed a sheet of the do’s and don’ts to eat after ostomy surgery, I realised the huge gap in dietary and nutrition after care, education and guidance for ostomates. My passion to help people like me grew from there. I want to ensure you live a great life and nourish your body with this β€˜new normal’.

I get it and understand. I can support and guide you through your nutrition challenges because I’ve lived it too.

Close-up of a person's midsection wearing a light sweater and dark pants with a drawstring, showing a stoma bag attached to their abdomen.

Living with an ostomy can feel overwhelming at times. You'll receive support that is understanding, judgement-free, and focused on helping you regain confidence around food.

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Masters in Research Nutrition

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Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nutritional Science

Member of The Nutrition Society of Australia

I remember the surgeon standing at the end of my bed and uttering the words of "removing your colon will cure you". I was naive and believed him. Although it did save me, my stoma came with its own challenges that were, at times, difficult
In case you needed a reminder, you can thrive with an ileostomy or J-pouch. At first, it can be overwhelming, and there are bumps along the way. Lots of figuring things out, learning new ways to eat, readjusting, and adapting. But I always maintain
Fibre. One of the biggest challenges when reintroducing foods and often the one food type ostomates fear the most. We are often told to follow a low fibre diet, especially post surgery. But did you know there are many different types of fibre? And s
πŸ’¨ Ever woken up to a bag full of wind? Or had a blow out because of it? Or maybe had some urgency because of the build up in your pouch...(not to mention the sounds it can make!) πŸŒ‹πŸ˜… Gas can cause issues for ostomates and often results in those t
I often recommend an ORS as a useful tool in an ostomates tool box. πŸ’¦It can help replace electrolytes lost in sweat, or more commonly for ostomates, in loose output or loose bowel movements to treat & prevent dehydration. πŸ’¦If you struggle w