About

Transforming Lives Through Integrative Nutrition

I'm a clinical registered dietitian with extensive clinical, industry, and teaching experience, dedicated to transforming lives through integrative nutrition. I started BetterEat Nutrition more than 25 years ago as a way to move away from rigid symptom driven nutritional intervention and treatment and 'diet' handout based therapy which was standard at the time - long before we had the world wide web. I continue to endevour to create a dedicated space where people that need help can access expert - not dogma driven - nutrition support through one on one consultation.

Through a blend of modalities including diagnostic assessment using biochemical and nutrigenomic analysis and holistic health principles, a nutritional diagnosis is made. Then, an individualised plan is developed. This comprehensive plan may include targeted nutrient therapy and expert prescription of bioactive food ingredients to promote healing, prevent or treat disease and optimise wellbeing. 

My Journey

With over 30 years in practice, my journey started at the University of Stellenbosch and led to establishing a thriving multi-center practice in Cape Town with primary offices in Paarl. I became a recognized expert through media appearances, publications, and consulting work with major corporations like premium foods retailer Woolworths South Africa and leading private medical insurers.

After relocating to the UK in 2020 to support personal family circumstances, I worked in the NHS as a specialist diabetes and weight management dietitian.

Since 2022, I've served as Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, where I have been module lead and Course Director for the Improving Diabetes Care postgraduate program.  I continue to teach and work across Warwick Medical School. Despite the last few years of change, I've continued my international private practice working one-on-one with clients around the world.

My Philosophy

I believe nutrition is a powerful catalyst for health change. True healing and optimum wellness happen when we understand the intricate dance between lifestyle, genetics, personal circumstances, medication, nutrient imbalances, and even subtle energetic influences. There's no "perfect diet" or lifestyle —only a lifelong journey of learning, adapting, and honoring what your body truly needs - throughout our lifespan. And this might change.

If you're here to take the next step in your journey - whether it is to manage existing conditions or optimize preventative care,  I'm here to walk it with you and provide you with professional guidance in nutritional therapy, disease management and evidence-based dietary strategies.

I look forward to working with you.

Mariza van Zyl RD(SA) RD(UK)