
Hi, I’m Maria – I’m here to help you feel at home with food again.
I’m a Greek registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience, specialising in women’s health and Mediterranean nutrition. I’ve been living in the UK since 2017 with my family, and I understand firsthand the challenges of maintaining healthy eating and cultural food traditions whilst living abroad.
Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes, managing PCOS, preparing for pregnancy, or simply want to build sustainable healthy habits and find the weight that’s right for you, I’m here to support you with evidence-based guidance that respects both your body and your culture.
My Story
I began my career in 2004 at UCL Institute of Child Health, working on the MEND research programme. Over the years, I collaborated with Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital in Athens (childhood obesity clinic), ran a busy private practice in Athens for 10 years, and worked as an eating disorders dietitian in the NHS – supporting individuals with complex relationships with food. I also served as a research consultant for various organisations.
Over these 20+ years, I’ve published peer-reviewed research, completed specialised training in intuitive eating and eating disorders, and continuously updated my knowledge to provide the highest standard of care.
But what truly drives my work is this: I know what it’s like to be far from home, trying to maintain your health and connection to your food culture whilst adapting to life in a new country. As a Greek woman, mum of two, and now navigating perimenopause myself, I understand the unique challenges we face – juggling family, health, hormonal changes, and trying to maintain our wellbeing through it all. I’m not just researching these topics; I’m living them alongside you. And I’m passionate about helping women like us thrive, not just survive.
My Approach
My philosophy combines three key elements:
Evidence-Based Nutrition
Everything I recommend is grounded in current research and over 20 years of clinical experience. No fads, no trends, just proven approaches that work.
Mediterranean Diet Principles
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most researched eating patterns for health and longevity. I help you embrace these principles in a way that works for life abroad – practical, realistic, and sustainable.
Cultural Understanding
I get it. Greek food culture, family dynamics, social eating, the desire to maintain traditions whilst living abroad. I understand these challenges because I live them too. My support is tailored to real life, not textbook ideals.
I don’t believe in restrictive diets, food rules, or quick fixes. I believe in building a healthy, sustainable relationship with food – where you feel confident, satisfied, and in control, without guilt or deprivation.
Who I Work With
I specialise in supporting Greek diaspora women (and anyone interested in Mediterranean approaches) through four key areas:
🌸 Perimenopause & Menopause Support
Managing weight changes, mood, sleep, brain fog and low energy through hormonal transitions – without losing yourself in the process.
🌿 PCOS Support
Managing insulin resistance, irregular cycles, weight, and PCOS symptoms through sustainable Mediterranean nutrition.
🤰 Fertility & Perinatal Support
Supporting women trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum – optimising fertility, managing pregnancy nutrition and symptoms, and supporting postpartum recovery through evidence-based Mediterranean diet principles.
⚖️ Lifestyle Nutrition
Sustainable weight management, improved energy, and lifelong healthy habits through – for anyone ready to ditch diets and embrace balance.
My Credentials
Education:
- BSc (Hons) Dietetics – Harokopio University, Athens (2000-2004, graduated with distinction)
- MSc Nutrition – King’s College London (graduated with distinction)
Professional Experience:
- 20+ years as registered dietitian-nutritionist
- YourGreekDietitian online practice (specialising in women’s health)
- NHS Eating Disorders Dietitian and Deputy Professional Head of Dietetics
- Research Consultant for various organisations throughout career
- Former: Paediatric Dietitian, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, Athens (Obesity Clinic)
- Former: Private practice in Athens (10 years)
- Former: Research Dietitian, UCL Institute of Child Health (MEND programme)
Professional Memberships:
- British Dietetic Association (BDA) – Registered Member
- Mental Health Specialist Group – BDA
- Women’s Health and Fertility Specialist Group – BDA
- Freelance Dietitians Specialist Group – BDA
Specialised Training (selectively):
- Intuitive Eating
- Eating Disorders
- Low FODMAP Diet
- Body Image (ongoing)
Research & Publications:
- Author of peer-reviewed publications in nutrition research
Why Work With Me?
✓ 20+ years of experience across research, clinical practice, and private practice
✓ Specialised in women’s health – I understand the unique nutritional needs through hormonal changes, PCOS, fertility, pregnancy, and beyond
✓ Greek diaspora focus – I understand maintaining food culture whilst living abroad because I live it myself
✓ Evidence-based approach – no fads, no trends, just proven nutrition science
✓ Mediterranean diet expertise – helping you embrace traditional eating patterns in modern life
✓ Bilingual support – sessions in Greek or English, whatever feels most comfortable
✓ Realistic and sustainable – no restrictive diets, no deprivation, just balanced approaches that work long-term
✓ Professionally recognised – BDA member with specialist group memberships in Mental Health, Women’s Health & Fertility, and Freelance practice
✓ Personal understanding – As a Greek mum abroad navigating perimenopause, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience
My Values
Honesty: I’ll always be honest about what nutrition can and cannot do. I won’t make promises I can’t keep.
Respect: Your body, your choices, your culture, your life circumstances – all respected and honoured in my approach.
Sustainability: Quick fixes don’t work. I’m here to help you build habits that last a lifetime.
Compassion: I understand that food is complicated – emotionally, culturally, physically. There’s no judgement here.
Excellence: I continuously invest in learning and development to provide the best possible care.
Let’s Connect
Ready to work together? Book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.
Want to learn more about me professionally? Find me on LinkedIn
📱 WhatsApp: +447379130860
📧 Email: hello@yourgreekdietitian.com
📞 UK: +447379130860 | 📞 Greece: +306982207791
Collaborations
As part of my commitment to supporting clients, I collaborate with trusted professionals who share my values and approach.

Dr Harish Bhandari – Jiva Fertility
I’m currently working alongside Dr Harish Bhandari, Consultant Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist & Sub-Specialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery and founder of Jiva Fertility. His holistic, evidence-based approach complements the work I do with clients who are trying to conceive or navigate fertility challenges, as well as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Dr Bhandari qualified as a doctor more than 25 years ago & has over 15 years’ experience in managing individuals & couples with fertility problems. He provides evidence-based fertility and gynaecology care in NHS & private hospitals. He has a distinctive ability to understand each patient’s needs & provide them personalised care.
He was awarded ‘Doctor of Medicine’ by the University of Warwick for his research defining Peri-implantation Endometrium. He has authored numerous medical publications, and book chapters & frequently speaks at national & international conferences, which highlight his commitment to advancing reproductive medicine. His commitment to patient-centred care, research & training has earned him leadership roles in various Fertility Societies.

Katerina Panoutsopoulou – Systemic & Family Psychotherapist
I collaborate with Katerina Panoutsopoulou, a highly experienced Systemic and Family Psychotherapist supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s emotional challenges.
With over 20 years’ experience in the UK and Greece, Katerina offers in-person and online therapy in both Greek and English, specialising in anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and disordered eating. Her compassionate, holistic approach aligns with my work around food, body image, and emotional wellbeing.




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