Pooja is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist (AN), specialising in fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health nutrition. She is known for her evidence-based, compassionate approach to care and her unwavering commitment to empowering women through the power of nutrition.
With a strong academic foundation and advanced training in reproductive and hormonal health, Pooja has completed specialist education in fertility nutrition, pregnancy nutrition, and PCOS management. She is a proud member of Dietitians Australia and actively contributes to several national leadership committees within the profession.
Pooja’s experience spans across diverse healthcare settings—from clinical hospitals to corporate wellness and private practice. She has worked with some of Australia’s leading health organisations, including Medibank, Bupa, MyHealth, and Western Health, where she serves as an Antenatal Dietitian.
With a strong interest in scientific integrity, Pooja has been actively involved in clinical research and co-authored publications in the field of nutrition and health. Her work is grounded in the latest nutritional science, and she continues to stay at the forefront of research by engaging in ongoing professional development, advanced trainings, and evidence-based practice.
Today, she brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to her work—offering highly personalised, holistic care that supports individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood and beyond.
Qualifications
Specialist Training in PCOS Nutrition for Dietitians
Specialist Training in Fertility Nutrition for Dietitians
Specialist training pregnancy nutrition for dietitian
Registered member of the Dietitians Australia
Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice from Bond University
Bachelor of Human Nutrition from La Trobe university
Certificate IV in Fitness
Certificate III in Fitness
Multilingual
Native: English, Gujarati, Hindi. Intermediate: Punjabi, Marathi, Urdu
Get to know me
Welcome to this little corner of the internet where plant-based nutrition meets women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy – and where science and soul come together. 🌿💫
Hey there, I’m Pooja! A true-blue Melburnian with a deep love for coffee, the ocean, and good food (self-proclaimed culinary queen over here! 😉). I’m also a yogi, a creative spirit, a fiercely loyal friend, and yep… a hopeless romantic at heart! 💕
I was born and raised in incredible India – a place bursting with culture, colour, tradition, and the magic of Ayurveda and yoga. Food has always been more than just fuel for me – it’s love, it’s connection, it’s joy. Growing up on a plant-based diet was simply our way of life, and it laid the foundation for everything I do today.
I moved to Australia at a young age, and after almost 20 years, this beautiful country is well and truly home. 🇦🇺✨
So whether you’re here to support your hormones, boost your fertility, nourish your pregnancy, or simply eat more intuitively on a plant-based lifestyle – I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to the PBN family 💚
My story, My “WHY”…
Welcome to my heart and soul…
After navigating my own health and fertility challenges, I chose to dedicate my career to supporting others on their reproductive journeys. It’s a mission close to my heart because I’ve lived through it myself.
Early in my career, I was a corporate professional, climbing the ladder of success. I thrived in my role, but at a cost—I had unknowingly put my health on the back burner. Long hours, poor food choices, skipped meals, and relentless stress wreaked havoc on my body. Sedentary days and a fast-paced lifestyle led to weight gain, constant fatigue, low self-esteem, and hair loss. Despite feeling exhausted and drained, I continued working 10-12 hours a day, chasing promotions at the expense of my well-being.
When my husband and I decided to start a family, I naively believed it would happen quickly and easily. But reality hit hard—our journey to parenthood wasn’t as straightforward as we had hoped. After various medical tests, I was diagnosed with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, fatty liver disease, and severe microcytic anemia—all in my early 30s. My doctors warned that conceiving would be difficult if I didn’t change my lifestyle.
It was a devastating blow. My world came crashing down. Everything felt out of control, unfair, and overwhelming. I blamed everyone but myself, and for a while, I played the victim.
But I knew something had to change—everything had to change. I needed a complete turnaround. I dove into research, searching for the “perfect diet” for my health and fertility, only to find myself lost in a sea of conflicting and confusing information. However, during this process, I discovered something powerful: the profound impact of nutrition on health and healing. That realisation was my lightbulb moment—the moment that changed the entire course of my life.
As I navigated my own health and fertility journey, I noticed that many of my friends, family members, and colleagues were struggling with similar issues—confusion, misinformation, and a lack of support. That’s when it became clear to me: this wasn’t just about me. It was a much larger issue, and I wanted to help others find the answers I was seeking.
With that, I made the life-altering decision to change careers. I left behind a stable income and returned to university as a mature student to earn the highest qualifications in nutrition. It wasn’t easy—restarting my academic journey came with its own challenges—but I knew it was the only way forward. Our dream of building a family depended on it. I completed my Master’s degree in Dietetics and pursued further training in fertility and pregnancy nutrition.
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both personally and professionally. Today, I practice what I preach—I’ve implemented the diet and lifestyle changes I advocate for in my own life. And now, with my lived experiences and professional expertise, I get to do what I love most: helping women and couples turn their dream of starting a family into a reality.
I am honoured to be part of their journey from pre-conception through pregnancy, nourishing them along the way as they welcome their little ones into the world. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
Welcome to the Powered By Nutrition family!
My mission
At Powered By Nutrition, my mission is to empower individuals and couples on their fertility and pregnancy journey through personalised, evidence-based nutrition.
I’m dedicated to supporting those on their preconception and pregnancy journey or those navigating more complex reproductive health issues such as PCOS or high-risk pregnancies to optimise their health, improve their chances of conception, and promote a thriving pregnancy and postpartum experience. Through expert guidance, education, and compassionate care, I strive to bridge the gap between science and everyday nutrition—ensuring every person feels confident, supported, and deeply nourished at every stage of their reproductive journey.
I live and breathe my Core Values:
Partnership
I believe every individual and their fertility or pregnancy journey is unique—you are unique, and so is your story. I want to be an active part of your journey by learning about your past experiences, understanding your goals, and helping you achieve the health outcomes you desire. When you work with me, we’re not just client and practitioner—we’re partners, teammates in your wellness journey.
Outcome-focused
At the end of the day, I’m invested in your success. No matter where you start, what your past journey has looked like, or what goals you have in mind, we focus together on implementation and achieving the results that matter most to you. Your wins are my wins!
Holistic & Person-centred care
I offer holistic care that goes far beyond just diet. Our bodies are intricate, interconnected systems, and hormones affect every part of that system. That’s why I take a whole-person approach in my practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan here. I consider everything—your nutrition, medical history, family background, lab results, deficiencies, lifestyle, cultural beliefs, food preferences, and even your work-life balance. All these factors are integrated into a bespoke Nutrition Implementation Plan tailored uniquely for you.
Commitment to excellence &
science-based approach
As a clinician, I am deeply committed to providing care that is grounded in the latest scientific research. I spend countless hours each year—and even each week—studying the newest findings, taking advanced courses, and attending workshops to ensure my knowledge and skills remain up-to-date. You deserve nothing but the best, and I strive for excellence in all that I do.
Empowerment
My mission is to equip you with powerful knowledge, education, and skills that last a lifetime. I don’t just tell you what to eat; I teach you how to nourish yourself and your family confidently. Through this, you feel empowered and in control of your health, making choices that sustain long-term wellness.
Ethical & inclusive
I practice with the principle of Ahimsa, believing in compassion and respect for all living beings. As a plant-focused practitioner, I believe humans are interconnected with the environment and other living creatures, and we must treat all beings with respect and dignity. As a person of color and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, I create a space where all are welcome—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, ability, gender, or sexual orientation. You are accepted and celebrated as you are!