Dr Ailwood is legally qualified and a Jane Austen expert. After completing her law degree, Dr Ailwood worked in a variety of legal professional roles, including as a graduate lawyer and knowledge consultant with Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
‘Greek Goddess of Nutrition’ joins UC
25 November 2009: The creator of the ‘10 Commandments of Mediterranean Eating’ has joined the University of Canberra as associate professor nutrition and dietetics.
Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos is available to give expert comment on a range of nutrition issues including:
- the Mediterranean diet
- diabetes
- obesity
- dieting
- heart disease/lowering cholesterol
- cooking methods and their effect on health
Dr Itsiopoulos’s previous post was as accreditation and recognition services manager with the Dietitians Association of Australia and prior to that she was the organisation’s media spokesperson.
“Obesity is major issue facing Australia, diabetes is on the rise and dieting is a global obsession – these are exciting times to be teaching, researching and discussing nutrition,” Dr Itsiopoulos said.
“I’m particularly interested in the Mediterranean diet, which was the subject of my PhD, because of my Greek heritage, but I find all aspects of nutrition fascinating and I’m delighted to bring my passion for nutrition and dietetics to the growing Faculty of Health at the University of Canberra.”
She has held academic appointments at RMIT University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne and clinical positions at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
The following 10 "commandments" form the basis of the Cretan Mediterranean diet:
- Use olive oil as the main added fat (60 mls /day)
- Eat vegetables with every meal (include 100g leafy greens and 100g tomatoes, and 200g other vegetables/day)
- Include at least two legumes meals (250g serve) per week
- Eat at least two servings of fish (150-200g serves) per week and include oily fish
- Eat meat (beef, lamb, pork and chicken) less often and not more than once per week
- Fresh Fruit everyday and dried fruit and nuts as snacks or dessert
- Eat yoghurt everyday and cheese in moderation
- Include wholegrain breads and cereals with meals
- Consume wine in moderation (1-2 glasses per day) and always with meals and don’t get drunk
- Have sweets or sweet drinks for special occasions only
