Meet Sindi-Marie de Beer, who’s pretty much the neighbourhood’s dietician-next-door. There are so many reasons why she loves food. Her fave, though, is that it brings families together. We take a seat at her table to chat about the ins and outs of healthy living.
For Sindi-Marie de Beer, healthy means more than just a number on a scale. It’s about feeling good in your skin and taking care of your body so you can do all the things you love without any limitations.
From a young age, her mom instilled a love for wholesome food … and that early start built the foundation for a lifelong passion for health. By high school, Sindi-Marie knew her calling. With a love for biology and consumer studies, it’s safe to say dietetics fits her like a glove. Fast forward to 2021, and she opened her own business, Nutrition Worx SA. Today, she does it all. CEO. Receptionist. Expert. And even the occasional janitor.
‘Food doesn’t just keep us healthy … it literally keeps us alive. People don’t always realise that the world of healthy living is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. And every day, I get to meet new people. Build real connections. And watch small changes lead to big breakthroughs in the lives of my clients. Which is why I also locum for a hospital in Bedfordview, where the journey can be intense, but the rewards make it oh-so worth it.’
Her clients go to her with a mix of needs. Nutrition education. Lifestyle advice. Or sometimes just a good dose of body positivity … especially for women. Sindi-Marie is all about uncovering the root of the issue. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or medical, then working on the lasting changes.
‘Unfortunately, our main health hurdle at the moment is obesity. Largely because of busy lifestyles and quick-grab eating habits. Because let’s face it, we are living in such a fast-paced environment where it’s just easier to turn to quick fixes. Which, we all know, is not the answer. And there’s so much more to these health conditions than what scratches the surface.’
This is why she’s the go-to if you’re facing any chronic health conditions, looking to lose weight or want to try a lifestyle reset. And, she says it straight … Google and TikTok are no replacement for sound nutrition advice.
She believes that you are allowed to eat a little bit of everything … as long as it’s fresh. And to stay away from coconut oil (yep, sorry!). Her golden rules . . . small portions. Lots of variety. And aim to fill half your plate with veggies.
She’s big on busting myths, too. Like, healthy eating doesn’t mean goodbye to treats forever, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Sindi-Marie’s motto is everything in moderation. Think 80 percent nutritious choices, 20 percent indulgence. In her case that 20 percent means doughnuts. Specifically, Krispy Kreme’s cheesecake flavour. It’s like her ultimate weakness.
At home though, her friends and family know Sindi-Marie as anything but the food police. She’s down-to-earth, super bubbly, a little deurmekaar (scatterbrained in Afrikaans), and happiest at home with a braai surrounded by her favourite people.
And, when there are no people around, she loves indulging in a self-care day from time to time. It will most probably start with avocado toast, maybe a few sets of tennis, a long shower, and a movie night to wrap it all up.
To unwind, all she needs is time with her dachshunds (which she can never have enough of, btw) … it’s like every worry just melts with their wagging tails. In her free time, she’s likely on a farm walk or browsing the latest health finds at Dis-Chem. Plus, her hidden talent … whipping up a mean baked cheesecake and making up the catchiest songs for her dogs!
The way to her heart is easy. Some sushi and a trip to the bush. For Sindi-Marie it’s all about the little things. For instance, getting wonderfully lost on a hiking trail surrounded by forest. Her most spontaneous move was hiking the Amatola Trail … 100km over six days with three strangers she met on Facebook.
‘My scariest adventure, though, was hiking the dry Fish River Canyon (let’s just say dehydrating in the desert is no joke). But I would do all again and again, in the spirit of adventure and health.’
Her lifelong mission is crystal clear … helping people understand that nutrition is key and even the smallest changes can totally transform your health. It’s clear this health guru is all about balance, adventure, and making every bite count. Here’s to small changes and big impacts … one veggie-filled plate and family meal at a time.
Details: Follow @nutritionworxsa on Facebook and Insta or visit nutritionworxsa.co.za
Christmas Summer salad with citrus dressing
This salad combines vibrant colours, sweet and tangy flavours, and a delightful crunch, making it a festive and nutritious addition to any Christmas table.
You’ll need: 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and lettuce); 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced;1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese;1/4 cup toasted almond flakes or pecans;1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced.
For the citrus dressing: 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice;
1 Tbsp fresh orange juice;1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option);
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; salt and pepper to taste.
To make: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, pomegranate seeds, cucumber, and avocado slices.
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almond flakes.
For the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to combine, and enjoy!
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. Image: SUBMITTED.
