How We Work
At 121 Dietitian, we understand that we all have the best intentions when it comes to our nutrition and health. However, committing to lasting change can require specialist support. This page explains how we work with you to create practical, personalised and sustainable health improvements.
The support and advice at 121 Dietitian is not only for those with weight concerns, but also for individuals struggling with long-term health conditions. This reflects how we work – taking a comprehensive and personalised approach to your health. For example, this may include unexplained fatigue, IBS, low mood, gastrointestinal or inflammatory issues, diabetes, cancer, heart health concerns, hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, or sports performance challenges.
Most people hear the term “Dietitian” and immediately think of weight loss and lettuce leaves… boring! However, we are delighted to let you know that at 121 Dietitian, we are fun, friendly experts in nutrition and its vital role in medicine and overall health.
Importantly, we stay at the forefront of new knowledge and research, continually developing our skills. In particular, one area of focus is nutrigenomics. As a result, you will receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and bespoke advice tailored specifically to you.
Do You Need A Dietitian Referral?
Did you know you can book to see a Dietitian without a referral from your GP or consultant? This is especially important because many patients face long waiting lists. Moreover, private scans and scopes can be costly and may not be necessary at this stage – or indeed at all. This approach forms an important part of how we work, ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care without unnecessary delays.
Many of the patients we see have already paid for expensive tests, yet they receive no clear diagnosis. While it is reassuring to know nothing sinister requires treatment, this often does not resolve the ongoing symptoms. In fact, most people have a functional digestive issue that can be treated effectively through diet.
If we assess you and believe you need medical intervention, then we will direct you to the right specialist for appropriate tests. If none of the above applies to you, then you may fall into the “Check Up and Change” camp.
In this case, you do not have an existing health problem; instead, you may simply want a ‘Diet MOT’ or diet assessment for peace of mind, so that you can feel confident in your long-term health choices. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Whatever your reason for having your diet assessed, we can help. Alternatively, why not consider a loved one or friend? Simply, contact us to arrange a gift voucher.
How We Work In A 'Nutshell'
At 121 Dietitian, this is how we work: we translate evidence-based medical advice into easy-to-follow, detailed, tailor-made dietary programmes, so that you can implement clear and practical changes.
Our package options outline the fees you can expect to pay for a standard dietary concern. However, additional dietary or medical issues may require further input. Therefore, prices may vary to reflect the time and expertise required to ensure your programme is fully specific to you.
How We Work In Northern Ireland
This is the only private dietetic service of its kind in Northern Ireland, due to the level of detail we analyse and the depth of advice we provide. Importantly, we treat the whole person – not just individual symptoms – through our specialist programmes. As a result, this whole-person focus reflects how we work in practice — with depth, detail and genuine care.
We run our main clinic in Holywood, Co Down. However, we also offer worldwide online consultations, so you can access expert support wherever you are.
If you are ready to begin, then you can book today using our client portal, Practice Better. Alternatively, you can take a tour to see exactly how our portal looks and how it works.
The 121 Programmes process
The graphic below outlines the step-by-step process of a 121 Dietitian consultation, clearly showing how we work with you from initial contact and assessment to personalised programme delivery and follow-up support, therefore you know exactly what to expect.
Practice Better Booking
Join Our Team
A diverse and passionate team of specialist Dietitians makes up 121 Dietitian.
We are always keen to grow and further increase this diversity. Therefore, if you are an RD MBDA HCPC-registered Dietitian with over five years’ experience and are interested in working with our team in the UK, then please click here to register your interest.
In line with our patient confidentiality agreement, we unfortunately do not accept students for work experience; therefore, we are unable to accommodate placement requests.
We offer our packages at a set fee, as indicated and agreed at your initial appointment. However, please note that non-attendance or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will incur a fee.
Reviews
Posted on Kristen McBurneyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Gillian enough. I got in touch after struggling to lose weight due to PCOS and suffering from IBS. Thanks to Gillian, my IBS symptoms have massively reduced, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight. Her warmth makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. Gillian’s help and expertise is second to none, and she is always on hand to answer any questions. I am throughly enjoying the plan Gillian created for me and have found it easy to integrate into my everyday life. I am so grateful for the positive impact her plan has had on me.Posted on Hannah CrothersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gillian is the greatest. She is compassionate and professional, really helped me to understand my body’s function and how to best support it. Her advice has changed my life.Posted on Jay RaffertyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend Gillian. Her advice and guidance has been a game changer for me. With so much conflicting and confusing advice on healthy eating, using a professional nutritionalist is a must.Posted on Emma LaveryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I could not recommend Gillian enough over the last 3 months - she has turned my life around! I was referred to Gillian by my gastro consultant due to suffering from ibs, gastritis and hormonal issues for nearly 10 years. Gillian was very understanding and approachable throughout my time spent with her. Gillian discussed my health, lifestyle and eating habits thoroughly. She advised an individualised blood check for underlying issues, educated me on supplements and provided numerous information to help aid my recovery. The low foodmap programme I have been following is achievable and can be adapted to anyones lifestyle. As I am a vegetarian I thought this process may be difficult however Gillian reassured me that this would be no issue. She supplied personalised shopping lists, recipes and alternative foods to help heal my gut and overall health. Continual support from Gillian was on hand via email when required. I seen improvements in my symptoms within only weeks of starting the programme and was overwhelmed by the success due to suffering for years! I have been spreading the word about Gillian's brilliant work and will continue to do so! Thank you again for all your help!Posted on mick lorkinsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Strongly recommended. There are not many professionals that can totally change you life for the better but this one one if you follow the advice given.Posted on Bobby DTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For 30 years I have suffered with IBS D and have been unable to find the right specific help. I was introduced to 121 Dietician about 6 weeks ago and like all other services out there I was sceptical. First up was a consultation online which was great considering the many issues I was having going to places. Gillian listened very attentively and understood the many problems I was having. Gillian decided to introduce me to the Low FODMAP diet. Starting out she provided everything (information, shopping lists, recipes etc) to get started. Through the course of the first 6 weeks Gillian was available to answer any questions or concerns. Following the first 6 weeks I'm very happy to say that all the many problems associated with IBS have gone and I'm starting to live a normal life without any stage fright when out and about. The next 8 weeks will be the reintroduction stage but based on the knowledge from Gillian in the initial stage I'm very confident that at the end I will have full understanding of all my triggers. I can't recommend this service enough as most importantly after 30 years of severe symptoms I once again feel healthy and happy. This is a must if you suffer continually from this horrendous condition. I would be confident that this will help anyone who has IBS. For me this was the best money ever spent and I can't thank Gillian enough for the difference she has made. Roy DornanPosted on Jack KennedyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helped solve stomach issues, had previous been to several people but this was the first dietary intervention that workedPosted on Laura CampbellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After over 10 years of eating quite poorly, Gillian has completely changed my approach to food. After a consultation and review of my diet, she provided me with a list of easy and quick recipes that are packed full of nutrition. She takes into consideration your lifestyle as well which I really appreciated too. I now have much more energy and actually enjoy preparing meals now, something I never did before. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thankyou! :-)Posted on Chris ArnoldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The overall experience was a very positive one. Gillian certainly had the expertise and people skills to help evaluate and treat my daughters gut issues. The progress was quite instantaneous and over time has made a huge difference to her everyday life. Thanks to Gillian for her work which came at the end of many doctor consultations. In hindsight Gillian should have been the first port of call.Posted on Amelia TylerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gillian is great and her program was just perfect. All the meals were delicious and I always felt satisfied which made it very easy to follow. I would highly recommend, especially the 121 sports program.