I take a deeply respectful approach to the cultures I work with. My goal is to help you build a positive relationship with food, moving away from the harmful “good” vs “bad” mentality that often causes guilt and confusion. Instead, we focus on creating practical, sustainable habits that make room for healthier choices without abandoning the traditions that bring you joy. Every food can be part of a balanced lifestyle when approached with the right mindset.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with women from all walks of life, helping them with everything from weight management to managing chronic conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, and food intolerances. My true passion lies in empowering you to feel your best, both inside and out, while celebrating your heritage through food. Together, we’ll craft a personalised, culturally-inclusive plan that works with your lifestyle, not against it.
What I believe in is that sustainable, healthy eating doesn’t require sacrificing the foods that connect you to your heritage. You don’t need to give up the flavours and traditions that are meaningful to you. Together, we’ll create a personalised nutrition plan that integrates these beloved foods with balanced, long-term eating habits. There’s no need for drastic dieting or feeling deprived. The key is to find a plan that supports your health goals, fuels your body, and leaves you feeling energised, all while keeping the foods you love at the centre of your meals.
How I Got Here
A trip down memory lane
My Personal Story
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When I was 13, I gained 10kg during a challenging time in my life, and I turned to food for comfort. The turning point came when I started studying Nutrition at University. I began learning how to make my cultural meals healthier and discovered that healthy living wasn’t about extreme dieting or deprivation—it was about balance. Along the way, I embraced fitness through boxing, which taught me that exercise can be joyful and empowering.
Today, I’ve learned that weight loss and health aren’t about quick fixes or cutting out foods you love. It’s about understanding your body’s unique needs and creating lasting, sustainable habits. My journey has been full of ups and downs, but it’s taught me to appreciate my body and embrace my heritage. I’m here to guide you on your own journey to health, whether it’s losing weight, managing a health condition, or simply feeling better in your body.
My Career Story
I grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to Australia as a teenager. After completing my Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Master’s in Dietetics, I returned to Zambia, where I worked as a Clinical Nutrition Lecturer and Clinical Dietitian. My time in Zambia sparked my passion for integrating cultural foods into healthy diets, and I wrote the Zambian Healthy Eating Handbook to make reliable nutrition information accessible. In 2022, I returned to Australia, where I now help women from culturally diverse backgrounds create personalised, sustainable health plans that integrate their traditional foods while achieving their health goals.
Fun Facts About Me
To help you get to know me better, here are a few fun facts:
I have lived in four different countries and have learnt to be super adaptable. I also have two energetic sons, who keep me on my toes.
I love experimenting with new recipes that combine the best of my African-Indian roots and Australian influences.
I believe that healthy eating should never feel like a sacrifice—it's about balance, education, and cultural connection.
I’m passionate about making nutrition simple and accessible for everyone, no matter where they’re from, and I’m so fascinated by how diverse the world truly is
My favourite comfort food is definitely a crunchy bag of salted potato crisps.
Let's Work Together!Â
I can’t wait to see you nourishing your body with your cultural foods without guilt.
Let’s meet for a discovery call so I can get to know you—and your culture too! During our call, we’ll discuss your unique health goals and how we can create a personalised plan that works for you, incorporating the foods you love and the traditions that matter most to you.
Ready to get started? Click the link below to book your free discovery call today!
BOOK A CALL
Education & CredentialsÂ
BSc Nutrition, The University of Queensland, 2010
Masters in Dietetic Studies, The University of Queensland 2012
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist (Dietitians Australia)
My Health for Life Facilitator- Qld Health & Wellbeing.
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Certificates
Monash University Low FODMAP Diet for IBS
DA CAL Clinical Nutrition for Bariatric Surgery
DA CAL Psychology of Eating, Weight and Body Image
DA CAL Sports Nutrition Fundamentals.
Member of the Nutrition Association of Zambia
Co-Founder of the African Clinical Nutrition Consortium
Features & Interviews
The Economist - Why obesity is spreading across Africa
Culture Curious Podcast- Southern African & Indian Food Culture in Nutrition Care
The Intelligence from The Economist: Tug of warheads: the nuclear order
STS Podcast- That’s Cultural Appropriation! Cultural Diversity in Weight Loss-
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Papers Published
- Abdoola, F., Gyamfuah Adu-Amoah, H., Kessewah Addo, B., Komla Anku, E., Terese Hill, L., Mwiinga Hamoonga, B., Katundu, K. and Msiska, D., 2025. The critical care nutrition landscape in sub-Saharan Africa: Field insights and clinical commentary from resource-limited clinical settings. Nutrition, 134, p.112740. ISSN 0899-9007.
- Wambura, Kapindula and Girbau, 2021. Challenges in Standardization of Nutrition Labelling in Zambia, Southern African Institute for Policy and Research’s Occasional Papers Series
Kind Words from Past Clients
After completing the 3-Month Nourish with Culture Program with Fathima, I lost 8kg and feel incredible! What stood out to me was that I didn’t have to give up any of my beloved cultural dishes.
Fathima’s plan embraced the foods I love while teaching me how to nourish my body in a way that feels both satisfying and sustainable. It’s so freeing to break away from the restrictive diets that only focus on Western foods. Now, I feel confident and empowered, knowing I can maintain my weight loss journey while staying connected to my roots.
This experience has truly transformed how I view food and my health.
A.K
I love your meal guide — it lets me enjoy my cultural foods without guilt. Unlike anything I've seen online! It's been almost a week, and instead of losing willpower, I feel stronger and more motivated every day. Thank you so much!
I.H
Since restarting my healthy eating journey, I’ve lost 9kg Alhamdulillah — and I feel so much better for it! Your resources have been my food bible — I keep going back to your notes, voice messages, and meal planning tips. Instead of calorie counting, I plan my day, include protein and veg in every meal, and it’s made all the difference. Thank you for giving me the tools and confidence to do this. I recommend you to everyone!
S.I
I’ve maintained my weight since we last spoke — your plan is 1000% sustainable! I’ve been eating well, staying active, and I’m so happy to say you can enjoy the foods you love without gaining weight.
L.G
This program has made a huge difference in my life! I’m more mindful when I eat and make better food choices overall. Including vegetables in every meal has already improved my health, and learning about portion sizes and food ratios has been a game-changer. What surprised me most? I was honestly worried it would require a complete lifestyle overhaul — but it was the small, consistent changes that made all the difference. I’ve built sustainable habits without feeling overwhelmed!
H.I
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