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About Cushla
NZRD, Accredited Sports Dietitian, BSc, MDiet (dist)

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What I can help with:
  • Sports & performance nutrition

  • Diabetes in sport

  • Disordered eating

  • RED-S & secondary hypothalamic amenorrhea

  • Pre-diabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes 

  • Group education sessions (gym, workplace, events)

  • ERMS registered (GP's can refer you directly)

Education, Qualifications, & Professional Groups
  • Isak level 1

  • BSc Human Nutrition

  • Master of Dietetics (MDiet)

  • Member of Dietitians NZ

  • Accredited Sports Dietitian (SDA)

  • FODMAP & IBS training (Monash University)

  • Training in Eating Disorders in Sports (Fiona Sutherland)

  • Advanced Diabetes management course (University of Waikato & NZSSD) (currently undertaking)

  • Training Peaks essentials (coaching)

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Cushla is an Accredited Sports Dietitian based in the heart of Mid-Canterbury, dedicated to empowering endurance athletes from novice to elite, while also addressing the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and disordered eating. With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Human Nutrition and a Master of Dietetics (MDiet, dist), Cushla blends her academic expertise with practical experience, offering personalised consultations both in-person and virtually to clients across New Zealand. Additionally, she proudly serves as the dietitian for the New Zealand Defence Force (Burnham).

Cushla's journey in nutrition began with a deep-seated passion for sports, particularly running. Her clinical career commenced in some of New Zealand’s largest hospitals, where she gained diverse experience across various specialties, with a significant focus on diabetes care—an area she remains passionate about. Over the years, she has cultivated her own private practice, which has become her primary focus, allowing her to provide tailored nutrition advice that meets each client's unique needs.

Commitment to ongoing professional development is a cornerstone of Cushla's approach. She maintains her accreditation with Sports Dietitians Australia, actively participates as a member of Dietitians New Zealand, and has pursued specialized training in managing eating disorders in sport. Additionally, she completed her qualification as a FODMAP Dietitian through Monash University.

 

Beyond one-on-one consultations, Cushla is dedicated to education and outreach; she has developed online courses, hosts a podcast, and engages actively on social media to inspire and inform others about nutrition and sports performance.

Cushla believes in the power of individualised, evidence-based nutrition, understanding the overwhelm that often accompanies optimising health and performance—whether navigating the complexities of a busy lifestyle, managing specific health conditions, or powering through the demands of endurance events. She values the connection she builds with clients, ensuring that each person feels heard, understood, and supported in achieving their health and athletic aspirations.

As one of the few Accredited Sports Dietitians in New Zealand, she is dedicated to providing a realistic, practical, and clinical approach to help you nourish your potential and thrive in your athletic journey.

Outside of her professional endeavours, Cushla is an avid runner, enjoys skiing in the mountains, walking her beloved Bernese Mountain dogs, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Featured in​:

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  • Spotify
  • Instagram

Education & Professional Groups

Accredited Sports Dietitian (SDA)

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition

Master of Dietetics (with Distinction)

Accredited ISAK level 1

Member of Dietitians NZ

NZRD

© Last updated 2023 by Cushla Holdaway. 

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