About Dr McLaren Dietetics
I'm Dr Shawn McLaren
I have been working as a registered dietitian since 2015. I graduated with a BSc and post graduate diploma in dietetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Initially, I worked in the Department of Health in South Africa, running outpatient clinics, while working on my MSc in dietetics from Nelson Mandela University. I moved to the UK in 2017, and started working as a dietitian for the NHS in south London. After some time, I decided to pursue my passion for research and began lecturing at London Metropolitan University. I completed my PhD in 2022, which focused on the double burden of malnutrition affecting South African children, and published my first textbook, “Nutrition and Global Health” in the same year. The book received critical acclaim and won the Elizabeth Washington Award from the British Dietetic Association in 2023. I decided to start Dr McLaren Dietetics because I love working with people and seeing them succeed, and because I want to share my knowledge of nutrition science.
What do I do?
As a registered dietitian, I work with clients to improve their health and wellbeing through evidence-based nutrition advice. I follow the dietetic care process as described by the British Dietetic Association, beginning with identifying a nutritional need and nutrition assessment. I will then develop a strategy in collaboration with the client, and facilitate ongoing monitoring and review to ensure that the plan we come up with remains suitable as things change. Complementing my own ethics, I am bound by the HCPC code of practice and to the British Dietetic Association's code of professional conduct. This document sets out the high standards of behaviour required of BDA members and provides a governance framework to ensure accountability if those who work in the interest of public safety at all times.
Some of the services that I offer include:
- Developing meal plans
- Nutritional science research
- Assessing client health needs
- Nutrition counselling
Personalised nutrition assessment
The first step of my process is to get to know more about you, your reasons for making the appointment, your challenges and goals. We will undertake a detailed assessment together, including your dietary habits, food preferences, intolerances, allergies, which will help to inform our plan.
Individualised meal plan and strategy
The next step in the process involves developing a detailed analysis of your current diet, to identify good habits to develop further, as well as areas where we can make improvements. I will prepare a meal plan for you, based on your individual assessment, tailored to help you reach your goals.
Follow up support
Follow up support is important- I offer additional follow up appointments to help you keep track of your progress, make changes to your plan, and help you to address new challenges as they come up.