Getting to know your dietitian, Jacinta Birbara
We wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know Active Ability’s fabulous dietitian Jacinta Birbara, so we’ve asked her a couple of questions so that we can share her answers with you.
Why did you become a dietitian?
I have always loved food! Eating food, making food, talking about food – you name it, I love it. I also loved science during high school and found the chemical side of food, and how it interacts with your body, fascinating. I knew I wanted to be a dietitian when I was 16 years old and I am so glad I pursued it as a career. It brings together my enthusiasm for food, dedication to improve people’s lives and science-minded brain.
What has led to your passion for disability?
I have both personal and professional experience with disability and have supported several children over the years with a range of disabilities. It is an area in which I feel I can make a large impact on an individual’s life by improving their independence, confidence surrounding healthy eating and energy levels. Working in disability also broadens my current horizons and provides unique challenges that will ultimately allow me to grow as a Dietitian.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to get in the kitchen and cook for my loved ones or try new cafes and restaurants. You will also find me in the gym regularly lifting heavy things and sweating with a smile! In the summertime, I love to go to the beach, swim in the ocean and watch the sunrise or sunset – I am a sucker for pretty colours in the sky!
What is your favourite food?
My all-time favourite food is my Croatian grandmothers beef soup – I would eat it every day with no complaints!
In another life, if you weren’t a dietitian, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I weren’t a Dietitian I would be an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. As well as loving food, I also love exercise, and did my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? Do you have a hidden talent?
I have double jointed thumbs!
What is your favourite movie, book and holiday?
Movie: She’s the Man or the Parent Trap
Book: Harry Potter series
Holiday: Croatia – The Dalmatian Coast
Thanks so much to Jacinta for sharing more about herself with our community – we hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know her! If you’d like to arrange services with Jacinta or another of our therapists, please contact us today!
Jacinta provides Active Ability’s dietetic services in the Ryde and Parramatta areas. Specifically, Jacinta provides services in Lidcombe, Merrylands, Greystanes, Prospect, Toongabbie, Winston Hills, Newington, Northmead, North Rocks, Epping, Eastwood, Putney, Lane Cove and Chatswood.