Hi! I'm Abby
There’s often a misconception of dietitians’ role being the food police however I am here to set the record straight, the truth couldn’t be more opposite. Let me introduce myself, my name is Abby Hsiao (pronounced “shall”) and I am a dietitian who is passionate about food, especially our relationship with food. I was born in Taiwan, grew up partly in the US, and moved to B.C. some 12 years ago. I obtained my dietetics degree from the University of British Columbia and completed my practical education with Interior Health Authority. Since practicing as a Registered Dietitian (RD), I have worked in many areas of nutrition, both in the hospital and in the community, all over the lower mainland for Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Providence Health Care.
My primary interest and focus in the field of dietetics is eating disorders and disordered eating. In my experience as a dietitian specialized in eating disorder treatment, I have witnessed the insidious nature of popular diet-culture and the ever-increasing pursuit of thin-ideals at the detriment of health both mental and physical. Often the ones that suffer the most are our young and vulnerable youths.
I, myself, became a dietitian in part because I saw close friends and family members fallen ill from disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders. I am informed in the complexity of the relationship between food, weight, and how we see ourselves. I have learned the language of disordered thinking where seemingly harmless comments from others or images from media can turn into triggers that spiral into the trap of dieting and obsession with food. I understand how tempting a simple notion of wanting to look/feel differently can snowball into something out of control. I also know how helpless and powerless it feels to be stuck in a negative pattern or to watch your loved ones suffer and not know what to do.
Fortunately, my experience and training have taught me and many clients I’ve worked with that it is never too late. There are supports, resources, and tools that can help turn it all around. All that is required is time, patience, and compassion. I founded this practice based on the genuine desire to help anyone who is struggling with their relationship with food and body. If that is you or your loved ones, I want you to know, I see you and I want to help.
Areas of Practice
Abby specializes in supporting clients of all ages with eating disorders and disordered eating. This includes the following:
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Binge Eating Disorder or Binge Eating tendencies
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Yo-Yo dieting
Orthorexia
Significant Emotional Eating
Weight concerns & Weight cycling
Meal planning & Meal preparation strategies
Chronic Disease Prevention
Gut Health
Liver & Kidney Health
Heart Health (hypertension & high cholesterol)
High blood sugar management/non-insulin dependent diabetes
Therapeutic Approach
Abby has helped many clients of all ages meet their nutrition goals while rebuilding a healthy relationship with food.
Weight-inclusive/Health-at-every-size
Non-diet
Compassionate & Non-judgmental
Mindful eating
Intuitive eating
Trauma-informed
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health (Dietetics Major) - University of British Columbia
Specialized training in Eating Disorders
Rates & Payment Information
Fees:
Eating disorder/Disordered eating initial assessment (80 min) - $225 (+GST)
General nutrition initial assessment (50 min) - $160 (+GST)
Nutrition follow up (50 min) - $160 (+GST)
Nutrition follow up (35min)- $135 (+GST)
Phone Consultation (15 min) - FREE
Payment Options:
I accept e-transfers only.
Extended Healthcare Plans:
I am a Registered Dietitian (RD #2233) with the BC College of Dietitians. As an RD, my services are covered by many extended health care plans under "dietitian" or "general wellness". If you are a member of an extended health care or benefits plan through your work, school, or through an immediate family member, you may have coverage to help cover the cost of nutrition counselling. Please note I do not bill directly to any healthcare providers and payment is due at time of session. Please check with your employer or provider for more information.
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