This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Most of us know we should eat better, but we don’t do it. We are increasingly confused over nutrition with so many conflicting views, and we give scarce thought as to how we eat or our relationship with food. We can only bring about real change when we end this confusion and bring the joy back to food.

Adopted by the nation as an honorary Aussie, Dr Joanna McMillan’s ever-growing following is the result of her high profile within the media, health and fitness industries, and through her roles as Vice President of the Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association (ALMA), Ambassador for Diabetes Australia, and Ambassador for Australian Pineapples (to name a few).

As a teenager Dr Joanna discovered that the way she ate and how much she exercised significantly impacted on her energy levels, mood, self-esteem, appearance and, consequently, her outlook on life. She initially studied psychology but her love of exercise resulted in a 15-year career as a fitness instructor.

Having completed a Bachelor Degree in Science with First Class Honours in Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Joanna moved to Australia and won a scholarship to complete her PhD with The University of Sydney in 1999.

Today, Dr Joanna is the founder of Get Lean, a regular on the Nine Network and the official nutritionist for TODAY. She is also the author of several books, has a weekly column in Sunday Life and a blogger for Woolworths Baby & Toddler Club.

Dr Joanna is a busy working mother, a tautology that provides her with an unwavering drive to teach people how to live a healthy and nutrition-filled life – yet one that doesn’t require obsessive or unrealistic attention in order to achieve it.

The philosophy of this down-to-earth Scot is simple. She believes that having a good healthy relationship with food is just as important as eating nutritious foods, and she regards food as more than the nutrients it contains; rather, it is part of our social connection, our culture and a great source of pleasure in life.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)