About Us.
Nutrition for Growing Bodies
Children need the right balance of nutrients to grow, learn, and thrive. Building healthy eating habits early in life also sets the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
How We Can Help
Our dietitians support parents and caregivers with:
- Growth concerns (poor weight gain or overweight)
- Introducing solid foods (complementary feeding)
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Digestive issues such as constipation or reflux
We’ll guide you with practical, evidence-based advice to make healthy eating feel simple and achievable for your child.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Understanding IBS
IBS is a common digestive condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.
Although it’s not caused by an underlying disease – and there’s no medication or surgery to cure it -IBS can be effectively managed. It’s often linked to gut bacteria, diet, stress, and how food moves through the digestive tract.
Our Approach
At Facts & Flavours we use practical, evidence-based dietary and lifestyle approaches to help you manage symptoms and improve gut health.
There are two key stages to IBS management:
- First-line strategies: improving general gut health through simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
- Second-line strategies: a Low FODMAP diet, which can help around 85% of people with IBS.
Because this plan is detailed and specific, it should always be followed with support from a qualified dietitian. We can help you:
- Avoid unnecessary food restrictions
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
- Identify your unique triggers safely
Diverticular Disease
Understanding the Condition
Diverticular disease affects the large intestine (colon). Small pouches called diverticula can form in the bowel wall – a condition known as diverticulosis.
When these pouches cause pain or changes in bowel habits, it’s referred to as diverticular disease. If they become inflamed or infected, this leads to diverticulitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and other symptoms.
How We Can Help
We can assist you during flare-ups and guide you on the best diet to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes.
Lifestyle Nutrition
Diabetes and Heart Health
Taking Control Through Nutrition
A diagnosis of diabetes or heart disease can feel overwhelming – but with the right support, it can be managed confidently.
We’ll help you understand your condition and make realistic changes to your diet and lifestyle that promote steady blood sugar control, balanced nutrition, and heart health.
What to Expect
Your first consultation includes a detailed look at your diet, habits, and health goals. Together, we’ll design a plan that’s manageable, sustainable, and tailored to you.
Weight Management and Healthy Living
Building Healthy Habits That Last
You may want to lose weight, boost your energy, or simply feel healthier and more balanced. We can help you assess your current habits and make gradual, sustainable changes that fit into your life.
Our Process
Your first consultation includes a full assessment of your diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors.
We’ll then create a plan with achievable goals – designed to help you feel better, not restricted.
Follow-up sessions are scheduled to support your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
WHO WE ARE
Passionate experts dedicated to your wellness journey
Debby Watkins
BSC Dietetics and Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
Debby Watkins
BSC Dietetics and Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
Debby is a registered dietitian with a science-backed approach and a people-first attitude. After completing her BSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics at the University of Natal, she spent five years in the UK gaining hands-on clinical experience before returning home to open her private practice.
Based at Life Fourways Hospital, Debby works with adults on all aspects of nutrition – from heart health and diabetes to sustainable weight management. She’s also part of the Life Fourways Bariatric Team, supporting patients before and after obesity surgery.
Her areas of expertise include renal and gastrointestinal health, including IBS and low-FODMAP diet management, as well as women’s health conditions like gestational diabetes and PCOS.
Debby’s philosophy is simple: food should nourish, not punish. She helps people make realistic, enjoyable changes that fit real life – not just the perfect meal plan.
Jessica Ferguson
BSC Dietetics and Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
Jessica Ferguson
BSC Dietetics and Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
Jessica is a registered dietitian with a passion for practical, personalised nutrition. After qualifying from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a BSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, she completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, where she developed a deep interest in paediatric and maternal nutrition.
She went on to complete her Master’s in Nutrition through the University of Stellenbosch and gained extensive experience in both adult and paediatric care at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital before joining the Life Fourways Hospital team.
Jessica has a special interest in gut health, working closely with gastroenterologists to support patients with IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, and reflux. She also assists those managing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, helping them make realistic, sustainable changes that work with their lifestyle.
As part of the renal multidisciplinary team, Jessica supports adults with kidney disease, tailoring diets to match their blood results and treatment needs. She also collaborates with paediatricians to meet the unique nutritional needs of children – from premature babies to those with allergies or growth challenges.
Jessica’s approach is simple: food should help you feel better, not stressed. She believes in small, meaningful changes that fit into real life – because healthy eating isn’t one-size-fits-all.