Nutrition is about far more than following a meal plan, counting calories or trying to change the number on the scales. It is closely connected to everyday life, emotions, habits and, above all, the relationship each person develops with food and their body. This is the philosophy embraced by Dietitian – Nutritionist Apostolia Boumba, who specialises in eating disorders such as bulimia, binge eating and emotional eating, and has run her own dietetics practice at 47 Vasileos Irakleiou Street, in central Thessaloniki, since 2023.

Combining scientific expertise with a person-centred approach, her aim is to help each individual develop a more balanced relationship with food, without strict rules, unrealistic demands or feelings of guilt. The process begins by understanding each person’s needs, challenges and goals, so that their nutritional plan can reflect the realities of their everyday life.

For Apostolia Boumba, success does not lie in an ideal programme that is difficult to follow in practice, but in a flexible approach that can become part of everyday life and be maintained in the long term.

Scientific expertise and continuous development

Born and raised in Ioannina, Apostolia Boumba developed an interest in healthy eating from an early age, experimenting in the kitchen and looking for more nutritious versions of favourite recipes. Her interest in nutrition gradually evolved into a professional career, through which she aims to help more people discover the benefits of a balanced approach to eating.

In 2017, she graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and completed her practical training at the University Hospital of Ioannina. During her studies, she also participated in research examining the nutritional composition of gluten-free products and the glycaemic index of gluten-free pasta, which was presented at the 20th European Congress of Endocrinology.

In 2019, she completed a postgraduate programme in Clinical Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. As part of the programme, she undertook practical training at AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, where she gained experience in designing dietary plans for people with cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, hypertension, morbid obesity and irritable bowel syndrome.

From 2017 to 2022, she worked with gyms and a dietetics practice, gaining experience in weight management, binge eating, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as nutritional counselling. Her professional development continues through seminars, conferences and further training. She is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists.

She is currently in the second year of a three-year Mental Health Counselling programme at the Centre for Applied Psychotherapy and Counselling. This additional training allows her to incorporate counselling skills into her sessions and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the people she supports. This complementary education reflects her belief that nutrition cannot be separated from the emotional and psychological aspects of everyday life.

A personalised approach centred on the individual

Every person has different needs, habits, priorities and experiences. For this reason, nutritional support at Apostolia Boumba’s practice does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Human connection, active listening and understanding are central to the process, helping to create a programme that takes into account not only nutritional goals but also the demands of everyday life. Depending on the individual, this may involve a specific meal plan or a more flexible framework, always without forbidden foods.

Nutrition education lies at the heart of this process. Rather than focusing solely on temporarily following a diet, clients gradually learn how to put together balanced meals, make appropriate food combinations, recognise hunger and fullness cues, and manage nutritional challenges without guilt.

Particular attention is also given to setbacks and periods when the process becomes more difficult. Rather than being viewed as failures, these moments are treated as opportunities to understand the challenges involved and adjust the approach accordingly. In this way, lasting change is not based on perfection, but on consistency, flexibility and personal progress.

Specialising in eating disorders and weight management

One of Apostolia Boumba’s main areas of expertise is the management of eating disorders, with a particular focus on bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating, night eating and orthorexia. These conditions are often accompanied by guilt, anxiety and a difficult relationship with food, which is why they require sensitivity, understanding and appropriate professional support.

Her specialist training in eating disorders, which she completed in 2021 at the Centre for Education and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD), where she obtained the title of Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity, has been an important part of her professional development. Her approach focuses on understanding eating behaviours and developing healthier, more functional habits, without reinforcing a cycle of strict restriction and guilt. When necessary, she works alongside a psychologist or psychiatrist to ensure a more comprehensive approach to support.

She also provides support with weight management, whether the goal is weight loss, weight gain or maintenance, focusing on realistic and sustainable changes. Clinical nutrition is another key part of her services, with nutritional guidance tailored to the needs and individual circumstances of each client.

Nutrition education for children, teenagers and adults

Alongside individual consultations, Apostolia Boumba places particular emphasis on public education and awareness. She delivers talks, webinars and nutrition-focused activities for children, with the aim of encouraging healthy habits from an early age.

Her educational activities can be tailored to schools, youth groups, university settings and professional organisations. Through interactive workshops, discussions, experiential activities, games and cooking sessions, nutritional knowledge is communicated in a way that is appropriate to the age and needs of each group.

At her dietetics practice, she also offers clinical nutrition services, nutritional support for children and teenagers, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, body composition analysis and online consultations. The common thread throughout her work is a personalised approach, with practical guidance that can be incorporated into real life.

Apostolia Boumba’s philosophy can be summed up in a phrase that captures her entire approach: “Even small changes are great progress. Everyone has their own pace!” At her practice, nutritional support is viewed as a journey of personal development, without comparisons or exhausting rules. Combining scientific knowledge, continuous professional development and respect for each individual’s needs, she aims to help those who place their trust in her make a fresh start, building a healthier and more balanced relationship with food and themselves.

Appointments: https://apostoliadietitian.gr/rantevou