A Day in the Life of Tia Yu En, a Dietitian at Sunway Medical Centre
22 January 2025
For Tia Yu En, being a dietitian specialist isn’t just a job—it’s a way to help people enjoy food while improving their health. Her work is about more than meal plans and advice; it’s about showing others how food can lead to a happier, healthier life.
Life as a Dietitian
So what do dietitians do? Tia’s job keeps her busy with a variety of tasks as a registered dietitian and a health nutritionist, a healthcare professional specialising in nutrition and dietetics. She meets patients one-on-one, runs nutrition workshops, and collaborates with chefs to create meals that are both healthy and delicious.
She also prepares oral nutritional supplements and works closely with speech and swallowing therapists to ensure patients can eat safely. For those who can’t, she assists with alternative feeding methods and ensures they get the nutrients they need.
Beyond patient care, Tia helps the hospital maintain high standards for meals, trains nurses and the public, manages inventory, and supports quality improvement projects.
“Being a dietitian is about more than food,” she says. “It’s about helping people make choices that improve their quality of life.”
Practising Healthy Eating Habits While Being a Foodie at Heart
Despite her profession, Tia is a foodie with a deep appreciation for food. “I love discovering new restaurants and trying different cuisines,” she shares. “Food is such a rich expression of culture, and I enjoy exploring it.”
When asked about her favorite cuisines, Tia admits it’s a tough choice between Japanese, Korean, and Thai. “I eat Chinese food at home every day, so I always look forward to trying other types of food whenever I can,” she says.
Her sweet tooth, however, is no secret—and she embraces it wholeheartedly. “Desserts are my guilty pleasure,” she confesses. “When I’m stressed at work, nothing calms me down quite like a slice of cake at the end of a long day.”
“I can never say no to cake—it’s just one of those things that brings me comfort,” she laughs. “But I’ve learned to enjoy it in moderation. I’ll share a slice with someone or save some for later. It’s all about finding that balance between indulging in the things I love and staying healthy.”
Her Love for Books and Travel
When she’s not busy with her dietitian duties, Tia turns to books to unwind. She primarily reads motivational books and stories about successful people. “Reading is my way to relax,” she shares, adding that she also enjoys learning about investments to equip herself with financial knowledge.
A book she frequently recommends is The Rules of Everything by Richard Templar. Covering a wide range of topics, it offers fresh insights with every chapter. “There’s something to learn in every chapter,” she shares. “I may not be able to apply all the theories right now, but it’s good knowledge to have.”
Travel is another passion for Tia, and Japan holds a special place in her heart. She’s visited the country three times and still finds its charm irresistible. Interesting, despite her love for Japan, she isn’t a fan of sashimi and prefers its wide array of cooked dishes.
After exploring several wintery destinations with her family, Tia is now eager for a change. This year, she plans to visit Yunnan, China, with her family, looking forward to its rich culture, warmer climate, and unique flavours.
Avoiding Harmful Eating Habits During Chinese New Year
During Chinese New Year, Tia enjoys festive foods while staying mindful of her portions. “It’s about savouring the treats without overindulging,” she explains. Her strategy? Balance and portion control.
“If I have a few cookies or a slice of bak kwa, I adjust my meals accordingly,” she explains. “Did you know that just two or three pieces of Chinese New Year cookies are equivalent to half a bowl of rice? It’s important to cut back on carbs elsewhere to make room for these festive treats.”
Knowing the eating habits in Malaysia, Tia also says she has more leeway for herself and others. “Chinese New Year is once a year and I won’t stop anyone from indulging. But remember, do it in moderation and you’ll be fine.”
Thank you, Tia, for sharing your passion, expertise, and unique perspective on food and health. Your dedication to helping others find balance and joy in their relationship with food is truly inspiring.
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