The creator of the ''10 commandments of Mediterranean eating'' has just been appointed as an associate professor of nutrition and dietetics.

Dr Itsiopoulos is an expert on the Mediterranean diet, diabetes, obesity, dieting, heart disease and lowering cholesterol, and cooking methods and their effect on health.

Previously with the Dietitians Association of Australia, Dr Itsiopoulos said that with obesity a major issue facing Australia, diabetes on the rise and dieting a global obsession ''these are exciting times to be teaching, researching and discussing nutrition''.

''I'm particularly interested in the Mediterranean diet, which was the subject of my PhD because of my Greek heritage, but I find all aspects of nutrition fascinating and I'm delighted to bring my passion for nutrition and dietetics to the growing faculty of health at the University of Canberra.'' She has held academic appointments at RMIT University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne and clinical positions at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.

Dr Itsiopoulos said she practised what she preached, starting each day with a breakfast of porridge or cereal with fruit and milk and a Greek coffee.

A favourite snack was a Greek-style yoghurt with crushed walnuts and honey.

Lunches included bean salads with tinned salmon and she grazed on fruit during the day.

Evening meals rotated around her favourite Greek meals bean soups, vegetable casseroles and sometimes meat or fish. And yes, most nights she enjoyed a glass of red wine.

''I think it is really important that people enjoy what they are eating, and my research focuses on whole food and the need to enjoy flavour.'' While placing a chunk of broccoli in front of someone might not usually lead to much excitement, a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and herbs could turn things around.

And for any students who may be surviving on a diet of pizza, beer and coffee, Dr Itsiopoulos is keen to take her healthy eating messages to the wider campus.

''The faculty is interested in a healthy campus project and I would like to be involved in that perhaps having some influence on what food is available to purchase here, as well as helping spread the word on some simple meals for students to prepare.''