Nutritionists and Dietitians in Melrose, MA
We live in a challenging time in regards to food, nutrition and body image. We are submerged in nutrition myths, quick fix diets and “perfect” bodies on social media. We feel immense pressure to change our bodies, and work tirelessly to eat and move in a way that will do just that, only to find ourselves defeated, exhausted, and back where we started. Over time, we forget that eating and movement should be pleasurable and nourishing.
We live in a challenging time in regards to food, nutrition and body image. We are submerged in nutrition myths, quick fix diets and “perfect” bodies on social media. We feel immense pressure to change our bodies, and work tirelessly to eat and move in a way that will do just that, only to find ourselves defeated, exhausted, and back where we started. Over time, we forget that eating and movement should be pleasurable and nourishing.
At Dear Nutrition we specialize in digestive health and eating disorders and have a particular interest in how the two intersect. For clients struggling with digestive issues, we help make changes to overcome pain and discomfort from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, GERD/reflux, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, ulcerative colitis, gastroparesis, and other GI-related conditions.
At Dear Nutrition we specialize in digestive health and eating disorders and have a particular interest in how the two intersect. For clients struggling with digestive issues, we help make changes to overcome pain and discomfort from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, GERD/reflux, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, ulcerative colitis, gastroparesis, and other GI-related conditions.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Do you want to improve your relationship with food? Are you feeling stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of diets, each with their own set of rules, leaving you feeling confused about what your body truly needs?
Do you want to improve your relationship with food? Are you feeling stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of diets, each with their own set of rules, leaving you feeling confused about what your body truly needs?
I am passionate about nutrition and believe that food should be enjoyed! I am excited about the opportunity to help you achieve your personal health goals using a holistic approach that not only looks at nutrition, but strengthens all the pillars of health, including sleep, movement, and stress. As a busy mom of young children, I understand the challenges of staying on a healthy path. Personal experience with a hectic lifestyle, stress, and insomnia opened my eyes to the importance of uncovering root causes in order to begin the process of re-balancing life.
I am passionate about nutrition and believe that food should be enjoyed! I am excited about the opportunity to help you achieve your personal health goals using a holistic approach that not only looks at nutrition, but strengthens all the pillars of health, including sleep, movement, and stress. As a busy mom of young children, I understand the challenges of staying on a healthy path. Personal experience with a hectic lifestyle, stress, and insomnia opened my eyes to the importance of uncovering root causes in order to begin the process of re-balancing life.
At South Shore Family Nutrition, we strive to create a safe and positive space to provide nutrition counseling for individuals and families. Jill Nelligan, owner and registered dietitian, practices from an Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size lens. She works with clients to improve their relationship with food and their body, taking an individualized approach to every session. Whether you’re a parent looking for information to help your child make healthier choices, or an individual looking to make changes in your own life, we’re here to help.
At South Shore Family Nutrition, we strive to create a safe and positive space to provide nutrition counseling for individuals and families. Jill Nelligan, owner and registered dietitian, practices from an Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size lens. She works with clients to improve their relationship with food and their body, taking an individualized approach to every session. Whether you’re a parent looking for information to help your child make healthier choices, or an individual looking to make changes in your own life, we’re here to help.
You’re eating healthy, you’ve tried the workouts, maybe even the meds—and still, the scale won’t budge. You’re not broken. You just need a metabolism-first plan designed for YOUR body. I help busy adults reclaim their energy, improve digestion, and finally lose weight—without meds, meal plans you hate, or diets that don’t work.
You’re eating healthy, you’ve tried the workouts, maybe even the meds—and still, the scale won’t budge. You’re not broken. You just need a metabolism-first plan designed for YOUR body. I help busy adults reclaim their energy, improve digestion, and finally lose weight—without meds, meal plans you hate, or diets that don’t work.
Our society is deeply embedded in “diet culture” making it hard for us to navigate nourishing our bodies. Everybody's eating experience is different whether you struggle with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or a negative relationship with food. At Kind Nutrition Mind we will work to heal your broken relationship with food and build a foundation of evidenced based nutrition knowledge and practices based on your individual needs. Kristen practices with an evidenced based approach incorporating Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating (IE).
Our society is deeply embedded in “diet culture” making it hard for us to navigate nourishing our bodies. Everybody's eating experience is different whether you struggle with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or a negative relationship with food. At Kind Nutrition Mind we will work to heal your broken relationship with food and build a foundation of evidenced based nutrition knowledge and practices based on your individual needs. Kristen practices with an evidenced based approach incorporating Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating (IE).
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, exercise, or body image? I’m here to support you in finding a healthier, more balanced way to approach these aspects of your life. You deserve to feel at peace with your body and to trust yourself. Together, we can work on building a positive relationship with food and movement, helping you embrace a more nourishing and respectful mindset. Let’s take steps toward a more fulfilling and joyful experience with your body and well-being.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, exercise, or body image? I’m here to support you in finding a healthier, more balanced way to approach these aspects of your life. You deserve to feel at peace with your body and to trust yourself. Together, we can work on building a positive relationship with food and movement, helping you embrace a more nourishing and respectful mindset. Let’s take steps toward a more fulfilling and joyful experience with your body and well-being.
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Jamie is a Registered Dietitian with Health Loft who takes a compassionate approach to nutrition therapy by meeting people where they are in their personal journeys. She helps clients make incremental changes to restore a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Jamie understands the harmful nature of diet culture and provides care that is affirming, sustainable, and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Her experience allows her to identify distorted beliefs and unhealthy eating patterns and offer thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.
Jamie is a Registered Dietitian with Health Loft who takes a compassionate approach to nutrition therapy by meeting people where they are in their personal journeys. She helps clients make incremental changes to restore a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Jamie understands the harmful nature of diet culture and provides care that is affirming, sustainable, and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Her experience allows her to identify distorted beliefs and unhealthy eating patterns and offer thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian/nutritionist offering virtual nutrition counseling. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages with any of the following: weight-related concerns, eating disorders, disordered eating thoughts or behaviors, struggles with body image, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's Disease. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their nutrition goals, and establish a healthy relationship with food and their body, so they can live life to the fullest.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian/nutritionist offering virtual nutrition counseling. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages with any of the following: weight-related concerns, eating disorders, disordered eating thoughts or behaviors, struggles with body image, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's Disease. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their nutrition goals, and establish a healthy relationship with food and their body, so they can live life to the fullest.
What brought you here today? Did you or a family member receive a new diagnosis? The words hypertension, diabetes, failure to thrive, “overweight,” can be alarming. Maybe the last diet failed you and you’re looking for some permanent peace with food? Perhaps you are bombarded with information about eating and have no idea what to believe or how to make sense of it all. Every food decision is a stressor and, well, is that what they mean by “wellness”? We don’t think so. Our team of experienced dietitians work to provide peace around food. Making eating easy, because life is complicated enough.
What brought you here today? Did you or a family member receive a new diagnosis? The words hypertension, diabetes, failure to thrive, “overweight,” can be alarming. Maybe the last diet failed you and you’re looking for some permanent peace with food? Perhaps you are bombarded with information about eating and have no idea what to believe or how to make sense of it all. Every food decision is a stressor and, well, is that what they mean by “wellness”? We don’t think so. Our team of experienced dietitians work to provide peace around food. Making eating easy, because life is complicated enough.
Welcome! I am a Registered Dietitian passionate about providing individualized nutrition education & care, tailored to each person's specific needs. I have extensive experience working with eating disorders, in both adolescent & adult populations. I have worked closely with clients with co-occurring mental health diagnoses including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, & trauma. Outside of my specialty in eating disorders, I also have experience working in pediatric & neonatal care, as well as sport nutrition, pregnancy & women's health.
Welcome! I am a Registered Dietitian passionate about providing individualized nutrition education & care, tailored to each person's specific needs. I have extensive experience working with eating disorders, in both adolescent & adult populations. I have worked closely with clients with co-occurring mental health diagnoses including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, & trauma. Outside of my specialty in eating disorders, I also have experience working in pediatric & neonatal care, as well as sport nutrition, pregnancy & women's health.
My primary goal: help you love food. I grew up in a household where food was fun, varied, and adventurous. My Mother was a home economics teacher turned preschool teacher. She taught me how to prepare food in fun ways and to be an adventurous eating. We learned to love food because it was good for our bodies AND because it tasted delicious!
My primary goal: help you love food. I grew up in a household where food was fun, varied, and adventurous. My Mother was a home economics teacher turned preschool teacher. She taught me how to prepare food in fun ways and to be an adventurous eating. We learned to love food because it was good for our bodies AND because it tasted delicious!
I help people heal from chronic conditions by uncovering the root cause and bringing their bodies back into balance. If you’re ready to get the root causes of your symptoms, heal your body + mind, and are ready to recover your health to start living the life you desire, then I want to help you get there. Whether you’re managing an illness or just want to feel better, I get it - I've been there + know exactly how you feel. With so much conflicting health information out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed + paralyzed. With my help, you can learn how to put an end to your health struggles + start feeling your best.
I help people heal from chronic conditions by uncovering the root cause and bringing their bodies back into balance. If you’re ready to get the root causes of your symptoms, heal your body + mind, and are ready to recover your health to start living the life you desire, then I want to help you get there. Whether you’re managing an illness or just want to feel better, I get it - I've been there + know exactly how you feel. With so much conflicting health information out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed + paralyzed. With my help, you can learn how to put an end to your health struggles + start feeling your best.
There's an overwhelming amount of messages out there that tell us what or how we "should" eat. These messages tell us to abide by prescriptive “diets” or practices, and can keep us from trusting or connecting with ourselves. If you’re ready to break free from diet culture, and hope to restore your relationship with food, body and/or movement, but are wondering where to start, I’m here to help!
I work with a variety of age groups, from adolescents to older adults. I work with those who are recovering from diet culture, disordered eating and eating disorders.
There's an overwhelming amount of messages out there that tell us what or how we "should" eat. These messages tell us to abide by prescriptive “diets” or practices, and can keep us from trusting or connecting with ourselves. If you’re ready to break free from diet culture, and hope to restore your relationship with food, body and/or movement, but are wondering where to start, I’m here to help!
I work with a variety of age groups, from adolescents to older adults. I work with those who are recovering from diet culture, disordered eating and eating disorders.
Feel like your body changed in your late 30s or 40s, and nothing that used to work works anymore? You’re eating “pretty healthy,” trying to stay consistent… but the scale is stuck, your energy is off, and you feel out of control around food.
I help women navigate weight changes, low energy, and food noise without restrictive diets, cutting out your favorite foods, or starting over every Monday. This is not about perfection. It’s about building a way of eating that actually works in your real life.
Feel like your body changed in your late 30s or 40s, and nothing that used to work works anymore? You’re eating “pretty healthy,” trying to stay consistent… but the scale is stuck, your energy is off, and you feel out of control around food.
I help women navigate weight changes, low energy, and food noise without restrictive diets, cutting out your favorite foods, or starting over every Monday. This is not about perfection. It’s about building a way of eating that actually works in your real life.
Kim is not only passionate about educating and motivating her clients to eat for overall health but also about helping her clients develop a healthy relationship with food. Kim’s philosophy is not about the number on the scale, but rather about a developing an eating plan that works for your your lifestyle. Kim has worked with many clients from differing backgrounds and understands that there is not one diet fits for all. Kim seeks sustainable results for her clients and helping them develop life long healthy habits.
Kim is not only passionate about educating and motivating her clients to eat for overall health but also about helping her clients develop a healthy relationship with food. Kim’s philosophy is not about the number on the scale, but rather about a developing an eating plan that works for your your lifestyle. Kim has worked with many clients from differing backgrounds and understands that there is not one diet fits for all. Kim seeks sustainable results for her clients and helping them develop life long healthy habits.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Melrose?
To find dietitians and nutritionists near you, input your city, town, suburb, zip code, or a provider's name in the search bar at the top of the page. From there, you can filter by specialty, treatment technique, and gender to find a dietitian or nutritionist who matches your needs.
When you visit a dietitian or nutritionist's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, accepted insurance plans, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a professional, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific nutrition concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to nutrition and the training behind their credentials.
When you visit a dietitian or nutritionist's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, accepted insurance plans, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a professional, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific nutrition concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to nutrition and the training behind their credentials.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
The terms dietitian and nutritionist are often used interchangeably. However, there are actually key credential differences between dietitians and nutritionists that are important to keep in mind when seeking a nutrition professional.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has earned at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, completed a supervised practice program, passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, and continues their education regularly. The RD and RDN credentials are regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest nutrition-related organization in the country. Only professionals who meet their standards can call themselves an RD or RDN and enjoy privileges like billing insurance. Additionally, RDs and RDNs can get board certifications in specialized areas such as gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR), or oncology nutrition (CSO). They also need state licensure, which usually aligns with national requirements.
In contrast, the title "nutritionist" doesn't require any formal education or credentials; anyone can use the title of nutritionist, including those with very limited or no formal training in nutrition. Although there are certification programs that are marketed toward those interested in nutrition counseling, the rigor and academic requirements for such programs varies greatly. These important differences between dietitians and nutritionists are thus very important to consider when choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs. To be listed in the HealthProfs directory, Nutritionists must have a minimum of a Masters Degree in a relevant field.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has earned at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, completed a supervised practice program, passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, and continues their education regularly. The RD and RDN credentials are regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest nutrition-related organization in the country. Only professionals who meet their standards can call themselves an RD or RDN and enjoy privileges like billing insurance. Additionally, RDs and RDNs can get board certifications in specialized areas such as gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR), or oncology nutrition (CSO). They also need state licensure, which usually aligns with national requirements.
In contrast, the title "nutritionist" doesn't require any formal education or credentials; anyone can use the title of nutritionist, including those with very limited or no formal training in nutrition. Although there are certification programs that are marketed toward those interested in nutrition counseling, the rigor and academic requirements for such programs varies greatly. These important differences between dietitians and nutritionists are thus very important to consider when choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs. To be listed in the HealthProfs directory, Nutritionists must have a minimum of a Masters Degree in a relevant field.
When should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
Clients seek nutritional support from dietitians and nutritionists for various reasons, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle concerns like weight loss or dietary requirements; however, it's always important to find a professional who is a good fit for you. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, your specific medical or dietary concerns, and the availability of professionals near you to determine whether a dietitian or nutritionist may be a better fit.
Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, especially for those with medical conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you might want to seek out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). These credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area. Additionally, consider the availability of professionals in your area and their openness to telehealth sessions. While the field of dietetics is growing, there may not always be a wide selection of professionals, especially in rural areas. In such cases, focusing on the experience and expertise of the nutrition professional can be more important than their specific credentials.
Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, especially for those with medical conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you might want to seek out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). These credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area. Additionally, consider the availability of professionals in your area and their openness to telehealth sessions. While the field of dietetics is growing, there may not always be a wide selection of professionals, especially in rural areas. In such cases, focusing on the experience and expertise of the nutrition professional can be more important than their specific credentials.
Do I need a referral to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
A referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice. However, for a nutrition service to be covered by insurance, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary. In such cases, a referral is typically made for those who have been formally diagnosed with a medical condition requiring nutrition counseling, such as diabetes or hypertension. If insurance coverage is critical to a client's ability to see a dietitian, they should contact their insurance provider to determine if a referral is needed for nutritional counseling and to understand any potential co-pays or coverage limits that may apply in their individual circumstance.
How much does it cost to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
The cost of seeing a dietitian or nutritionist depends on a number of variables, including their location, their specialty, whether they take insurance, and the professional's experience and training. On average, the cost of out-of-pocket sessions with a dietitian or nutritionist within the United States ranges from $50-$150. In some cases, nutrition professionals will require a longer initial evaluation session that will cost more than ongoing follow-up sessions. Dietitians and nutritionists may also offer packages for clients interested in longer-term nutritional support; in such cases, they may charge monthly or other periodic fees for more comprehensive services, such as a combination of nutrition sessions and out-of-session coaching support. If nutrition services are covered by a client's insurance plan and they are eligible for coverage based on any referral requirements, the out-of-pocket cost of seeing a dietitian may be completely covered or significantly reduced.
Are consultations with a dietitian or nutritionist covered by insurance?
If your insurance covers nutrition services, the cost is usually lower than paying out-of-pocket. However, insurance coverage can vary based on factors like your specific plan details, whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider, and whether you have a referral for nutrition services based on a medical diagnosis.
Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee. However, these spots are often limited and may not always be available.
Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee. However, these spots are often limited and may not always be available.