Nutritionists and Dietitians in Santa Clarita, CA
We really get it—it's exhausting to constantly worry about food, your health, or your body. Maybe you're in eating disorder recovery, navigating menopause or PCOS, or managing a chronic illness. You might feel confused by conflicting nutrition advice or overwhelmed by restrictive diets that just don’t work. At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, our team of dietitians provide compassionate, weight-neutral care for eating disorders, women's health, diabetes, GI disorders and heart conditions. We help you cut through the confusion with clear guidance tailored to your specific needs.
We really get it—it's exhausting to constantly worry about food, your health, or your body. Maybe you're in eating disorder recovery, navigating menopause or PCOS, or managing a chronic illness. You might feel confused by conflicting nutrition advice or overwhelmed by restrictive diets that just don’t work. At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, our team of dietitians provide compassionate, weight-neutral care for eating disorders, women's health, diabetes, GI disorders and heart conditions. We help you cut through the confusion with clear guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Forget quick fixes and one-size-fits-all diets. Traditional approaches like fad diets often fall short, leaving you with a slower metabolism and imbalanced gut health. Research shows that lasting wellness comes from sustainable, personalized nutrition—and that’s exactly what I offer.
Whether you’re here for targeted Medical Nutrition Therapy through insurance or looking to level up your fitness and nutrition through a subscription-based plan, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals. We’ll focus on creating lifestyle changes that reflect your values, support gut health, and help you feel your best—without judgment, re
Forget quick fixes and one-size-fits-all diets. Traditional approaches like fad diets often fall short, leaving you with a slower metabolism and imbalanced gut health. Research shows that lasting wellness comes from sustainable, personalized nutrition—and that’s exactly what I offer.
Whether you’re here for targeted Medical Nutrition Therapy through insurance or looking to level up your fitness and nutrition through a subscription-based plan, I tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals. We’ll focus on creating lifestyle changes that reflect your values, support gut health, and help you feel your best—without judgment, re
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Initial nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian are one hour with thirty-minute follow-up sessions. These sessions will assess current dietary regimen, health status, food and beverage preferences, and exercise level, leading to recommendations that align with your health and fitness goals. If applicable, a medical history, including lab values, and any current medical conditions and medications will be taken into account when designing a lifestyle plan.
Initial nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian are one hour with thirty-minute follow-up sessions. These sessions will assess current dietary regimen, health status, food and beverage preferences, and exercise level, leading to recommendations that align with your health and fitness goals. If applicable, a medical history, including lab values, and any current medical conditions and medications will be taken into account when designing a lifestyle plan.
You might be dealing with constant bloating, food anxiety, or feeling out of sync with your hormones. Maybe you’ve been told to just “fix your diet,” but deep down, you know there’s more going on. You want to understand what your body is trying to tell you and feel more at ease with food, your cycle, and your digestion. You care about your health and want a supportive, calming space to explore the root causes of your symptoms. You’re seeking a gentler, more mindful approach to feeling grounded, nourished, and connected to yourself.
You might be dealing with constant bloating, food anxiety, or feeling out of sync with your hormones. Maybe you’ve been told to just “fix your diet,” but deep down, you know there’s more going on. You want to understand what your body is trying to tell you and feel more at ease with food, your cycle, and your digestion. You care about your health and want a supportive, calming space to explore the root causes of your symptoms. You’re seeking a gentler, more mindful approach to feeling grounded, nourished, and connected to yourself.
As a functional nutrition and health coach, I know that you are unique and one solution (or pill!) does not fit all. After childhood allergies/asthma, frequent infections and fatigue, I was diagnosed with reproductive cancer and an autoimmune disease. I've been through it all, so I understand how frustrated you feel when your body stops working. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for you from the ground up with food, lifestyle and mindset enhancements. My programs improve sleep, energy, mental focus, and build better lifelong habits so you can accomplish more every day.
As a functional nutrition and health coach, I know that you are unique and one solution (or pill!) does not fit all. After childhood allergies/asthma, frequent infections and fatigue, I was diagnosed with reproductive cancer and an autoimmune disease. I've been through it all, so I understand how frustrated you feel when your body stops working. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for you from the ground up with food, lifestyle and mindset enhancements. My programs improve sleep, energy, mental focus, and build better lifelong habits so you can accomplish more every day.
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in private practice for over 15 years. I work with individuals, families and organizations to problem-solve nutrition concerns and improve health outcomes. I offer a nonjudgmental, straightforward and evidence-based approach. I listen to you and gather all necessary information to provide a nutrition plan and recommendations that work for you. It is my pleasure to be your nutrition guide!
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in private practice for over 15 years. I work with individuals, families and organizations to problem-solve nutrition concerns and improve health outcomes. I offer a nonjudgmental, straightforward and evidence-based approach. I listen to you and gather all necessary information to provide a nutrition plan and recommendations that work for you. It is my pleasure to be your nutrition guide!
Brenda Ruckstuhl is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) helping individuals improve their health by providing sound nutrition information and a listening ear. Individualized nutrition and lifestyle counseling for realistic change. Private practice located in Westlake Village.
Brenda Ruckstuhl is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) helping individuals improve their health by providing sound nutrition information and a listening ear. Individualized nutrition and lifestyle counseling for realistic change. Private practice located in Westlake Village.
Many people want to feel healthier, more energized, and confident in their bodies—but feel stuck after trying countless diets or conflicting advice. They may be struggling with weight, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. They’re looking for sustainable guidance, accountability, and a caring expert who helps them make real progress without restriction or judgment.
Many people want to feel healthier, more energized, and confident in their bodies—but feel stuck after trying countless diets or conflicting advice. They may be struggling with weight, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. They’re looking for sustainable guidance, accountability, and a caring expert who helps them make real progress without restriction or judgment.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
From a weight loss perspective, my ideal client is someone who has 'tried it all' but still feels confused about nutrition and is looking for a sustainable approach to lose weight and feel better in their bodies. From a gut health perspective, I also have extensive experience working with patient with IBS and SIBO, as well as unexplained gut symptoms. I also do some work with patients to improve and build their foundational gut health and nutrition ahead of conception and fertility. Overall, I work with women to feel better using nutrition and a functional approach.
From a weight loss perspective, my ideal client is someone who has 'tried it all' but still feels confused about nutrition and is looking for a sustainable approach to lose weight and feel better in their bodies. From a gut health perspective, I also have extensive experience working with patient with IBS and SIBO, as well as unexplained gut symptoms. I also do some work with patients to improve and build their foundational gut health and nutrition ahead of conception and fertility. Overall, I work with women to feel better using nutrition and a functional approach.
If you are experiencing ANY of the following, I would love to have the opportunity to work together: You often feel guilty about your food choices, and you spend significant time and energy thinking about food. You have scoured the internet for nutrition information and guidance and are frustrated by the amount of conflicting information online. You are navigating an eating disorder or disordered eating and are looking for support from a compassionate and knowledgable RD. You are struggling to keep up with meal planning every week, unsure of how to shop for and prepare meals that support your nutrition goals.
If you are experiencing ANY of the following, I would love to have the opportunity to work together: You often feel guilty about your food choices, and you spend significant time and energy thinking about food. You have scoured the internet for nutrition information and guidance and are frustrated by the amount of conflicting information online. You are navigating an eating disorder or disordered eating and are looking for support from a compassionate and knowledgable RD. You are struggling to keep up with meal planning every week, unsure of how to shop for and prepare meals that support your nutrition goals.
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
Whether you're an elite athlete, a working professional trying to get a little extra out of your workouts, or just want to lose some weight to improve your health and energy, adding nutrition counseling will boost your results! I have years of experience working in clinical nutrition and as a Sports Nutritionist at the University of Georgia and Duke University, allowing me to work with a variety of clients. My goal is to make healthy eating second nature. You have a busy lifestyle, and I can provide you with the tools to maximize your health and performance while fitting your schedule.
Whether you're an elite athlete, a working professional trying to get a little extra out of your workouts, or just want to lose some weight to improve your health and energy, adding nutrition counseling will boost your results! I have years of experience working in clinical nutrition and as a Sports Nutritionist at the University of Georgia and Duke University, allowing me to work with a variety of clients. My goal is to make healthy eating second nature. You have a busy lifestyle, and I can provide you with the tools to maximize your health and performance while fitting your schedule.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
Cassie is an intuitive eating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former dieter. Growing up she succumbed to the allure of fad diets only to discover that they are not sustainable, practical or healthy! Her goal is to help clients rebuild a healthy relationship with food by eliminating the ideology of "good" and "bad" foods, and helping them identify the distinction between health and weight loss. Cassie takes an integrative and functional approach to nutrition, treating it as just one piece of the much larger puzzle that is optimum health.
Cassie is an intuitive eating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former dieter. Growing up she succumbed to the allure of fad diets only to discover that they are not sustainable, practical or healthy! Her goal is to help clients rebuild a healthy relationship with food by eliminating the ideology of "good" and "bad" foods, and helping them identify the distinction between health and weight loss. Cassie takes an integrative and functional approach to nutrition, treating it as just one piece of the much larger puzzle that is optimum health.
Cultural foods are tasty, but not always healthy. Together, we will create a wellness plan that will empower and motivate you to achieve your weight loss goals! Your relationship with food will continue to be full of love and flavor as you lose weight without sacrificing your favorites!
Cultural foods are tasty, but not always healthy. Together, we will create a wellness plan that will empower and motivate you to achieve your weight loss goals! Your relationship with food will continue to be full of love and flavor as you lose weight without sacrificing your favorites!
Welcome! Are you an athlete or do have a career that requires a high level of performance? Do you feel unsure of what, when, and how much to eat? Is finding time to eat a challenge? Do you have a complicated relationship with food? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions and are looking for a way to simplify food & nutrition, I'd love to help. I help individuals take the stress out of eating to make it easier to fuel and nourish your body to help you optimize performance, boost energy levels, and feel your best physically and mentally.
Welcome! Are you an athlete or do have a career that requires a high level of performance? Do you feel unsure of what, when, and how much to eat? Is finding time to eat a challenge? Do you have a complicated relationship with food? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions and are looking for a way to simplify food & nutrition, I'd love to help. I help individuals take the stress out of eating to make it easier to fuel and nourish your body to help you optimize performance, boost energy levels, and feel your best physically and mentally.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Holistic approach. Food First. Science Based. Using a holistic approach, I assess your diet, symptoms, history, tests to understand what your best next steps would be. We'll work on diet & lifestyle, supplements to fill in gaps, and discuss testing if that is something you want to explore. Imagine what it would be like to be free of your symptoms. Have more energy, mental clarity, normal bowel movements and feel good in your own body. Everyone is different. I use food as nourishment, cell signaling, and healing to get you back to being healthy. I don't have one set protocol for everyone. I offer personalized nutrition guidance.
Holistic approach. Food First. Science Based. Using a holistic approach, I assess your diet, symptoms, history, tests to understand what your best next steps would be. We'll work on diet & lifestyle, supplements to fill in gaps, and discuss testing if that is something you want to explore. Imagine what it would be like to be free of your symptoms. Have more energy, mental clarity, normal bowel movements and feel good in your own body. Everyone is different. I use food as nourishment, cell signaling, and healing to get you back to being healthy. I don't have one set protocol for everyone. I offer personalized nutrition guidance.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Santa Clarita?
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.