Nutritionists and Dietitians in Santa Monica, CA
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner. I specialize in eating disorder recovery and helping people find food freedom. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, tired of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, or just feeling confused about how to eat, I am here to guide you towards the path to food freedom and Intuitive Eating. Every person has their own personal journey with food. I am here to listen and understand yours and find the most effective interventions individual to you.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner. I specialize in eating disorder recovery and helping people find food freedom. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, tired of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, or just feeling confused about how to eat, I am here to guide you towards the path to food freedom and Intuitive Eating. Every person has their own personal journey with food. I am here to listen and understand yours and find the most effective interventions individual to you.
Hearing the news you have cancer can be devastating and life changing, but it does not have to destroy your quality of life. I am a 5 time cancer survivor. I am a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Senior Nutrition Specialist that has the personal experience and training to help you through aging and health conditions that may develop.
Hearing the news you have cancer can be devastating and life changing, but it does not have to destroy your quality of life. I am a 5 time cancer survivor. I am a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Senior Nutrition Specialist that has the personal experience and training to help you through aging and health conditions that may develop.
Whether you're seeking help for sports nutrition, making healthier lifestyle choices, or need guidance in creating a more positive relationship with food - we can do it together! Together, we'll create lifestyle modifications that work for you, to not only optimize performance but improve your overall health.
Whether you're seeking help for sports nutrition, making healthier lifestyle choices, or need guidance in creating a more positive relationship with food - we can do it together! Together, we'll create lifestyle modifications that work for you, to not only optimize performance but improve your overall health.
Latina Dietitian Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience in the nutrition field; working in hospitals, out patient clinics, the Women Infant and Child (WIC) program in California. Owner of Nutrición Bilingüe Con Ana since 2020
Latina Dietitian Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience in the nutrition field; working in hospitals, out patient clinics, the Women Infant and Child (WIC) program in California. Owner of Nutrición Bilingüe Con Ana since 2020
Hi there! I help athletes, physically active individuals, and teams optimize their performance and health through sports nutrition coaching services. Understanding all of the research and beneficial nutrition strategies, putting them into practice, and maintaining consistency can be tough. We will work on building positive eating habits that work for YOU and YOUR lifestyle and needs. Here are a few outcomes of clients I work with: extra edge to perform in your sport, better energy levels throughout the day and during training&competition, faster recovery, sick less often, preventing/treating injuries, better relationships with food.
Hi there! I help athletes, physically active individuals, and teams optimize their performance and health through sports nutrition coaching services. Understanding all of the research and beneficial nutrition strategies, putting them into practice, and maintaining consistency can be tough. We will work on building positive eating habits that work for YOU and YOUR lifestyle and needs. Here are a few outcomes of clients I work with: extra edge to perform in your sport, better energy levels throughout the day and during training&competition, faster recovery, sick less often, preventing/treating injuries, better relationships with food.
As an anti-diet registered dietitian, I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages heal their relationship with food and their bodies. I specialize in nutrition counseling for disordered eating and eating disorders, drawing on the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating to guide a compassionate, individualized approach to care.
With experience working in eating disorder treatment, I understand the complexities and co-occurring challenges that often accompany disordered habits. My role is to provide kind, nonjudgmental support, creating a safe space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.
As an anti-diet registered dietitian, I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages heal their relationship with food and their bodies. I specialize in nutrition counseling for disordered eating and eating disorders, drawing on the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating to guide a compassionate, individualized approach to care.
With experience working in eating disorder treatment, I understand the complexities and co-occurring challenges that often accompany disordered habits. My role is to provide kind, nonjudgmental support, creating a safe space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood.
Hi there! I’m a registered dietitian who helps adults and children navigate eating disorder recovery, pediatric feeding disorders, ARFID, intuitive eating, picky eating, and anti-diet vegan nutrition. My approach to nutrition counseling is compassionate and evidence-based. I practice from a weight-neutral HAES lens. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating, supporting a child with medical nutrition needs, or navigating plant-based or vegan nutrition safely, I provide practical guidance tailored to your real life. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and focused on sustainable change, not rules or restriction.
Hi there! I’m a registered dietitian who helps adults and children navigate eating disorder recovery, pediatric feeding disorders, ARFID, intuitive eating, picky eating, and anti-diet vegan nutrition. My approach to nutrition counseling is compassionate and evidence-based. I practice from a weight-neutral HAES lens. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating, supporting a child with medical nutrition needs, or navigating plant-based or vegan nutrition safely, I provide practical guidance tailored to your real life. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and focused on sustainable change, not rules or restriction.
Are you confused about what to eat? Are you looking to keep muscle while on a GLP-1? . Are you diabetic or trying to prevent diabetes or other chronic diseases? Do you suffer with food allergies or sensitivities? Do you display disordered eating, or eating disorder behaviors? Let's form a "team" to help improve your labs, lose or gain weight, and make lasting changes without feeling deprived. I currently work in doctors' offices and hospitals, keeping up-to-date on the latest research. I also accept most Insurance, and Medicare. If you need to pay out of pocket, I will work with your budget. It's time to "Move to Wellness!"
Are you confused about what to eat? Are you looking to keep muscle while on a GLP-1? . Are you diabetic or trying to prevent diabetes or other chronic diseases? Do you suffer with food allergies or sensitivities? Do you display disordered eating, or eating disorder behaviors? Let's form a "team" to help improve your labs, lose or gain weight, and make lasting changes without feeling deprived. I currently work in doctors' offices and hospitals, keeping up-to-date on the latest research. I also accept most Insurance, and Medicare. If you need to pay out of pocket, I will work with your budget. It's time to "Move to Wellness!"
Are you ready to move beyond restrictive dieting and take permanent control of your health? I partner with adults living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing heart disease, or seeking sustainable weight loss and plant-based nutrition. You don't need another fad diet; you need practical, science-based strategies that actually fit your life. Together, we will build your confidence around food so you can boost your energy, seamlessly manage your blood sugars, and reach your health goals.
Are you ready to move beyond restrictive dieting and take permanent control of your health? I partner with adults living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing heart disease, or seeking sustainable weight loss and plant-based nutrition. You don't need another fad diet; you need practical, science-based strategies that actually fit your life. Together, we will build your confidence around food so you can boost your energy, seamlessly manage your blood sugars, and reach your health goals.
Our Nutritionbite practice is consistently ranked #1 for Los Angeles nutritionists by sites like Yelp. For more than ten years, our integrated counseling approach has been effecting permanent lifestyle changes in hundreds of clients. Our unique program typically involves teaching individuals how to eat "intuitively"--most of our clients don't feel like they are dieting. We offer nutrition consulting services to individuals of all ages, families and businesses. For a view of what our clients think of us, please read our reviews on Yelp!
Our Nutritionbite practice is consistently ranked #1 for Los Angeles nutritionists by sites like Yelp. For more than ten years, our integrated counseling approach has been effecting permanent lifestyle changes in hundreds of clients. Our unique program typically involves teaching individuals how to eat "intuitively"--most of our clients don't feel like they are dieting. We offer nutrition consulting services to individuals of all ages, families and businesses. For a view of what our clients think of us, please read our reviews on Yelp!
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
I am a Registered Dietitian specialized in Eating Disorders as well as dancers/athletes, food allergies and gastrointestinal disorders and diseases. I also have significant experience working with substance abuse and other mental health disorders. Navigating decisions around how to fuel your body can be hard, confusing and scary. I'm here to help make that process a little easier. I work with each person to figure out their individual needs and what works best for them. I am an "all foods fit," and body acceptance based dietitian. My focus is on mindful and intuitive eating rather than restrictive dieting.
I am a Registered Dietitian specialized in Eating Disorders as well as dancers/athletes, food allergies and gastrointestinal disorders and diseases. I also have significant experience working with substance abuse and other mental health disorders. Navigating decisions around how to fuel your body can be hard, confusing and scary. I'm here to help make that process a little easier. I work with each person to figure out their individual needs and what works best for them. I am an "all foods fit," and body acceptance based dietitian. My focus is on mindful and intuitive eating rather than restrictive dieting.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Do you struggle with chronic dieting, issues with food and body image, or wanting a more peaceful relationship with food? Have you spent a lot of time feeling confused, discouraged, or told what to do instead of supported? You may be interested in plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan eating and want guidance that feels collaborative, realistic, and empowering. You’re looking for education, accountability, and support so you can make informed health choices and feel more at ease in your body.
Do you struggle with chronic dieting, issues with food and body image, or wanting a more peaceful relationship with food? Have you spent a lot of time feeling confused, discouraged, or told what to do instead of supported? You may be interested in plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan eating and want guidance that feels collaborative, realistic, and empowering. You’re looking for education, accountability, and support so you can make informed health choices and feel more at ease in your body.
With a dual specialty in eating disorder treatment and sports nutrition, I help clients in any phase of their nutrition journey. Whether you are stepping down from a higher level of eating disorder care and looking for continued support, struggling with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), or are working toward a personal best in your next race, I am here to help.
With a dual specialty in eating disorder treatment and sports nutrition, I help clients in any phase of their nutrition journey. Whether you are stepping down from a higher level of eating disorder care and looking for continued support, struggling with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), or are working toward a personal best in your next race, I am here to help.
Laura is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a background in psychology that focuses on helping clients cultivate a safe and nourishing relationship with food and eating while supporting their mental health. She believes health is so much more than what we eat, so she has a special focus at the intersection of nutrition and psychological wellbeing. Laura has won numerous awards for her holistic approach to care, including Dietitian of the Year at New York Presbyterian Hospital - one of the largest health systems in NYC.
Laura is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a background in psychology that focuses on helping clients cultivate a safe and nourishing relationship with food and eating while supporting their mental health. She believes health is so much more than what we eat, so she has a special focus at the intersection of nutrition and psychological wellbeing. Laura has won numerous awards for her holistic approach to care, including Dietitian of the Year at New York Presbyterian Hospital - one of the largest health systems in NYC.
As a GI-focused Dietitian, I’m here to guide and empower you to reduce your gastrointestinal symptoms, clarify the uncertainty of what and how to eat, and reduce the stress associated with eating. We will work together to develop an approach to eating that is sustainable, realistic, and doesn’t feel like deprivation! I have helped clients with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, SIBO, IBD (Crohn’s/UC), Celiac, diverticulosis/itis, esophageal disorders, and more. I am also experienced in counseling for weight management, diabetes, and general wellness.
As a GI-focused Dietitian, I’m here to guide and empower you to reduce your gastrointestinal symptoms, clarify the uncertainty of what and how to eat, and reduce the stress associated with eating. We will work together to develop an approach to eating that is sustainable, realistic, and doesn’t feel like deprivation! I have helped clients with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, SIBO, IBD (Crohn’s/UC), Celiac, diverticulosis/itis, esophageal disorders, and more. I am also experienced in counseling for weight management, diabetes, and general wellness.
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.
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.
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.
Stephanie’s practice centers around evidence-based nutrition support for complex physical and mental health conditions provided in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. She combines >10 years of academic experience in nutrition–including a PhD from Cornell + research at Harvard and Tufts–with her personal passion for providing practical support to diverse patient populations. Specialties include mental health, eating disorders / disordered eating, GI and digestive diseases, food preferences and allergies including Celiac, weight neutral care, liver health, POTS, and RED-S, and other chronic health conditions.
Stephanie’s practice centers around evidence-based nutrition support for complex physical and mental health conditions provided in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. She combines >10 years of academic experience in nutrition–including a PhD from Cornell + research at Harvard and Tufts–with her personal passion for providing practical support to diverse patient populations. Specialties include mental health, eating disorders / disordered eating, GI and digestive diseases, food preferences and allergies including Celiac, weight neutral care, liver health, POTS, and RED-S, and other chronic health conditions.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Santa Monica?
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.