Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Chicago, IL
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist and health coach on a mission to empower individuals to achieve their health goals. As a health coach, I provide the motivation and strategies to make positive lifestyle changes. Pair that with my expertise as a nutritionist, where I craft personalized plans for your unique needs. Together, we'll conquer your health goals, whether you’re looking to boost energy, enhance longevity, or address specific health concerns. Let's embark on a journey to nourish your body, enhance your well-being, and cultivate a sustainable, healthy lifestyle together.
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist and health coach on a mission to empower individuals to achieve their health goals. As a health coach, I provide the motivation and strategies to make positive lifestyle changes. Pair that with my expertise as a nutritionist, where I craft personalized plans for your unique needs. Together, we'll conquer your health goals, whether you’re looking to boost energy, enhance longevity, or address specific health concerns. Let's embark on a journey to nourish your body, enhance your well-being, and cultivate a sustainable, healthy lifestyle together.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
Abbie is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food, body image, weight, and health. She helps clients achieve positive changes in mental and physical well-being through nutrition counseling and education. Abbie provides personalized care tailored to your nutritional needs using a non-diet approach. She offers counseling in a supportive setting, using methods like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with tools such as hands-on activities and educational handouts.
Abbie is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food, body image, weight, and health. She helps clients achieve positive changes in mental and physical well-being through nutrition counseling and education. Abbie provides personalized care tailored to your nutritional needs using a non-diet approach. She offers counseling in a supportive setting, using methods like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with tools such as hands-on activities and educational handouts.
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
Specialties include working with clients that have or had a history of Eating Disorders, Picky Eating, Pre-Diabetes, Heart Conditions, High Cholesterol, GERD, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, Gout, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Food Allergy
Passionate about nourishing bodies with evidence-based nutrition, Haleigh is a registered dietitian committed to guiding you through the maze of healthy eating. Haleigh loves helping her clients make small changes to their lifestyle that makes a huge difference to their health. Haleigh is dedicated to assisting clients with a mind-body approach to a healthier lifestyle through education on intuitive eating, stress reduction and a whole foods approach. She is a “non-diet” dietitian and strongly supports making changes that work for each person as an individual.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
My specialties include weight loss and weight management, whole food plant based eating, heart health, diabetes, IBS, & autoimmunity.
HI! I'm an RD who will customize a nutrition plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C. Using a science-based approach, we'll work together to develop a personalized strategy to help you meet your goals by making small, achievable dietary and lifestyle changes as I guide you, gently, through the process. I earned my master's degree in human nutrition from UIC in 2016 and have worked in Chicago as a licensed and registered dietitian ever since. I am currently seeing all clients via tele-health. I can help you improve.
My specialties include weight loss and weight management, whole food plant based eating, heart health, diabetes, IBS, & autoimmunity.
HI! I'm an RD who will customize a nutrition plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C. Using a science-based approach, we'll work together to develop a personalized strategy to help you meet your goals by making small, achievable dietary and lifestyle changes as I guide you, gently, through the process. I earned my master's degree in human nutrition from UIC in 2016 and have worked in Chicago as a licensed and registered dietitian ever since. I am currently seeing all clients via tele-health. I can help you improve.
Specialties include working with clients that need assistance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Low FODMAP diet, GERD, Eating Disorders, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes, Heart conditions, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Celiac, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Intuitive Eating, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Malnutrition, Sports Nutrition
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
Specialties include working with clients that need assistance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Low FODMAP diet, GERD, Eating Disorders, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes, Heart conditions, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Celiac, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Intuitive Eating, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Malnutrition, Sports Nutrition
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our DEXA scan to analyze body composition), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our DEXA scan to analyze body composition), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Hi! I'm Grace. My approach to nutrition is rooted in anti-diet and weight-inclusive principles, guiding clients to heal their relationships with food and their bodies through Intuitive Eating. I employ evidence-based practices, drawing on the All Foods Fit philosophy and Health at Every Size principles. This framework enables clients to recognize and address patterns and limiting beliefs that may hinder their ability to live fully and authentically.
Hi! I'm Grace. My approach to nutrition is rooted in anti-diet and weight-inclusive principles, guiding clients to heal their relationships with food and their bodies through Intuitive Eating. I employ evidence-based practices, drawing on the All Foods Fit philosophy and Health at Every Size principles. This framework enables clients to recognize and address patterns and limiting beliefs that may hinder their ability to live fully and authentically.
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
Carol is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery and health-driven goals. Her approach to nutrition emphasizes a size-inclusive framework, prioritizing peace with food and fostering a healthy relationship with the body. Carol utilizes patient-centered care to provide a non-diet approach to nutrition.
Carol is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery and health-driven goals. Her approach to nutrition emphasizes a size-inclusive framework, prioritizing peace with food and fostering a healthy relationship with the body. Carol utilizes patient-centered care to provide a non-diet approach to nutrition.
Hi, I’m Andrea, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who wants to make nutrition practical, approachable, and, believe it or not, enjoyable. Whether helping clients navigate complex medical conditions in a hospital setting or guiding individuals toward a healthier relationship with food, my goal is to provide education and support that fits your unique needs.
Hi, I’m Andrea, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who wants to make nutrition practical, approachable, and, believe it or not, enjoyable. Whether helping clients navigate complex medical conditions in a hospital setting or guiding individuals toward a healthier relationship with food, my goal is to provide education and support that fits your unique needs.
Hi, I'm Hannah!
I help people make peace with food and reconnect with their bodies in a gentle, sustainable way. My approach is non-diet, weight-inclusive, and trauma-informed, supporting clients across a range of nutrition needs—from eating disorders and disordered eating to general nutrition and wellness guidance.
Hi, I'm Hannah!
I help people make peace with food and reconnect with their bodies in a gentle, sustainable way. My approach is non-diet, weight-inclusive, and trauma-informed, supporting clients across a range of nutrition needs—from eating disorders and disordered eating to general nutrition and wellness guidance.
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians
How does nutrition affect heart health?
Nutrition plays a significant role in heart health, affecting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can raise "bad" cholesterol levels, potentially leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. In addition, high-sugar and refined carb foods, common in the American diet, are often high in calories but low in nutrients. Abundant consumption of such foods can lead to conditions such as weight gain and diabetes, which put extra strain on the heart. Excess sodium intake is yet another dietary component that can impact heart health. Consumption of too much sodium can raise blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Conversely, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps support heart health through the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels and the reduction of inflammation.
What diet is best for heart health?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to a heart healthy diet. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce blood pressure and positively impact heart health; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with heart conditions or high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats such diets can include.
What foods increase one's risk of heart disease?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, can have a very negative impact on heart health. In addition, sweets, high-sugar drinks, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are usually good to avoid in order to positively impact heart health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fat alternatives, such as consuming lean fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, is often a good strategy, as is replacing highly-processed and sugar-rich foods with alternative carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Why should someone with heart disease see a dietitian?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so individuals with heart disease may greatly benefit from seeing a dietitian to improve their cardiac health. Dietitians can help clients identify foods that support heart health, such as whole grains, as well as help clients eliminate foods that can place a strain on the heart when consumed in large quantities over time, such as saturated and trans fats. Dietitians can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support heart health, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with heart disease, such as kidney conditions or diabetes.