Nutritionists and Dietitians in Downers Grove, IL
I am a registered dietitian who is passionate about guiding others toward a healthier, more positive relationship with food and their bodies. I understand that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all journey, which is why I prioritize a client-centered approach and tailor my care to each individual. In a world overwhelmed by nutrition myths and misinformation, I strive to cut through the noise and make healthy living approachable and clear. I recognize that every person has unique nutritional needs, so I ensure that my guidance reflects that.
I am a registered dietitian who is passionate about guiding others toward a healthier, more positive relationship with food and their bodies. I understand that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all journey, which is why I prioritize a client-centered approach and tailor my care to each individual. In a world overwhelmed by nutrition myths and misinformation, I strive to cut through the noise and make healthy living approachable and clear. I recognize that every person has unique nutritional needs, so I ensure that my guidance reflects that.
For nearly a decade, I have specialized in working with adolescents and adults with disordered eating and medical nutrition therapy. I have worked as an RD in a variety of populations including eating disorders, general nutrition therapy at hospitals, the director of nutrition at a residential treatment facility and outpatient levels of care. If you are looking for nutrition support, monitoring of weight, labs, vitals, meal planning and improved symptoms related to food- I will coordinate care with those relevant to work toward our wellness goals created in our initial session.
For nearly a decade, I have specialized in working with adolescents and adults with disordered eating and medical nutrition therapy. I have worked as an RD in a variety of populations including eating disorders, general nutrition therapy at hospitals, the director of nutrition at a residential treatment facility and outpatient levels of care. If you are looking for nutrition support, monitoring of weight, labs, vitals, meal planning and improved symptoms related to food- I will coordinate care with those relevant to work toward our wellness goals created in our initial session.
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
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.
Anna works collaboratively with clients, utilizing a root cause approach, while providing quality care in an accessible manner. She believes that food is not only fuel but a vital component of a person's overall health and happiness. Her approach is characterized by empathy and active listening, allowing her to understand each client’s unique challenges and aspirations. Anna's focus is on functional nutrition, meaning she looks at how food and nutrients affect bodily functions - from energy and digestion to mood and cognitive function.
Anna works collaboratively with clients, utilizing a root cause approach, while providing quality care in an accessible manner. She believes that food is not only fuel but a vital component of a person's overall health and happiness. Her approach is characterized by empathy and active listening, allowing her to understand each client’s unique challenges and aspirations. Anna's focus is on functional nutrition, meaning she looks at how food and nutrients affect bodily functions - from energy and digestion to mood and cognitive function.
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
I'm inviting all individuals who need a fresh start to their recovery. A fresh start looks like: needing to work through challenges that still remain from previous eating disorder treatments; an introduction to that body of yours who has been waiting to be "friended" by you; wanting to know how very different a nourished brain behaves and finally- meeting a hybrid dietitian who safely, wisely helps you eat, move and live in a body that's hungry for change.
I'm inviting all individuals who need a fresh start to their recovery. A fresh start looks like: needing to work through challenges that still remain from previous eating disorder treatments; an introduction to that body of yours who has been waiting to be "friended" by you; wanting to know how very different a nourished brain behaves and finally- meeting a hybrid dietitian who safely, wisely helps you eat, move and live in a body that's hungry for change.
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
My goal is to help you improve your relationship with food & ditch the fad diets. My goal is to not only help my clients lose weight but also the skills you will need to maintain results you achieve by building a solid foundation of baseline habits that will serve you for the rest of your life. Whether you want to lose weight, help aid in preventing or a plan that will help you treat a disease, you want to just improve your overall health & wellness, I am here to help you! I accept insurance as well as private pay.
My goal is to help you improve your relationship with food & ditch the fad diets. My goal is to not only help my clients lose weight but also the skills you will need to maintain results you achieve by building a solid foundation of baseline habits that will serve you for the rest of your life. Whether you want to lose weight, help aid in preventing or a plan that will help you treat a disease, you want to just improve your overall health & wellness, I am here to help you! I accept insurance as well as private pay.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, weight concerns, cardiovascular disease, and nutrition during cancer treatment. Many come to me looking for clear, practical guidance they can apply in daily life. I help them build sustainable habits that improve long-term health, confidence, and overall well-being.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, weight concerns, cardiovascular disease, and nutrition during cancer treatment. Many come to me looking for clear, practical guidance they can apply in daily life. I help them build sustainable habits that improve long-term health, confidence, and overall well-being.
As a Certified Eating Disorder Nutrition Therapist, my goal is to repair, rebuild and restore you back to health by teaching you how to renourish yourself mind, body and spirit, verses just teaching you how to eat. In most cases, successful nutrition therapy is not a "quick-fix". My role is to have a clear understanding of your goals and to work with you step-by-step in helping you to achieve them. I have a collaborative approach focusing on progress not perfection and believe in using the food plan that best fits you.
As a Certified Eating Disorder Nutrition Therapist, my goal is to repair, rebuild and restore you back to health by teaching you how to renourish yourself mind, body and spirit, verses just teaching you how to eat. In most cases, successful nutrition therapy is not a "quick-fix". My role is to have a clear understanding of your goals and to work with you step-by-step in helping you to achieve them. I have a collaborative approach focusing on progress not perfection and believe in using the food plan that best fits you.
We're here to help you find the fun in food again. We firmly believe that all of us can find joy in food - whether you are navigating a new diagnosis, struggling with disordered eating, or working on recovery from an eating disorder.
Emotional eating, binge eating, restriction, picky eating - we will walk along side you or your child and help you find calm with food again while understanding the science of nutrition.
We're here to help you find the fun in food again. We firmly believe that all of us can find joy in food - whether you are navigating a new diagnosis, struggling with disordered eating, or working on recovery from an eating disorder.
Emotional eating, binge eating, restriction, picky eating - we will walk along side you or your child and help you find calm with food again while understanding the science of nutrition.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
I’m a registered dietitian with a virtual private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folx I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence. Please visit my website for more details.
I’m a registered dietitian with a virtual private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folx I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence. Please visit my website for more details.
Dana’s individualized approach focuses on educating athletes about the importance of nutrition for maximizing success in their sport, while establishing healthy behaviors to benefit them long after their athletic careers.
Dana’s individualized approach focuses on educating athletes about the importance of nutrition for maximizing success in their sport, while establishing healthy behaviors to benefit them long after their athletic careers.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in metabolic health, clinical homeopathy, functional medicine and sports nutrition. I create personalized diet and nutrition plans tailored to support weight loss, muscle health, metabolic balance, and long-term vitality.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in metabolic health, clinical homeopathy, functional medicine and sports nutrition. I create personalized diet and nutrition plans tailored to support weight loss, muscle health, metabolic balance, and long-term vitality.
I’ve been working in the field of dietetics for over 18 years, with the last 13 working for a top health insurance company. During that time, I’ve spent over 26,000 hours treating and counseling over 15,000 clients. I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders. I have extensive experience working with clients seeking assistance with weight, diabetes management, and improving their cardiac health.
I’ve been working in the field of dietetics for over 18 years, with the last 13 working for a top health insurance company. During that time, I’ve spent over 26,000 hours treating and counseling over 15,000 clients. I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders. I have extensive experience working with clients seeking assistance with weight, diabetes management, and improving their cardiac health.
I help my patients improve their relationship with food and their body and use an individualized, patient-centered approach and motivational interviewing. I believe that all foods have a place in a well-balanced diet and that small but powerful changes over time will help individuals reach their goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
I help my patients improve their relationship with food and their body and use an individualized, patient-centered approach and motivational interviewing. I believe that all foods have a place in a well-balanced diet and that small but powerful changes over time will help individuals reach their goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Downers Grove?
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.