Plant Based Diets Nutritionists and Dietitians in Downers Grove, IL
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!
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
I am a dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, based in Chicago, IL. I specialize in helping patients with kidney disease & kidney health concerns. Together we'll implement changes to help improve your labs, slow the progression of kidney disease, and ensure you enjoy what you eat! I’ll help you let go of fears and misconceptions about the "renal diet", and help you gain confidence that you CAN manage your kidney disease and continue doing all the things you love – traveling, being active, and spending precious time with loved ones.
I am a dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, based in Chicago, IL. I specialize in helping patients with kidney disease & kidney health concerns. Together we'll implement changes to help improve your labs, slow the progression of kidney disease, and ensure you enjoy what you eat! I’ll help you let go of fears and misconceptions about the "renal diet", and help you gain confidence that you CAN manage your kidney disease and continue doing all the things you love – traveling, being active, and spending precious time with loved ones.
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.
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.
Amanda is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) that specializes in sports nutrition, plant-based eating, and the intersection of the two.
She is on a mission to show others that you can be successful in athletics and life fueled in part or in full by plants. As a RDN, she finds it rewarding to help people reach their own wellness goals. You are welcome to work with her if you aren’t plant-based or an athlete. She will never pressure you to go plant-based in session!
Amanda is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) that specializes in sports nutrition, plant-based eating, and the intersection of the two.
She is on a mission to show others that you can be successful in athletics and life fueled in part or in full by plants. As a RDN, she finds it rewarding to help people reach their own wellness goals. You are welcome to work with her if you aren’t plant-based or an athlete. She will never pressure you to go plant-based in session!
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.
I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
Through lifestyle medicine, I'm committed to making a real difference for my patients and empowering them to improve their health through knowledge and education. For this reason, in addition to offering 1-1 nutrition counseling to patients, I also offer cooking classes, grocery store tours, educational classes, and more.
I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
Through lifestyle medicine, I'm committed to making a real difference for my patients and empowering them to improve their health through knowledge and education. For this reason, in addition to offering 1-1 nutrition counseling to patients, I also offer cooking classes, grocery store tours, educational classes, and more.
Transform Your Health Through Nutrition - Your well-being is at the heart of what I do. With over 10 years of experience in the nutrition and wellness field, I specialize in helping individuals optimize their health through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Whether you’re seeking guidance to manage a chronic health condition, need support building a healthy relationship with food, or simply want to feel your best, I’m here to help.
Transform Your Health Through Nutrition - Your well-being is at the heart of what I do. With over 10 years of experience in the nutrition and wellness field, I specialize in helping individuals optimize their health through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Whether you’re seeking guidance to manage a chronic health condition, need support building a healthy relationship with food, or simply want to feel your best, I’m here to help.
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.
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.
Because of my own personal health journey, I empathize with people who feel trapped and worried that their health challenges have become the new normal. I support my clients and make their voices heard in order to tackle the health challenge head-on.
Because of my own personal health journey, I empathize with people who feel trapped and worried that their health challenges have become the new normal. I support my clients and make their voices heard in order to tackle the health challenge head-on.
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.
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.
My ideal client struggles with disordered eating, emotional eating, or medical nutrition issues like diabetes or gastrointestinal problems. They feel overwhelmed by food choices, guilt, or body image concerns. Their goal is to regain control over their eating habits, heal their relationship with food, and manage their health without restrictive diets. They seek clarity, structure, and emotional support to develop a sustainable, balanced approach to nutrition that improves both their mental and physical well-being.
My ideal client struggles with disordered eating, emotional eating, or medical nutrition issues like diabetes or gastrointestinal problems. They feel overwhelmed by food choices, guilt, or body image concerns. Their goal is to regain control over their eating habits, heal their relationship with food, and manage their health without restrictive diets. They seek clarity, structure, and emotional support to develop a sustainable, balanced approach to nutrition that improves both their mental and physical well-being.
Solveig is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in women's health, fertility, and PCOS. She fosters a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their relationship with food and learn to make mindful choices that nourish both body and soul. Solveig believes in a holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition counseling, empowering clients to be the expert of their own body. She believes her job as a dietitian is to share evidence-based knowledge, provide nutrition education, and help reframe limiting beliefs while respecting client's autonomy regarding their health choices.
Solveig is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in women's health, fertility, and PCOS. She fosters a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their relationship with food and learn to make mindful choices that nourish both body and soul. Solveig believes in a holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition counseling, empowering clients to be the expert of their own body. She believes her job as a dietitian is to share evidence-based knowledge, provide nutrition education, and help reframe limiting beliefs while respecting client's autonomy regarding their health choices.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Cecille Biaggi, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian passionate about helping people build a healthier relationship with food while improving overall health. She supports individuals with weight management, metabolic health, and chronic conditions using practical, evidence-based strategies. Cecille believes nutrition should feel realistic and sustainable—not restrictive—and helps clients build habits that fit their lifestyle. Her goal is to boost confidence, improve health markers, and create long-term habits that last.
Cecille Biaggi, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian passionate about helping people build a healthier relationship with food while improving overall health. She supports individuals with weight management, metabolic health, and chronic conditions using practical, evidence-based strategies. Cecille believes nutrition should feel realistic and sustainable—not restrictive—and helps clients build habits that fit their lifestyle. Her goal is to boost confidence, improve health markers, and create long-term habits that last.
Brianne is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft who is passionate about providing personalized support to help clients reach their health goals and create sustainable lifestyle changes. She takes a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, meeting each person where they are in their journey. Brianne believes nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all and is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering guidance tailored to their unique needs—one step at a time.
Brianne is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft who is passionate about providing personalized support to help clients reach their health goals and create sustainable lifestyle changes. She takes a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, meeting each person where they are in their journey. Brianne believes nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all and is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering guidance tailored to their unique needs—one step at a time.
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.
Plant Based Diets Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet emphasizes the consumption of foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while reducing or eliminating animal products like meat and dairy. Unlike a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, a plant-based diet does not necessarily require complete elimination of animal-based foods, although some individuals choose to do so. Many people following a plant-based diet also aim to incorporate more "whole foods" into their meals, favoring less-processed options over highly processed foods. For example, they might choose brown rice over white bread or fresh fruits over baked goods. The focus is on eating nutrient-dense, natural foods to promote overall health and well-being.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
Research has shown that a plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, including weight loss, lowered cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and better blood sugar control. These benefits can arise from eating fewer animal-based foods, which are high in saturated fats, or from the weight loss that many people experience when starting a plant-based diet. Additionally, plant-based diets are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which support a healthy immune system and may be particularly helpful for those with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Plant-based diets are also high in fiber, which improves digestive health and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Who should follow a plant-based diet?
Anyone can follow a plant-based diet, and many nutrition and medical professionals encourage its adoption due to the numerous health benefits associated with consuming more plants and reducing animal-based products. People may also choose a plant-based diet for environmental and ethical reasons. For health-related benefits, a plant-based diet can be particularly advantageous for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and certain inflammatory conditions. Since many chronic diseases are related to obesity, the weight management benefits of a plant-based diet are especially valuable. Additionally, a plant-based diet can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and enhance insulin sensitivity.
How do I start a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet can be started at any time and may even be a more accessible option for individuals not ready to completely eliminate animal-based products from their diet. Many people start a plant-based diet slowly, such as with substituting meat or dairy for alternative products just a few times a week; for instance, finding easy swaps—such as whole grains in place of white bread products and beans or tofu in lieu of meat products—can be a great way to start eating a more plant-based diet. In addition, working to plan more meals ahead of time and constructing plant-based grocery store lists may be beneficial to ensure that consuming a plant-based meal is an accessible option when first getting started.