Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in Du Page County, IL
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
People who wish to lose weight are battling a variety of factors related to behavior, psychology, and physiological adaptations that reduce how much fat our body is willing to burn while nudging us to eat more. I use only evidence based strategies to get onto flexible and sustainable meal and exercise plans that work because they are based 100% on science and tailored to the individual from a person that has gone through the weight loss and health journey herself, me!
People who wish to lose weight are battling a variety of factors related to behavior, psychology, and physiological adaptations that reduce how much fat our body is willing to burn while nudging us to eat more. I use only evidence based strategies to get onto flexible and sustainable meal and exercise plans that work because they are based 100% on science and tailored to the individual from a person that has gone through the weight loss and health journey herself, me!
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!
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.
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.
Christine is a warm, approachable dietitian who believes nutrition plays a crucial role in not only physical health, but also mental health and overall wellbeing. She takes a client-centered approach in her nutritional counseling, focusing on the specific needs of each individual. While providing a non-judgmental, positive and encouraging atmosphere for her clients, she uses goal and evidence based nutrition therapy to help clients achieve their desired results. Christine enjoys a hands-on approach, often helping clients with meal planning and grocery shopping.
Christine is a warm, approachable dietitian who believes nutrition plays a crucial role in not only physical health, but also mental health and overall wellbeing. She takes a client-centered approach in her nutritional counseling, focusing on the specific needs of each individual. While providing a non-judgmental, positive and encouraging atmosphere for her clients, she uses goal and evidence based nutrition therapy to help clients achieve their desired results. Christine enjoys a hands-on approach, often helping clients with meal planning and grocery shopping.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Emma specializes in working with clients interested in PCOS, Hormonal Imbalances, Pre/Post Natal, Infertility, Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management, Anti-Inflammatory, Thyroid Conditions, and other areas. Emma is passionate about helping others achieve their individual nutrition and health goals. She practices “judgment free” care and understands the numerous barriers to health, while serving as a partner to her patients on their wellness journey. She utilizes evidenced based practices to produce sustainable results and help others create a positive relationship with nutrition
Emma specializes in working with clients interested in PCOS, Hormonal Imbalances, Pre/Post Natal, Infertility, Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management, Anti-Inflammatory, Thyroid Conditions, and other areas. Emma is passionate about helping others achieve their individual nutrition and health goals. She practices “judgment free” care and understands the numerous barriers to health, while serving as a partner to her patients on their wellness journey. She utilizes evidenced based practices to produce sustainable results and help others create a positive relationship with nutrition
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
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.
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.
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.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
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.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
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.
Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method involving surgical intervention to help individuals lose weight. There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve procedures, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgeries like the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. This approach is often considered a "last resort" due to the high risks and potential complications, such as nutrient malabsorption, "dumping syndrome," gallstones, and hernias. To qualify for bariatric surgery, adults typically must have "class III obesity," defined as a BMI over 40, or a BMI over 35 with at least one related health issue. Adolescents and children can also undergo bariatric surgery but have different inclusion criteria due to the risks associated with the procedure.
How long does it take to see results from bariatric surgery?
In general, the primary goal of bariatric surgery is to promote weight loss to prevent or better manage obesity-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic mobility issues, and certain cancers. Therefore, since these diseases are chronic, it may take several years to see significant improvements or prevention following bariatric surgery. However, rapid weight loss often occurs in the initial weeks and months after surgery, with the extent of weight loss varying depending on the type of procedure and the patient's condition. Typically, the fastest weight loss occurs in the first 2-3 months post-surgery, with weight loss plateauing within 1-2 years.
What can you eat once you've had bariatric surgery?
In the first 1-2 months following bariatric surgery, individuals are placed on a restricted diet, such as a fully liquid or pureed food diet, to aid in recovery. After this initial period, most individuals can gradually reintroduce regular foods back into their diet, although they may find that some previously tolerated foods now cause discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. As a result, individuals are encouraged to reintroduce new foods slowly, especially those that are harder to digest, like salads, raw vegetables, and red meats. In addition, many clients may work closely with medical and nutrition professionals in the months and years following bariatric surgery in order to adopt a diet that promotes a healthier lifestyle and maintains their weight loss following bariatric surgery.
Who can benefit from bariatric nutrition support?
All individuals undergoing bariatric surgery can benefit from the expertise of a nutritional professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), to manage their nutrition post-surgery. Given that bariatric surgery is often considered a "last resort" option, many individuals have already consulted a nutrition professional before their surgery to explore less invasive weight loss options. Following surgery, however, RDs can provide particularly valuable guidance in helping clients find foods that minimize post-surgery symptoms like nausea and vomiting and help develop a meal plan that promotes sustained weight loss. Additionally, RDs can help clients address certain nutritional deficiencies that may arise due to the altered digestive process after surgery, ensuring that clients maintain an adequate intake and receive essential vitamins and minerals following surgery.