Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Skokie, IL
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
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.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
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.
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
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.
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
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.
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.
Specialties include: Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Morgan is a registered dietitian committed to improving overall health and well-being. She specializes in supporting individuals with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, and thyroid management. With a holistic approach, Morgan goes beyond assessing dietary habits to consider various lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and one's relationship with food. Morgan combines her expertise in nutrition with a compassionate approach to guide individuals on their journey towards improved health and wellness. Morgan recognizes that everyone's health and wellness journey is unique.
Specialties include: Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Morgan is a registered dietitian committed to improving overall health and well-being. She specializes in supporting individuals with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, and thyroid management. With a holistic approach, Morgan goes beyond assessing dietary habits to consider various lifestyle factors such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and one's relationship with food. Morgan combines her expertise in nutrition with a compassionate approach to guide individuals on their journey towards improved health and wellness. Morgan recognizes that everyone's health and wellness journey is unique.
As a Dietitian Coach with All Access Dietitians, we commit to a 12 session program with all clients. The program is rooted in positive psychology to enable behavior change towards your health and wellness goals, blending the science of nutrition with the art of coaching.
If you are someone looking for the accountability and guidance to change your health habits, improve your bloodwork, manage your chronic condition through diet and build your toolbox of resources for sustainable change, this will be a great fit for you.
As a Dietitian Coach with All Access Dietitians, we commit to a 12 session program with all clients. The program is rooted in positive psychology to enable behavior change towards your health and wellness goals, blending the science of nutrition with the art of coaching.
If you are someone looking for the accountability and guidance to change your health habits, improve your bloodwork, manage your chronic condition through diet and build your toolbox of resources for sustainable change, this will be a great fit for you.
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
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.
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
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.
With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health.
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health.
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
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.
My journey into the world of nutrition began with a profound fascination for the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. I am a firm believer in adopting a holistic approach to nutrition, considering the physical aspects, emotional and social factors that influence our relationship with food. As a passionate and Telehealth dietitian, my mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized and sustainable nutrition strategies.
My journey into the world of nutrition began with a profound fascination for the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. I am a firm believer in adopting a holistic approach to nutrition, considering the physical aspects, emotional and social factors that influence our relationship with food. As a passionate and Telehealth dietitian, my mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized and sustainable nutrition strategies.
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to 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.
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.