Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in Franklin County, MA
Do you ever eat beyond the point of fullness or feel guilty for what you ate? Do you find yourself eating for reasons other than hunger? Have you tried a diet (or a lifetime of diets) and "failed," only to put the weight back on...and then some? Are you frustrated by your relationship to food and your body? Do you know what to do but have a hard time following through? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Happy Valley Nutrition is the Pioneer Valley's ONLY group practice of weight-inclusive, fat-positive, HAES-aligned RDs.
Do you ever eat beyond the point of fullness or feel guilty for what you ate? Do you find yourself eating for reasons other than hunger? Have you tried a diet (or a lifetime of diets) and "failed," only to put the weight back on...and then some? Are you frustrated by your relationship to food and your body? Do you know what to do but have a hard time following through? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Happy Valley Nutrition is the Pioneer Valley's ONLY group practice of weight-inclusive, fat-positive, HAES-aligned RDs.
Marit Harney is a Registered Dietitian, practicing functional nutrition. Her private practice is at AEGIS Physical Therapy in Hadley, MA. She has been in the fitness and nutrition space for 17 years and has worked with a wide variety of patients. She specializes in digestive wellness (IBS, Celiac Disease, IBD, food allergies and sensitivities, GERD etc), though she also commonly helps with the following health concerns: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Autoimmune Diseases, Prenatal nutrition, and skin issues (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc).
Marit Harney is a Registered Dietitian, practicing functional nutrition. Her private practice is at AEGIS Physical Therapy in Hadley, MA. She has been in the fitness and nutrition space for 17 years and has worked with a wide variety of patients. She specializes in digestive wellness (IBS, Celiac Disease, IBD, food allergies and sensitivities, GERD etc), though she also commonly helps with the following health concerns: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Autoimmune Diseases, Prenatal nutrition, and skin issues (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc).
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
I take a holistic, non-weight-focused approach with my clients to help them avoid the pitfalls of fad diets, build a positive relationship with food and their bodies, and create their own healthy, sustainable, and (most importantly) enjoyable wellness practices.
I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
I take a holistic, non-weight-focused approach with my clients to help them avoid the pitfalls of fad diets, build a positive relationship with food and their bodies, and create their own healthy, sustainable, and (most importantly) enjoyable wellness practices.
I'm here to walk alongside you as you build nourishing habits that feel sustainable for your life—whether you're healing from a challenging relationship with food or navigating health concerns without the weight obsession cycle.
Here's what I've learned through my own journey and years of practice: nutrition behavior change isn't just about what's on your plate. It's about zooming out to notice the bigger patterns that influence your eating, getting practical about the day-to-day realities (meal planning, cooking, the mental load of it all), and tuning into your internal world—thoughts, emotions, and what your body is telling you.
I'm here to walk alongside you as you build nourishing habits that feel sustainable for your life—whether you're healing from a challenging relationship with food or navigating health concerns without the weight obsession cycle.
Here's what I've learned through my own journey and years of practice: nutrition behavior change isn't just about what's on your plate. It's about zooming out to notice the bigger patterns that influence your eating, getting practical about the day-to-day realities (meal planning, cooking, the mental load of it all), and tuning into your internal world—thoughts, emotions, and what your body is telling you.
Award-winning Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with 15+ years working with executives, professional athletes, and special operations professionals operating under sustained pressure.
My work sits at the intersection of performance nutrition, behavioral science, and emotional mastery.
I’ve supported elite operators and their families within hospital-based Sports Medicine and Primary Care systems, and contributed to the development of a longitudinal resiliency program for the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC), addressing performance across the full operational lifecycle—physical, behavioral, and neurobiological.
Award-winning Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with 15+ years working with executives, professional athletes, and special operations professionals operating under sustained pressure.
My work sits at the intersection of performance nutrition, behavioral science, and emotional mastery.
I’ve supported elite operators and their families within hospital-based Sports Medicine and Primary Care systems, and contributed to the development of a longitudinal resiliency program for the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC), addressing performance across the full operational lifecycle—physical, behavioral, and neurobiological.
As a Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian specializing in mental health and mood disorders, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone regulation, mindful and intuitive eating, and behavior change, it is my job to dig deep to find the root causes of your chronic symptoms. It's time to feel like the best version of yourself. I can't wait to work with you!
As a Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian specializing in mental health and mood disorders, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone regulation, mindful and intuitive eating, and behavior change, it is my job to dig deep to find the root causes of your chronic symptoms. It's time to feel like the best version of yourself. I can't wait to work with you!
I am a Registered Dietitian who specializes in gut health/digestive conditions, weight loss, and behavior modification to sustain a healthier lifestyle. My goal is to help busy individuals optimize and improve their health while implementing science-based, sustainable, and personalized strategies. With over 11+ years of nutrition counseling experience, I am here to empower, educate, and collaborate with you in order to help you achieve your nutrition goals. In our first session you can expect a comprehensive nutrition assessment, as well as education, and counseling in order to create a plan that works specifically for you!
I am a Registered Dietitian who specializes in gut health/digestive conditions, weight loss, and behavior modification to sustain a healthier lifestyle. My goal is to help busy individuals optimize and improve their health while implementing science-based, sustainable, and personalized strategies. With over 11+ years of nutrition counseling experience, I am here to empower, educate, and collaborate with you in order to help you achieve your nutrition goals. In our first session you can expect a comprehensive nutrition assessment, as well as education, and counseling in order to create a plan that works specifically for you!
Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to care for themselves or their families around food. You may be navigating an eating disorder, ADHD-related eating challenges, medical concerns, using GLP-1 medications, or supporting a child with picky eating. I work with individuals and families across a wide range of nutrition concerns through a gentle, relationship-focused approach. My clients are thoughtful people who want to feel better but are tired of feeling like they’re “doing it wrong.” Together, we build confidence and a more trusting, sustainable way of nourishing your body.
Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to care for themselves or their families around food. You may be navigating an eating disorder, ADHD-related eating challenges, medical concerns, using GLP-1 medications, or supporting a child with picky eating. I work with individuals and families across a wide range of nutrition concerns through a gentle, relationship-focused approach. My clients are thoughtful people who want to feel better but are tired of feeling like they’re “doing it wrong.” Together, we build confidence and a more trusting, sustainable way of nourishing your body.
We are overloaded with information about food and exercise, but often struggle to find the wisdom needed to nurture these relationships. To address these issues, I have studied and worked with some of the best athletes, coaches, and teams in the world. I have cofounded research-based programs and initiatives to treat athletes struggling with eating disorders, and aim to distill the knowledge and wisdom needed to translate nutrition and exercise science into practical solutions to help you achieve your dreams. I look forward to hearing about your goals and learning how I can best equip you to develop your own sense of mastery!
We are overloaded with information about food and exercise, but often struggle to find the wisdom needed to nurture these relationships. To address these issues, I have studied and worked with some of the best athletes, coaches, and teams in the world. I have cofounded research-based programs and initiatives to treat athletes struggling with eating disorders, and aim to distill the knowledge and wisdom needed to translate nutrition and exercise science into practical solutions to help you achieve your dreams. I look forward to hearing about your goals and learning how I can best equip you to develop your own sense of mastery!
I help women navigatie perimenopause and menopause, hormonal imbalances by creating real, lasting change in how they feel day to day. I am not offering quick tips, but deep, transformational support grounded in my own experience, extensive knowledge, and ongoing research. I offer advanced lab testing, including state of the art hormone testing, microbiome testing, and cortisol testing, so we can truly understand what is happening in your body and tailor a plan to your needs.
I help women navigatie perimenopause and menopause, hormonal imbalances by creating real, lasting change in how they feel day to day. I am not offering quick tips, but deep, transformational support grounded in my own experience, extensive knowledge, and ongoing research. I offer advanced lab testing, including state of the art hormone testing, microbiome testing, and cortisol testing, so we can truly understand what is happening in your body and tailor a plan to your needs.
Cristine Seitz is a Registered Dietitian committed to providing supportive and individualized nutrition counseling focused on what feels best for your body and life. There are no food rules, but instead an attention to hunger and fullness and how your body feels.
Cristine Seitz is a Registered Dietitian committed to providing supportive and individualized nutrition counseling focused on what feels best for your body and life. There are no food rules, but instead an attention to hunger and fullness and how your body feels.
Good health is personal wealth and can be achieved and maintained through expert guidance. That's where my years of nutrition counseling benefit you! You are motivated because you seek the help of a nutrition professional, and I will fulfill your goals with solid, evidence-based nutrition therapy accrued over years of formal education and on the ground practice. We will also integrate the "nutritional environment" we all live in, and ways to avoid the many pitfalls we may encounter.As you master the tactics you learn from me, you will also gain the confidence you need to maintain your glowing health for good.
Good health is personal wealth and can be achieved and maintained through expert guidance. That's where my years of nutrition counseling benefit you! You are motivated because you seek the help of a nutrition professional, and I will fulfill your goals with solid, evidence-based nutrition therapy accrued over years of formal education and on the ground practice. We will also integrate the "nutritional environment" we all live in, and ways to avoid the many pitfalls we may encounter.As you master the tactics you learn from me, you will also gain the confidence you need to maintain your glowing health for good.
I am a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist passionate about helping you achieve your nutrition goals. I have over a decade of experience in nutrition counseling with a special focus in working with people with diabetes and weight management. I follow a nonrestrictive "all foods fit" approach and I will help you feel empowered with your nutrition choices. As an avid marathon runner, I am also passionate about sports nutrition, helping individuals learn how to optimally fuel their bodies.
I am a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist passionate about helping you achieve your nutrition goals. I have over a decade of experience in nutrition counseling with a special focus in working with people with diabetes and weight management. I follow a nonrestrictive "all foods fit" approach and I will help you feel empowered with your nutrition choices. As an avid marathon runner, I am also passionate about sports nutrition, helping individuals learn how to optimally fuel their bodies.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach (Pn2). I have worked in the health industry for over 11 years. I believe that eating healthy and achieving good health shouldn't be complicated. Everyone is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all diet. I meet my clients where they are and collaborate with them to craft a plan that is easy to follow yet effective to meets their needs and goals. Finally, I provide my clients with the guidance, support, and accountability to help them succeed.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach (Pn2). I have worked in the health industry for over 11 years. I believe that eating healthy and achieving good health shouldn't be complicated. Everyone is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all diet. I meet my clients where they are and collaborate with them to craft a plan that is easy to follow yet effective to meets their needs and goals. Finally, I provide my clients with the guidance, support, and accountability to help them succeed.
Before I became a registered dietitian, I was where you are. I know how it feels to constantly worry about what you should or shouldn’t eat and to feel like your body isn’t good enough. Life is too short to constantly feel restricted. It’s time to feel like you’re in control and not the food.
Before I became a registered dietitian, I was where you are. I know how it feels to constantly worry about what you should or shouldn’t eat and to feel like your body isn’t good enough. Life is too short to constantly feel restricted. It’s time to feel like you’re in control and not the food.
We are a team of Registered dietitians and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Building Better Nutrition specializes in eating disorders/disordered eating, sports nutrition, food sensitivities, and family wellness with health at every size approach. We offer personalized, flexible, and compassionate treatment so our clients have the tools they need to build balanced nutrition while improving their relationship with food and body to flourish and reclaim their life.
We are a team of Registered dietitians and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Building Better Nutrition specializes in eating disorders/disordered eating, sports nutrition, food sensitivities, and family wellness with health at every size approach. We offer personalized, flexible, and compassionate treatment so our clients have the tools they need to build balanced nutrition while improving their relationship with food and body to flourish and reclaim their life.
I'm a Registered Dietitian who practices a non-diet approach and is committed to empowering clients through evidence-based nutrition education. I prioritize conversations with clients so I can meet them where they are, institute gradual behavioral changes, and guide them to a healthier lifestyle. As a former teacher, I am passionate about educating my clients about the intuitive eating framework, empowering them to make the best choices for their health, and helping them overcome barriers to change.
I'm a Registered Dietitian who practices a non-diet approach and is committed to empowering clients through evidence-based nutrition education. I prioritize conversations with clients so I can meet them where they are, institute gradual behavioral changes, and guide them to a healthier lifestyle. As a former teacher, I am passionate about educating my clients about the intuitive eating framework, empowering them to make the best choices for their health, and helping them overcome barriers to change.
Kellie Steele, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian with over 7+ years of experience in outpatient nutrition counseling. She has a passion for helping people create real and lasting lifestyle changes that lead to significant improvements in health and overall quality of life. She firmly believes healthy eating should be as easy and flexible as it is enjoyable.
Kellie Steele, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian with over 7+ years of experience in outpatient nutrition counseling. She has a passion for helping people create real and lasting lifestyle changes that lead to significant improvements in health and overall quality of life. She firmly believes healthy eating should be as easy and flexible as it is enjoyable.
I work with adults and teens in Cambridge and across Massachusetts who are tired of feeling stuck in cycles of restrictive eating, overeating, body dissatisfaction, or constant food stress. Many of my clients are high-achieving, conscientious, and used to pushing through until burnout or shame gets in the way. My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based, blending intuitive eating, nutrition counseling, and realistic strategies that help you build trust with your body, reduce food anxiety, and create sustainable habits that fit real life. I also welcome referrals and coordinated care with other providers.
I work with adults and teens in Cambridge and across Massachusetts who are tired of feeling stuck in cycles of restrictive eating, overeating, body dissatisfaction, or constant food stress. Many of my clients are high-achieving, conscientious, and used to pushing through until burnout or shame gets in the way. My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based, blending intuitive eating, nutrition counseling, and realistic strategies that help you build trust with your body, reduce food anxiety, and create sustainable habits that fit real life. I also welcome referrals and coordinated care with other providers.
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood that is essential for forming healthy cells and ensuring regular body functions. Although cholesterol often has a negative reputation, it plays a crucial role in our health. There are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The balance between these types is more important than eliminating cholesterol entirely. In general HDL is considered to be the "good" form of cholesterol, while LDL is considered to be the "bad" form associated with conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with high levels of LDL cholesterol circulating in their blood are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as a result of plaque build-up on the interior of the body's arteries.
How does diet affect cholesterol?
While many individuals with high cholesterol are prescribed medications to help lower their levels, lifestyle changes—especially dietary modifications—are considered the first line of treatment. Reducing the consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, helps lower cholesterol. Conversely, consuming sufficient fiber, healthy fats (like those found in salmon and nuts), and low-fat proteins can help lower LDL levels and improve cardiovascular health.
What diet is best if you have high cholesterol?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to lowering blood cholesterol levels. 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 cholesterol levels; 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 high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats that such diets can include.
Why is it useful to see a dietitian if you have high cholesterol?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so consulting a dietitian if you have high cholesterol can be greatly beneficial. They can help construct a diet that lowers cholesterol and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians can assist clients in identifying foods that are low in cholesterol and those that support overall health. They can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support blood cholesterol reduction, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with high cholesterol, such as kidney conditions, diabetes, and heart disease.