Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Needham, MA
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Jamie is a Registered Dietitian with Health Loft who takes a compassionate approach to nutrition therapy by meeting people where they are in their personal journeys. She helps clients make incremental changes to restore a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Jamie understands the harmful nature of diet culture and provides care that is affirming, sustainable, and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Her experience allows her to identify distorted beliefs and unhealthy eating patterns and offer thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.
Jamie is a Registered Dietitian with Health Loft who takes a compassionate approach to nutrition therapy by meeting people where they are in their personal journeys. She helps clients make incremental changes to restore a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Jamie understands the harmful nature of diet culture and provides care that is affirming, sustainable, and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Her experience allows her to identify distorted beliefs and unhealthy eating patterns and offer thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.
Specializing in wellness, diabetes, and heart health, Elizabeth empowers clients with the tools and support they need to make lasting changes.
Elizabeth's nutrition specialties include general wellness, heart health, diabetes, pre- and postnatal care, pediatrics, intuitive eating, disordered eating, and mindful eating.
Specializing in wellness, diabetes, and heart health, Elizabeth empowers clients with the tools and support they need to make lasting changes.
Elizabeth's nutrition specialties include general wellness, heart health, diabetes, pre- and postnatal care, pediatrics, intuitive eating, disordered eating, and mindful eating.
I believe in an individualized, evidenced-based approach to nutrition. My passion lies in helping my adults, children and families reach their goals in a way that fits their lifestyle and eating preferences. I will spend time listening to what your personal goals are to improve you or your loved ones health, and we will work together to achieve those goals. We all want to look and feel our very best, and I am here to help you get there!
I believe in an individualized, evidenced-based approach to nutrition. My passion lies in helping my adults, children and families reach their goals in a way that fits their lifestyle and eating preferences. I will spend time listening to what your personal goals are to improve you or your loved ones health, and we will work together to achieve those goals. We all want to look and feel our very best, and I am here to help you get there!
Hello! I’m a registered, licensed dietitian with more than 30 years of experience helping people create healthy eating habits in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. My approach is practical and personalized, and my recommendations emphasize sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. My areas of specialty include IBS management (and the low FODMAP diet), weight management, heart health, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. I offer both in person and virtual appointments and accept all major insurance plans. Please contact me by phone or visit my website to schedule an appointment or learn more about my services.
Hello! I’m a registered, licensed dietitian with more than 30 years of experience helping people create healthy eating habits in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. My approach is practical and personalized, and my recommendations emphasize sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. My areas of specialty include IBS management (and the low FODMAP diet), weight management, heart health, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. I offer both in person and virtual appointments and accept all major insurance plans. Please contact me by phone or visit my website to schedule an appointment or learn more about my services.
Everything is tailored to your lifestyle, with a focus on improving key markers and protecting your long-term heart health.
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with.
Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
Everything is tailored to your lifestyle, with a focus on improving key markers and protecting your long-term heart health.
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with.
Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
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.
Hi, I’m Amy! I’m a Registered Dietitian & bodybuilder with 11 years of experience who knows firsthand what it’s like to put in maximum effort and still feel stuck. If you’re training hard, eating well, and not seeing the results you expect, you’re not broken. And if this is your very first step toward prioritizing your health and changing your life, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My approach blends sustainable, evidence-based nutrition with personalized support, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Hi, I’m Amy! I’m a Registered Dietitian & bodybuilder with 11 years of experience who knows firsthand what it’s like to put in maximum effort and still feel stuck. If you’re training hard, eating well, and not seeing the results you expect, you’re not broken. And if this is your very first step toward prioritizing your health and changing your life, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My approach blends sustainable, evidence-based nutrition with personalized support, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
My name is Jamie Plodzik, MS, RD, LD. I’m a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition, and pediatric/adolescent care. I hold a B.S. and M.S. from Virginia Tech and have experience as a gym dietitian at VIDA Fitness, lead RD at a higher level of care ED facility, and in private practice. I value patient-centered care and strong collaboration. Outside of work, I enjoy coffee shops, volleyball, lifting, cooking, being outdoors, and time with my cats, Maeve and Loretta.
My name is Jamie Plodzik, MS, RD, LD. I’m a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition, and pediatric/adolescent care. I hold a B.S. and M.S. from Virginia Tech and have experience as a gym dietitian at VIDA Fitness, lead RD at a higher level of care ED facility, and in private practice. I value patient-centered care and strong collaboration. Outside of work, I enjoy coffee shops, volleyball, lifting, cooking, being outdoors, and time with my cats, Maeve and Loretta.
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am passionate about equipping clients with the tools they need for sustainable health. My approach centers around collaboration, helping clients set realistic goals and create individualized plans to improve their relationship with food, health, and lifestyle. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve lasting health and wellness through personalized medical nutrition therapy.
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am passionate about equipping clients with the tools they need for sustainable health. My approach centers around collaboration, helping clients set realistic goals and create individualized plans to improve their relationship with food, health, and lifestyle. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve lasting health and wellness through personalized medical nutrition therapy.
My ideal client is someone who’s ready for real change but feels stuck. Maybe they’ve tried diets, medications, or programs before, but nothing has worked long-term. They may be struggling with weight, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or managing chronic issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Many are overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and just want to know what to eat — and how to stick with it.
What they really need is a plan that makes sense for their life — not a generic handout or fad diet. They want support from someone who listens, simplifies the process, and keeps them accountable.
My ideal client is someone who’s ready for real change but feels stuck. Maybe they’ve tried diets, medications, or programs before, but nothing has worked long-term. They may be struggling with weight, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or managing chronic issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Many are overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and just want to know what to eat — and how to stick with it.
What they really need is a plan that makes sense for their life — not a generic handout or fad diet. They want support from someone who listens, simplifies the process, and keeps them accountable.
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.
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
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.
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
If you are looking for compassionate dietitians who are dedicated to helping you find balance with food and movement, you have found the right practice! Our skilled dietitians will gently guide you toward your health goals while helping you heal your relationship with food using mindful and Intuitive Eating. We work collaboratively to create attainable and sustainable changes that work for YOU. We take the time to get to know you, to individualize nutrition and movement plans that work for your lifestyle and health needs.
If you are looking for compassionate dietitians who are dedicated to helping you find balance with food and movement, you have found the right practice! Our skilled dietitians will gently guide you toward your health goals while helping you heal your relationship with food using mindful and Intuitive Eating. We work collaboratively to create attainable and sustainable changes that work for YOU. We take the time to get to know you, to individualize nutrition and movement plans that work for your lifestyle and health needs.
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.
Do you struggle with chronic pain, digestive issues or chronic headaches and migraines? Are you frustrated trying to figure out your personal trigger foods/chemicals? As a registered dietitian and Certified LEAP Therapist I will help you regain control of your health. I use a specialized blood test, Mediator Release Test (MRT) that tests your immune system response to 150 foods/chemicals. I will work with you to create a diet designed for you based on your specific sensitivities. The LEAP diet protocol will help you heal your body with food.
Do you struggle with chronic pain, digestive issues or chronic headaches and migraines? Are you frustrated trying to figure out your personal trigger foods/chemicals? As a registered dietitian and Certified LEAP Therapist I will help you regain control of your health. I use a specialized blood test, Mediator Release Test (MRT) that tests your immune system response to 150 foods/chemicals. I will work with you to create a diet designed for you based on your specific sensitivities. The LEAP diet protocol will help you heal your body with food.
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with teens and adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with teens and adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Specialties include general nutrition/wellness, weight management (including bariatrics and GLP-1 medications), heart health, women’s health, pregnancy and postpartum, fatty liver disease, pediatric nutrition (birth to 5 years), healthy aging, and prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (non–insulin dependent).
Courtney is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft. She understands that building fulfilling, long-lasting, healthful habits takes time and patience. She takes a whole-person approach, recognizing that nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all. Courtney meets patients where they are and helps create a plan that makes the most sense for their lives.
Specialties include general nutrition/wellness, weight management (including bariatrics and GLP-1 medications), heart health, women’s health, pregnancy and postpartum, fatty liver disease, pediatric nutrition (birth to 5 years), healthy aging, and prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (non–insulin dependent).
Courtney is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft. She understands that building fulfilling, long-lasting, healthful habits takes time and patience. She takes a whole-person approach, recognizing that nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all. Courtney meets patients where they are and helps create a plan that makes the most sense for their lives.
My primary goal: help you love food. I grew up in a household where food was fun, varied, and adventurous. My Mother was a home economics teacher turned preschool teacher. She taught me how to prepare food in fun ways and to be an adventurous eating. We learned to love food because it was good for our bodies AND because it tasted delicious!
My primary goal: help you love food. I grew up in a household where food was fun, varied, and adventurous. My Mother was a home economics teacher turned preschool teacher. She taught me how to prepare food in fun ways and to be an adventurous eating. We learned to love food because it was good for our bodies AND because it tasted delicious!
I am a licensed, registered dietitian/nutritionist offering virtual nutrition counseling. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages with any of the following: weight-related concerns, eating disorders, disordered eating thoughts or behaviors, struggles with body image, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's Disease. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their nutrition goals, and establish a healthy relationship with food and their body, so they can live life to the fullest.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian/nutritionist offering virtual nutrition counseling. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages with any of the following: weight-related concerns, eating disorders, disordered eating thoughts or behaviors, struggles with body image, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's Disease. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their nutrition goals, and establish a healthy relationship with food and their body, so they can live life to the fullest.
Chronic disease ( Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health.
As your personal women's health dietitian I provide customized assessments and plans using our comprehensive 360health review (nutrition, fitness, beauty, & mental clarity) + medical history, nutrient analysis, hormone testing, target supplement &herbal recommendations, inbetween sessions check-ins, access to our resources like hormone balanced meals & more.
Chronic disease ( Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health.
As your personal women's health dietitian I provide customized assessments and plans using our comprehensive 360health review (nutrition, fitness, beauty, & mental clarity) + medical history, nutrient analysis, hormone testing, target supplement &herbal recommendations, inbetween sessions check-ins, access to our resources like hormone balanced meals & more.
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.