Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Banner Elk, NC
I have specialized in the last few years in working with eating disorders and disordered eating patterns, medical nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, women's health concerns, and sports nutrition.
I enjoy working with a number of individuals including those who are looking to improve their relationship with food and their bodies, let go of beliefs about food that are preventing them from living a full life, and those who are struggling with chronic health concerns and wanting to learn more about nutrition habits that can be supportive to their well being.
I have specialized in the last few years in working with eating disorders and disordered eating patterns, medical nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, women's health concerns, and sports nutrition.
I enjoy working with a number of individuals including those who are looking to improve their relationship with food and their bodies, let go of beliefs about food that are preventing them from living a full life, and those who are struggling with chronic health concerns and wanting to learn more about nutrition habits that can be supportive to their well being.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
During your initial appointment with me, we will collect your medical and nutrition history to complete a comprehensive nutrition assessment.
Are you struggling with your weight? Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes or gestational diabetes? Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure? No matter what stage of life you are in, nutrition plays an important role in your health, and I am here to help. I am licensed in WV and NC and taking new clients via online Telehealth appointments.
During your initial appointment with me, we will collect your medical and nutrition history to complete a comprehensive nutrition assessment.
Are you struggling with your weight? Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes or gestational diabetes? Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure? No matter what stage of life you are in, nutrition plays an important role in your health, and I am here to help. I am licensed in WV and NC and taking new clients via online Telehealth appointments.
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? If you're wondering if your health issues are related to what you're eating, you're in the right place! Digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, celiac, and GERD are our specialties. If you're tired of being told "it's all in your head" and to "eat more fiber" we're here to offer a new approach.
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? If you're wondering if your health issues are related to what you're eating, you're in the right place! Digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, celiac, and GERD are our specialties. If you're tired of being told "it's all in your head" and to "eat more fiber" we're here to offer a new approach.
I’m Lauren, a holistic Registered Dietitian who supports women with PCOS in their 20s through early 40s achieve regular periods with less pain, bloating, and fatigue so they can regain control of their cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and protect their future health against PCOS-related risks.
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions like birth control, restrictive diets, or cookie-cutter group programs, my collaborative and personalized approach empowers clients to build trust in themselves while learning how to best nourish their bodies through tailored and realistic nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement strategies.
I’m Lauren, a holistic Registered Dietitian who supports women with PCOS in their 20s through early 40s achieve regular periods with less pain, bloating, and fatigue so they can regain control of their cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and protect their future health against PCOS-related risks.
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions like birth control, restrictive diets, or cookie-cutter group programs, my collaborative and personalized approach empowers clients to build trust in themselves while learning how to best nourish their bodies through tailored and realistic nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement strategies.
Hi, I’m Jordan! I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and I work with adults (18+) in North Carolina who are ready to find healing and freedom with food and their bodies. While I specialize in eating disorder recovery, I also support people navigating PCOS and other hormonal concerns, diabetes, sports nutrition, and intuitive eating.
Hi, I’m Jordan! I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and I work with adults (18+) in North Carolina who are ready to find healing and freedom with food and their bodies. While I specialize in eating disorder recovery, I also support people navigating PCOS and other hormonal concerns, diabetes, sports nutrition, and intuitive eating.
My goal is to meet people where they are, and aid them in building a sustainable relationship with food and movement. I educate on how improving their nutrition can improve their mental and emotional health along with their physical well-being. I focus on "Improvement, not perfection!" As a certified group fitness instructor for over 22 years, I am able to help clients design a movement plan that works for them. While using a H.A.E.S, and intuitive eating approach, they are able to enjoy the journey of improvibg their relationship with food and movement.
My goal is to meet people where they are, and aid them in building a sustainable relationship with food and movement. I educate on how improving their nutrition can improve their mental and emotional health along with their physical well-being. I focus on "Improvement, not perfection!" As a certified group fitness instructor for over 22 years, I am able to help clients design a movement plan that works for them. While using a H.A.E.S, and intuitive eating approach, they are able to enjoy the journey of improvibg their relationship with food and movement.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Hello there! I’m a fiercely anti-diet Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) specializing in eating disorders. My journey as a dietitian began at the intersection of nutrition and psychology. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology degrees from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Practice from Thomas Jefferson University. My commitment to ongoing education and practicing with humility ensures that I provide evidence-based, personalized care to each of my clients. I have eating disorder experience at multiple levels of care.
Hello there! I’m a fiercely anti-diet Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) specializing in eating disorders. My journey as a dietitian began at the intersection of nutrition and psychology. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology degrees from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Practice from Thomas Jefferson University. My commitment to ongoing education and practicing with humility ensures that I provide evidence-based, personalized care to each of my clients. I have eating disorder experience at multiple levels of care.
I’m Kyle Maiorana, a functional medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach to wellness and work with adults experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, hormone concerns, cardiovascular and bone health issues, or those looking to optimize long-term health and longevity. Using an integrative, root-cause approach, we connect the dots between your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle, and lab work to create personalized, sustainable strategies that help you feel your best.
I’m Kyle Maiorana, a functional medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach to wellness and work with adults experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, hormone concerns, cardiovascular and bone health issues, or those looking to optimize long-term health and longevity. Using an integrative, root-cause approach, we connect the dots between your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle, and lab work to create personalized, sustainable strategies that help you feel your best.
Gina Gilchrist is a Registered Dietitian with 24 years of experience in varied settings, including outpatient nutrition counseling, nutrition health coaching/private practice, research, and corporate health. Gina’s passion is counseling pediatric and adolescent patients and their families, however, she also enjoys and has experience working with adults and seniors. She loves to wear many hats and utilizes her creativity in the field as she has presented on various nutrition topics for colleagues, communities, and corporations. She enjoys writing and upheld a nutrition column in Silent Sports Magazine while residing in Chicago.
Gina Gilchrist is a Registered Dietitian with 24 years of experience in varied settings, including outpatient nutrition counseling, nutrition health coaching/private practice, research, and corporate health. Gina’s passion is counseling pediatric and adolescent patients and their families, however, she also enjoys and has experience working with adults and seniors. She loves to wear many hats and utilizes her creativity in the field as she has presented on various nutrition topics for colleagues, communities, and corporations. She enjoys writing and upheld a nutrition column in Silent Sports Magazine while residing in Chicago.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
We Are A Modern Nutrition Practice Offering Virtual Nutrition Therapy.
Hello! I am an Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian specializing in Gut, Inflammatory and Metabolic Conditions.
I believe in the power of food as medicine and root-cause methodology to support my patients optimal health, to prevent and manage chronic diseases, and to promote wellness.
My approach utilizes an expanded toolkit of evidence-based Integrative and Functional Nutrition practices and can be employed to support a wide range of conditions. I offer advanced functional nutrition testing for food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies and stool testing.
We Are A Modern Nutrition Practice Offering Virtual Nutrition Therapy.
Hello! I am an Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian specializing in Gut, Inflammatory and Metabolic Conditions.
I believe in the power of food as medicine and root-cause methodology to support my patients optimal health, to prevent and manage chronic diseases, and to promote wellness.
My approach utilizes an expanded toolkit of evidence-based Integrative and Functional Nutrition practices and can be employed to support a wide range of conditions. I offer advanced functional nutrition testing for food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies and stool testing.
We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting.
We understand this might be an exciting and scary leap, so fostering a safe space to explore the intricacies of your relationship with food and body is a priority for me. We aim to promote flexible, individualized eating based on hunger and fullness cues, nutritional needs, and pleasure rather than devise strict meal plans focused on weight control.
We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting.
We understand this might be an exciting and scary leap, so fostering a safe space to explore the intricacies of your relationship with food and body is a priority for me. We aim to promote flexible, individualized eating based on hunger and fullness cues, nutritional needs, and pleasure rather than devise strict meal plans focused on weight control.
Megan is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients improve health and wellness through a compassionate, personalized approach. She has experience in PCOS, infertility, prenatal/postpartum nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets, picky eating in children, blood pressure and cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes, food sensitivities, vegan/vegetarian diets, and overall wellness. She collaborates with clients to create plans that support their unique health goals.
Megan is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients improve health and wellness through a compassionate, personalized approach. She has experience in PCOS, infertility, prenatal/postpartum nutrition, anti-inflammatory diets, picky eating in children, blood pressure and cholesterol management, cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes, food sensitivities, vegan/vegetarian diets, and overall wellness. She collaborates with clients to create plans that support their unique health goals.
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
They may feel overwhelmed by symptoms, medical needs, or lifestyle challenges and want realistic, sustainable guidance.
I provide evidence-based, individualized nutrition counseling focused on understanding symptoms and building sustainable habits. My approach is collaborative and educational, helping clients create realistic strategies that support their health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
They may feel overwhelmed by symptoms, medical needs, or lifestyle challenges and want realistic, sustainable guidance.
I provide evidence-based, individualized nutrition counseling focused on understanding symptoms and building sustainable habits. My approach is collaborative and educational, helping clients create realistic strategies that support their health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
I use a non-diet, supportive approach combined with evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
If you struggle with a complicated relationship with food—whether through restriction, bingeing, or constant stress about eating—you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. For more than 20 years, I’ve walked alongside people just like you who want freedom from food rules, guilt, and shame. What you really want is peace: to feel confident eating without second-guessing, to trust your body, and to focus on living your life rather than battling your plate. Your goal may be better health, but also to rebuild confidence, self-compassion, and balance in a way that lasts.
I use a non-diet, supportive approach combined with evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
If you struggle with a complicated relationship with food—whether through restriction, bingeing, or constant stress about eating—you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. For more than 20 years, I’ve walked alongside people just like you who want freedom from food rules, guilt, and shame. What you really want is peace: to feel confident eating without second-guessing, to trust your body, and to focus on living your life rather than battling your plate. Your goal may be better health, but also to rebuild confidence, self-compassion, and balance in a way that lasts.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking sustainable, personalized nutrition support for chronic disease prevention and management (heart health, diabetes, weight concerns, overall wellness). They often feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, struggle with consistency, or have a history of restrictive dieting and want a healthier relationship with food. They come for realistic, individualized guidance, accountability, and long-term change. I support them with evidence-based, personalized care focused on behavior change, habit building, and practical strategies that create lasting, sustainable health improvements.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking sustainable, personalized nutrition support for chronic disease prevention and management (heart health, diabetes, weight concerns, overall wellness). They often feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, struggle with consistency, or have a history of restrictive dieting and want a healthier relationship with food. They come for realistic, individualized guidance, accountability, and long-term change. I support them with evidence-based, personalized care focused on behavior change, habit building, and practical strategies that create lasting, sustainable health improvements.
Every person deserves to have a peaceful relationship with food and their body, and I love helping my clients get there (while acknowledging the systems that limit it for many of us).
By combining mindfulness principles with integrative/functional nutrition and meeting yourself where you’re at, we can create slow, sustainable, realistic changes that support YOUR personal body.
This is nutrition for EVERY body, full-circle.
If you’re ready to stop constantly thinking about food, obsessing over ingredients, counting calories, and feeling frequent guilt/shame about your food choices/body, I’d LOVE to help you!
Every person deserves to have a peaceful relationship with food and their body, and I love helping my clients get there (while acknowledging the systems that limit it for many of us).
By combining mindfulness principles with integrative/functional nutrition and meeting yourself where you’re at, we can create slow, sustainable, realistic changes that support YOUR personal body.
This is nutrition for EVERY body, full-circle.
If you’re ready to stop constantly thinking about food, obsessing over ingredients, counting calories, and feeling frequent guilt/shame about your food choices/body, I’d LOVE to help you!
Healing Nutrition provides a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body. Whether you are seeking weight management, blood sugar control, discovering the root cause of GI distress, addressing food sensitivities, or meal planning, my passion is helping you achieve your wellness goals and to feel your best.
Healing Nutrition provides a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body. Whether you are seeking weight management, blood sugar control, discovering the root cause of GI distress, addressing food sensitivities, or meal planning, my passion is helping you achieve your wellness goals and to feel your best.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is medical nutrition therapy?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) involves the use of personalized dietary changes to prevent or manage chronic conditions. Typically conducted in an outpatient setting by a Registered Dietitian (RD), MNT aims to address specific health issues through tailored nutrition plans. Clients are often referred for MNT by healthcare professionals who identify conditions that could benefit from dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The goal of MNT is to improve overall health outcomes by making adjustments to the client's diet based on their individual needs and medical conditions.
What conditions is medical nutrition therapy for?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is often used for individuals with diseases caused or worsened by poor diet, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases. However, other conditions can also benefit from nutrition therapy. MNT is typically not intended to replace other treatments, such as medication, but rather to complement them. By improving a person's overall diet and health, MNT aims to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms and complement other treatments.
Is medical nutrition therapy covered by insurance?
Medical nutrition therapy is frequently covered by insurance. However, insurance coverage can vary based on factors like your specific plan details, whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider, and whether you have a referral for nutrition services based on a medical diagnosis. While a referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary to obtain coverage for medical nutrition services. In such cases, a referral is typically made for those who have been formally diagnosed with a medical condition requiring nutrition counseling, such as diabetes or hypertension. Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee.
What does medical nutrition therapy involve?
The approach a dietitian will take in a medical nutrition therapy session will depend on a number of factors, including what conditions the client has and what the goals of the client are. An initial session often involves an assessment of the client's overall health and current dietary intake; a dietitian may also speak with a client's medical doctor prior to or following a first session to obtain information on the medical condition(s) the client is seeking nutrition therapy counseling for. The dietitian will then work with the client to create goals of medical nutrition therapy sessions, such as weight loss, eating a more plant-based diet, or reducing sodium intake. Then, in ongoing sessions, the dietitian will work with the client to meet their stated goals. These ongoing sessions often include menu planning and coaching, which involve the dietitian working with the client to develop strategies for a healthier and more balanced diet. Dietitians may suggest recipes, put together grocery shopping lists, and/or recommend tracking one's intake in order to help clients make desired changes.