Vegan Nutritionists and Dietitians in Haywood County, NC

Photo of Michelle Rizzi Shelfer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S
Michelle Rizzi Shelfer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S
Serves Area
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.
(828) 337-5148 View (828) 337-5148

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Morgan Rossi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Morgan Rossi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
(828) 522-9371 View (828) 522-9371
Photo of Sarah Poling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Sarah Poling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Online Only
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
(980) 351-3524 View (980) 351-3524
Vegan Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is a vegan diet?
A vegan diet is one in which no animal products—such as meat, eggs, and dairy—are consumed. Instead, veganism is focused on the consumption of plant-based foods such as grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. People may follow a vegan diet for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, animal rights beliefs, and health-related reasons. In some cases, individuals may follow a specific variation of a vegan diet, such as a "raw" vegan diet or a keto vegan diet.

What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?
Research has shown that vegan diets offer numerous health benefits, including weight loss, lowered cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and better blood sugar control. These benefits often come from eating fewer animal-based foods, which are high in saturated fats, and from the weight loss that many people experience on a vegan diet. Additionally, vegan diets are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which support a healthy immune system. This can be particularly helpful for those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Vegan diets are also high in fiber, which improves digestive health and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Are there risks to a vegan diet?
Without proper planning, a vegan diet can lead to potential nutrient deficiencies and reduced protein intake. Vegans are particularly at risk for anemia, or iron deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency, as these nutrients are most abundantly found in animal products. Additionally, individuals who previously relied on animal-based proteins for most of their protein intake may find it challenging to meet their daily protein needs after switching to a vegan diet. While many experts agree that a vegan diet can meet all nutritional needs, it often requires careful planning to do so; therefore, some vegans will utilize dietary supplements to ensure they are meeting their daily vitamin requirements and reducing their risk of nutrient deficiency.

Why should vegans see a dietitian?
Consulting a dietitian can be greatly beneficial for vegans to ensure they are consuming a balanced and complete diet. Dietitians can assist in developing personalized meal plans, especially if clients have specific goals related to their vegan diet, such as weight loss or blood sugar stabilization. For instance, they may recommend recipes or help plan nutritious vegan meals. Additionally, dietitians can guide clients in avoiding highly-processed vegan foods, such as chips and candy, which are often high in sugar and fat but lack essential nutrients. For clients less familiar with a vegan diet, dietitians can help ensure clients don't rely on such heavily-processed foods for their diet and instead recommend high-quality and nutritionally adequate alternatives.