Vegan Nutritionists and Dietitians in Garden City, NY

Photo of Regina Fazzini-Belfiore, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDE
Regina Fazzini-Belfiore
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDE
Garden City, NY 11530
Helping you reach your goal weight in a healthy body and mind is my goal for you!! I have the tools to help you, guide you, and always be available for YOU! Your success is my reward!! I am a Registered Dietitian with PhD in counseling Nutrition for over 20 successful years. In addition. I am also a weight loss success story so I know what you’re going through. I gained 70 pounds having children and I have lost it all and maintained it for 25 years. I FEEL AMAZING. And so can you. I CAN HELP YOU. Everyday holds challenges! I will be with you to STICK IT OUT. I am here for. That is my promise to you. Ready? Let’s go!
Helping you reach your goal weight in a healthy body and mind is my goal for you!! I have the tools to help you, guide you, and always be available for YOU! Your success is my reward!! I am a Registered Dietitian with PhD in counseling Nutrition for over 20 successful years. In addition. I am also a weight loss success story so I know what you’re going through. I gained 70 pounds having children and I have lost it all and maintained it for 25 years. I FEEL AMAZING. And so can you. I CAN HELP YOU. Everyday holds challenges! I will be with you to STICK IT OUT. I am here for. That is my promise to you. Ready? Let’s go!
(516) 518-3686 View (516) 518-3686
Photo of Asal Hakim - Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC- Asal Hakim RD CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN, CPT
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC- Asal Hakim RD CDN
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN, CPT
Garden City, NY 11530
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC., is a known health practice that provides nutritional counseling and approaches weight loss & healthy weight weight management in the setting of pre/post bariatric surgery, diabetes, eating disorders, oncology, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues and other nutrition related diseases through patient-centered medical nutrition therapy & nutrition counseling. Giving you an abundance of practical tips and important resources for optimal eating and living, we use practical lifestyle and preventive approach to improving your health!
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC., is a known health practice that provides nutritional counseling and approaches weight loss & healthy weight weight management in the setting of pre/post bariatric surgery, diabetes, eating disorders, oncology, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues and other nutrition related diseases through patient-centered medical nutrition therapy & nutrition counseling. Giving you an abundance of practical tips and important resources for optimal eating and living, we use practical lifestyle and preventive approach to improving your health!
(516) 407-7475 View (516) 407-7475
Photo of Madeline Rose Alfiero, Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD, MS, RYT-275
Madeline Rose Alfiero
Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD, MS, RYT-275
Online Only
Hi, Im Maddie! I am a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Confidence Coach and Mindfulness Nutritionist as well as a Yoga and Pilates instructor. Health and wellness is not just something that I preach but, it's what I practice on a daily basis. I offer single coaching sessions covered by insurance or purchased through private pay. Whichever you choose, you’ll get expert advice and completely customized support! My mission is to help you feel strong, healthy, sexy and confident so you can live your most fun and fearless life!
Hi, Im Maddie! I am a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Confidence Coach and Mindfulness Nutritionist as well as a Yoga and Pilates instructor. Health and wellness is not just something that I preach but, it's what I practice on a daily basis. I offer single coaching sessions covered by insurance or purchased through private pay. Whichever you choose, you’ll get expert advice and completely customized support! My mission is to help you feel strong, healthy, sexy and confident so you can live your most fun and fearless life!
(561) 823-5081 View (561) 823-5081

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Lisamarie Karlson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
Lisamarie Karlson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
7 Endorsed
Online Only
We offer online consultations to anyone who is interested in a plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet.
My expertise includes plant-based diets and: weight loss, meal planning, habit changes, sports nutrition, menopause, balanced nutrition, vitamins & mineral deficiency, pregnancy, lactation, family & pediatric nutrition, digestive issues, IBS, PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, eating disorders, intuitive eating, anti-inflammatory nutrition and more!
We offer online consultations to anyone who is interested in a plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet.
My expertise includes plant-based diets and: weight loss, meal planning, habit changes, sports nutrition, menopause, balanced nutrition, vitamins & mineral deficiency, pregnancy, lactation, family & pediatric nutrition, digestive issues, IBS, PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, eating disorders, intuitive eating, anti-inflammatory nutrition and more!
(914) 331-8167 View (914) 331-8167
Photo of Jessica Kruzan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
Jessica Kruzan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10014
Specialties include working with clients that are interested in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Hormonal Imbalances, PCOS, Pre/Post Partum, Oncology, Heart Health, Intuitive Eating, Gestational diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Weight Management, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Thyroid Diagnosis, Anti-Inflammation Diets, and other areas.
Jessica specializes in working with PCOS, Disordered/Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Pre/Post Partum, Hormonal Imbalances, and other areas. She believes that a diet should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. She works with her clients to identify their goals, understand their lifestyle and preferences, and create a plan that fits their unique needs. Jessica also recognizes that food is more than just fuel for the body – it is often tied to emotions, memories, and cultural traditions. As such, she helps her clients to build a positive relationship with food.
Specialties include working with clients that are interested in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Hormonal Imbalances, PCOS, Pre/Post Partum, Oncology, Heart Health, Intuitive Eating, Gestational diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Weight Management, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Thyroid Diagnosis, Anti-Inflammation Diets, and other areas.
Jessica specializes in working with PCOS, Disordered/Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Pre/Post Partum, Hormonal Imbalances, and other areas. She believes that a diet should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. She works with her clients to identify their goals, understand their lifestyle and preferences, and create a plan that fits their unique needs. Jessica also recognizes that food is more than just fuel for the body – it is often tied to emotions, memories, and cultural traditions. As such, she helps her clients to build a positive relationship with food.
(508) 469-5018 View (508) 469-5018
Photo of Danielle Hendrix, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
Danielle Hendrix
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Emotional Wellbeing, Wellness Counseling, Heart Healthy Nutrition, General Nutrition, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, Vegan, Vegetarian diets.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Emotional Wellbeing, Wellness Counseling, Heart Healthy Nutrition, General Nutrition, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, Vegan, Vegetarian diets.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
(470) 397-5913 View (470) 397-5913
Photo of Sofia Mendes, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Sofia Mendes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
She also works with clients interested in Heart Health, Body Image concerns, vegan/vegetarian diets, and others areas.
Sofia is passionate about helping others build a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Nutrition is not one-size-fits all, and Sofia believes in the importance of having a client-centered approach and providing personalized nutrition care. Her past experiences have driven her desire to help others reach lifestyle changes in a sustainable and practical way.
She also works with clients interested in Heart Health, Body Image concerns, vegan/vegetarian diets, and others areas.
Sofia is passionate about helping others build a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Nutrition is not one-size-fits all, and Sofia believes in the importance of having a client-centered approach and providing personalized nutrition care. Her past experiences have driven her desire to help others reach lifestyle changes in a sustainable and practical way.
(612) 324-6528 View (612) 324-6528
Photo of Jenn Batchelor, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, LD
Jenn Batchelor
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MS, LD
Online Only
Jenn practices a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach while incorporating intuitive eating principles. She has extensive knowledge of vegetarian/ vegan foods and food allergies, and is passionate about helping clients create meal plans that nourish their bodies and are tasty.
Jenn practices a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach while incorporating intuitive eating principles. She has extensive knowledge of vegetarian/ vegan foods and food allergies, and is passionate about helping clients create meal plans that nourish their bodies and are tasty.
Photo of Olivia Peduto - Couture Wellness , Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Couture Wellness
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Online Only
Hi, I’m Olivia — a queer, vegan registered dietitian, and I’m so glad you found your way here.
My approach blends clinical expertise with lived experience (yes, I have PCOS too), and I believe in meeting you where you are—without guilt, shame, or restriction. We'll focus on gentle nutrition, hormone balance, and building sustainable habits that support both your mental and physical health.
Hi, I’m Olivia — a queer, vegan registered dietitian, and I’m so glad you found your way here.
My approach blends clinical expertise with lived experience (yes, I have PCOS too), and I believe in meeting you where you are—without guilt, shame, or restriction. We'll focus on gentle nutrition, hormone balance, and building sustainable habits that support both your mental and physical health.
(619) 350-1374 View (619) 350-1374
Photo of Jalpa Sheth - Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Serves Area
With my extensive experience in nutrition, I can help with a wide range of medical conditions, weight management, sports nutrition, as well as vegan/vegetarian diets.
Hi, this is Jalpa Sheth, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master's degree in Health & Nutrition and founder of Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness LLC - A growing, multi-location nutrition practice currently present in Jersey City, New York City and Miami. Here, we are committed to empower our patients with the nutrition related knowledge and ready to implement tools they need to take charge of their health & fitness and meet their goals.
With my extensive experience in nutrition, I can help with a wide range of medical conditions, weight management, sports nutrition, as well as vegan/vegetarian diets.
Hi, this is Jalpa Sheth, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master's degree in Health & Nutrition and founder of Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness LLC - A growing, multi-location nutrition practice currently present in Jersey City, New York City and Miami. Here, we are committed to empower our patients with the nutrition related knowledge and ready to implement tools they need to take charge of their health & fitness and meet their goals.
(201) 425-6692 View (201) 425-6692
Photo of Ilyse Schapiro, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Ilyse Schapiro
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Harrison, NY 10528
My area of specialization include: Weight Loss/Management, Adolescent/Child Nutrition, Cardiovascular Disease, Disordered Eating, Pre-diabetes, Peri and Post-Menopause, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarianism and Gastrointestinal Disorders.
As a Credentialed Registered Dietitian, I work with clients to develop plans that are gimmick-free and easy to follow. Fad diets don't work and ultimately lead to disappointment. I take a balanced and realistic approach to help you live a healthier life. In our first session, I develop a comprehensive and customized meal plan that addresses your specific health needs, lifestyle and nutrition concerns without deprivation. Follow up sessions support your goals, and in between office visits, I am available via phone, email or text to answer questions and offer encouragement.
My area of specialization include: Weight Loss/Management, Adolescent/Child Nutrition, Cardiovascular Disease, Disordered Eating, Pre-diabetes, Peri and Post-Menopause, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarianism and Gastrointestinal Disorders.
As a Credentialed Registered Dietitian, I work with clients to develop plans that are gimmick-free and easy to follow. Fad diets don't work and ultimately lead to disappointment. I take a balanced and realistic approach to help you live a healthier life. In our first session, I develop a comprehensive and customized meal plan that addresses your specific health needs, lifestyle and nutrition concerns without deprivation. Follow up sessions support your goals, and in between office visits, I am available via phone, email or text to answer questions and offer encouragement.
(646) 480-6341 View (646) 480-6341
Photo of Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
(469) 960-5661 View (469) 960-5661
Photo of Abigail Olcott, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
Abigail Olcott
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MS
Serves Area
As a former collegiate athlete, Abby is a registered dietitian passionate about the intersection of nutrition for sports performance and intuitive eating. She completed her bachelor's degree in dietetics at Olivet Nazarene University, her dietetic internship at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and her master's degree in applied exercise science through Concordia University Chicago. Abby has experience working with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes as well as adult and adolescent eating disorder patients at multiple levels of care.
As a former collegiate athlete, Abby is a registered dietitian passionate about the intersection of nutrition for sports performance and intuitive eating. She completed her bachelor's degree in dietetics at Olivet Nazarene University, her dietetic internship at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and her master's degree in applied exercise science through Concordia University Chicago. Abby has experience working with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes as well as adult and adolescent eating disorder patients at multiple levels of care.
(630) 349-5549 View (630) 349-5549
Photo of Jennifer Rock, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Jennifer Rock
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Serves Area
My approach to nutrition counseling is a collaboration. No two people are the same so why should the nutrition counseling they receive be one-size-fits-all? We start with what you, the client want to accomplish and where you're at, and this collaboration . The results in a customized plan, making small changes that lead to long lasting results for lifelong health. It's amazing how sometimes the smallest changes make the largest impacts on our life, and I'm here to help you discover the path that gets you to your goal.
My approach to nutrition counseling is a collaboration. No two people are the same so why should the nutrition counseling they receive be one-size-fits-all? We start with what you, the client want to accomplish and where you're at, and this collaboration . The results in a customized plan, making small changes that lead to long lasting results for lifelong health. It's amazing how sometimes the smallest changes make the largest impacts on our life, and I'm here to help you discover the path that gets you to your goal.
(908) 224-4392 View (908) 224-4392
Photo of Janet Levine, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, DMD
Janet Levine
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, DMD
Online Only
With my help, you can make a lifestyle transition to live longer, be healthy, avoid chronic diseases, and eliminate the need for many medications by enjoying a plant-based diet. Healthy plant based foods can improve health issues related to heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, angina), excess weight, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) and other chronic diseases.
With my help, you can make a lifestyle transition to live longer, be healthy, avoid chronic diseases, and eliminate the need for many medications by enjoying a plant-based diet. Healthy plant based foods can improve health issues related to heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, angina), excess weight, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) and other chronic diseases.
(914) 326-3060 View (914) 326-3060
Photo of Maria Alexandra Bella, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Maria Alexandra Bella
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I started my career in clinical nutrition with a weight loss of over 70 lbs. Since then, I have obtained my graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and am currently on the board of directors of the National Lipid Association and the Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at the NYU School of Medicine. My sub-specialty is weight management (loss/gain) and heart health (cholesterol, blood pressure, familial hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome).
I started my career in clinical nutrition with a weight loss of over 70 lbs. Since then, I have obtained my graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and am currently on the board of directors of the National Lipid Association and the Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at the NYU School of Medicine. My sub-specialty is weight management (loss/gain) and heart health (cholesterol, blood pressure, familial hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome).
(646) 461-6637 View (646) 461-6637
Photo of Lana Zinger, Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdD, RD, CHES
Lana Zinger
Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdD, RD, CHES
Bayside, NY 11361
Dr. Lana Zinger is a Professor of Nutrition, Public Health and Health Coaching. She is a well known author of many textbooks and peer reviewed research articles as well as a national speaker on health and nutrition. She holds a B.S. in Nutrition from NYU, a M.S in Nutrition and Physiology from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Health and Behavior Studies from Columbia University. She is a Registered Dietitian with many years of clinical experience including obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, eating disorders. She is a Certified LEAP therapist to TEST and treat food intolerances.
Dr. Lana Zinger is a Professor of Nutrition, Public Health and Health Coaching. She is a well known author of many textbooks and peer reviewed research articles as well as a national speaker on health and nutrition. She holds a B.S. in Nutrition from NYU, a M.S in Nutrition and Physiology from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Health and Behavior Studies from Columbia University. She is a Registered Dietitian with many years of clinical experience including obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, eating disorders. She is a Certified LEAP therapist to TEST and treat food intolerances.
(646) 362-7135 View (646) 362-7135
Photo of Jessica Jaeger, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Jessica Jaeger
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Online Only
Are you ready to find joy in food again? Jessica helps clients struggling with food, exercise, and weight. If food preoccupies your thoughts, she can help. Jessica combines her expertise in disordered eating research with practical, real-life experience to guide her clients toward recovery.
Are you ready to find joy in food again? Jessica helps clients struggling with food, exercise, and weight. If food preoccupies your thoughts, she can help. Jessica combines her expertise in disordered eating research with practical, real-life experience to guide her clients toward recovery.
(516) 703-4921 View (516) 703-4921
Photo of Laura Henry - One Potato Two Tomato, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
One Potato Two Tomato
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Online Only
Hello, My Name is Laura! I am a Tele-Nutriton Pediatric-Adolescent Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of expertise in weight Management, child, adolescent and family nutrition. Kids & Teens are my Jam! I understand the ins and outs of how different nutrients impact a child's growth and development in a healthy or nutrition disease state. My passion lies in empowering  parents, children and adolescents with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about nutrition. I enjoy teaching and educating the nuances of nutrition science to parents and children in a way thats accessible, relatable and easy to understand.
Hello, My Name is Laura! I am a Tele-Nutriton Pediatric-Adolescent Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of expertise in weight Management, child, adolescent and family nutrition. Kids & Teens are my Jam! I understand the ins and outs of how different nutrients impact a child's growth and development in a healthy or nutrition disease state. My passion lies in empowering  parents, children and adolescents with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about nutrition. I enjoy teaching and educating the nuances of nutrition science to parents and children in a way thats accessible, relatable and easy to understand.
(629) 263-4986 View (629) 263-4986
Photo of Llynn Newman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, NYS-Lic, AHG
Llynn Newman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, NYS-Lic, AHG
Glen Head, NY 11545
Llynn Newman works on a very broad scale with a tremendous amount of experience in regards to and discussed in her profile. Ms Newman works with each person as an individual with their concerns, lifestyles, favorite foods, dis-eases, stresses, possible herbs, supplements, medications etc.. Her goal is for this to be a Stress Less process to maintain and excel in Optimum Health and Wellness and Longevity!!!
Llynn Newman works on a very broad scale with a tremendous amount of experience in regards to and discussed in her profile. Ms Newman works with each person as an individual with their concerns, lifestyles, favorite foods, dis-eases, stresses, possible herbs, supplements, medications etc.. Her goal is for this to be a Stress Less process to maintain and excel in Optimum Health and Wellness and Longevity!!!
(516) 674-4868 View (516) 674-4868
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.