Dana Mealing

About Dana

Diet trends were no stranger growing up. Oscillating between South Beach, raw vegan, Atkins, and juice cleanses had tainted my relationship to food. By the time I was in college I was completely lost in how to eat, and food was my sole coping tool for dealing with the new stressors of adulthood. The internet was full of odd diets and contradictory information. Becoming a dietitian was a part of my own journey to find peace with food. I wanted to know what was true, and find my own "everything in moderation." In my first job as an outpatient dietitian, many of my patients had a similar journey, and were tired of America's diet culture and confused on how to move forward. Exploring this dynamic is what led me to become a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor (CIEC) so that I could better help people make peace with food, and do what I do today.

Approach to care

Practicing dietetics and medical nutrition therapy since 2017, I work with clients to find ease and joy in their relationship with food. I practice a "non-diet" & HAES (health at every size) approach, meaning weight loss is not always an appropriate focus, and any-body can achieve health. Together, we will work on your relationship with food as needed in conjunction with your physical health needs.

Your first session with Dana

Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I will, of course, go through a series of medical and lifestyle question to get a better idea of your medical needs, but this is also a chance for me to really understand you and your goals and how they fit into your life. This is also your opportunity to ask me any questions and and vocalize any concerns you may have while going through your health journey and make sure I'm the right fit for you. Our session will be based on collaboration, your input on how we move through your session is important and a key part of consistency and success. I will provide you information, give you guidance, and I may push you a little outside your comfort zone, but ultimately it is up to you to make the changes! You may also receive additional support from my feline assistants who occasionally will drop in on an appointment.

Education

Bachelors of Medical Dietetics, The Ohio State University

Hobbies

Hiking, taekwondo, language learning, outdoors, arts, crafts, travel

Licenses and Certifications