David Zaritsky

About David

Hi, I'm David, a Registered Dietitian who’s always been fascinated by the connection between diet, lifestyle, and disease. That curiosity led me into this field and continues to drive my passion for helping people navigate their health with clarity and confidence. I’ve worked in Lifestyle Medicine and as a clinical dietitian in a major hospital, where I meet patients during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I’m continually inspired by the courage people find when they realize their health matters. I also learned that real change doesn’t happen in brief hospital visits, it happens through ongoing support, trust, and a relationship built over time. That’s why I joined Nourish. Here, I can connect with individuals who are ready to take meaningful steps toward better health and be a consistent partner in their journey. My approach is compassionate, practical, and evidence-based, and I’m here to help you build lasting changes that truly support your goals.

Approach to care

My approach to nutrition is grounded in evidence-based practice, meaning every recommendation is supported by current research and tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. I believe meaningful change happens when guidance is practical, compassionate, and sustainable. My care philosophy aligns with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, which uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat, prevent, and even reverse chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. In our work together, we’ll explore the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine; a whole-food, plant-forward eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, strong social connections, and avoidance of risky substances, and fit them into your life in realistic ways. I see my role as your guide and partner, offering clinical expertise and ongoing support as we build lasting changes that truly support your long-term well-being.

Your first session with David

During your first appointment, my priority is to get to know you, not just your health history, but who you are as a person. We’ll spend a few minutes building rapport and talking about your interests, experiences, and what brought you here, helping create a supportive space where real progress can happen. From there, we’ll move into a comprehensive nutrition assessment, discussing your lifestyle, medical background, eating patterns, and any challenges you’re facing. This gives us the foundation for a personalized plan that aligns with your goals. We’ll also discuss what it’s like to work together through Nourish, including our clinical approach and what ongoing weekly sessions look like. Before we wrap up, we’ll set clear short- and long-term goals and outline realistic steps you can begin right away. By the end of your session, you’ll understand our plan, what comes next, and how we’ll work together to move you toward better health.

Location

📍 Cullowhee, North Carolina

Education

Western Carolina University

Hobbies

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me contra dancing, playing bass, walking my dog, or tinkering with watchmaking projects.

Licenses and Certifications