Melissa Altman-Traub

About Melissa

Have you ever felt confused about food, tired of dieting, or unsure what you’re supposed to eat? Maybe you want to eat better, but advice feels overwhelming or impossible to follow. You might worry you’re “doing it wrong,” or feel stuck despite your best efforts. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who I work with. I’m Melissa, a Registered Dietitian, college nutrition instructor, and plant-based food blogger. I help people who want nutrition to be simpler—not stressful or restrictive. Many of the people I work with are exploring vegetarian or vegan eating, managing appetite changes from GLP-1 medications, or trying to improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure without another strict diet. I also work with busy adults with limited time to cook, college students learning how to cook for themselves, and people in perimenopause or menopause noticing changes in energy, digestion, or weight. My focus is on realistic choices—not perfect eating.

Approach to care

Have you ever tried to follow a nutrition plan that just didn’t fit your life? One approach truly does not work for everyone—and that’s why our work together is personalized. In our sessions, we talk about what you like to eat, what you have time for, and what feels hardest right now. We look at your routines, culture, and budget, so your nutrition plan makes sense for your day-to-day life. I don’t use crash diets or “all-or-nothing” rules. Food should taste amazing and feel satisfying. Together, we work on practical strategies like grocery shopping, label reading, eating out, travel, and using convenience foods in a way that supports your health. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, we make sure nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12 are covered without overcomplicating things. Sessions often include hands-on practice—planning meals, troubleshooting appetite changes or side effects, or solving a common food challenge—so you leave feeling more confident!

Your first session with Melissa

Have you ever wished nutrition support felt more like a conversation than a lecture? Your first visit is exactly that. We focus on your main concerns and set one or two clear, realistic goals to get started. Small steps matter, and weekly follow-up visits at first can provide support, problem-solving, and accountability as you build momentum—even when life gets busy. I look forward to supporting you as you work toward feeling more confident and at ease with food.

Location

📍 Pennsylvania

Education

B.S. Nutrition, Penn State University M.S. Health Education, Arcadia University

Hobbies

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, walking, biking, traveling, crafting, volunteering with cats, and watching movies and TV.

Licenses and Certifications