Melissa Russell

About Melissa

Hi, I'm Melissa - A Registered Dietitian with over 11 years of experience in nutrition counseling. My goal is to help you build sustainable habits that actually fit your life, while still enjoying the foods and traditions you love. I specialize in nutrition for kidney disease, organ transplant, heart health, and longevity, and I'm especially passionate about diet reconciliation - Helping you sort out through confusing or contradictory diet information so you can choose food with confidence. Beyond nutrition educations, I love cooking, recipe development, and meal planning. I believe food should be both nourishing and enjoyable, and I bring this mindset into every session. You may also know me on social media as The Nashville Dietitian where I share practical, evidence-based nutrition tips to help make healthy eating feel realistic and approachable. I would be honored to work alongside you and support you on your journey toward better health!

Approach to care

My approach to care is centered on meeting you exactly where you are - without judgement or pressure. Together, we'll focus on what feels realistic and sustainable for your life right now. I don't just give recommendations; I explain the why behind them so you can truly understand your nutrition and feel confident making informed decisions on your own. We'll also identify which habits and systems matter most for your long-term goals, so you're not trying to change everything at once. You won't be doing this alone. I'll be there to guide, support, and adjust our plan with you every step of the way.

Your first session with Melissa

I'm so excited to meet you! Our first session is all about getting to know you - not just about your nutrition history, but what matters most to you and your goals. We'll spend time talking through your health concerns, lifestyle, and what has (and hasn't) worked for you in the past. I want to understand what makes you - YOU. So from there we can build systems and habits that truly fit your life. We'll also complete a comprehensive nutrition assessment to ensure your plan aligns with your medical history, labs values, and your body's unique needs. This helps us create a thoughtful, personalized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. This first visit serves as an introduction to the Nourish program, so by the end of the session you'll know exactly what to expect moving forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling supported, confident, and ready to focus on you - knowing you do not have to do this alone.

Location

📍 tuscaloosa, Alabama

Education

University of Alabama: Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Hobbies

Social Media Dietitian @TheNashvilleDietitian where I share healthy recipes with a modern twist and fun bite-sized nutrition tips with a family friendly lifestyle.

Licenses and Certifications