Natalie McLain

About Natalie

Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m a registered dietitian who believes that nutrition should feel supportive, empowering, and realistic—not restrictive or overwhelming. I love food and strongly believe that enjoying what you eat is a key part of building a healthy, sustainable relationship with nutrition. My background spans clinical nutrition, cardiology, behavioral health, and diabetes care, where I’ve worked with individuals navigating complex medical conditions, emotional relationships with food, and busy, real-life schedules. I bring a compassionate, judgment-free approach to every session and strive to meet clients exactly where they are. I’m especially passionate about helping people move away from “all-or-nothing” thinking around food and toward patterns that support both physical health and quality of life. Whether your goals involve improving lab values, managing a diagnosis, or simply feeling more confident around food choices, I’m here to help you find an approach that works for you.

Approach to care

My approach is collaborative, individualized, and rooted in evidence-based nutrition, with flexibility always built in. I don’t believe in rigid meal plans or one-size-fits-all rules. Instead, our work together focuses on understanding your goals, preferences, lifestyle, and challenges, and translating those into practical strategies you can realistically maintain. I prioritize building a healthier relationship with food—without fear or guilt—by using small, meaningful changes that support long-term progress. I incorporate motivational interviewing and behavior-focused strategies to make change feel achievable rather than stressful, recognizing that nutrition is not just about what you eat, but also about habits, mindset, environment, and support. We’ll address all of these pieces together.

Your first session with Natalie

Your first session is focused on getting to know you. We’ll discuss your health history, current concerns, relationship with food, and past nutrition experiences, as well as what’s working, what feels challenging, and what you’d like to change. Together, we’ll clarify your short- and long-term goals and create clear next steps with practical, realistic recommendations that feel supportive and doable. This is a judgment-free space—there’s no “good” or “bad” food and no pressure to be perfect, just steady progress, curiosity, and support.

Location

📍 Madison, Wisconsin

Education

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from UW Madison.

Hobbies

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, trying new foods and cuisines while traveling, reading (especially fantasy), singing and listening to music, practicing yoga for balance and stress management, hiking and camping with a love for simple, nourishing outdoor meals, and traveling to new places while discovering local food cultures.

Licenses and Certifications