Paula Vera

About Paula

Hi! I’m Paula, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New Jersey. I love what I do because I get to help people feel better, more energized, and more confident in their everyday lives—without nutrition feeling overwhelming or restrictive. I enjoy working closely with clients to understand their unique stories and create a supportive space where food, health, and lifestyle can be explored with curiosity rather than pressure. I’m especially passionate about blending medical nutrition therapy with a mind–body approach, recognizing that stress, routines, and emotions all play a role in how we eat and feel. I stay up to date on nutrition science, psychology, and practical strategies to keep recommendations realistic, flexible, and enjoyable. Whether you’re navigating a medical condition, working on your relationship with food, or simply looking for guidance that fits your life, I’m excited to support you. Progress matters more than perfection here.

Approach to care

My approach to care is personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate. I believe in being open and honest while meeting you where you are. Together, we’ll create an individualized plan that supports your health goals, lifestyle, and preferences—without unnecessary pressure or rigid rules. I take a non-diet, mind–body focused approach, recognizing that nutrition is more than just food—it’s also influenced by stress, habits, emotions, and daily routines. If tracking calories, macros, or meals feels supportive and empowering for you, we can absolutely include it. If not, we can focus on more intuitive, behavior-based strategies. Your care plan can be as flexible or as structured as you want it to be, and we can always adjust it as your needs evolve. By focusing on small, realistic goals each session, we’ll build consistency and confidence over time to support sustainable, long-term change.

Your first session with Paula

Our first session is a comprehensive, collaborative conversation designed to understand you as a whole person—not just your nutrition concerns. We’ll review your goals, medical history, diagnoses, and relevant labs (or discuss labs if needed), along with weight history, your relationship with food, and past nutrition experiences in a respectful, judgment-free space. We’ll explore your lifestyle, including daily routines, stress, sleep, hydration, movement, and food and beverage intake, as well as preferences and practical factors to ensure recommendations—or meal plans, if desired—are realistic and enjoyable. By the end of the session, we’ll set short- and long-term goals, create a flexible plan, and schedule follow-ups so you leave feeling supported, confident, and clear on next steps. . . . Work hours EST: Mondays and Wednesdays 9am- 6pm Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am- 6pm Fridays 8am-5pm

Location

📍 Montclair , New Jersey

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics concentration.

Hobbies

Outside of nutrition counseling, I enjoy staying active through hiking, running, and strength training, exploring new places through travel and photography, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with my loved ones and pets.

Licenses and Certifications