Sara Elnakib

About Sara

Hi, I'm Sara, a Registered Dietitian with 15 years of experience and a passion for helping people build lasting health. I hold an MPH in Health Education and Behavior from UMDNJ and a PhD in Health Behavior and Public Policy from Rutgers, and I practice with the credentials you'll see on my wall. My career spans community health, research and academia, including serving as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences at Rutgers University. When I'm not working, you'll find me cooking, practicing Pilates, hiking, or baking. I'm based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and I'm here to walk with you toward weight stabilization and healthy aging.

Approach to care

My care philosophy blends evidence based science with a warm, collaborative approach. I believe in long term change over quick fixes, and I help you build sustainable habits that fit your life. I practice from a weight neutral perspective, focusing on behaviors, nourishment, and wellbeing rather than numbers on a scale. Together, we'll explore your relationship with food, your values, and your daily routines, translating science into practical steps. My goal is to empower you with nutrition literacy so you can make informed choices for decades to come.

Your first session with Sara

Our first appointment is a friendly, judgment free conversation about you. We'll review your medical history and lab work, including biometrics, dive into your relationship with food, and establish short term goals that feel doable. You don't need to have it all figured out yet, just come as you are. We'll talk about what's working, what's challenging, and what you're hoping to change. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of the next steps and a couple of realistic, personalized goals to start with.

Location

📍 New Brunswick, New Jersey

Education

MPH, Health Education and Behavior, UMDNJ, PhD, Health Behavior and Public Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health

Hobbies

cooking, Pilates, hiking and baking

Licenses and Certifications