Vanessa Lord

About Vanessa

Hi, I’m Vanessa! I've been a Registered Dietitian for over a decade, and I truly love what I do. Being a dietitian gives me the opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way, helping them understand their bodies, rebuild trust with food, and feel more at ease in their own skin. There’s nothing more rewarding! I became a dietitian because I believe food should be a source of nourishment and joy, not stress or shame. I love food—cooking it, sharing it, talking about it, and helping people discover that eating well can feel good. I also live with PCOS, so I understand how frustrating it can be to navigate symptoms that are often dismissed or misunderstood. That experience has made me even more passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for others going through the same thing. Whether you’re dealing with hormone issues, disordered eating, or just feeling burnt out from trying to “fix” your body, I’m here to help you feel supported and informed.

Approach to care

My approach to nutrition counseling is to create a space where people can reconnect with their bodies, find relief from frustrating symptoms, and rebuild a joyful relationship with food. My work is rooted in science and guided by compassion. Every client is different, and together we’ll build a plan that fits your needs, your preferences, and your life. Instead of giving you a list of rules, I help you understand what’s going on in your body and make choices from a place of self-care vs self-control.

Your first session with Vanessa

In our work together, you can expect evidence-based guidance, validation, and lots of collaboration. I’ll listen deeply to your story and help you create a nutritional self-care plan that’s realistic, flexible, and aligned with your life. Our first session is a chance for you to feel truly seen and supported. We’ll take a deep dive into your full story — from symptoms and medical history to eating patterns, stress, sleep, and your relationship with food. It’s a comprehensive nutrition assessment designed to help you feel heard, not judged. Together, we’ll start to connect the dots and create a personalized plan that works with your body, not against it. You’ll leave with clear next steps, realistic goals, and the sense that you finally have a trusted resource and supporter.

Location

📍 Santa Cruz, California

Education

Cal State Long Beach, UC Berkeley

Hobbies

traveling, cooking, live music, reading

Licenses and Certifications