Meet Melissa Darlow

Hi! I’m Melissa, and welcome to Melissa Nutrition.

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New York City.

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of conflicting nutrition related information online? Have you jumped from one fad diet to the next? Are you looking to improve your relationship towards food or exercise?

If the answer is YES! You are at the right place…..

A little bit more about me —

My fascination with nutrition began in middle school when I downloaded Instagram. When I was 13 years old, had my first cell phone and obtained access to the world wide web, my orbit expanded. Soon enough I was following every nutrition and health related account I could find, and my interest and curiosity took off. I would see posts explaining the difference between whole and refined grains and immediately want to know more. This led to me downloading books written by highly acclaimed Dietitians and Doctors, experimenting in the kitchen, (to the extent I was allowed to use the stove or knives at this age) and fully dedicating myself to fact checking what I would see online and learning more to satiate my yearning desire to know the ins and outs of nutrition.

My enthusiasm and zeal for health and wellness prompted me to move from Houston, Texas, the multi-year "winner" of the "most unhealthy city" in America, to Los Angeles, the holy grail of health and wellness, where I attended the University of Southern California. At USC, I studied Communication at the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, and Nutrition and Health Promotion at the Keck School of Medicine. My USC education taught me how to effectively communicate across multiple channels, and my internships enhanced my proficiency with digital and social media. My nutrition courses exposed me to the basic science of food and bodily processes, and the public health ramifications attributable to poor nutrition. While I have had some exposure to nutrition, I yearned for more. I wanted to fully understand the "why" behind nutritional guidelines, the "how" behind our bodies' ability to metabolize foods, the "which" foods should be consumed to provide maximum benefits for the particular needs of divergent populations, and the "when" behind optimal consumption patterns. While I recognize that there is a plethora of nutritional information online, much of it is misleading or simply wrong. I want to be on the frontline helping others become a healthier version of themselves in a safe and effective manner. This led me to completing my Masters in Clinical Nutrition at New York University.

I have a Bachelors in Arts from the University of Southern Californian in Communications and Health Promotion as well as A Masters in Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University.

I completed a 1200 hour clinical dietetic internship at NYU Langone Hospital where I prescribed Medical Nutrition Therapy to a variety of patients with chronic conditions.

I have worked in a variety of settings including Nao Medical where I established the nutrition program across 10+ urgent cares and currently work at the Princeton Longevity Center, a leading comprehensive medical longevity clinic. I provide one on one counseling to a diverse range of patients and motivate positive behavioral change. I research, write and publish blog posts on nutrition related topics, host public speaking events and community outreach initiatives. My passion for physical activity still holds true as I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer and Certified Pilates Instructor and teach weekly group Pilates classes at Bodyrok Studio.

I specialize in supporting women promote their hormone health, manage menopause and PCOS, reversing pre diabetes, cardiovascular disease management, weight management, adolescence and adult nutrition.

My counseling style is realistic, encouraging and personal. I strive to work alongside my clients on their health and wellness journey, supporting them through any potential barriers.

I can’t wait to work with you.