Melissa Rifkin

Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN

Review Board Member
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Registered Dietitian

Expertise

Nutrition and Dietetics

Education

University of Connecticut; Steinhardt, New York University

Highlights

Helping my clients is more than a simple 'calories in, calories out' approach. My career relies on using food and exercise as a means to happiness and health. I believe in developing tailored, individualized plans that encourage practical, sustainable goals that fit your own goals and lifestyles.

— Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN

Experience

Melissa is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience working in the clinical setting. She has worked with a large patient-base with emphasis on weight management, bariatric nutrition, and oncology nutrition. 

While Melissa is a dietitian by profession, Melissa believes that being healthy does not just mean from a dietary perspective. Melissa practices with the belief that your body is a sanctuary and health encompasses eating nutritious foods, exercising, and balancing mental well-being. 

Melissa frequently contributes to articles and various media publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, iHerb, Eat This Not That, NY Daily News, Well + Good and U.S. News & World Report. 

Since 2015, Melissa has run the popular nutrition education Instagram account, @confessionofadietitian. On this platform, Melissa shares her nutrition knowledge with followers, helping to make healthy eating practices attainable by educating her audience on nutrition science, introducing them to new products, and sharing recipes. 

In 2021, Melissa worked with a pediatric gastroenterologist and speech pathologist to write Confession of a Dietitian, Mama & Max Take on the First Year of Solids. This e-book helps to make the food introduction process easier for parents by using science-based information to describe the stages of food introduction, and contains information on food sensitivities and allergies, eating challenges, and a variety of recipes for parents to try at home. 

Education

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Science from The University of Connecticut and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from Steinhardt, New York University.

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