Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Nelson.
Hi Emma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I experienced firsthand how damaging diet culture can be — the constant cycle of restriction, frustration, and guilt that left me feeling disconnected from my body and my health. Those early experiences shaped not only my personal relationship with food but also my purpose. I knew there had to be a better way — one that focused on nourishment, balance, and long-term well-being rather than quick fixes.
Determined to understand the science behind nutrition and to help others find peace with food, I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and completed my dietetic internship at Lipscomb University. Combining my background in dietetics with my certification as a personal trainer, I began helping clients bridge the gap between nutrition, movement, and mindset.
What started as a passion project soon evolved into Nutrition by Emma, a virtual private practice built on the belief that true health is about more than just what’s on your plate — it’s about the routines, emotions, and mindset that support you every day.
Today, I work with clients across the country, guiding them toward lasting, sustainable change through personalized coaching that integrates both evidence-based nutrition and real-life balance. My greatest fulfillment comes from seeing clients release the hold diet culture once had on them, rebuild confidence in their choices, and discover how good it feels to truly thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Before launching Nutrition by Emma, my career took me through nearly every corner of the nutrition world — from hospitals and long-term care facilities to community health programs. Each setting taught me something valuable, but it also revealed just how broken our healthcare system can be when it comes to supporting long-term wellness.
As a clinical dietitian, I saw patients after they were already sick — often struggling with conditions that could have been prevented with earlier nutrition support. In long-term care, I worked with individuals who deserved more than just symptom management; they needed education, compassion, and time to rebuild their health. And in community nutrition, I witnessed how systemic barriers — limited access, rushed appointments, and lack of follow-up — left people feeling unseen and underserved.
Over time, I realized that the system wasn’t designed to help people thrive; it was designed to help them get by. That realization became my turning point. I wanted to create a space where people could get the kind of care I always wished my patients had — individualized, relationship-based, and focused on the root causes of health rather than just the symptoms.
That vision became Nutrition by Emma — a practice built outside the limitations of traditional healthcare. Today, I help clients reconnect with their bodies, rebuild trust with food, and create lasting lifestyle changes that truly support their well-being. Every day, I’m reminded that this work is about more than nutrition — it’s about helping people reclaim their health and their freedom from a system that too often overlooks both.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nutrition by Emma, LLC?
Nutrition by Emma is a private, concierge-style nutrition practice that takes a truly holistic approach to health. I combine evidence-based nutrition, functional testing, and mindset coaching to help clients uncover the root causes of their symptoms and build sustainable, lifelong habits.
Rather than focusing on quick fixes, my work emphasizes balance — integrating nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and emotional health into every plan. Through personalized coaching and advanced testing, I help clients understand their bodies on a deeper level and create individualized protocols that restore balance and optimize well-being.
What sets Nutrition by Emma apart is the personal connection and high-quality support I provide. My brand is built on compassion, science, and sustainability — empowering clients to feel confident, resilient, and truly in control of their health. I maintain a small caseload at all times to ensure the quality of the care I am able to provide as a solo practitioner.
Any big plans?
As Nutrition by Emma continues to grow, my vision is to expand the reach of holistic, functional nutrition care through meaningful experiences and collaboration. Over the past few years, I’ve hosted wellness retreats that bring together education, rest, and community — creating space for clients to reconnect with their bodies and reset their routines in a supportive, empowering environment.
I’m also deeply committed to collaborating with like-minded professionals, including physicians, therapists, physical therapists, and other wellness practitioners, to provide truly integrated care. Together, we’re bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and functional nutrition to help clients heal from the inside out.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building a brand that inspires lasting change — one rooted in connection, education, and a holistic approach to wellness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nutrition-by-emma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.by.emma/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nutrition-by-Emma/61570433547813/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanelsonrd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NutritionbyEmma
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/063jI4d9dG5bEVGCOOiaPr
