How I Got Here

How my passion for nutrition unfolded and led me to where I am today.

In my early 20s, I enrolled in a class on healthy eating, which sparked my interest in a career in nutrition. I was astonished to discover that what I considered "common knowledge” about healthy eating was not widely known.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a mom who prepared meals emphasizing color and balance. I took for granted that our family meals included various food groups, and my mom's self-education in nutrition in the mid-70s and early-80s, despite the lack of internet resources, profoundly impacted our choices.

Our school lunches, made at home, featured whole-wheat bread sandwiches with peanut butter made only from ground peanuts, salads, and fruit. Instead of meat, we enjoyed veggie lasagna and bean-filled tacos. While we weren't strictly vegetarian, meat wasn't a daily staple.

Even at the age of 9, I was introduced to tofu, which was far from mainstream at the time. I vividly remember my mom teaching us that corn, peas, and lima beans were classified as starches, not vegetables. When it came to church picnics and tailgating, our go-to dish was a fruit salad that always sparked a fun guessing game about how many different fruits it contained (averaging around 12!).

I pursued a degree in nutrition/dietetics because I believed I could turn my interest in nutrition and its impact on health into a rewarding career.

Little did I know the route to get there—years of rigorous scientific study, including biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, math, and, of course, many nutrition science courses. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, I completed a more than 1,000-hour internship over nine months and earned a Master of Science in Nutrition. All this while also being a household manager with a husband who worked 50+ hours per week for a worldwide parcel delivery company and a son who was 10 when I finished my Master’s Degree in the fall of 2000.

Today, I am proud to combine my educational background, real-life experiences, and a genuine desire to help others make informed choices about their health and nutrition. My years of experience working with diverse populations have equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to provide evidence-based guidance tailored to the populations I serve and to empower individuals to lead healthier lives, which can include managing existing health conditions, reducing the risk of chronic disease, and overall feeling energized and fueled without a diet-mindset, and without guilt.

Thank you for joining me here, and I look forward to sharing valuable insights and resources with you.

Cursive text "Shelley" in blue font

My Philosophy

When it comes to eating, I firmly believe that there is no singular right or wrong way.

I respectfully disagree with a world of information dictating THE way to eat.

In the grand scheme of things, we all have the exact same basic needs. Humans require specific nutrients to thrive. Carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water are essential for all of us. All of us, no matter what influencers may try to dispute.

However, we are unique individuals, so we must tailor these essential nutrient needs to fit our requirements.

Like plants, which all need water, light, and nutrients to grow, we each have specific needs and tolerances.

Some people require more care and attention, like orchids or azaleas, while others can withstand the harshest conditions, like palm trees in a hurricane or cacti in a desert. Some are built for endurance, while others may only last a season.

Our individuality is what makes us unique.

I refuse to make sweeping statements like "this food will kill you" or "that food or ingredient is toxic" because I fundamentally disagree with such broad and ridiculous claims. What makes something “toxic” or “deadly” is the dose. Even too much water can be toxic and lead to death.

Consistently consuming a particular food can undoubtedly impact our overall health, but enjoying a hot dog at a ballpark will not be what kills you - unless you choke on it.

The health risks associated with driving or walking to the ballpark usually far outweigh any concerns about the hot dogs' impact on your overall health. Seriously.

In a world inundated with myths and misinformation, particularly in the media, with “influencers” and celebrities with their health and wellness websites, my goal is to help people understand the reality of nutrition as it pertains to individuals. An MIT study suggested that false news reaches 1,500 people approximately six times faster than true news. This was conducted from 2006 to 2017, before the 2020 pandemic, when misinformation spread even faster, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

The field of nutrition is far from black and white, yes or no, all or nothing, but more of many shades of gray and a lot of “it depends.”

Just because I eat a certain way does not mean you must eat that way.

The fact about me is that I will always maintain at least one steadfast belief: If you desire dessert, eat it first.

Even better, could you share it with me? Life is too short to deny ourselves something we enjoy and the social connection we have around food.

If you would like to address your individual nutritional needs and how I can help you achieve your health and wellness goals, I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute introductory call to get started. Together, we can help you achieve a healthier life that balances good nutrition and health with enjoyment.

Real World Nutrition helps you navigate eating and living healthier in the real world.

Degrees, Memberships, and Affiliations

Reviewed and updated: April 2026

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