Melissa Dawson, MS, RDN, didn’t always know she’d become a dietitian. In fact, she started college undecided on her major—until a required nutrition class at Rutgers University changed everything.
“I fell in love with learning about nutrition and started making healthier food choices myself. I knew I wanted to help others do the same!”
Now, as a Retail Dietitian at ShopRite of Wyckoff, Melissa spends her days debunking myths, making healthy eating easier, and proving that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to live a balanced life.
Helping Shoppers Ditch Food Guilt & Eat With Confidence
There’s a lot of confusing nutrition advice out there, but Melissa’s mission is simple: You don’t have to be “perfect” to be healthy!
One of her favorite things about being an RD is showing people that flexibility is key—and that all foods can fit into a balanced diet.
“I love helping people realize they can still enjoy their favorite foods while living a healthy life.”
Her #1 tip for healthier eating is all about adding, not restricting.
Melissa’s Top Nutrition Tip
✅ Focus on what you can add to your diet rather than what you need to eliminate.
Instead of worrying about cutting things out, try:
🥦 Adding more vegetables to your meals
🥑 Incorporating healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil)
🍓 Including more fruits for natural sweetness and fiber
This positive, sustainable approach makes building healthy habits way easier—and a lot more enjoyable!
The #1 Nutrition Question She Gets Asked
❓ “Are carbohydrates bad?”
🚫 Nope!
Carbs get a bad reputation, but Melissa reminds shoppers that they’re essential to a balanced diet. The key is choosing nutrient-dense carbs like:
🍠 Sweet potatoes
🍚 Brown rice & quinoa
🍎 Fruits & veggies
These carbs not only provide fiber, vitamins, and energy, but they also keep meals satisfying and delicious!
Melissa’s Go-To Quick Meal
When life gets busy, Melissa turns to grain bowls for a fast, nourishing meal:
🍚 Base: Brown rice or quinoa
🦐 Protein: Shrimp
🥕 Veggies: Whatever’s in the fridge
🥑 Topping: Avocado or an olive oil-based dressing
Easy to customize, full of nutrients, and ready in minutes!
Her Must-Have Grocery Pick?
🥕 Any and all fruits & veggies!
Melissa always encourages shoppers to stock up on produce—fresh, frozen, or dried. When it comes to healthy snacks, she’s a big fan of Crispy Fruit, which is a crunchy, nutritious option.
Melissa’s 3 Must-Haves for a Balanced Diet
1️⃣ Protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle health
2️⃣ Produce – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber
3️⃣ Healthy Fats – Essential for brain and heart health
With these three on your plate, you’re off to a great start!
What Most People Don’t Know About Working with an RD
If you think meeting with a dietitian means being told what not to eat, think again.
“We work with you to create a plan that includes your favorite foods, not one that takes them away.”
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, manage a health condition, or want grocery shopping guidance, a Retail Dietitian like Melissa can help you confidently navigate the aisles!
Want more expert shopping & nutrition tips?
Follow Melissa on LinkedIn for healthy meal ideas, myth-busting nutrition advice, and realistic strategies for feeling your best!
