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A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Hayley is a vital member of our Research and Development team. She earned her dietetics degree from Florida State University and completed her supervised internship at Sodexo while earning her master’s at the University of Rhode Island. With all the misinformation out there about nutrition, Hayley believes it’s vital to call out what’s false—and share the science—to help people lead healthier lives.

I sat down with Hayley and got to know her a little better.

How did you get into nutrition?

It was actually my mom who suggested that I become a dietitian as I was getting ready to apply to colleges and was trying to decide on a major. When my mom suggested dietetics, I didn’t even know what it meant, so I had to google it! Since I was into health and fitness at the time, it seemed like the right fit. To be honest, I’m grateful I didn’t know more about the program, because if I’d known what was involved (looking at you Chemistry!) there’s no way I would have done it. Now I can’t imagine myself doing anything else!

What’s your biggest nutrition pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is the perception that some foods are “unhealthy”. The truth is there’s no such thing. Whether you eat an organic coconut sugar donut from Whole Foods or a cane sugar donut from Dunkin Donuts, your body metabolizes it the same way, and experiences the same effects.

What matters is the composition of your diet overall. When you’re eating a balanced combination of fruit, veggies, protein, whole grains, nuts, seeds—and so-called “unhealthy foods” in moderation—your body will thrive. It’s only when you eat an excessive amount of one food type that you run into trouble. Eat the donut—and eat your veggies too—life’s too short to deprive yourself!

What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to make healthy changes?

Start slow! Any amount of change helps. If you’re trying to increase your steps, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away when you go to a store, or walk your dog an extra 10 minutes. If you’re changing your diet, try ordering fruit or salad as a side dish instead of fries. Small changes add up to big improvements in the long term!

What’s your favorite supplement?

Ashwagandha! It’s seriously the best. It’s an adaptogen, meaning it adapts to your body’s needs. If you’re stressed, ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol, so your body doesn’t get as worked up. If you work out a lot and your body is physically stressed, ashwagandha can help with recovery and improves performance.*

What’s your favorite snack and why?

Oh gosh. I don’t know if I can pick just one! I can say I love popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, so it’s an excellent source of fiber, which helps keep you full longer and your digestion regular. My favorite brand is Lesser Evil. They have a variety of flavors, but their classic flavor is the best IMO. 

My runner-up is watermelon. Too bad it’s only really ripe in the summer. I can literally finish a whole one by myself. And it’s not just delicious; it has lycopene, an antioxidant that gives it its red color and helps fight free radicals in the body.  Free radicals can cause oxidative stress which may damage cells.

What does your average weekend look like?

It really varies; some weekends will be jam-packed with activities while others I’ll spend glued to the couch! 😊 But I’ll usually spend time with friends at Happy Hour. I love a good margarita and Aperol spritz! Or we’ll have dinner parties and game nights: Cahoot and Anomia are some of my favorites.

I also love getting outside. Whether that means walking around the park, hiking in the woods or just lounging on the patio—there’s nothing better than the feeling of the sun soaking into your skin.

Tell us something surprising about yourself

My first job was at a tanning salon. John Cena would come in… and I had the “pleasure” of cleaning his sweat off the tanning bed!

Check out Hayley’s blogs and follow her on IG @dietitian.hayley

Hayley is just one of the many experts at Persona, here to accelerate your wellness journey. If you have questions about nutrition or your personalized program, reach out now or book a free appointment with Hayley or another of our amazing nutritionists.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.     

As a Registered Associate Nutritionist, Gina believes nutrition is all about respecting yourself and your body by making smart but enjoyable choices every day. I sat down with Gina and got to know her a little better. 

How did you get into nutrition? 

In my sophomore year of high school, I struggled with an eating disorder. I had a fear of food and a poor body image that governed my thoughts. As I approached graduation, I started to recover—and that process taught me a lot about nutrition. I soon realized it’s what I wanted to do for my career, so I applied to a degree program in London. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did it help me understand my body and how to respect it by fueling it with proper food, but it also gave me an opportunity to help people care for their health too. 

What’s your biggest nutrition pet peeve? 

That a gluten-free diet is better for you. It’s really not! There’s no reason to remove gluten (and all the deliciousness it brings!) from your diet unless you have an allergy or celiac disease or another health issue that forces you to avoid it.  

This misconception stems from the idea that most “goodies” like cakes, pastries and biscuits have wheat as a base ingredient—and that by eating gluten-free you’ll remove these processed foods. In reality, they’re fine in moderation! 

What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to make healthy changes? 

Get on the buddy system! If you have trouble sticking to your health goals—whether it’s cooking meals at home or getting to a spin class every week—it’s easier with a friend. You can hold each other accountable on the days you’re feeling less motivated, and you’ll probably find it’s a lot more fun!  

What’s your favorite supplement? 

My favorite supplement has to be Vitamin D! It’s an essential nutrient that plays a role in so many functions in your body, but almost half of us don’t get enough…including me! I get plenty of sunlight every day, but I still struggle to keep it at a healthy level, so taking a supplement is important. 

What’s your favorite snack and why? 

I love popcorn! There are so many good things about it: it’s convenient, affordable, available all around the world and high in fiber! You can also add your favorite seasonings to it; mine’s an Indian spice called Chaat Masala. Perfect for movie nights! 😊 

What does your average weekend look like? 

I like to start my Saturday with a morning yoga class. The rest of my weekend is pretty relaxed. I like playing board games with family (we’re obsessed with Sequence), catching up with friends or bingeing crime documentaries! I also enjoy reading. Right now, I’m reading Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare. 

Tell us something surprising about yourself. 

I have a HUGE family— including three nieces who are older than me!  

Check out Gina’s blogs and follow her on IG @nutritionist.gina 

Gina is just one of the many experts at Persona who are here to accelerate your wellness journey. If you have questions about nutrition or your personalized program, reach out now or book a free appointment with Gina or another of our amazing nutritionists. 

Natalie gained her expertise at the University of North Florida. Her goal is to teach others that good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. She’s especially passionate about intuitive eating. I had the chance to sit down and get to know her a bit better.  

How did you get into nutrition? 

I wanted to learn how to better my own health and encourage others to as well! I love that nutrition isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Everyone’s needs and goals are different.  

What’s your biggest nutrition pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is placing morality on food. Food isn’t good or bad and eating something that’s seen as unhealthy doesn’t make you bad! You can enjoy all foods in moderation, even your favorite treats and desserts.  

What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to make healthy changes? 

Remember: There are no quick fixes when it comes to your health! Making changes to your diet is all about balance. You should think of it as a lifestyle shift that takes time. So focus on small steps and achievable goals. Once you reach one goal, make another! 

What’s your favorite supplement? 

My favorite supplement is CBD. I like that it helps calm my nerves and even helps with sleep.* 

What’s your favorite snack and why? 

A favorite snack of mine is peanut butter with apple slices! Not only is it delicious and sweet (I have a major sweet tooth 😊!), but both foods are full of nutrients like fiber. And peanut butter has protein and healthy fats to help keep you feeling full for longer. 

What does your average weekend look like? 

My fiancée and I travel nearly every weekend to nearby cities, where we walk around, try new restaurants and explore museums. We also like to visit our families, who live about 3 hours away.  

When we do stay home, we like to get take-out from a favorite restaurant, catch up on cleaning, watch movies and go on hikes when it’s warm outside. 

Tell us something surprising about yourself. 

I have 6 siblings. And I actually started out as a nursing major before I switched to nutrition! 

Check out Natalie’s blogs and follow her on IG @nutritionist.natalie 

Natalie is just one of the many experts at Persona who are here to accelerate your wellness journey. If you have questions about nutrition or your personalized program, reach out now or book a free appointment with Natalie or another of our amazing nutritionists. 

 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.      

Nutritionist, Pharmacist and Personal Chef, Ruby is a strong advocate for integrative wellness. At Persona, she helps manage our drug-nutrient database to ensure our customers’ prescription medications and supplements don’t collide. 

I sat down with Ruby and got to know her a little better. 

How did you get into nutrition?  

Given my background in pharmacy and culinary, it made sense to work in nutrition as well. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle not only play a vital role in preventative health, but they can really help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. 

What’s your biggest nutrition pet peeve?  

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say weight loss is just about the calories you’re eating versus the calories you’re burning. Even though research has shown it’s so much more than that—it involves your hormones, your metabolic rate and other factors—I still hear a lot of people in the health and wellness space say this. And not all calories are equal, so it’s best to focus on eating a diet that includes nutritious, whole foods. 

What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to make healthy changes? 

Change can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make multiple changes at once. Start with something small and create a win there. The satisfaction and motivation you get from that small change will help fuel your bigger goals. Also, surround yourself with people who support and encourage you—and even some who might be on the same health journey.  

What’s your favorite supplement? 

Ubiquinol! I’m working out a lot right now and prepping for a race this Fall, so I like that ubiquinol can help with recovery and the oxidative stress that exercise can cause.*  

What’s your favorite snack and why?  

I love making mini charcuterie boards with a side of chilled cucumbers. It’s healthy, but also fun to eat!  

What does your average weekend look like?  

I like to get a few workouts in throughout the weekend, but also Saturdays I’ll do something fun. I typically don’t cook on Saturday unless it’s a very special occasion, so everyone has to fend for themselves! But I will cook Sunday afternoons; I like putting a movie on in the background and making it relaxed. It’s also a great time to catch up with my daughter, Taylor. 

Tell us something surprising about yourself.  

As a teenager I had synesthesia, but I didn’t know or understand what it was and started to feel strange about it, so I mentally blocked it. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a condition in which information that is supposed to stimulate one of your senses actually stimulates several of them.   

I also love trying new things. Right now, it’s dancing and I’m planning to start learning archery soon! 

Check out Ruby’s blogs and follow her on IG @pharmacist.ruby 

Ruby is just one of the many experts at Persona who are here to accelerate your wellness journey. If you have questions about nutrition or your personalized program, reach out to Ruby or one of our other nutritionists, or book a free appointment at a time that works for you.  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Holly is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who works with Persona customers daily to help them get the most from their programs. She earned her degree from Michigan State University before completing a supervised practice program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Holly uses her expertise to teach others about nutrition—with a special emphasis on gut health. Her mission: to help others understand that a healthy lifestyle really can be easy and enjoyable. 

I sat down with Holly and got to know her a little better. 

How did you get into nutrition? 

Everyone who knows me knows I’m all about gut health! I think it stems from my own struggles and all the time I spent researching this topic for myself! There was a period when I was experiencing a lot of GI issues—severe pain, bloating and weight loss—so I was in and out of doctors’ offices a lot, until I finally connected with a clinical dietitian. That experience really opened my eyes to the impact food can have on our health and how complex our bodies are! From there my interest grew and I knew nutrition was the path for me. 

What’s your biggest nutrition pet peeve? 

One of my biggest pet peeves is the idea you shouldn’t eat after 7 or 8 pm! So many people promote this and follow this mindset, thinking that if you eat late, you’ll instantly gain weight. It isn’t true!  

The time you eat doesn’t matter; it’s what you eat and how much. At night, it’s common to reach for snacks that are processed or high in sugar out of boredom or habit. Rather than cut that evening snack, change it: Instead of candy or chips, try more nutrient-dense foods like nuts or fruit. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling to make healthy changes? 

My advice is to keep it simple and easy! Don’t be so strict about following a specific diet or counting every calorie. These aren’t healthy or sustainable habits. Instead, focus on nutrient-dense whole foods (like fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans and lean meats) for about 80% of your diet. This way you’re not restricting yourself from the treats you crave.  When you mindfully choose nutritious foods for most of your meals—and consciously allow yourself to enjoy fun foods occasionally—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.  

What’s your favorite supplement? 

My favorite supplement is definitely ashwagandha! I’ve had it in my daily pack for about 3-4 months now, and let me just say it has been a game changer when it comes to supporting my mood and attention! Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that has so many benefits, but has really helped bring an overall sense of calm and clarity to my life*. 

What’s your favorite snack and why?  

Ever since high school, my go-to snack since has been hummus, crackers and veggies! I love the combination of the creamy, crunchy and saltiness, especially mid-afternoon when I hit that slump. Hummus—usually made from chickpeas—provides a great source of protein. Paired with complex carbs from whole grain crackers and veggies, it helps keep me energized and satisfied until dinner. 

What does your average weekend look like? 

I usually start Fridays by finishing any errands, working out, grocery shopping and meal prepping. On Saturdays, I love being active, so I’ll go outdoors if the weather is nice! I like climbing, hiking, kayaking, biking or hanging out with friends. I also really enjoy baking or reading in my hammock—lately, I’ve been loving all the Colleen Hoover books! 

Tell us something surprising about yourself. 

One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that before I learned the importance of gut health and nutrition, I actually started college with the intention of studying engineering! Another fun fact: I’ve been to 46 states so far and my goal is to visit all 50 before I turn 30! 

Check out Holly’s blogs and follow her on IG @hollys_bestlife 

Holly is just one of the many experts at Persona who are here to accelerate your wellness journey. If you have questions about nutrition or your personalized program, reach out to Holly or one of our other nutritionists, or book a free appointment at a time that works for you. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.