My name is Jill Merkel and I am an anti-diet, weight-inclusive Registered Dietitian & Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor specializing in body image, disordered eating, and sports nutrition. 

Anti-diet is not anti-health. I practice from a weight-neutral, inclusive perspective, which means I believe all bodies are good and everyone deserves respect, care, and acceptance. You are the expert of you. I am here to support you and help you figure out what feels best for you, in your body.

My nutrition journey began when I set the goal to complete a half marathon and discovered a passion for running. To improve my athletic performance, I changed my eating habits and was pleasantly surprised with the positive results, both physical and emotional, that came from making a few changes to my habits. This inspired me to want to help others see how taking small steps can ultimately lead to healthier living, prompting my return to school to pursue a degree in dietetics.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Southern Indiana, I moved to Salt Lake City to pursue a master’s degree with an emphasis in sports nutrition while completing the RD internship requirements.

Previous work experiences outside of my private practice include: 

• Team Sports Dietitian for the NFL Tennessee Titans for five seasons (2017-2021).
• Consultant Sports Dietitian for Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) working with NBA G-League players (2018-2020).
• Sports Performance Dietitian for EXOS (performance training department) at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine where I worked with athletes of all ages including youth, high school, collegiate, and professional (NFL, NHL, NBA, and WNBA) (2015-2016).
• Collegiate sports nutrition experiences at University of Utah, University of Oregon, University of Louisville, and University of Virginia (2013-2015).

Clients who work with me receive:

• Supportive, compassionate, respectful care
• Personalized health-promoting behavior recommendations
• A flexible approach to nutrition and health
• Body image and anti-diet mindset work
• Accountability and support

I believe that all foods fit into a healthy, balanced, sustainable way of eating. My anti-diet nutrition coaching incorporates Intuitive Eating principles, weight-inclusive care and focuses on health-promoting behaviors.

Ready to Work With Me?

• Individual Nutrition Coaching for Women’s Wellness (body image, disordered eating, Intuitive Eating)
• Individual Nutrition Coaching for Sports Nutrition
• Intuitive Eating Support Group for Women

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