Melissa Rifkin Nutrition In the News

By Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN

In this article:

• Mindful Eating
• Foods for Weight Loss
• Supplements for Weight Loss
• Lifestyle Support

A healthy weight does not look the same for everyone. Gender, height, age, body frame and composition, health goals, and activity levels are some of the important factors to take into account when assessing what a healthy weight is for your body. While there is no one equation that works for everyone in determining an ideal weight, there are a number of factors that are helpful for anyone with a weight loss goal, starting with eating habits.

‌‌‌‌What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating is a concept that encompasses your “why” surrounding food habits. Are you eating out of hunger? Or as you looking for a snack to distract from the stress you are feeling at work? Unfortunately, most adults don’t take the time to think through the “why.” If you can stay more aware of your eating cues and put a brief pause between wanting a snack and getting it, you can set up yourself to be able to make more mindful choices to better serve your goals. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to set rules for your weight loss.

By: Danielle Omar, PD, My Fitness Pal

Dietitians have seen it all when it comes to weight loss. From crazy fad diets to bulletproof coffee — while appealing, what sounds too good to be true usually is.

We are all susceptible to the lure of the quick fix or thinking there’s one magic bullet to achieve ultimate weight-loss success. But this mindset often leads to mistakes that eventually get in the way of the long-term goals we’re trying to achieve.

Is it possible to avoid some of these pitfalls that inevitably occur on your weight-loss journey? Absolutely — but we must be able to recognize those pitfalls first. Below are the seven of the biggest and most common weight-loss mistakes dietitians see, with tips from real-life RD’s to help you stay on course.

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to set rules for your weight loss.

By: Elizabeth Narins, Harpers Bazaar Magazine

We know we should stay clear of hard-and-fast food but some foods can seriously mess with your health.

“It doesn’t mean you’ll get sick, get cancer, or die if you eat a dangerous food once,” says Nneka Leiba, deputy director of research at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which catalogs studies on potential toxins found in specific brand-name foods and ranks their safety in a massive database. “But there are certain foods you should avoid as much as possible if you have a choice.” …

Click ahead to read Melissa’s input on #3 on the list!

By: Nicole Lyn Pesce, NY Daily News

Sorry to ruin snack time, but those Popchips aren’t as guilt-free as you think.

And they won’t even leave you feeling full.

Click ahead to read Melissa’s input on the nutritional value of Popchips

By: Ruben Castaneda, U.S. News & World Report

Holiday eating that’s good for your heart. Holiday parties mean gingerbread cookies, fudge and cupcakes. People in the U.S. typically gain 1.3 pounds during the holiday season, according to recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. That may not seem like much, but it takes an average of five months to lose that extra weight, according to the study. Fortunately, you can enjoy seasonal fare without packing on holiday pounds. 

Skip ahead to slide 6 for Melissa’s yummy recommendation!

As featured on Bentgo

Melissa is a registered dietitian living and working in NY for over a decade where she focuses mainly on weight management and helps patients prepare for weight loss surgery. In addition she is a coach on RISE which is a weight loss application where she helps clients meet goals via pictures of foods taken and providing tips. In her free time Melissa enjoys running, hiking creating healthy plates for Instagram. You can follow Melissa on instagram @confessionofadietitian & www.melissarifkinnutrition.com.

What’s in the Bentgo Lunchbox….