Chelsea Vozzolo, MS, RDN, NBC-HWC
Do you have a current/past position with the CT AND Board?
Current and past as Fundraising Co-Chair for CT AND Board
What inspired you to become a RDN?
I knew at a fairly early age that I wanted to pursue the path to become an RDN; when I was 15 years old, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder known as Anorexia Nervosa. A large part of my treatment plan was working with a Registered Dietitian, and during my recovery I thought to myself “I want to help other people navigate healthy and balanced eating like this dietitian is doing for me”.
Where do you work now and where have you worked in the past?
I currently have a private practice specializing in healthy and sustainable weight loss, which is where my true passion lies. Additionally, I manage a CDC grant funded program at the Connecticut Department of Public Health known as the WISEWOMAN Program, which is essentially a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program for eligible women in CT. I started off my career in dietetics in Long Term Care, and moved to the Acute Care/Hospital setting; I’ve worked for the CT Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and also have worked as a home-care RD.
What is your favorite recipe/food?
My favorite food is definitely pizza (gluten free pizza, to be exact!)! I’ve found a great riced cauliflower pizza recipe that really hits the spot, and offers more fiber and significantly less carbohydrates.
How is food related to your culture?
Coming from a very large family, our social gatherings are typically centered around food, and it’s part of the way my family shows that we love and care for others.
General tip for improving diet?
My general tip would be BALANCE. If you don’t know what a balanced diet looks like, ask a nutrition professional to help you assess where you can improve your diet and create a plan that works for you!
If stranded on island-what one food or beverage you would want an unlimited supply of?
That’s a tough question- Given that pizza is a favorite food of mine, I will go with an unlimited supply of gluten free pizza!
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing my clients become healthier not only on the inside, but on the outside as well! It’s so rewarding to see them not only successfully lose weight, but FEEL better, see improvements in their lab values, and keep the weight off. It’s addicting!
Where do you want to see the RDN/NDTR profession in 10 years?
I would love to see greater insurance reimbursement for clients in need of RDN/NDTR services across the lifespan.
Anything else you would like to add or any new projects you are working on for CT AND that you would like members to know about?
My private practice is growing and I would like to add more RDN’s to my team, please reach out if you’re interested in learning more!
