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My name is Jill Merkel and I am an anti-diet, weight-inclusive Registered Dietitian & Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor specializing in body image, chronic dieting, 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 journey into nutrition 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 for three seasons (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?

Credentials

RD – Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
MS – Master of Science in nutrition with an emphasis in sports nutrition
CSSD – Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor

Fun Facts

I am an Enneagram Type 6 (Loyalist)

My ideal outdoor temperature is 65-72 with low humidity.

I am a tad germophobic and bed bugs are one of my biggest fears!

My favorite ice cream is Ben & Jerry’s The Tonight Dough.

I have run over 100 races including 16 half marathons and 2 full marathons. I have a long-term goal of running a race in all 50 states.

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