Meet your dietitian

Dena Don, MS, RDN, CDN

My name is Dena Don, and I’m the founder of The Artsy Palate LLC. I’m a New York, Florida and Connecticut-certified registered dietitian nutritionist on a mission to help you heal your relationship with food. I specialize in treating individuals of all ages who are struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating.

I can also help those grappling with GI issues, high cholesterol, meal-prep struggles and more through an all-foods-fit approach. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my nutrition philosophy!

MY APPROACH TO NUTRITION

Nutritious eating should be intuitive, practical, easy, fun and enjoyable, and I’m here to help facilitate that.

Did you know that all foods can fit in a healthy diet?!

I see every eating occurrence as an opportunity to nourish myself optimally, but dessert is also an essential part of my diet (and not chickpea blondie dessert, real-deal dessert!). You should know that chocolate has a special place in my heart, and I always have a steady supply available in my apartment.

If I am craving something, I will eat it, regardless of its nutritional content, and I invite you to do the same. I believe that healthy eating is about inclusion rather than exclusion. I am not a fan of dieting or restriction, as it’s not sustainable for the long term. Additionally, through working with patients with disordered eating, I see firsthand the harm that dieting can cause, so I stay as far away from it as possible!

When considering if a nutrition goal is appropriate, I invite you to ask yourself if you can see yourself sustaining the change for longer than one year. If the answer is no, then try to re-work your goals so that they align better with your lifestyle!

To me, healthy eating means eating mostly healthy most of the time.

In order to have a healthy relationship with food, it’s crucial to allow yourself to enjoy both nutrient-dense and less nutrient dense food options.

MY EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Dietetics and a B.A. in Journalism, I completed my dietetic internship (supervised practice hours) with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. I then pursued an M.S. degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University. You should also know that I am Jewish and I keep kosher. This inspires my food choices, recipes and gentle approach to nutrition counseling.

MY INTERESTS

When I’m not seeing patients, you can find me spending time with my family or doing anything that involves expressing my creativity. This includes testing out new recipes, knitting, painting and more. I also enjoy movement – you can find me at barre class or walking outdoors when the weather is nice!

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

WORK WITH ME PRIVATELY

I have openings to see new patients! Please email dena@theartsypalate.com if you are interested in hearing more about what working together could look like. I practice from a non-judgmental, all-foods-fit approach, which means you won’t have to say goodbye to any of your favorite foods!

I accept Aetna insurance and can provide superbills which you can submit to your insurance for retroactive reimbursement. Sliding scale options are also available.

FREELANCE POSITIONS

I am currently accepting freelance writing and recipe developing positions. Please email theartsypalate@gmail.com with your inquiries!

Meet The Artsy Palate Team

Alyssa Wengrofsky, MS, RDN, CDN

About Me

Hi! I’m Alyssa, a dietitian committed to helping individuals ease the stress and anxiety that’s often associated with nutrition. I specialize in eating disorders and general nutrition, supporting clients in building a healthier relationship with food. Outside of my work with clients, you’ll often find me coaching or working out at my local CrossFit gym!

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from Binghamton University, followed by a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pace University. My training includes diverse internship experiences, from clinical to functional nutrition, providing me with a well-rounded foundation.

Nutritional Approach & Philosophy

My approach centers around meeting clients where they are in their wellness journey and addressing their unique needs. I’m passionate about supporting a healthy mental relationship with food, as I believe mental and physical health are equally important. My goal is to help you implement small, sustainable changes that lead to a healthier, long-term lifestyle.

DISCLAIMERS

The content on this blog is meant for informational purposes only and should not take the place of medical advice. Before making any changes to your current eating plan, be sure to check with your doctor and a nutrition professional, such as a registered dietitian, especially if you have any food intolerances, allergies or medical conditions. Nothing posted on this blog is intended to cause harm or offense of any kind.

Additionally, please understand that my views on nutrition and diet are constantly evolving. Though I do my best to keep this blog up to date, it’s possible that I no longer hold views shared on older posts.