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Melissa Alazraki

MS, RDN, CDCES

Specialties:

Prediabetes, Diabetes & Gestational Heart & Cardiovascular Health

Age Group(s):

Patient Populations:

LGBTQIA+, Men, Neurodivergent Patients, Older adults, Patients with ADHD/ADD, Women

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About Melissa

Melissa was working in the art world when she realized she craved a career change. At first, she considered pursuing social work, given her love for working one-on-one with people. While searching for programs, she stumbled upon the Clinical Nutrition program at NYU, and the lightbulb went on. She found the career path encompassing her two great passions: food and counseling. Fifteen years later, Melissa still feels the same spark when helping people better understand their bodies, navigate health obstacles, and brainstorm fun, new recipe ideas. Before joining the Culina Health team, Melissa worked in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, most recently using her extensive diabetes knowledge to improve her patient’s outcomes through nutrition and lifestyle modifications at NYU Langone.

Get To Know Melissa

Favorite thing to purchase at the farmer’s market or grocery store: In-season fruit from the farmers market — so colorful, sweet and juicy. It’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Flavored nuts

Grocery shopping tip: Always do a kitchen inventory and count how many nights you’ll need to cook before heading out!

What’s one small thing someone can do today to work toward a balanced eating pattern/lifestyle? As you get toward the end of each day, ask yourself “Have I eaten at least one fruit and one vegetable today?” If the answer is no, try to start making your food choices for the rest of the evening accordingly.

What’s your nutrition superpower? Making vegetables sexy.

How has your cultural culinary heritage shaped your approach to nutrition, and do you incorporate any traditional practices into your counseling? There is a stereotype about Jewish mothers always feeding people; and I have often reflected on how (as a Jewish mother myself) I found a profession where it is my job to make sure people are fed! The idea of making everyone feel cared for and uplifted, partly through making sure they are able to enjoy delicious food that improves their quality of life, is embedded in my DNA as a person and provider.