Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN

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About author

Melissa is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience, including clinical and outpatient settings, and runs the popular nutrition education Instagram account, Confessionofadietitian. While Melissa is a dietitian by profession, she believes that being healthy does not just mean from a dietary perspective. Melissa practices with the belief that your body is a sanctuary, and mental and physical health encompasses eating nutritious foods, exercising, and practicing self-care habits. Through educating her audience on nutrition science, introducing them to new products, and sharing recipes, Melissa hopes to show healthy eating doesn't have to be time consuming and can be made to work for the whole family. Melissa is mom to two boys, Max and Leo, and also uses her platform to share practical tips for managing motherhood and feeding kiddos.

Articles by Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN

salmon avocado toast on plate, concept of weight-loss breakfasts under 400 calories

6 Best Weight-Loss Breakfasts Under 400 Calories

These tasty breakfast ideas will keep you full and won't cost you many calories.

sweeteners

The 6 Healthiest Sweeteners—and 6 to Avoid

We are here to help you pick the best way to sweeten up your day.

healthy canned chilis

10 Best & Worst Canned Chilis, According to Dietitians

Not all canned chilis are created equally, and some are significantly healthier than others.

tim hortons menu

The Best & Worst Menu Items at Tim Hortons

When you're in the mood for coffee and a donut, you'll know exactly what to order off the Tim Hortons menu with this nutrition guide.

zaxbys healthy menu options

The Best & Worst Menu Items at Zaxby's, According to RDs

When you need a wing fix, order wisely with our guide.

Healthy trail mix

5 Healthiest Trail Mixes—and 5 to Avoid

This snack can give you healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but not all brands are equally healthy.

cottage cheese with blueberries, concept of lazy breakfast ideas for weight loss

10 ‘Lazy’ Breakfast Ideas for Weight Loss

Strapped for time? These lazy breakfast ideas for weight loss are tasty and simple to prepare.

chilis restaurant

11 Unhealthiest Dishes to Order at Chili’s

Chili’s menu is better known for its appealing flavor than healthfulness, but these dishes have some excessively unhealthy nutrition facts.

Costco sign, concept of Costco desserts for weight loss

15 Best Costco Desserts for Weight Loss

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these weight-loss-friendly desserts from Costco.

dennys menu best and worst orders

The Best & Worst Menu Items at Denny's

Next time you head to America's diner, consider what these dietitians have to say about the healthiest and unhealthiest orders off the menu.

happy woman weight loss concept, diet change to speed up weight loss

This One Change to Your Diet Can Help You Lose Weight Faster

Speed up your weight-loss efforts by making this one simple tweak to your diet.

10 Foods You Must Avoid To Lose Weight in 2024

10 Foods You Must Avoid To Lose Weight in 2024

Dietitians share some of the grocery store buys you should leave on the shelf in the New Year if you're trying to lose weight.

woman eating salad

10 Best Eating Habits to Help Boost Your Metabolism

Exercise and genetics are part of it, but adopting these healthy eating habits can also speed things up.

citrus fruits, concept of the #1 best fruit to eat for weight loss

The #1 Best Fruit To Eat for Weight Loss

This versatile, delicious fruit is dietitian-approved for your weight loss efforts.

frozen Sam's Club foods for weight loss

10 Best Sam’s Club Frozen Foods for Weight Loss

Add these tasty, weight-loss-friendly frozen foods to your shopping cart ASAP.

pesto gnocchi, concept of healthy weight loss dinners that are 500 calories or less

5 Best Weight-Loss Dinners That Are 500 Calories or Less

These recipes don't require a ton of prep work and are perfect for weight loss.

Carl's Jr. Menu Items

The 18 Best & Worst Menu Items at Carl's Jr.

RDs looked at the Carl's Jr. menu in its entirety and picked the items to try, and the ones to avoid.

woman eating restaurant breakfast, concept of low-calorie breakfasts at major restaurant chains

The Best Low-Calorie Breakfasts at 10 Major Restaurant Chains

Make the healthiest choice for breakfast with these options at your fingertips.

healthiest store bought smoothie

The Best & Worst Store-Bought Smoothies

Give your blender a rest and grab one of these healthy store-bought smoothies for on-the-go fuel.

Trader Joe's

10 Best Trader Joe’s Meals for Weight Loss

These dietitian-approved meals from Trader Joe's are perfect for anyone who wants to lose weight.

best grocery store foods for weight loss

10 Essential Grocery Store Buys for Weight Loss

The next time you're shopping at the supermarket, pick up these dietitian-recommended foods to help you lose weight faster.

drink ginger tea

8 Easy Ways to Debloat After Overeating

Feeling extra gassy after a big meal? Try these dietitian-approved tips to beat the bloat.

powder in drink

8 Best Collagen Supplements

Support skin, hair, muscle, and joint health with the help of these expert-approved supplements.

Whole Foods breakfasts for weight loss

10 Best Breakfast Buys at Whole Foods for Weight Loss

Shop these dietitian-approved breakfast finds at Whole Foods.

walmart

10 Best Frozen Foods at Walmart for Weight Loss

Add these dietitian-approved, weight-loss-friendly finds to your cart.

McDonald's sign

10 Best McDonald’s Breakfast Orders for Weight Loss

These breakfast options can help you work toward your weight loss goals.

granola bar

9 'Healthy' Foods With More Sugar Than You Think

These foods may be marketed as healthy, but they are oftentimes loaded with added sugars.

woman eating yogurt, concept of best breakfast for weight loss

The #1 Best Breakfast for Weight Loss

The best weight loss breakfast is one you can seamlessly work into your morning.

whole foods market

10 Best Frozen Foods To Buy at Whole Foods for Weight Loss

Add these frozen foods to your cart on your next Whole Foods run.

tgi fridays

10 Best & Worst Menu Items at TGI Fridays

Feel prepared while you dine out with this list of the healthiest (and unhealthiest) TGI Fridays orders.

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