Food Freedom, LLC was founded in 2017. It is a private nutrition practice owned by Michelle Russell, a dietitian/nutrition therapist. Michelle's office is located in beautiful Downtown Burlington, on the 4th floor of the Burlington Building. Parking is along the street or in the public parking lot across the street. Telehealth services also available in multiple states.
“Nutrition therapist” is a title adopted by many eating disorder dietitians, as the work we do goes much deeper than nutrition education. As a nutrition therapist, Michelle has regular clinical supervision/ consultation with senior clinicians and training in various therapeutic models. Many clients report working with Michelle feels like therapy; just focused on food, activity patterns and body image. If other topics come up, they are noted for further exploration with a licensed mental health therapist.
Get in touch
I know that finding the right fit with your nutrition therapist is important. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can discuss your concerns, my approach, and see if we are the right fit.
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About Michelle (she/her)
Michelle Russell, RD, LD, CEDS
OWNER, Nutrition Therapist
I was born and raised in Burlington, IA and have been practicing as a registered and licensed dietitian since 2011. I spent my first six years as a supermarket dietitian, assisting customers, teaching classes, and counseling clients with a more “traditional” nutrition education approach.
With my own complicated history with food, activity, and body image, I felt ineffective and unsatisfied practicing the “traditional” way. I pursued training in the philosophy I learned little about in college but practiced whole-heartedly myself: Intuitive Eating. I completed my certification as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor in 2015. It was also in 2015 that I attended my first eating disorder conference, and upon leaving - completely high on life - I proclaimed that I was changing the direction of my career and dedicating myself to supporting those in recovery. Connecting with others in the field through training and clinical supervision in the years since has been soul-awakening. I completed the years-long training and clinical work to earn the distinction as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) in 2021. I am passionate about practicing in eating disorder recovery from a Health at Every Size, non-diet, weight-inclusive lens.
Rather than nitpicking the nutritional profile of foods and following rigid eating plans, I aim to make nutrition easy, affordable, delicious and practical.
My work with clients is collaborative - I may be an expert on nutrition and eating behaviors, but you are the expert of yourself. I would be honored to walk with you on your journey to finding freedom with food and cultivating a peaceful relationship with your body.
Education
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, Dietetics
2010
Professional Credentials & Certifications
• Registered Dietitian
• Licensed Dietitian
Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri
• Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor
•Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS)
Professional Affiliations
•Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa (EDCI), past Board of Directors
•International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD)
•International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp)
•Eating Disorder Registered Dietitians & Professionals (EDRD Pro)
