Zuri MartinezAs soon as I got my first paycheck, Uber Eats and DoorDash became my go-to, and no, I wasn’t ordering salads. It wasn’t until I started getting winded after climbing a flight of stairs that I finally woke up and decided to make a change—plus, it was taking a toll on my mental health as well.
My first step was to consult with a nutritionist, but I didn’t know many since moving to Charlotte, so I asked my team to help. They came back to me with a list of exceptional candidates, helped me connect with one of them, and now, I’m finally nearing my target weight!
So, if you’re struggling with your diet or you’re simply clueless about what the right food to eat is, you’re in the right place! Continue reading to discover our top picks for Charlotte’s best nutritionists, who can save your diet and prolong your mobility!
What is the average cost of a nutritionist in Charlotte?
The average out-of-pocket costs for consulting with a nutritionist in Charlotte range from $75 to $200 or more. This changes depending on the nutritionist’s experience and credentials, whether it’s an initial or follow-up consultation, and session length.
1. Dr. Vanessa Lara – TNT Wellness (Total Nutrition Technology)
Services: Medical nutrition therapy, corporate wellness, sports nutrition, weight loss, customized nutrition plans
Location: 10400 Mallard Creek Rd #340
Contact: +1 704-549-9550
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
We want to include Dr. Vanessa Lara for her background, earning a board certification as a nutrition specialist and a PhD in nutrition and physiology. This gives us confidence that her services and insights are grounded in science, evidence, and clinical practice.
Patients we spoke to also shared that Dr. Lara has an exceptional bedside manner, offering her full attention and helping build patient trust and comfort in her clinic.
Our interviewees added that their sessions feel personal because Dr. Lara develops diet and exercise plans based on what they cover during consultations. She also communicates without jargon and empowers patients to understand their bodies for a more holistic impact.
Dr. Lara also has extensive experience in functional medicine nutrition, including hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and gut health issues.
Her affiliated clinic, TNT Wellness, is also worth highlighting for its comprehensive range of tests, including hormone, gut health, and gut sensitivity. Although pricey, these tests help Dr. Lara and patients better understand their bodies and provide evidence-backed solutions.
Helped me tremendously with my overall health!
“TNT has helped me tremendously with my overall health! I have been seeing Abby, a registered dietitian, along with Vanessa, a functional nutritionist, for a few months now. Abby has changed my life for the better!
Through different labs, we have been able to figure out some underlying health issues, and Abby and Vanessa have both worked together to get me on a protocol, which has worked amazingly! I could not recommend TNT enough. They have seriously changed my life!”
Caitlin Van Belle, Google Review
Helped me so much on this journey
“I found this place through my insurance at the beginning of the year. I have been meeting with my nutritionist, Vanessa, and I have to say that she is amazing. When I first met with her, I was at about 250, and now I am at 243.
She has helped me so much on this journey, and I am forever grateful. She has made me feel so comfortable, confident, and proud of myself. When I talk to her, it’s like talking to a close friend that I’ve known for years.
If you are looking for a place or someone, definitely give TNT a shot; the staff is amazing, and make sure to book an appointment with Vanessa. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, she will help you out! My experience has been so worth it!”
Carmen Torres, Google Review
2. Emma Johnson – Nutrition HealthWorks
Services: Meal planning, metabolic testing, run coaching, weight management, sports nutrition
Location: 301 S College St #200
Contact: +1 704-380-4655
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Emma Johonson from Nutrition HealthWorks piqued our interest because of her broad area of expertise. The range of her clients’ concerns included diabetes and heart health, as well as weight management and sports nutrition.
It’s also admirable that she offers women-centric concerns, including PCOS, a type of hormonal imbalance that affects eating habits. We spoke with these patients, who shared that Johnson helped them understand their bodies and provided personalized diets tailored to their needs.
We were also impressed with Johnson’s dietitian credentials, including a Master’s degree, which is a testament to her deep understanding of the matter.
Johnson’s welcoming and empowering nature was also a common topic among her previous patients. They added that she immediately calmed their nerves and reassured them that it wasn’t too late to start their diets.
We also appreciate the variety of services her affiliated clinic offers, including meal planning, weight management, and sports nutrition. However, we would’ve liked it if they offered other testing apart from metabolic tests.
So grateful for the impact she’s had on my journey
“Emma Johnson is an incredible nutritionist, and I’m so grateful for the impact she’s had on my journey.
She helped me navigate not just weight loss, but my entire relationship with food in a healthy, supportive, and judgment-free way. Emma truly listens and creates a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.
What stood out most was how much she emphasized body positivity and self-compassion. For the first time in a long time, I feel more comfortable in my body and more confident in my choices. She made the process feel manageable and empowering, not overwhelming.
If you’re looking for someone who will support you through real, lasting change and not just with nutrition but with mindset, then Emma is the one. Highly recommend!”
Caroline JB, Google Review
Absolutely amazing
“Emma Johnson is absolutely amazing. She really knows her stuff. Not only is she patient with me and the process of how I “slowly” move, but she also gives me alternatives that best fit my lifestyle.
I appreciate the way she explains things with ease and grace. Emma’s energetic personality is infectious. She is productive, driven, and overly passionate about what she does, which motivates me to do and be better.”
Clarissa Scott, Google Review
3. Matt Dengler – RxRD Nutrition
Services: Customized meal plans, body composition analysis, macronutrient recommendations
Location: 2210 Hawkins St.
Contact: +1 704-324-1865
Business hours: Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Matt Dengler is one of our top picks when it comes to athletics and diet because of his in-depth plans. He operates in a monthly subscription model that includes body composition analysis, customized meal plans, and check-ins.
The monthly structure is helpful because it helps clients track their progress regularly. Although he also offers a one-off meal plan service, we feel like his selection of services is limited through this structure, as there aren’t any tests, and they’re mostly focused on weight loss and exercise.
If these are your goals, however, Dengler is one of the most qualified people to trust, as he holds a Master’s degree in Sports Sciences and Science in Human Nutrition. Furthermore, he was an NCAA football player and coach before committing himself to being a dietitian.
Our interviewees also appreciate Dengler’s in-depth meal plans. Aside from being personalized based on their needs, they also consist of grocery lists that he recommends based on the results of their body composition analysis.
An excellent choice
“Working with RxRD Nutrition was an excellent choice for me! I successfully lost weight over the course of 4 months and have decided to take what I learned from the program and continue on my own. RxRD uses a real, sustainable weight loss approach instead of pushing a “diet”.
I was NOT hungry while I lost weight and continued to feel strong during my powerlifting workouts. I learned a lot from Matt, and I’m incredibly grateful I decided to work with them!”
Aspen Axelman, Google Review
I lost 25 pounds following Matt’s plan
“Matt has changed my life. As a disabled veteran, I struggled with my weight after leaving the Marine Corps. The heaviest I got up to was 245 pounds. After meeting with Matt, he created a road map for me to follow.
He made meal plans for me to follow that were healthy and delicious. The workout plan he had me follow had me seeing results in less than 2 months. I can see my body changes in the mirror and am very happy with my results.
I lost 25 pounds following Matt’s plan, and I don’t think I could’ve done it without him. He’s given me the building blocks to future success so that I can maintain a healthy lifestyle without giving up the food I love.
Matt’s dedication of time and energy was the difference maker. I will be using Matt’s services again in the near future. Thank you, Matt, for genuinely caring about me and helping me see results!”
Jeremy Gutterman, Google Review
4. Cheryl Buckley Nutrition LLC
Services: Nutrition programs, meal plans, personalized nutrition, consultations
Location: 6816 Dumbarton Dr.
Contact: +1 585-210-9653
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cheryl Buckley is a great nutritionist whom we highly recommend for those just starting because of her welcoming vibe and beginner-friendly approach. Furthermore, she offers a free 15-minute discovery call, so clients can explore their options without committing to one of her plans.
We also consider her a beginner-friendly nutritionist because she offers services that help clients start their fitness journey. For instance, her plans include personalized nutrition and meal plans, though it’s worth noting that these are only recommended after in-depth consultations.
Clients we spoke with commended Buckley’s communication skills as well, noting that she’s able to explain their conditions in digestible terms. Furthermore, they shared how she made them feel genuinely cared for through her compassionate bedside manner.
It’s also admirable how Buckley makes it a point to help her clients understand their conditions to offer a more holistic lifestyle change.
The only thing we wish she’d add to her services is more tests, as her clinic only offers DNA testing at the time of writing.
Remained very involved every step of the way
“I have absolutely loved working with Cheryl! From day one, she listened intently to all of my history and current challenges and helped me come up with a personalized plan that worked for me.
She remained very involved every step of the way and was always so caring and compassionate!”
Katherine Lloyd, Google Review
Incredibly knowledgeable
“Cheryl came highly recommended by a friend, and I haven’t looked back! I’ve worked with nutritionists in the past, but Cheryl stands out – she’s incredibly knowledgeable, has a holistic approach to nutrition, and has truly invested in my health journey.
She genuinely cares, and I’m grateful for her.”
Kim Parham, Google Review
5. Sam Abbott – PCOS Nutrition Co.
Services: PCOS nutrition coaching and dietitian coaching
Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave #745
Contact: +1 980-349-7763
Business hours:
PCOS Nutrition Co. isn’t for everybody, but we believe those with this frustrating condition will greatly benefit from visiting this clinic and speaking with Sam Abbott.
For starters, we highly appreciate how educated Abbott is and how she uses her knowledge to provide nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
One thing that piqued our interest is that she doesn’t encourage a restrictive diet, but rather an intuitive-eating approach. We spoke to her patients, who shared that this approach greatly helped them control their occasional cravings.
It’s also great that Abbott offers tons of educational resources for her PCOS patients, including group coaching sessions and podcasts to help them better understand their bodies. Clients shared that this doesn’t just educate them but also empowers them.
Our interviewees also highlighted Abbott’s communication skills, noting that she answers their questions patiently and eloquently. They also added how she takes the time to analyze their PCOS symptoms and curates a specific plan based on her findings.
Incredible and very passionate
“Samara is incredible and very passionate about everything she does! Especially when it comes to your health. She was able to help me through a very complex health situation where I was so confused about what the doctors told me.
She explained it in a way I could understand and really calmed me down by suggesting some logical ways that I could change my diet and lifestyle. She is great about keeping in contact and following up as much as you need. Contact her right away, you won’t be disappointed!”
Amanda D., Google Review
Incredibly helpful
“Samara’s expertise in nutrition has been incredibly helpful in managing the symptoms of a complicated health issue.
She provided hands-on and realistic ways to work through each problem, and since meeting with her, I’ve easily applied the solutions to my lifestyle. I’d refer her to anyone looking for reliable nutrition counseling!”
Kendra Kuhar, Google Review
