Recognized Heart-Healthy Diet Leaders 2025

A Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a passion for plant based nutrition, wellness, preventative health, cooking, nutrition education, sustainability, community engagement, cultural sensitivity, communication, and longevity

Ashley Kitchens, MPH, RDN, LDN, is a nationally recognized plant-based dietitian, spokesperson, and nutrition consultant. Ashley founded her company "Plant Centered Nutrition" with the intention of providing approachable plant-based nutrition information to her clients, community, and media audience. Ashley is regularly seen in national media outlets such as Fox News, VegNews, Vegetarian Times, Eating Well, The Times Weekly, Forbes, Newsweek, and Health.com, providing comments and education on various nutrition related topics. She is a trusted source with over 10 years of experience practicing as a plant-based dietitian. She also partners and collaborates with plant-based friendly brands through social media, speaking engagements, her podcast, and many more platforms. Ashley grew up on an Angus cattle farm in small-town Indiana. As you might guess, meat and dairy were a big part of daily life. Unfortunately, so were GI issues like chronic constipation. For years, Ashley was told to manage her issues with medication instead of considering the food she was putting into her body. Ashley earned her Masters of Public Health and Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and became a registered dietitian in 2012. But, even after all that, her GI issues didn’t completely go away. It wasn’t until she did personalized research to dive deep into her own life and her own eating habits that she noticed a significant change. For her, this meant transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. After that transition, she knew there were others who could benefit from a diet filled with more plants. She also knew it was critical for the coaching they received to be based on a deep understanding of their unique situation. That’s when she realized why she became a dietitian. Ashley made it her mission to help others transition to a plant-centered way of eating through a holistic approach and intuitive eating practices. Let's connect: Instagram: @plantcenterednutrition Pinterest: Plant Centered Nutrition Facebook: Plant Centered Nutrition Podcast: Plant Centered and Thriving Youtube: Plant Centered Nutrition

Registered Dietitian | Cofounder & Chief Health Officer at Vedic Nutrition LLC I am dedicated to redefining the landscape of modern wellness. My mission is to empower individuals to achieve sustainable health through personalized, mindful nutrition strategies that honor both the body and the mind. 🌿 Specializing in: Integrative nutrition & mindful wellness. ⭐ Accessibility: We provide comprehensive telehealth visits covered by insurance to ensure expert care is available to everyone.

Deena Goldman, MDN, RDN, LD, CNSC is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition and health writer with a clinical background in medical nutrition therapy. She specializes in weight and metabolic health, chronic disease management, GLP-1 medications, food insecurity, and practical, evidence-based food guidance. Deena currently works as a Clinical Dietitian II at Emory Healthcare and regularly contributes expert commentary for consumer health and lifestyle publications. Learn more at: https://www.myobesityteam.com/writers/684c922f814cb8bb781c5397

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a distinguished culinary nutrition expert and thought leader who seamlessly bridges the worlds of professional cooking and nutritional science. As a classically trained chef and registered dietitian, she has established herself as a preeminent voice in plant-forward cuisine and innovative food education. With multiple award-winning cookbooks and a robust media presence, Newgent has emerged as a highly sought-after authority in culinary nutrition and wellness. A respected industry influencer, Jackie serves on the Forbes Health advisory board and leverages her extensive expertise as a national media personality and contributor to national health platforms like U.S. News & World Report. Her professional journey includes an impressive tenure as a chef instructor at the prestigious Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Currently, she continues to shape culinary education as an instructor at The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica and through her private teaching. Newgent's professional portfolio extends beyond traditional roles, serving as a nutrition coach for My Peak Challenge and a strategic culinary nutrition advisor to major food companies and emerging plant-centered businesses. Her multifaceted approach to nutrition and cooking has positioned her as a unique and influential professional who is reshaping how we understand the intersection of food, health, and sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, Jackie continues to inspire and educate through her dynamic work across media, education, and culinary innovation.

Dr. Ish Singla is a board-certified cardiologist with over 10 years of experience in Cardiology. Dr. Singla is certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure. He has served as Chair of Cardiology at Springfield Clinic and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. His office is located in Goodyear, Buckeye and Sun City. His focus is taking care of patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Alisia Agostinelli, RD, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist in Montreal. A graduate of the University of Montréal and HEC Montréal, she specializes in using evidence based data to find practical adjustments that make a difference to her clients health. She uses a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach in her nutrition therapy practice. Alisia is an active member of her community and is implicated in numerous projects aimed at increasing access to health care for all.

As a Registered Dietitian I am trained in all aspects of nutrition, from the biochemistry of nutrients to the social & cultural factors that influence food choices. I provide nutrition coaching as well as medical nutrition therapy to help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, & obesity using the latest scientific evidence. My work has been featured in outlets such as Women's Health, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Popsugar, Eat This Not That, SRQ Magazine, Sarasota Magazine, SNN, & more.​ Experience: Bright Body Nutrition, Owner & Registered Dietitian Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, RENEW Lifestyle Medicine Program Coordinator Education: Tulane University, RDN Florida State University, BS Additional Certifications: Integrative & Functional Nutrition, DIFM Lifestyle Medicine Coaching, ACLM

Does your health or wellness brand need a credible voice for blogs, recipes or articles?Creating clear, catchy food and nutrition content is my meat and potatoes, so to speak. I combine my clinical, culinary and community knowledge to give your brand a boost.Lettuce collaborate!Author of The Healing Gout Cookbook, Complete Thyroid Cookbook and Heart Health Meal Prep Cookbook.Winner of the Ohio Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics President's Award in 2024, Ohio Recognized Dietitian of the Year Award in 2017, and the Ohio Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2002.Creator of Lettuce Beet Hunger, a line of food pun swag that supports those suffering food insecurity.

Maria Lucey is a Registered Dietitian and one of the most recognizable nutrition voices on YouTube, known for simplifying evidence-based nutrition into clear, practical advice that anyone can use. Her fast-growing online platform spans YouTube, Instagram, and her recipe-focused blog, where she shares balanced, accessible nutrition guidance and healthy meals that actually fit real life. Maria has been featured in EatingWell, LoseIt, and other major outlets, and she brings nearly a decade of clinical experience across multiple settings. She holds a First-Class Honors degree in Human Nutrition & Dietetics from Trinity College Dublin and is known for her warm, relatable style that makes nutrition feel understandable, doable, and genuinely enjoyable.

I am a compassionate health professional dedicated to supporting the health and wellness journeys of others by providing education, products, and other resources to enhance their success. My passion is to develop and lead others toward their own health fulfillment, and their abilities to help those around them. I believe in ethical, consistent, and science-backed decision-making and walk the path of which I preach. All projects, people, and groups should be addressed with a holistic, culturally appropriate lens to avoid narrow-mindedness and inappropriate siloing.

​Lisa Ackerman is a board-certified functional medicine nutritionist and the founder of Well Fed Wellness, where she guides clients towards better health with science-backed, judgment-free coaching. She holds an M.S. in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and is completing a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health. She specializes in gut health, mental health, and metabolic health and loves that a job exists where she can talk about food and nutrition all day long.

Dr. Rimas Geiga is a distinguished professional with a diverse skill set, serving as a Medical Doctor, Registered Dietician, and Clinic Nutritionist. With a solid foundation in healthcare, he plays a pivotal role as a private advisor to a consortium of companies operating in the health and wellness sector, offering valuable insights and strategic guidance. In addition to his advisory role, Dr. Geiga is actively engaged in hospital work, bringing his expertise to the forefront of patient care. His commitment to providing quality healthcare is evident in his contributions to the medical field, where he tirelessly works to enhance the well-being of those under his care. Beyond his medical pursuits, Dr. Geiga finds joy in various hobbies that contribute to his well-rounded personality. An avid enthusiast of culinary arts, he explores the world of flavors through his cooking endeavors. Dr. Geiga also embraces an active lifestyle, indulging in cycling adventures that not only promote physical fitness but also reflect his passion for outdoor activities. Wine tasting stands out as another of Dr. Geiga's interests, where he enjoys unraveling the complexities of different varietals and appreciating the artistry behind each bottle. His love for travel allows him to explore diverse cultures, further broadening his perspectives and enriching his experiences. Dr. Rimas Geiga's multifaceted professional background, combined with his dedication to health and wellness, showcases a holistic approach to his career. His commitment to patient care, coupled with a vibrant array of hobbies, underscores his well-balanced and dynamic presence in both the medical and personal spheres of life.

Peter Brukner is a specialist sports and exercise physician with a special interest in nutrition. Peter is the founding partner and Chair of the not-for-profit charity SugarByHalf, and the app-based program Defeat Diabetes. Peter is the founding partner of Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne and Professor of Sports Medicine at Latrobe University. A founding Executive Member of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians, he served two terms as President and played a key role in establishing sports medicine as a medical specialty in Australia. Peter is the co-author of the widely used text book Clinical Sports Medicine and has been team physician for professional football clubs as well as national athletics, swimming, soccer and men’s hockey teams including Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Peter was the Socceroos Team Doctor at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Head of Sports Medicine and Sports Science at Liverpool Football Club from 2010-2012 and Australian cricket team doctor form 2012-17.

Dr. Leybelis Padilla, MD, FACG, is a Gastroenterologist and Lifestyle Medicine physician who has redefined what it means to heal from within. She founded Unlocking GI, an evidence-based telemedicine program that utilizes her 4 M framework—Medicine, Meals, Mindset, and Movement—delivering personalized and sustainable micro habits that unlock vitality, improve digestive health, and elevate overall well-being. She is also a member of Dr. Joe Dispenza's Inner Health Coalition of healthcare practitioners that incorporate meditation and mindset principles into clinical practice. But her mission doesn’t stop at medicine. She’s also the co-founder of Game Beyond the Game, where alongside her husband, Prince, they curate luxury events designed to help high performers and brands transform their health, wealth, and vision. Whether she’s guiding patients or world-class achievers, Dr. Padilla is on a mission to turn obstacles into opportunities and unlock limitless potential.

Andrea Holwegner, RD, is the founder and CEO of Health Stand Nutrition, a leading nutrition consulting company she established in 2000. Known as the “Chocolate Loving Nutritionist™,” Andrea is recognized for her realistic, no-guilt approach to nutrition, helping people build sustainable habits without giving up the foods they love. She leads a team of dietitians who have supported thousands of clients across areas including weight management, digestive health, diabetes, heart health, sports nutrition, women's health, eating disorders, and more. Andrea is also one of the few Registered Dietitians in North America who is a professional speaker, regularly delivering engaging, science-backed nutrition insights to corporate, government, and association audiences. As a trusted media expert, she has appeared on outlets including CBC, CTV, Global News, and Breakfast Television, translating complex nutrition science into practical, actionable advice for everyday life. Areas of expertise: Consumer health: healthy eating advice for the general public in areas such as everyday family nutrition, weight concerns, medical issues (such as eating disorders, diabetes and heart disease), sports nutrition, and digestive health. Corporate wellness: nutrition strategy and digital learning for time-strapped employees and a healthier workplace to reduce health benefit costs, disability costs, absenteeism, safety concerns, lost productivity, stress, and health concerns. Food and grocery Industry: trends, needs and concerns of consumers and how the food and grocery industry can better serve health conscious consumers and those struggling with their health.

Mallori Dzurka, a passionate and dedicated professional in the field of nutrition and wellness. With a solid foundation as a Registered Dietitian, her journey has been marked by a commitment to holistic health and a deep understanding of functional and integrative medicine. Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and 18 years experience, Mallori approaches nutrition from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and overall health. She believes in tailoring nutritional plans to the individual, not the other way around. Her motto is "no two people are a like, so why should their nutrition be?" Mallori has a genuine love for working with people, and she strives to empower clients to make informed and sustainable choices that align with their health goals. Whether guiding individuals in managing chronic conditions or fostering general wellness, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based support. Known for her excellent communication skills, Mallori has a gift for translating complex nutritional concepts into practical, actionable steps. She believes in building strong relationships with clients, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for their health journey.

I have doctors available to speak on a variety of topics. We have neurologists, orthopedists, dietitians, cardiologists, and more on standby who can speak to a slew of health, wellness, and care topics.

Plant-based raw food expert with 16+ years of personal practice backed by 21+ years of medical records. Seven-time marathoner. Founder of Raw Foodiest coaching platform. Publishing IN NATURE WE TRUST manifesto March 2026. I teach energy-based health principles grounded in real-world results, not recipes.