#MightyFam: Meet Our VIDA Fitness Registered Dietitians
As the exclusive meal prep partner of VIDA Fitness, it made perfect sense to tap into their impressive nutritional team. We know that fitness doesn’t just start and stop at the gym. Making smart food choices is just as important as getting in those regular workouts. That’s why we have partnered with VIDA Fitness’ team of Licensed Registered Dietitians. Read on to learn about the team and be on the look-out for nutrition tips, recipes and more in the months to come!
Meet Addie Claire Merletti, MS, RD, CSCS
AC is originally from Charlotte, NC and got her Bachelor’s degree in both psychology and Spanish at UNC Chapel Hill. She worked in community mental health before going back for her Master’s in Nutrition at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. AC fell in love with sports nutrition while working with the dietitians at Notre Dame University during her intern year. She feels passionately about using balanced nutrition to support a balanced life, and enjoys helping people use food as a tool to bust through plateaus and hit their goals! Addie is always down to try a new workout and absolutely loves to cook and try new foods. She can make lots of fancy dishes, but her favorite food is anything that resembles PB&J.
AC’s favorite MightyMeal is the Basil Pesto Chicken & Orzo.
Meet Amanda Podczerwinski, MS, RD, CPT
Amanda grew up in Chicago before spending a few years in New York receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. After discovering her passion for nutrition and wellness, she went on to complete her Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics from Benedictine University. Amanda currently has taken on a passion for running marathons after growing up as a water animal, competing as a Division 1 level swimmer during her undergrad. Being a fitness fanatic, she also is a certified Personal trainer and spent several years working as a Spinning Instructor. Amanda is a true believer in being mindful about what we are eating and allowing food to be a source of both enjoyment and energy. When she is not at VIDA talking about food, you can find Amanda cooking in the kitchen or finding a new outdoor adventure!
Amanda’s favorite MightyMeal is the Sweet Chili Chicken Soba.
Meet Kelsey Lloyd, MS, RD
Kelsey is originally from the greater Philadelphia area and joined Vida after spending several years studying and living in Boston where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutritional Science at Boston University. As a result of spending her teens and early adult life running competitively, she developed a passion for using nutrition to fuel performance. She is most enthusiastic about helping clients navigate today’s overwhelming food environment and creating sustainable habits in order to reach goals. While baking is Kelsey’s favorite pastime, she also enjoys running, going to museums and concerts, and hunting down the best doughnuts in town.
Kelsey’s favorite MightyMeal is the Turkey Taco Bowl.
Rachel Sheahan, RD, CSCS
Rachel is an energetic dietitian with a passion for weight lifting, long distance running and acting. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and attended Virginia Tech for her Dietetic Internship. Rachel has been running half and full marathons since her senior year in high school after competing as a gymnast for twelve years. Nutrition and sports have always been a large part of her life and she is very excited to help members reach their dream exercise and nutrition goals. Nutrition counseling will focus on lifestyle habits for long-term results and health, as well as, a focus on whole foods and listening to your body’s needs! When Rachel is not at the gym, you can find her following her passion for acting and improv or relaxing in the sun.
Rachel’s favorite MightyMeal is the Chicken Power Bowl.
About VIDA Fitness: VIDA is a premiere health and wellness club comprised of six locations all throughout Washington DC. Our gyms boast state-of-art equipment, and uniquely designed spaces to make your workouts both efficient & productive. We offer a wide array of group fitness classes and personal training options to ensure that everyone is comfortable and supported in achieving their fitness goals. VIDA is all about creating community, and making sure everyone who walks in our doors feels like they are part of our family. Please email nutrition@vidafitness.com if you’re interested in learning more about our nutritional counseling services. Connect with VIDA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.