Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents were a terrific influence on me. My dad is a cardiologist, and my mom is a learning disability specialist. Both were in the helping professions and also entrepreneurs. They instilled strong values in me and always encouraged my sister and me to follow our dreams.
Early on, my dad thought I should pursue a career in medicine to ensure a stable and lucrative future. But after spending a summer working in a hospital, I realized my true passion was in prevention—and I knew I wanted to become a nutritionist.
As an undergraduate at Wharton, I was exposed to top firms recruiting on campus, but I knew that corporate path wasn’t for me. My parents were fully supportive of my decision to follow a different calling.
My grandmother was also a powerful influence on my career choice. She had breast cancer, was overweight, and absolutely loved cooking. Long before nutrition was widely recognized as a science, she was already exploring its role and importance. She helped spark my interest in how food and lifestyle can impact health—and inspired me to turn that interest into a lifelong career.
Lisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Dr. Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author, and adjunct professor at NYU, and I’ve spent the last three decades helping people transform their health through a realistic, positive, and sustainable approach to nutrition and wellness. I specialize in weight management, mindful eating, and disease prevention—and I’m passionate about helping people create a healthy relationship with food without deprivation or guilt.
I was inspired early on by my family—my dad is a cardiologist, my mom a learning disability specialist, and both were entrepreneurs in the helping professions. That spirit of service and independence shaped my path. I initially considered medical school, but after working in a hospital, I realized I wanted to focus on prevention. I was drawn to nutrition as a science and as a way to empower people to take control of their health. After studying at Wharton as an undergrad, I earned my master’s and PhD in nutrition, and have spent my career blending evidence-based science with real-life strategies that work.
Today, I offer a range of services, including private counseling for adults, children, and families; a signature online course Wellness & Weight Loss, Perfect Together!; and corporate wellness programs. My newest work focuses on positivity—the idea that when we shift our mindset to abundance, self-care, and empowerment, we’re more likely to make lasting changes and feel better doing it. I also consult with media outlets, policymakers, and health organizations to advocate for a healthier food environment.
What sets me apart is my focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I help clients move away from all-or-nothing thinking and fad diets and instead embrace balanced portions, intuitive eating, and positive habits that last. I’m also proud to have published peer-reviewed research on portion sizes and obesity and to have written two books: Finally Full, Finally Slim and The Portion Teller Plan.
What I want potential clients and followers to know is this: It is absolutely possible to lose weight and feel great—without giving up your favorite foods, without extremes, and without punishing yourself. I’m here to guide and support people every step of the way toward a healthier, more joyful life.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Absolutely—if I could go back, I would choose the same profession without hesitation. Becoming a nutritionist was never just a career choice; it was—and still is—deeply rooted in my passion and belief that food is a powerful tool for prevention, healing, and living a vibrant, balanced life.
I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between what we eat and how we feel, and I was drawn to the idea that small, consistent changes in our eating habits can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of people lose weight, prevent disease, and develop healthier relationships with food. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch clients discover that they can enjoy food, feel energized, and take control of their health—without following rigid diets or unrealistic rules.
What I love most is that my work continues to evolve. From clinical practice to teaching at NYU, writing books, creating online courses, and shaping public policy, I’ve been able to wear many hats within the field—all aligned with the core mission of promoting wellness through nutrition. I genuinely wake up excited to do this work, and I feel grateful every day that I chose a profession that not only helps others but also nourishes my own sense of purpose.
Nutrition is more than my job—it’s my calling. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My path to becoming a nutritionist wasn’t the easiest or most traditional—it required resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to my purpose. Because I studied business as an undergrad at Wharton, I had to complete an 80-credit master’s degree in nutrition to shift into the field. That alone was a rigorous journey, but I didn’t stop there. I went on to pursue a PhD in nutrition, which demanded years of research, clinical work, and perseverance.
It was a very long road, and there were definitely obstacles along the way—moments of self-doubt, challenges balancing academics with life, and the weight of choosing a less conventional path. But I never lost sight of my “why.” I truly believed in the power of prevention and wanted to help people live healthier lives through food, mindset, and positive habits. That belief kept me going.
Looking back, I’m proud not only of the degrees I earned but of the resilience it took to stay the course and carve out a career that aligns with my passion and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drlisayoung.com
- Instagram: @drlisayoung
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/drlisayoungnutrition
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisayoung
- Twitter: @drlisayoung
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wellnesswithdrlisayoung
- Other: https://linktr.ee/drlisayoung
