Name, where you’re from, and where you’re currently going to school

Hi! My name is Ella Toner and I am from Milton, Vermont. I am currently a senior at the University of Vermont pursuing a major in Dietetics and a minor in Integrative Health. I am very excited to be working with Leah this semester and to learn more about the application of weight-inclusive nutrition in patient care!

What inspired you to want to pursue a career path as a dietitian?

When I was in 7th grade, I went through a drastic weight-loss period. I was “unexpectedly” losing weight, but this was accompanied by an obsession with eating “healthy” foods, exercising nearly every day, and experiencing severe body dysmorphia. My provider caught the weight loss with the help of my mom and recommended I speak to a dietitian in order to gain it back and return to a healthy weight for my age and height.

After seeing my dietitian, she told me I would need to gain around 40 pounds to be in the proper range for my height. This seemed like an extremely impossible task as a self-conscious 12-year-old. However, my dietitian showed me such compassion and empathy and tailored the experience and my meal plan to what felt right for me. Anytime something seemed too difficult or unrealistic, she adapted the plan and ensured I felt comfortable with the progress. This experience was pivotal for my future and led me to the realization that I wanted to help patients in the same way my dietitian was able to help me at such a scary point in my life.

As I grew older, my interest in nutrition only deepened when I began struggling with chronic stomach issues that had worsened throughout my life. This eventually led to a diagnosis of celiac disease. Navigating the challenges of a chronic illness while trying to maintain balance with food has given me an even greater appreciation for the role dietitians play in improving quality of life. My personal journey with food—first through weight restoration, and later through managing celiac—has fueled my passion to support others who face their own nutrition challenges, whether they’re physical, emotional, or both.

How did you get interested in intuitive eating and HAES?

 This early experience with a dietitian introduced me to the concept of intuitive eating. I learned that there are no such things as “bad” or “good” foods. This helped me heal my unhealthy mindset of avoiding any food I thought wasn’t technically “healthy.”

My first experience with HAES came later when I started my academic career here at UVM. My freshman-year Intro to Nutrition course with Dr. Lizzy introduced me to the idea of weight-inclusive nutrition and the shift we should be making in healthcare. The more I began to hear about reframing conversations surrounding a patient’s health as being more than just their weight, the more I realized I wanted to be a part of this movement.

What do you see yourself doing in your future career as an RD?

 I’m currently interested in clinical or outpatient settings, working with individuals with eating disorders, chronic illnesses, and autoimmune conditions. I am particularly fascinated with maternal and pediatric nutrition and the importance of understanding proper nutrition at crucial moments in life. I hope to bring my patients the same understanding, empathy, confidence, and comfort that was provided to me by my dietitian.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

 I really enjoy being outdoors, attending concerts, spending time with loved ones, listening to music, baking, going to the gym, cozying up on the couch with a good movie (or a TV show I’ve seen a hundred times), and playing guitar!

What are some things that make your heart happy?

One of the things that makes my heart very happy is sunsets. I have adored watching sunsets for as long as I can remember. Every night I run to the nearest window and watch the sun go down, snapping pictures along the way.

I have also become very into music—especially live music! I love being in an audience with everyone else who loves the same artist as you. It’s such an amazing feeling to feel connected to so many people all at once. Hearing your favorite artist live brings a whole new experience to the music you already love. I also love the anticipation and excitement that comes with it!

Your favorite part about the anti-diet/ intuitive eating approach to nutrition?

 I love that this approach is very welcoming to all. It encourages a positive environment filled with inclusivity, belonging, and healing. I think it is a very realistic approach to an individual’s nutrition needs and can be a truly beneficial tool for healing disordered eating behaviors.