Melissa Rifkin MS, RDN, CDN

Title: Registered dietitian and Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board Member

Location: Ridgefield, CT

Education: Steinhardt, New York University, Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Dietetic Internship Program University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Science

Expertise: Weight Management

Website Links:

https://melissarifkinnutrition.com/

Experience:

Melissa is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience, including clinical and outpatient settings, and has run the popular nutrition education Instagram account, Confessionofadietitian, for the last 9 years. With over a decade of experience in the areas of oncology, surgery, maternity and weight management, Melissa has been able to integrate practical application with nutritional science to educate her social media audience. Melissa hopes to show healthy eating doesn’t have to be time consuming and can be made to work for the whole family. Melissa is mom to two boys, Max and Leo, and also uses her platform to share practical tips for managing motherhood and feeding kiddos.

Articles by Melissa Rifkin

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13 Best Weight-Loss Snacks You Can Eat

Discover a variety of high-fiber, low-calorie weight-loss snacks that won't leave you feeling deprived.

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10 Foods Preventing You From Losing Belly Fat

Looking to thin down your waistline? Cut these items from your diet ASAP.

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10 'Healthy' Foods That Can Make You Gain Weight

Dietitians explain how certain foods that are perceived as healthy may be working against your weight-loss efforts.

Hands, shopping and reading grocery label in store for healthy food, diet and can tin information. Research, person and nutritionist customer with supermarket choice, decision or product ingredients

10 Ingredients on Nutrition Labels That Are Red Flags

If you see any of these sketchy additives on the nutrition label, it's a sign your packaged food is low in quality.

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26 Healthy Soda Alternatives Dietitians Love

Experts recommend getting your hands on these healthy sodas that are great alternatives to sugary colas.

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6 ‘Diet’ Foods Sabotaging Your Weight-Loss Goals

These foods are marketed as weight-loss aids, but in reality, dietitians say they can make it harder to lose weight.

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12 Best High-Protein Frozen Meals

Looking for a quick protein-packed meal? Our experts recommend these convenient and delicious high-protein frozen meals.

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12 Best Costco Frozen Foods for Weight Loss

Looking to lose weight? Add these frozen foods to your cart on your next Costco run.

6 Unhealthiest Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians

6 Unhealthiest Greek Yogurts

Greek yogurt offers a lot of nutritional benefits, but some brands are packed with sugar and saturated fat.

healthiest greek yogurts

The 6 Healthiest Greek Yogurts

Find out which thick and creamy yogurt is the best bet for your belly.

bowl of high protein yogurt with blueberries and walnuts

8 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Breakfasts for Weight Loss

Stay full, energized, and on track with your weight-loss goals with these high-protein, low-calorie breakfast recipes.

7 Healthiest Starbucks Drinks To Order

We split the menu into the best healthy Starbucks drinks and the ones that pose the greatest threat to your health.

The 8 Healthiest Menu Items at Tropical Smoothie

A dietitian takes a deep dive into the Tropical Smoothie menu and picks the best and worst items.

collage of four recipes omelet smoothie burrito and salad

What a 1,500 Calorie Day of Eating Looks Like

Registered dietitians put together this meal plan to support weight management with balanced, nutrient-dense meals.

The 6 Healthiest Orders at Qdoba—and What To Avoid

If you want to make a calorie-conscious, balanced, and nutrient-dense meal at Qdoba, dietitians share their tips on how to do it.

12 Healthy BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Menu Items

From salads to entrees, registered dietitians found the healthy BJ's menu items that offer balanced nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

The 6 Healthiest Papa Murphy’s Menu Items

Find your best pick at this popular "take-n-bake" pizza chain.

collage of four healthy chain restaurant cheeseburgers on a blue designed background

10 ‘Healthiest’ Restaurant Chain Cheeseburgers

Registered dietitians found the cheesy restaurant handhelds that balance nutrition with burger allure.

6 Healthiest Pita Chip Brands—and 3 To Avoid

6 Healthiest Pita Chip Brands—and 3 To Avoid

Get the scoop on which pita chips are the most (and least) nutritious of the bunch, according to dietitians.

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12 Unhealthy High-Protein Packaged Foods

These prepared foods boast high-protein counts, but they aren't good for you—here's why.

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A Dietitian’s Grocery Shopping List for Weight Loss

These essentials should always be in your fridge and pantry to set your weight loss journey up for success.

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5 Healthiest Pita Breads on Grocery Shelves—and 2 To Avoid

Differentiating the healthy pita from less nutritious options at the store can be tricky, but here's some help.

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9 Healthiest Checkers Orders—and 4 To Avoid

Which burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches from this popular fast-food chain made the list?

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11 Healthiest McDonald’s Orders

Believe it or not, there are a few ways you can enjoy a healthier meal at McDonald's.

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The Healthiest Einstein Bros. Bagels Orders

Here's how to navigate the menu of bagels and bagel sandwiches with your health in mind.

10 Healthiest Chipotle Orders, According to Dietitians

10 Healthiest Chipotle Orders

You have plenty of nutritious options to choose from at this famous Tex Mex chain.

group of people cheers with alcoholic drinks like wine cocktails and beer

The 6 'Healthiest' Types of Alcohol to Drink

Although alcohol is not inherently good for you, dietitians say there are healthier alcohols to drink that are low-calorie and low-sugar.

10 Healthiest Store-Bought Smoothies—and 4 To Avoid

The Best & Worst Store-Bought Smoothies

Give your blender a rest and grab one of these healthy store-bought smoothies for on-the-go fuel.

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11 Popular Foods That Contain Harmful Dyes & Chemicals

Find out what's lurking in some of your favorite foods.

italian pasta dinner

I’m a Dietitian—Here’s What I Order at an Italian Restaurant

Look beyond the endless bread and pasta to these delicious choices that support your health goals.

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