ANDREA,
IN A NUTSHELL
Meet Andrea – Your Partner in Sustainable Health and Wellness
Hi, I’m Andrea! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) licensed in Illinois and Washington State, a flexible dieting expert, a fitness coach, and the proud CEO of Nutrition Chopped. My passion is helping women achieve sustainable weight loss while developing a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
As a wife and mother of three energetic boys, I understand the challenges of balancing family life, work, and personal well-being. I'm also the proud owner of an Australian Labradoodle named Tahoe, who always keeps things interesting!
Originally from North Idaho, I now live in a suburb of Chicago, where I work with women across the country to create personalized nutrition and fitness plans that fit their unique lifestyles. Whether you're looking to lose weight, improve your fitness, or simply feel your best, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
My Personal Story
In my 20s and early 30s, maintaining a healthy weight was relatively easy. But after having three kids in five years by the time I was 37, I found myself struggling. I was overweight, physically weak, and just felt off.
By January 2018, I had reached my highest non-pregnancy weight, and I knew I had to make a change. I created a plan that focused on regular workouts and healthier eating habits. Over the next year, I practiced yoga, followed a popular home workout app, and made more mindful food choices. While I saw some progress, my metabolism didn’t respond as it once had. I couldn’t shake those last 15 pounds, and I still felt weak and frustrated.
That’s when I decided to try something new—strength training. I signed up for a class that incorporated barbells, kettlebells, and pull-up bars, even though I felt intimidated. At that point, I couldn’t do a push-up, let alone a pull-up, and the idea of lifting weights was overwhelming. But I pushed past my fears, committed to regular attendance, and started increasing my protein intake. I dove deep into researching the latest weight loss and muscle-building strategies.
Over time, I gained strength, revitalized my metabolism, and saw changes I was hoping for. I lost body fat, gained muscle, had more energy, and felt stronger—both physically and mentally. I could play with my kids without getting winded, and I felt more confident in my own skin again.
Through this process, I learned firsthand how the right combination of strength training, daily movement, nutrition, and a balanced and patient mindset can transform not just your body, but your overall well-being.
Now, as a Registered Dietitian, I love helping others find sustainable, science-backed ways to improve their health, lose weight, and build strength.
This process is hard. The journey to lasting change often takes longer than you'd like, and it can be challenging. Sure, you might see quicker results with popular treatments like GLP-1 medications, but I promise you—the harder, slower road is the one that truly pays off in the end. Transforming your body through consistent effort, better habits, and improved nutrition isn’t just about looking good.
When you put in the work to get stronger and improve your health, you’ll notice changes like clothes fitting more comfortably. But those surface-level changes are just the beginning.
The real transformation happens when your energy, confidence, and strength—both physical and mental—begin to soar. You'll experience improvements in your overall quality of life. Everyday activities will feel easier, and aging won’t seem as daunting. You may find yourself approaching life with more courage, taking on challenges you once thought impossible.
Over time, you’ll become more focused, patient, and compassionate—with yourself and with others. You’ll discover that you’re capable of things you never thought possible.
Strength training, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle aren’t just about changing your body. They’re about evolving into the best version of yourself—inside and out.
My Beliefs
It’s completely normal to feel intimidated when starting something new—whether it’s strength training, meal prepping, or tracking your protein intake. But I truly believe that with the right support, anyone can do it!
First, let’s set the record straight: your metabolism isn’t “broken,” and weight loss isn’t just a battle against aging. In fact, muscle mass is the key driver of both your resting and active metabolism. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can slow down metabolism and contribute to weight gain.
But here’s the good news: your diet plays a huge role, too. You can’t out-exercise a poor diet, and this is where protein comes in. Not only is protein essential for building muscle, but it’s also a powerful tool for fat loss.
Achieving fat loss and maintaining a healthy weight is absolutely possible for you! If you've struggled in the past, it’s likely because you were following the wrong approach. By learning how to eat and exercise in harmony with your body and metabolism—and making these changes part of your lifestyle—you can manage your weight more easily and effectively.
Building strength is within everyone's reach. With consistent effort and the right nutrition, you can build muscle at any age. The idea that aging automatically leads to weight gain, weakness, or immobility is a myth. While it’s true that neglecting muscle-building through diet and exercise can lead to these issues, it doesn’t have to be your reality.
Staying strong as we age is crucial for our health, happiness, and vitality. You’re never too old to start lifting weights and making healthier dietary choices.
Remember, the world needs you at your best!
