Michelle Cardel, PhD, RD

12/31/2025

I’ve always loved reading.
It’s my solace. The thing that settles my brain, slows my breathing, and helps me truly relax as a highly driven person.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I remember people telling me, “You won’t be able to be a working mom and keep up your reading.” I rejected that idea immediately. Not because I thought it would be easy, but because I believe deeply that if something matters to you, you find ways to make space for it.

That doesn’t mean I always read as much as I want. Some nights I get only a few pages in before exhaustion wins. Life is full, busy, and often chaotic. But I made a promise to myself to keep this piece of joy in my life, no matter how full the calendar gets.

As the nerd I proudly am (and someone who loves goal-setting), I started setting a yearly reading goal several years ago. This year, my kids encouraged me to stretch it to 55 books for 2025. They reminded me I could do it, cheered me on, and celebrated every milestone along the way, often asking me what number book I just finished.

And this year, I hit 55 books.
I’m incredibly grateful-not just for the books, but for the reminder that joy is worth protecting, and that our children are always watching how we honor what matters to us.

Here’s your gentle encouragement: you don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just have to keep choosing the things that fill you up, even in small moments. Those choices add up. ❤️

12/02/2025

11/28/2025

This year, our gratitude feels deeper than ever, especially for my mom.

In August, what was supposed to be a routine surgery turned into a terrifying journey. Complications led to her being intubated, in the ICU, and ultimately needing three additional surgeries. Over two hospital stays, she spent a total of 38 days in the hospital and nearly died twice.

My sister-in-law, my aunts, brother, stepmom, family friends, and I took turns living at the hospital. Not for one second was my mom alone. We were her advocates, her constant presence, and her support system. And so many of YOU were part of that support system too-praying for her healing, sending food, offering to sit with her, checking in with calls, visits, and messages.

Those prayers and that love carried us. And they worked.

This Thanksgiving, having my mom home with us is the greatest gift we could ask for. Our hearts are full. Thank you to everyone who walked this road with us. 💛✨

Happy Thanksgiving.

11/04/2025

Things that annoy the sh*t out of me as a registered dietitian: part 13.

10/21/2025

From fueling workouts to preserving muscle during weight loss, protein is essential.

In a new TODAY.com article, experts including myself share:
✨ How to calculate your protein needs
✨ Why it matters even more on GLP-1s
✨Easy, dietitian-approved protein snacks

Check out the full article at TODAY.com

10/17/2025

This week we wrapped up an incredible few days at , the world’s largest gathering of dietitians, researchers, and nutrition professionals, hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It was such an honor to speak alongside Drs. and in our session moderated by Ellis Amy, “From Misunderstood to Mission Critical: Elevating Dietitian Influence Across Industries.” We explored how dietitians can lead in industry, entrepreneurial ventures, and the C-suite, driving impact and innovation in ways that often isn’t highlighted enough during training. A great example of this is , who is the chief Nutrition Officer at Simple.

dietitians, including our Director of Nutrition Lillian Yang, RDN, CDN, CDCES and our team of Nutrition Program Leads were in attendance and side note, we are hiring dietitians so please reach out if interested! I always love any opportunity to see these incredible women!

There’s nothing more empowering than being surrounded by thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to improving the health and well-being of their communities and patients. is always a reminder of the power of this profession, and a perfect place to connect with friends, new and old. 💚

10/07/2025

🥔 Starchy vegetables can be part of a healthy diet, even when you’re aiming to lose weight 🙌
I was honored to be quoted in recent piece by .ehsani_nutrition, “5 Starchy Vegetables That Can Help With Weight Loss.” The article does a great job busting myths and spotlighting how starchy veggies can absolutely earn a seat at your table, even in a weight-loss plan.

Here are a few takeaways I especially want to highlight:
🔍 Key Science — Why starchy veggies deserve respect
✔️ Satiety through fiber + protein: Vegetables like green peas pack about 8 g fiber and 8 g plant protein per cup, which can blunt hunger, reduce overeating, and is good for heart health.
✔️ Lower calorie cost than you think: A medium sweet potato contains ~100 calories and offers fiber, micronutrients (vitamin A, C, potassium), and more.
It’s all about how you cook & portion & what you pair it with to blunt a glycemic response. For example, white potatoes often get unfairly demonized, but when roasted, baked, or boiled (and not drowned in butter) and paired with a high protein and/or healthy fat food(s) (I love to eat a baked white or sweet potato with plain Greek yogurt, they can be part of a balanced, nutrient-dense plate.

💡 My take
Too often, people lump all carbs together and assume “starchy” = “bad.” But the data say otherwise. In a well-designed, calorie-controlled diet:
🥔 Starchy vegetables can contribute to fullness and provide a satisfying option in place of ultraprocessed foods
🍠 They supply essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
🥔 They offer a budget friendly option that increases accessibility and helps keep meals varied, satisfying, and sustainable
🍠 When you combine them with adequate protein and/or healthy fats, smart portions, and movement, these vegetables don’t just fit, they can enhance a weight-loss plan by increasing livability and flexibility (and in our data, we even saw increased weight loss efficacy, albeit modest)

Let’s stop the “all-or-nothing” thinking. Starchy veggies can have a place in your healthy plate. 🌽

09/10/2025

Unfortunately… I love vaccines more than preventable deaths, pausturized milk more than E Coli, and my hormone therapy more than 2am wake ups drenched in sweat 🤷🏻‍♀️

09/03/2025

Magnesium is having a moment and for good reason! 🧠💤💪

This essential mineral is involved in many biochemical reactions in your body, supporting everything from brain health and sleep to muscle recovery and heart function. But with so many different forms of magnesium on the shelf, it can get confusing fast. Which ones are actually worth it?

👉 Swipe through to see a breakdown of the most common forms of magnesium and what they’re best for and the quality of the scientific evidence.

08/26/2025

Everyone’s talking about Taylor & Travis 💍 (and yes, congrats to the happy couple 🙌🏽)…
But in obesity care, here’s what we really care about ⬇️
✨ Health outcomes, not just weight
✨ Sustainable habits that fit real life
✨ Medications & nutrition backed by science
✨ Helping people feel good in their own bodies
✨ Reducing stigma every step of the way

Love story or health journey-it’s all about building something that lasts. 💜

Kudos to who did this for obesity med docs who inspired me to do this on behalf of dietitians everywhere 🫶🏽

08/25/2025

I am tired of the judgment around GLP-1s. You don’t know someone’s story, their health history, or what they’ve been through. These meds are not the easy way out. They’re a life-saving tool for people with obesity and diabetes. Full stop. And if you’re one of the ones judging, I highly encourage you to consider why you care that someone else is doing something to live a healthier, longer life.

08/13/2025

Such a joy to be on the yesterday to talk about the Awards! 🏆💙

These awards celebrate the best in food, fitness, and wellness, products that support a healthy lifestyle and were tested by our expert and member panel including . From high-protein snacks to kitchen tools, these picks make healthy living a little easier (and a lot more delicious).

Head to my stories or bio to watch the segment and explore all the winning products! The WW awards discussed on the Today show included:
🧘🏾 mat:
👟: Clifton 10 for women and Men’s On Cloud 6
💦 Bottle: FreeSip Sway
Protein bar:
Storage container:
Mini food processor: Food Chopper

I didn’t get to present on the high fiber bar but we selected given their 10 grams of fiber, 14 grams of protein, and somehow managing to make this taste delicious.