Lea Russell MBA, RD, LDN

Lea is not taking new clients at this time

About Lea

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me.  I became intrigued with nutrition and fitness during high school.  As a high school cheerleader and dance student, my diet (watching calories) was a focus for me. Today, I am committed to improving the health of individuals through positive lifestyle changes and healthier eating habits.  After almost 30 years as a registered dietitian, I have a vast array of knowledge in the field of nutrition and how it applies to overall wellness, disease prevention, and medical nutritional therapy for conditions such diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. 

I graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with my BS in Dietetics and immediately became a hospital clinical dietitian focusing on medical nutrition therapy.  In 1987, I received my MBA from the University of Tampa. My new marketing and business knowledge inspired me to join the ranks of Corporate America.  I was very fortunate to work for several large pharmaceutical and nutrition companies in marketing and sales management positions.  My life changed dramatically with several relocations, increasing responsibilities and the accompanying stress, plus an enormous amount of travel.  One enormous positive was that my frequent business trips took me throughout the United States and Canada; along with several European and Eastern European countries. 

After experiencing the corporate rat race for 15 years, I decided it was time to get my “own life into balance”.  With my myriad of work experience, I realized the perfect next step was to become a corporate wellness and nutrition coach. (I can truly relate to the busy professionals’ healthy lifestyle challenges.)  For the past few years, I have been working with 35 large corporations in the Tampa Bay area helping their employees achieve optimum health.   

Currently, I am a member of the

• American Dietetic Association
• Florida Dietetic Association
• Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group
• Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group

I have always maintained my “nutrition and wellness expertise” with ongoing continuing education and as an avid reader of journals and web sites relating to nutrition, disease prevention, and the most recent clinical research.

Now that I have found a way to maintain balance in my own life, I am excited to help you get there also.  I want to help you optimize your nutritional status and incorporate realistic lifestyle changes. The Balance Program offers all of the tools you need to begin this lifestyle evolution.

Fun Facts About Me

• My favorite foods are Italian entrees, fresh seafood, and ice cream.  My ultimate weakness though is anything chocolate!

• For relaxation, I enjoy time taking long walks with my best friends, boating, reading, and going to the movies. 

• I love the Florida weather, but once a year it is nice to experience a little cold weather so I look forward to our annual snow skiing vacation. My ultimate “mini vacation” is taking the boat out for a few days.  I find the water so peaceful.

• Cooking is fun; however, I am just like many others, too tired at the end of a long day to want to cook.  As empty nesters, it seems easier for my husband and me to eat out several times a week.  I think of myself as a true connoisseur of affordable, healthy restaurant meals.

• My husband and I have lived in many cities, but we now call the Tampa Bay area our home.  Our two sons and precious daughter in laws both live in this area. 

• So far, my grandchildren include Bunker (a cavalier king charles spaniel); Max (a miniature dachshund); and Kitty Zoë.  Add them to my west highland terrier, Bonnie, and we have a kennel when everyone comes over.  It is okay, I love animals.

• I have found both personal and professional satisfaction in coaching my clients to adapt to a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Want to Work with Lea?

Just enter her Registered Dietitian Code when you register for one of our programs

Code #: 3036

Need More Information?

We offer one on one support with our personalized online weight loss programs. You can learn more about how our process works by hitting the button below.

If you have questions or comments please contact Lea here