Wellness center nutritionist began healthy eating on a farm
Healthy eating was a foundation of Jacqueline Ely’s life, even before she knew what it really meant.
Ely, a registered dietician, is the nutritional coordinator at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center and nutrition coach for the Observer-Reporter’s Biggest Winner contest team. Her healthy lifestyle began on a farm in the McGuffey School District. She said she continues to farm as an adult.
“With this foundation I learned that eating whole, natural foods is what we are supposed to eat,” she said. “We grew our own crops and raised our own meats.”
Her interest for pursuing a career in the field of nutrition was sparked when she ran track at McGuffey. The sport taught her that nutritional health affected her overall performance, she said.
“Then I learned how complex the field of nutrition can be,” she said.
She earned her bachelor of science degree in nutrition in the dietetics track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
She said the complexities of nutrition fascinated her, and she learned how important healthy eating is to overall health, disease management and prevention.
Ely completed an internship through Adagio Health, Pittsburgh, and is a Certified LEAP Therapist, with advanced training in adverse food reactions. She is a registered dietitian and nutritionist and licensed dietitian nutritionist.
She said her passion is for health and wellness, and enjoys helping people prevent chronic diseases including diabetes, digestive disorders and cardiovascular disease.