Meet Anna Abel | Registered Dietitian & Functional Nutritionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Abel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Nutrition can be complicated, and not everyone is qualified to be giving advice! Find a licensed professional with as much training as possible, and find the best fit for you! Registered Dietitians are required to have a masters degree in Nutrition and complete numerous hours of training, making us highly qualified to look at the nuances of disease and condition management while fine tuning your nutrition. For example, if you’re interested in holistic treatment, find an RD who specializes in that and has done training around functional aspects. There is a lot of dangerous health information that circulates and it’s important to know who you’re learning things from. Also, we are totally not the food police and we really want to help you create realistic goals that set you up for long term success that you actually feel confident doing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Registered Dietitian and Functional Nutritionist that specializes in chronic illness and oncology. What makes me different is that chronic illness and chronic pain has always stood out to me, as it has been a part of my personal journey. I understand firsthand how challenging managing health can be, and how good it feels to have body freedom in health. I’m proud of the resilience I’ve developed, transforming my experiences into a platform for education and empowerment. The path hasn’t been easy; I’ve had setbacks and doubts, but each one taught me lessons about perseverance and empathy. I’ve learned that compassion can bridge the gap between professional expertise and personal experience.
While I didn’t at all start out as an academic, my passion for nutrition earned me the Outstanding Graduate Student Award, a recognition I cherish because it reflects my dedication. Hard work and care go a long way in the face of adversity. I learned to love the grit.
Writing articles focusing on functional health and chronic conditions fuels me, allowing me to share insights that can inspire and inform others. I also work closely with clients one-on-one, helping them reclaim their health, often focusing on the microbiome’s crucial role in healing. Through my brand and story, I emphasize mindful nutrition and movement to create a strong foundation. As I look ahead, I plan to pursue research aimed at preventing chronic conditions, hoping to contribute to a healthier future. I aspire to consult for a variety of companies to promote the accessibility of healthier food options.
Ultimately, my journey is rooted in a genuine desire to uplift others, turning struggles into a source of strength and hope. I am creating a community where knowledge and healing go hand in hand, empowering everyone to take charge of their health.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely adore the various LA farmers’ markets where you can find homemade, delicious foods crafted by wonderfully creative vendors. On weekends, I’d suggest a relaxing day that starts with a morning yoga class, followed by a refreshing cold plunge. After soaking up some sun at Venice Beach, we could wrap up the day with dinner and drinks at our local fish market. For a midweek boost, I recommend hitting a Boxing Studio on the westside to work out—and punch—out that stagnant energy, then taking a sunset stroll in the marina. We could end the evening with a delicious meal at a local vegan restaurant. Don’t forget to explore the shopping and dining options on Abbott Kinney, Century City Mall, and of course, if you’re up for it, a trip to Universal or Disney for some extra fun! Also, if you find yourself on the east side, go check out Sasoun Produce for some yummy unique fruits!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my husband, who has completely believed in me from the very start. His patience and kindness have been my anchor during long days of writing papers as well as when I was away for long periods of time interning. I also deeply appreciate the invaluable guidance of my advisor, Dr. Lizzy Davis at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Davis not only mentored me but also welcomed me during my internship, providing countless opportunities for me to prove myself. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a network of unwavering supporters—my friends and my sister—you know who you are—who never doubted me, even when I doubted myself. Their belief in me has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey.

Website: https://enabelyourhealth.squarespace.com/about

Instagram: @enabelyourhealth

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-abel-rdn-ldn-67186867