Posted On: March 16, 2026
If you have ever stood in the grocery store wondering whether to reach for the whole-grain bread or the gluten-free option, or found yourself down a rabbit hole of conflicting advice about carbs, fats, intermittent fasting, or the latest superfoods, you are not alone. Nutrition is one of the most talked-about topics in health, and yet it remains one of the areas where most of us receive the least personalized guidance.
We are constantly bombarded with information from the internet, social media, friends, family, and the daily news. It can be so confusing, and frankly exhausting. The problem is that nutrition is a complex science, not an opinion. And what works beautifully for one person may do very little for another.
That is why I am proud to provide members of our practice an exclusive benefit: an annual one-on-one nutrition consultation with Mary Hunt, MS, RDN, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with nearly four decades of experience in medical nutrition therapy. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, hoping to boost your energy, or simply ready to feel better in your body, this consultation was designed with you in mind.
We know that what we eat affects how we feel, but the relationship between food and health runs far deeper than most of us realize. Following a healthy dietary pattern may not only delay the progression of chronic disease, but it can also improve mental clarity, help regulate appetite and blood sugar, decrease anxiety, and boost energy and mood. Some studies even suggest that a “good dietary pattern” may be as effective as an antidepressant.
Yet with so much noise out there about keto, intermittent fasting, good carbs, no carbs, and omega-3s, it can be hard to know what to believe. General dietary advice online is often contradictory, oversimplified, or simply not relevant to your unique health history, lab results, or lifestyle.
This is why the integration of nutrition support into your care at EWMD is so meaningful. When I can work directly with your dietitian, you receive recommendations that are truly tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Mary Hunt is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has been serving the Fairfax and Washington metropolitan area since 1987. She received her undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College, her Master of Science degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Institute of Human Nutrition and completed a postgraduate fellowship at the John F. Kennedy Institute.
Her areas of specialization include weight management, heart health, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, and nutrition for overall wellness. She brings a genuinely warm and practical approach to her work, one that honors both the science of nutrition and the realities of everyday life. Her philosophy centers on small, achievable changes and a focus on the joy of gaining health and strength, rather than on the number on the scale.
Mary also incorporates mindfulness into her guidance, helping members find a sustainable rhythm that works for their lives. When she is not working with patients, Mary enjoys yoga, Zumba, traveling, birding, cooking (especially Armenian food), volunteering at the USO, and spending time with her family and friends.
We are proud to have her as a valued member of the Eileen West, MD and Associates team.
“Nutrition is a science, and evidence-based research is constantly evolving. There may always be something new and helpful to discover — even if you already eat well.”
— Mary Hunt, MS, RDN
The short answer: almost anyone. You do not need to be managing a serious illness to benefit. Mary works with members at every stage of their wellness journey, including:
One of the most common questions Mary hears is: “I’m eating healthy, so why can’t I lose weight?” If that sounds familiar, a consultation is a wonderful place to find answers. You might be surprised to learn, for example, that portion sizes matter even when it comes to nutritious foods, and that small adjustments can make a significant difference for many members.
Before your appointment, you will receive a nutrition registration form to complete in advance. Mary strongly recommends completing and returning this form before your visit. It gives her the information she needs to make your time together as focused and personalized as possible. The form covers your typical daily food intake, any medications or supplements you are taking, the types of physical activity you enjoy, how frequently you eat out, and any nutrition concerns or goals you would like to discuss.
Your consultation takes place in person at our office and lasts 45 minutes. Mary begins by gathering more details about your medical history, dietary patterns, exercise, sleep, and stress levels, because all of these factors influence how your body responds to food. She then focuses on your primary health concern and what changes will be most realistic and rewarding to start with.
During the session, Mary can help you with quick and easy meal and snack suggestions, interpreting food labels, navigating the grocery aisles, modifying recipes, and making healthier choices when eating out or traveling. She will also encourage you to take a technology break during meals by stepping away from screens to eat more mindfully. It sounds simple, but this kind of intentional shift can change your relationship with food.
At the end of your visit, you will walk away with practical handouts including sample meal and snack ideas, as well as one or two enjoyable and sustainable goals to start with. After each appointment, Mary writes a summary of your consultation and shares the goals you have set together with me, ensuring your nutrition plan stays fully integrated with your overall medical care.
“What are some easy meals I can prepare?” This is one of the most popular questions Mary receives, and one she loves to answer. Her suggestions are always tailored to your preferences and schedule, so you leave with ideas that actually fit your life.
“How can I increase the fiber in my diet?” One of the most impactful changes Mary helps members make is incorporating more fiber-rich foods, particularly non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A practical starting point might be adding more color to your plate, or adding a serving of fruit or vegetables to at least three meals per week. These are the kinds of changes that feel manageable and deliver real results over time.
“Some healthy foods are heart-healthy, but not always weight-friendly in large quantities. Is that true?” Yes, and this is one of the most common “aha moments” in Mary’s consultations. Portion sizes matter, even with nutritious foods. One member discovered that cutting back on added fats in cooking was far easier than they expected, and it made a meaningful difference in both their weight and their energy level.
As a member of the practice, you receive one nutrition consultation per year included in your membership benefits. If you find that you would like continued support (and many members do), Mary is available for self-pay follow-up appointments, both in person and virtually.
Self-care and taking time for your health is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. You do not have to figure out nutrition on your own. With personalized guidance from a registered dietitian who knows your health history and works alongside your physician, even small changes can have a profound impact on how you feel every day.
Members interested in scheduling their complimentary nutrition consultation with Mary Hunt, MS, RDN are encouraged to contact our office. We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward lasting, vibrant health!
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
— François de La Rochefoucauld
Leading the way in women's healthcare is renowned board-certified internal medicine doctor Dr. Eileen West. She has over 20 years of experience and is recognized for her expertise in menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her excellence-driven compassionate approach, which is associated with the American College of Physicians, improves the lives of her patients by putting a strong emphasis on their overall well-being.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Areas of Expertise: Women's Health, Menopause Management, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment.
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