Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
You deserve a plan that works with your life, not against it. Personalized nutrition care for real people with real schedules.
Who I Help
I help people navigate chronic conditions through personalized changes that actually feel doable. Whether you're managing a new diagnosis or looking to take control of a longstanding condition, I meet you where you are.
MS, RDN
Board Certified
1:1
Individualized Care
Virtual
Nationwide
About
I'm a Registered Dietitian with a passion for integrative medicine and the powerful role food plays in our health.
Nutrition is more than what we eat. It's connected to our emotions, behaviors, relationships, and identity. Food bridges the physical and emotional aspects of life.
I help people navigate chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and GI disorders through personalized changes that actually feel doable.
Renee Hertenberger, MS, RD, LDN
Namaste Nourished Dietitian Group
Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Nutrition is more than what we eat. It's connected to our emotions, behaviors, relationships, and identity."
Renee Hertenberger, MS, RD, LDN
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy is a clinical approach to treating chronic conditions through individualized nutrition plans developed and monitored by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. It's not general wellness advice. MNT is an evidence-based medical intervention recognized by Medicare, most private insurers, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
A 2025 position paper from the Academy reviewed 25 systematic reviews and confirmed that MNT significantly improves outcomes for patients with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, COPD, and more. In many cases, the clinical improvements from MNT match or exceed what medication alone can achieve.
MNT follows a structured four-step clinical model: nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, and ongoing monitoring. Your dietitian reviews your labs, medical history, medications, lifestyle, food access, and cultural preferences before building a plan.
This isn't a one-time visit. MNT is ongoing care, typically 3 to 6 sessions in the first year with continued follow-ups. Medicare currently covers 3 hours of MNT in year one and 2 hours each year after for qualifying conditions.
For type 2 diabetes, MNT has been shown to reduce A1C by 0.5% to 2.0%, results comparable to adding a second medication. For heart disease, patients see total cholesterol reductions of up to 21 mg/dL, triglyceride drops of up to 33 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure reductions of 5 to 9 mmHg.
For IBS, dietitian-led low-FODMAP protocols achieve meaningful symptom relief in 50% to 80% of patients. Across conditions, MNT saves an estimated $638 to $1,450 per patient annually through reduced medication use and fewer hospitalizations.
Medicare currently covers MNT for diabetes and kidney disease. The bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act (HR 6199 / S. 3934), introduced in the 119th Congress, would expand Medicare coverage to include obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, GI disorders including celiac disease, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, and conditions related to unintentional weight loss.
Many private insurance plans already cover MNT for a broader range of conditions. Contact us to verify your specific benefits.
My Approach
I start with a comprehensive assessment, understanding not just your health history, but your daily routines, challenges, and what you're hoping to achieve.
From there, we build a plan together. Not a generic meal plan, but a personalized roadmap that accounts for your preferences, your schedule, and your reality.
And we keep working together. Through ongoing support and accountability, we adjust as needed and celebrate your progress along the way.
Every person I work with has a different story. My job is to understand yours and help you write the next chapter, one where food feels like a partner, not a problem.
The Process
From first conversation to lasting results, here's how we work together.
Your first call is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation. We'll talk about what's going on, what you've tried, and whether working together makes sense.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Not always. Many insurance plans allow self-referral to an RDN. Medicare requires a physician referral for covered MNT. We can help you figure out what your plan needs.
What if I've already tried diets that didn't work?
That's actually useful information. Knowing what hasn't worked helps us understand what will. MNT is not a diet. It's a clinical process built around your specific labs, conditions, and daily life.
Will my insurance cover this?
Medicare covers MNT for diabetes and kidney disease with zero copay. Many private plans cover a broader range of conditions. Call us or submit a contact form and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.
What does the first call look like?
It's a 30-minute virtual conversation, free of charge. We'll review what's going on with your health, what your goals are, and whether MNT is the right fit. No commitment, no pressure.
0.5-2%
A1C Reduction
50-80%
IBS Symptom Relief
$1,450
Saved Per Year
These results come from published clinical research, not marketing claims. Your outcomes depend on your condition, your commitment, and the plan we build together.
Start Your JourneyContact
Have questions? Send me a message and I'll get back to you within 1-2 business days. You can also call or book directly.
Phone
(954) 247-4280Service Area
Virtual consultations nationwide
Location
Namaste Nourished Dietitian Group
1915 NE 45th St. Ste 210
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Response Time
1-2 business days
