About

My name is Ayla Shaw. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the founder of Island RDN, I have a passion for helping others achieve a healthier life. My nutrition philosophy is a diet-free mindful eating approach that emphasizes finding balance between fueling your body and loving the foods you eat!

EAT TO FEEL GOOD NOT TO LOOK GOOD!

Apart from my profession, like most of us, I play many roles… a friend, a daughter, a girlfriend, an aunt, a sister. Juggling these roles often leaves us feeling stressed and burnt out. Too often we neglect our health in response. Working out, cooking healthy meals, and good hygiene fall to the way side. This is why I encourage my clients to live a healthy lifestyle by finding balance between their diet, their daily responsibilities, and their mental health! 

Knowledge is power! It is important to know what you are putting into your body. I work to educate and empower my clients to make better choices. Every food is a composition of nutrients. Your body needs those nutrients to survive, it just needs some more than others. When you eat a variety of foods in your diet, you are able to achieve the appropriate balance of nutrients to fuel your body effectively.

What diet works for one, doesn’t always work another! I believe in a personalized approach to nutrition and health.  I discourage restrictive diets and promote sustainable lifestyle choices. Remember, Life is short, so while you want to make it as long as possible, enjoy the foods you are eating!

MY JOURNEY

Originally from the state of Georgia, before becoming a RDN, I worked for six years as a risk analyst for a large international insurance company. Inspired by an intimate battle with food and weight, I completed a Master degree in Nutrition during this time; then moved to Connecticut for a year to complete my Dietetic Internship.