MEET MELISSA
Thanks for stopping by Eat on the Run! I’m Melissa, a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Sports Dietitian who loves coffee, the mountains, and my family. Let’s get to know each other a bit more!
I’m originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, close to Pittsburgh. I grew up a Penn State fan and it eventually became my alma mater (WE ARE!). I’m an only child and I have two amazing, loving parents. Devin and I met in the DC area and lived there until 2018. We’re now (back) in the Pittsburgh area!
Yes, I am! Devin came into my life through a chance meeting at work. We fell in love between our equal love of workouts, coffee, and our families. It’s been a wonderful ride so far! We got married on Jekyll Island in March of 2016 and it was definitely the best day ever. Here’s the story of our relationship and engagement.
I’m a registered dietitian who works full time in corporate wellness. Right now, I’m the director of our coaching operations at Wellness Corporate Solutions and can honestly say that I love my job. Many people with a 9 to 5 cannot say that, and I feel extremely blessed that I can. We provide health coaching services to many companies and businesses across the US. It’s a privilege to see so many corporations buying into wellness and providing opportunities for their employees to be healthy.
Not unless you count fur babies. Charlie (our cat) and Sully (our dog) are both rescues and two absolute joys of our lives. Adopt, don’t shop.
Running is my original workout love. I started running with my dad before school back when I was 15. Since then, I’ve tackled numerous half marathons, one marathon, and numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, and 10 milers. Recently, Devin and I have discovered our love of hiking and camping. Now, spending time on the trails each weekend is my version of a long run. I also taught fitness classes for 8 years and have recently taken a break to just enjoy exercising for me. That’s where my love of indoor cycling, weight lifting, and yoga come from.
Everything. It’s true. I try my best to practice moderation, and I naturally choose whole, less processed foods because I feel so much better when I do. But, I’ll admit, I lose sight of moderation if a bag of Oreos is sitting in the back of my cabinet. I’ve learned what to keep in my kitchen and what needs to stay out of my grocery cart.
I’ve worked with 1,000s of individuals who are looking to make healthy living a lifestyle and to make a transformation. To be sure I bring the best to each session, I’m constantly engaged in continuing education and below you can review my credentials:
- Registered Dietitian
- Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
- National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
- RRCA Run Coach
- ACE Certified Health Coach
- ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor
- TRX Group Exercise Instructor
- Schwinn Cycling Instructor
- 200 Hour Trained Yoga Instructor
Here are a few comments from my coaching clients:
“I rarely rate anyone as they highest level. Always have been someone who feels everyone has room for improvement. Melissa McDonough was amazing. She helped on where I was focused on nutrition for my running/training and gave me great information and suggestions.”
“Melissa offers up creative and practical advice to reaching my wellness goals. Often we know what we need to be doing, that’s not the hard part. It’s applying it to our lives that can be difficult and Melissa helps me with that. I really enjoy the coaching sessions.”
“I really love talking to Melissa. Every time she helps me feel like I can set reasonable goals and that I can actually achieve them! She has helped me to manage diet, exercise, and stress; and she does it in such a positive inspiring way. Our sessions are over too fast sometimes!”
