About
Nichole
Every small step towards adding more plant-based foods to your plate can make a big positive impact on your physical and mental health, as well as the health of the planet.
Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN
plant-based dietitian, author, recipe developer, yoga instructor
Hi there, friends!
I am Nichole Dandrea-Russert MS, RDN, dietitian nutritionist, author, yoga instructor, and wellness guide.
For nearly three decades, I’ve been helping women discover how food, movement, and mindfulness work together to create true wellness — not through perfection or restriction, but through connection, curiosity, and abundance.
My work centers on supporting women who feel like they’re “doing everything right” but still don’t feel like themselves. I help them connect the dots between food, mood, sleep, and hormones — so they can restore balance, feel more energized, and move through life with greater calm and confidence.
I’ve specialized in plant-centered nutrition for over a decade, but my philosophy is never all-or-nothing.
Health is personal and multifaceted, and what matters most is finding the rhythm that helps you thrive.
Whether you’re ready to embrace a plant-based lifestyle or simply curious to add more nourishing foods to your plate, I’ll meet you where you are.
Beyond food, I believe well-being also grows from movement you love, mindful moments that quiet the mind, and meaningful connections that lift the heart.
My approach blends evidence-based nutrition with gentle lifestyle practices to help you feel grounded, focused, and resilient — no matter what life brings.
Every small step — a mindful meal, a calming breath, a conversation that connects — can ripple into something bigger.
And yes, there’s always room for dark chocolate. 🍫
Much love + light,
Nichole, MS, RDN
Dietitian Nutritionist | Founder of Purely Planted
A little more about my professional background …
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Plant-based recipe developer with a Professional Plant-Based Certification through Rouxbe Culinary School.
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Author of The Fiber Effect: Stop Counting Calories and Start Counting Fiber for Better Health and The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook: A Plant-Based Guide to Optimal Performance, and co-author of two award-winning cookbooks, Real Superfoods Cookbook: Everyday Ingredients to Elevate Your Health and Powered by Plants: Nutrient-Loaded 30-Minute Meals to Help You Thrive.
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Featured in Yoga Journal, People, Eating Well, Clean Plates, Forbes Health, and US News and World Report.
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Nutrition spokesperson for The Weather Channel’s morning show, AMHQ, and their show on climate change, Pattrn.
Want to read my articles and see some of my television appearances, providing tips and tricks to eating more plants? Visit here!
My hobbies include...
When I’m not working with clients or creating content, you’ll often find me traveling, hiking, gardening, or volunteering with animal and environmental organizations — from local shelters to tree-planting projects (instant mood boosters!).
I also have a not-so-secret love affair with dark chocolate. I even owned a chocolate company, nicobella organics, for ten years! Our chocolates were featured in People Magazine, VegNews, Organic Spa, and Yoga Journal, highlighted by the Huffington Post, and even made a special debut on Rachael Ray as her “Snack of the Day.”
These days, I still love discovering new dark chocolates from around the world — one of my favorite lifelong “research projects.” I often encourage everyone to enjoy a square (or two) of dark chocolate daily — it’s good for the heart, body, and soul.
I live in Atlanta with my husband, Ricky, and our sweet rescue pup, Mariposa. We spend as much time as possible outdoors and love visiting family in New Jersey and Washington State.
Testimonials
"I LOVE her! I really enjoyed her spirit and passion as it shows with her expansive knowledge base. I really appreciated the entrepreneurial mindset and grit!"
-Sonya M, webinar attendee
"This was by far one of my favorite talks! I myself am a huge advocate for plant-based diets in athletes (I'm a springboard diver) and I absolutely loved, loved, loved hearing Ms. Dandrea's take on it as well as reading into her research!"
-Maggie T.
webinar attendee
"The Vegan Athlete's Nutrition Handbook is a guide that every plant based athlete should have whether they are a strength athlete or Crossfitter to an endurance athlete. Nichole has a way of turning evidenced based nutrition and scientific information into easy to learn guidelines for the everyday athlete. You can relate to her personal stories as a consumer herself which makes you feel like she gets you! You will take away practical strategies to implement and of course amazing plant based recipes to help you in the kitchen! I would absolutely recommend this for every plant based athlete so grab yours today!"
-Kayla Slater, MS, RDN, CDN, LDN, ACE-CPT of Plant Based Performance Nutrition and Run Coaching, LLC
As a vegan Olympian athlete, I believe that The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook is a must have for anyone who wants to understand how to eat plant-based for optimal nutrition, performance, and recovery. It’s like having a nutrition coach by your side and will be your go-to whenever nutrition questions arise. No more confusion or feeling hungry. This book addresses ALL of your concerns, from carbohydrates and protein to vitamins and minerals to phytonutrients and adaptogens to how to replace your favorite foods. The fact that there are meal plans and recipes is a bonus! If you’re looking for a book to help you optimize plant-based eating for athletic performance or otherwise, grab The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook.
Dotsie Bausch
Olympic Silver Medalist
8x U.S. National Cycling Champ
World Record Holder
100% vegan