Health Matters - Health Expert Biography

Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N Tara Gidus Nutrition Consulting; American Dietetic Association Spokesperson Medical Specialty: Diet and Nutrition Healthline Blog: The Diet Dish

Tara Gidus is a nationally recognized expert on nutrition, fitness, and health promotion. As a National Media Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Tara is quoted in a variety of media including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and websites. She currently appears biweekly as the "Diet Diva" on the national morning television show, The Daily Buzz. Tara is currently the nutrition consultant to the players of the Orlando Magic NBA team.

Tara owns Tara Gidus Nutrition Consulting in Orlando, FL. A dynamic speaker, she motivates groups large and small on various topics such as achieving a healthy weight, preventing disease, maximizing energy, aging well, enhancing sports performance, and creating a positive body image. As a consultant, she has worked with numerous companies including Walt Disney World, Human Performance Institute, Canyon Ranch Spa, Rosen Hotels, Welnia, United Behavioral Healthcare, Absolute Healthcare, and others. Tara is also the nutrition advisor to Golf Fitness Magazine. Tara has previous experience improving the diets of senior executives through her work with the Rippe Health Assessment at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. She has also overseen numerous weight loss research projects.

Tara graduated from Purdue University earning a Bachelor's Degree with a double major of Dietetics and Nutrition, Fitness, and Health. She continued on at Purdue, earning a Master of Science Degree (MS) in Health Promotion, specializing in health behavior and worksite wellness programs. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LD/N) in the state of Florida. Tara is one of very few dietitians in the country who holds a Board Certification as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).

Volunteering is something important to Tara as evidenced by her continued commitment to the Restoration Ministries for Women. For the past five years, Tara has been giving a lecture biweekly to a group of women who are on a six month rehabilitation program after their release from prison. She teaches them how to eat right and exercise in order to feel their best to beat their addictions and get their lives on the right track. Tara served as the Co-Chair of the Silent Auction for the American Cancer Society's Orlando Chapter in 2006. She is a Past President of the Dietetic Association in Orlando and served as the Awards Chair for the Florida Dietetic Association. She has received numerous awards including the esteemed Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Florida Dietetic Association.

Tara appears frequently as a medical expert on various television stations and shows including ivillage Live, Orlando NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox stations, Central Florida News 13, CW Network, Ivanhoe Broadcast News, and The Golf Channel. She has been quoted in various print publications including the Associated Press, New York Times, and the Orlando Sentinel, as well as various magazines including Women's World, Self, Fitness, Women's Health, Her Sports, Men's Health, People, Vegetarian Times, Runner's World, Club Business International, Cooking Light, Family Circle, Prevention, and more. She has been quoted on various websites including WebMD.com, eDiets.com, AOL.com, and more. Tara is an avid runner and has completed seven marathons including the prestigious Boston Marathon. Tara is married to husband Stephen and resides in Orlando, FL. She is expecting her first child in June, 2007.

Professional Website:
http://www.taragidusnutrition.com