by Zannatul Ferdusi
The Registered Dietitians Association of Alberta (RDAA) is excited to celebrate the very special month of March this year. We are not only entering a new season of growth and becoming fresh as green, enjoying the beautiful breeze and colourful weather, but also coming together in celebration of all the dietitians in the world. Yes, the month of Nutrition is upon us, with the wonderful theme of “Nutrition You can Trust-Led by Dietitians” aimed at commemorating and expressing gratitude to all the registered dietitians in Alberta who have contributed immensely to ensuring the health and well-being of the people.
As promised, RDAA is proudly featuring the March 2026 Dietitian Spotlight with Kristyn Hall, RD whose endless knowledge, support and empowering qualities nourish others who are seeking help to change their lifestyle in a sustainable way.
Kristyn has been working as a Registered Dietitian since 2000 and in private practice since 2011. Much of her work involves supporting people living with obesity, but she emphasizes that weight alone rarely tells the whole story. “Weight is just the tip of the iceberg.”
She explains that many interconnected factors can influence a person’s health, including metabolic concerns, nutritional health, food skills, nutrient deficiencies, and mental health. Because of this, her approach prioritizes nourishing the body first and supporting overall metabolic and mental well -being.
Kristyn mostly works with mid-life women who initially seek help with weight management. In these conversations, she approaches care from a weight-inclusive and weight-neutral perspective, focusing on long-term health rather than a number on the scale. “Weight is a piece of information, not the whole story.”
Part of that conversation includes discussing what she calls “best weight,” which reflects a person’s natural, sustainable weight when their overall lifestyle supports health and well-being. “I talk a lot about the concept of ‘best weight’ — the weight someone’s body settles at when they are nourishing themselves well, moving in sustainable ways, sleeping adequately, and supporting their mental health. Best weight is not the lowest weight.”
With the increasing use of GLP-1 medications, Kristyn says these discussions have become more nuanced. Her role is to support clients in understanding their options while ensuring their approach remains grounded in sustainable health practices. “My role is not to judge or push a single approach, but to help patients understand their options, support metabolic health, and ensure that whatever path they choose is grounded in nourishment, adequacy, and long-term well-being.”
Kristyn Hall’s path into dietetics began in psychology, where she developed a strong interest in understanding how people change their behaviours and overcome barriers to growth. “I’ve always been drawn to understanding human behaviour — what drives change, what keeps people stuck, and how we support growth.”
A turning point came when she discovered dietetics as a field that combined science, health, and psychology in a meaningful way.
Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of areas including prenatal nutrition, public health, community nutrition and professional leadership. Over time, she recognized that effective practice involves more than sharing information with clients. “Information alone isn’t the value.”
For Kristyn, meaningful impact comes from supporting individuals in translating knowledge into action through personalized guidance and support. “Many people already know what they ‘should’ be doing. “This realization led her to pursue additional training in coaching and leadership coaching, as well as behaviour change psychology. By integrating coaching strategies into dietetic counselling, she aims to better support behaviour change and long-term outcomes. “I wanted to deepen my skills in helping people translate knowledge into sustainable action grounded in intrinsic motivation and values.”
One project she is particularly proud of is her work on the Dietitians of Canada, Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease.
Kristyn served as project lead for the development of an RD counselling toolkit that included resources for both practitioners and clients to support implementation in practice. “The focus was on behaviour change and counselling skills. It became a project I was deeply invested in — really my ‘baby’.”
Looking ahead, Kristyn Hall continues to explore ways to integrate coaching approaches into dietetic practice while maintaining strong alignment with evidence-based care. “It’s not about moving away from science — it’s about strengthening how we apply it.”
For students and aspiring dietitians, Kristyn encourages early involvement, confidence, and a clear recognition of the value dietitians bring to the healthcare system. “Find your passion within dietetics and start working on it now.” She also encourages new professionals to recognize their worth and maintain strong professional boundaries as they build their careers. “Be aware of the imposter syndrome — own your worth, while continuing to grow your knowledge, skills and practice.”
Inspired by this story? Join the RDAA to connect with peers, stay informed, and be part of a strong, collective voice for dietitians across the province.
Together, we’re building something that reflects the strength and spirit of Alberta dietitians.