Mary Hartley, R.D., MPH, is our nutritionist at Calorie Count Plus. To visit her Expert Corner, click here.

From Mary Hartley:

In 2004, I began a diet analysis and nutrition counseling service on the Internet, www.EatbyNumbers.com. I didn't have the technology know-how I needed, but I was committed to the medium and I hoped for the best. I had been a registered dietitian working in Providence, Rhode Island for 27 years, specializing in obesity, eating disorders and chronic diseases. I worked in HMOs, clinics, medical practices, teaching hospitals and universities, helping people of all ages with all kinds of medical conditions. I had a successful private practice for 15 years, and all together, I had more than 20,000 patient visits! My other professional interests are research and quality of care, and I love to talk about eating behaviors and nutrition in an entertaining way on radio and TV.

When it comes to weight control, I've always been committed to a realistic, personal and flexible approach. I believe in making informed choices based on values and preferences, with a clear understanding of the consequences involved, for better or for worse. I am sure that people can embrace fresh, healthy, well-prepared food and physical activity performed in the spirit of fun and stress control. Throughout my career, I have used a "Non-Diet Approach", which emphasizes appetite regulation around hunger and satiety and learning to solve emotional problems without using food.

As an aside, I actually got a calling to be a nutritionist when I was in 7th grade, but I didn't start my studies until twelve years later. First, I went to college and had four majors (textiles, fine arts, history, and education) before dropping out to be a hippie waitress in Newport for a while. When I returned to school to study nutrition, I was in for the long run and my interest and enthusiasm has not waned one bit.

And so, there I was in 2006, a dedicated nutritionist in need of brilliant computer engineers, when I met Igor and Erik, just like I pictured it. Voila! Hope realized.

Lastly, I also co-own my daughter Eliza's new business, Mimi's Soup Spoon (www.mimisoupspoon.com), based in New York City. Eliza has created a series of healthy cooking classes and related products for preschoolers and their Moms, and I am her nutrition advisor and business partner. She is so talented with children and I know she will be a success.