About Marie

Proper nutrition enriches, fulfills, and completes all other health systems…medical, chiropractic, fitness, acupuncture, and massage…It is the foundation upon which all health is established. Marie’s approach is based in science and translated into real life for a unique program that is doable for you!

Marie Elena Scioscia, M.S., R.D., CDN. is a Luigi trained former dancer, registered dietitian, and certified fitness professional who seeks to inspire the dancer/performer/athlete and all her clients who wish to have a healthy career and life through proper nutrition and diet.

Her extensive experience includes work in the academic, clinical, non clinical, and corporate settings including The Heart Group at Beth Israel Hospital, Manhattan Plaza Health Club, the American Red Cross, and Group Health Incorporated among other venues.

Marie is currently the nutritionist at the Alvin Ailey School, has worked with the New York City Ballet’s wellness group, Ballet Hispanico, and Jacob’s Pillow and also has contributed and written for Dance Spirit and Pointe magazines. In addition to lecturing for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, the Martha Graham School and other organizations, Marie has a private practice as a dietitian for dancers and non-dancers in both New York and New Jersey.

Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition 1996
American Council on Exercise certified personal
trainer 1996
Nutritionist for the Alvin Ailey School – 2008 to
present
New York City Ballet Wellness Group Dietitian
2004-2006
American Ballet Theater Summer Youth Program 2015
Lecturer on nutrition and health topics for
– Complexions Contemporary Ballet
– Martha Graham School
– Peridance
– Marymount Manhattan College Dance Department
– Dance Teacher Convention
– Canyon Ranch Spa
Adjunct Professor in Dance Pace University 1986-1988
Adjunct Professor Fitness Certification Hunter College
2008 to present
Director Nutrition Services Manhattan Plaza Health
Club 1996 – 2007

FAQʼs

1. Why do I need to see a dietitian when I can just get information on the internet?

Registered dietitians are professionals trained to translate science and put that information into digestible recommendations for real life. The internet is NOT areliable source of nutrition information as most people who are promoting nutrition advice have absolutely no background in nutritional science.

2. How do I know what is right for me?

You cannot follow someone else’s plan. You need to be assessed individually for a program to work. Just because your best friend is following the latest fad diet doesn’t mean that it will work or be healthy for you long term. The latest Hollywood fad I guarantee you is absolutely the wrong way to go.

3. Won’t going to a dietitian mean that I cannot eat my favorite foods?

Absolutely not! Going to a dietitian will help ensure that your plan includes your favorite foods and teaches you how to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle.

4. My school environment focuses on weight. How do I cope?

NO! No teacher, choreographer, parent or other dancer should ever body shame you. What you weigh is a small part of what it is to be a successful dancer. Try to find environments to work in and study in that foster a healthy body image and encourage you to balance dance, rest, recovery, nutrition and well being. We will work together to help you determine what is healthy for you!

5. I hate weighing and measuring. Will I have to walk around with a scale and a food journal?

Focusing on choosing healthy foods, with an understanding of portions usually does the trick. If your plan is a pain to implement, it won’t work. Some people choose to follow a specific menu plan, some don’t. We work together to find what is right for you and get you feeling better!

6. Will I have to take supplements?

Not necessarily. Your diet and health history determine if anything supplemental is needed. We focus on whole food first, and can add something in if needed. You should not live on pills and potions.

7. Will I be able to eat out?

Of course. Learning how to navigate a restaurant menu or take out is made simple. All foods can fit!

8. I don’t have a lot of money. Can I still get an occasional slice of pizza or order from a food truck since they are so convenient?

Of course you can. All foods can fit! You will learn how to eat healthfully on a budget and how to choose the healthier options when you do eat out. It is all about portions and balance.

9. My dining hall at school had terrible food. What do I do?

Learn to choose the healthier options available and fill in with an extra salad or fruit or yogurt that you may have to purchase outside your eating plan. It is all about portions and balance, not perfection.

work with marie at cinch nutrition

Ten Common Pitfalls to Improving Health

1. Pitfall: Not eating enough!

2. Pitfall: Fad dieting!

3. Pitfall: Diet supplements like dangerous “fat burners” or “detox” plans.

4. Pitfall: Eliminating major food groups. Carbohydrates do not make you fat!

5. Pitfall: Having an all or nothing attitude.

6. Pitfall: Living on smoothies.

7. Pitfall: Being “good” during the week and going haywire on the weekends.

8. Pitfall: Not drinking enough water.

9. Pitfall: Living by the scale. Scales do not reflect health.

10. Pitfall: Trying to be perfect! No one is! Not even registered dietitians!

Eat Right Dance Right, the definitive nutrition handbook for dancers

now available in ebook form on Amazon and Barnes and Noble