Meet Elle Arieu | Licensed Dietitian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elle Arieu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elle, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Other than deciding to work for myself, the single most important decision I made was applying for the Mercury Awards. I was nominated for Best Quality and Innovation in Food for Airlines — and I won! That recognition not only validated my work at an international level, but it also opened doors, boosted my credibility, and gave me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries in my field.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian with a career that has taken me from working with prestigious hospitals to designing innovative food programs for airlines. One of my proudest moments was winning the Mercury Award for Best Quality and Innovation in Food for Airlines — a recognition that validated my dedication to excellence and creativity in the nutrition field.

Today, I’m especially proud of my book, Beyond the Scale Method, which distills years of experience into a practical, motivation-based approach to weight management. My method, the Elle Arieu Method, combines neurobiology, physiology, and emotional behavior to help people not just lose weight, but maintain it long-term.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Shifting from working in large organizations to running my own practice meant learning the business side from scratch, navigating challenges, and staying resilient in the face of uncertainty. One current challenge is the rise of medications like Ozempic, which are quickly dominating the market. It’s concerning because the long-term effects are still unknown, and we don’t fully understand the potential symptoms they may bring in the future. I’ve had to adapt and continue emphasizing safe, sustainable approaches that focus on health, not just rapid weight loss.

What I want the world to know is that my work is about transformation that lasts. Whether through my book, my practice, or my past projects, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people make meaningful, sustainable changes — and to proving that nutrition can be both science-based and deeply human.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week full of unforgettable food and experiences around the world! We’d start in Kyoto, Japan, where I’d take them to this incredible family-run restaurant with only three tables — the seafood and sushi are some of the best in the world. Then we’d head to Rome, Italy, near the Fontana di Trevi, to grab the best pizza I’ve ever had while watching people pass by and enjoying the energy of the city.

Next stop would be Paris, on Île Saint-Louis, where we’d indulge in the softest, most amazing gluten-free galette (a savory spinach crepe) and finish with my favorite dessert: lemon and icing sugar crepes sprinkled on top. And of course, no trip would be complete without a stop back home in Dallas for what I consider the best barbecue — the ribs here are incredible.

Being Argentinean with French descent gives me a deep appreciation for amazing cuisine, and this itinerary combines the best flavors and experiences from cultures I love. After all, what is life if it’s not enjoyed around good food? The best memories are made around a table with friends and family.

Of course, I practice what I teach — balance is key. You don’t need to skip celebrations or feel guilty; it’s about knowing when to enjoy and when to balance it out. Walking through these incredible cities, you naturally burn off what you’ve eaten without even trying — proof that life is meant to be savored, one delicious bite at a time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my former mentor, a visionary cardiologist I worked with early in my career at Beth Israel in Boston. His trust in my expertise, his high standards, and his passion for truly improving patients’ lives shaped the way I practice today. I also want to recognize my family, whose unwavering support has given me the courage to take risks, like launching my own practice and writing my book Beyond the Scale Method. And finally, I have to thank the incredible teams I’ve worked with — from hospitals to airlines — who shared my commitment to innovation and quality, and without whom awards like the Mercury Award would never have been possible.

Website: https://www.ellearieu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_without_ozempic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellearieu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572569322748