When it comes to nutrition, most people already know the basics—eat more vegetables, drink water, exercise. But knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. That’s where Ali Virtue, MS NTP, nutritionist and owner of Parkside Nutrition in Salem, Oregon, comes in. As a functional nutritionist, Level 1 Nutrition Coach, and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Ali helps her clients bridge the gap between knowledge and action, creating realistic, personalized strategies to improve their health for the long term.
Her approach isn’t about crash diets or quick fixes—it’s about building sustainable habits that fit each person’s unique lifestyle. “Everybody knows they should probably eat more vegetables and go for more walks,” Ali said, “but how do I help that person actually do it?”
The answer? Personalized coaching, accountability, and a deep understanding of each client’s day-to-day life.
From Hospital Work to Functional Nutrition
Ali’s journey into nutrition wasn’t exactly a straight path. She initially pursued a career in medicine, studying biology and pre-physician assistant studies at Western Oregon University. But during her time working in a hospital, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit.
“I had a great, terrible job at the hospital,” Ali joked. “It was great because it motivated me to figure out what I really wanted to do, and terrible because I knew I didn’t want to work in a hospital every single day.”
It was during this time that she started thinking about preventative care—helping people improve their health long before they reached the point of needing medical intervention.
Her interest in nutrition became deeply personal when her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age. Watching him go through years of treatments made her question how much of his illness could have been prevented with better nutrition and lifestyle habits earlier in life.
“At one point, I asked his doctor about nutrition, and he said, ‘Oh, it only helps about five percent. Don’t bother depriving yourself,’” Ali recalled. “That was really disappointing to hear. Even if that was true, you still have to eat as a human—why not put some decent food in your body?”
Her passion for nutrition grew when she and her sister participated in a simple nutrition challenge that involved cutting out junk food and eating more whole foods. The results were life-changing.
“I used to have migraines that would take away my vision, which was tough as a softball player,” she said. “After making some small changes to my diet, I noticed my energy was better, my mood improved, and my focus was sharper. It felt like everything was just a little bit brighter and better.”
This realization set her on a new path. Encouraged by one of her professors who noticed her enthusiasm for nutrition, Ali began pursuing certifications and eventually earned a Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from University of Western States in Portland.
A Different Approach to Nutrition Coaching
One-size-fits-all meal plans and generic advice weren’t going to cut it for Ali. Instead, she developed a high-touch, highly personalized coaching approach that helps clients make changes that actually stick.
She starts by getting to know each person’s lifestyle—not just what they eat, but how their daily habits, stress levels, and routines impact their food choices.
“I’ll ask people, ‘What time do you wake up? What are your mornings like? How do your evenings go?’” she explained. “That way, I can find the biggest weakness in their game and help them improve from there.”
Each client receives a tailored plan that includes habit tracking, meal guidance, and regular check-ins. Unlike traditional diet programs where clients meet with a nutritionist once every few months, Ali maintains weekly contact with her clients via calls, texts, and emails.
“I don’t want people struggling for six or seven days and then coming back to me saying, ‘Last week was rough,’” she said. “If something isn’t working, I want them to reach out right away so we can adjust before it becomes a real problem.”
For those who need more flexibility or affordability, Parkside Nutrition also offers a group coaching program, which provides structure and support without the full one-on-one commitment.
Breaking Free from Stress Eating and Food Anxiety
Ali has seen firsthand how nutrition can affect not just physical health, but mental clarity, confidence, and overall quality of life.
“For me, the most satisfying moments aren’t just when someone hits a weight loss goal—it’s when they say things like, ‘I didn’t stress-eat when I had a bad day,’ or ‘I don’t feel anxious around food in social situations anymore,’” she said.
As someone who has personally struggled with stress eating, Ali understands how much of a mental game food can be. She helps clients reframe their relationship with food, so instead of feeling restricted or deprived, they feel empowered by their choices.
“It doesn’t have to be a terrible journey,” she said. “You don’t have to focus on what you can’t have. Instead, you can chase the feeling of feeling good. When you start noticing more energy, better focus, and improved mood, that becomes exciting. It becomes something you want to keep doing—not something you have to force yourself to do.”
The Salem Community & Parkside Nutrition’s Future
Ali has been a part of the Salem community since 2010, when she moved to Oregon for college. Originally from an Air Force base in England, she found Salem to be the perfect mix of small-town charm and opportunity.
“I love that Salem is big enough that you’re always meeting new people, but small enough that word-of-mouth and community connections really matter,” she said.
As for the future of Parkside Nutrition, Ali remains committed to helping people make lasting changes in their health—whether that’s through her one-on-one coaching, group programs, or the free Friday email newsletter she sends out each week, which includes nutrition tips, recipes, and mindset coaching.
For those interested in learning more, Ali encourages them to visit parksidenutrition.com and sign up for her newsletter as a first step.
“If my coaching style resonates with you, that’s a great way to get to know me before diving in,” she said. Ali also offers a Free Nutrition Assessment for those who would like some recommendations.
With her mix of science-backed guidance, real-world practicality, and genuine care for her clients, Ali Virtue is proving that good nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about building a lifestyle that supports long-term health, confidence, and quality of life.
*Photos provided by Parkside Nutrition
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