Registered Dietitian Maya Feller Shares Her Recipe for a Good Life

When she was growing up, the world came to Maya Feller's kitchen. "My mom's table was always full of women from around the globe having awesome, energetic discussions over a meal," she recalls. It wasn't until after college that the Massachusetts native grasped the connection between eating and health. "I was training for the Boston Marathon, and at about mile 12 I would think, Where did breakfast go? I decided to find out."

Feller earned an MS in clinical nutrition at New York University, then worked at community-based nonprofits before starting her own practice in 2013. Rather than shoehorning clients into dietary guidelines, she listens as carefully as she analyzes lab results. "There's no one-size-fits-all way to eat healthfully, so I ask who they are, how their work-life balance is, and what they need and want," she says. Her personal approach makes her a sought-after expert on TV; for appearances, she clicks on Rent the Runway to borrow vivid pieces by designers like Derek Lam, Ulla Johnson, and A.L.C. "If I had my way, I'd roam around the house in gowns all the time," she says with a laugh. In reality, the mom of two tackles the day in comfy pants and cozy sweaters.

Reflecting on her formative family meals, Feller offers this very adaptable recipe for a relaxed, healthy diet: "Make choices that are balanced, delicious, and pleasure-filled," she says. "Then add more plants." Root vegetables and members of the onion family are good-for-you add-ons, too: "I always have a huge basket of garlic, onions, shallots, and ginger. I love them for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and phytonutrient capabilities."

Feller knows that this time of year, in particular, is one of health shifts—but she has a few opinions about your New Year's resolutions: "Post-holidays is not the time to restrict or cut out food groups. It's a time to set one's intentions for the weeks and months ahead," she explains. "Rather than saying, 'Don't eat the candy bar,' try moving your body in the sunlight. We all need to get out in the fresh air for our mental health." And don't forget to be patient with yourself—now more than ever. "Your nutritional health exists on a spectrum. This is an especially stressful time. Instead of feeling guilt, give yourself grace." After all, she says, healthful eating is just one of many ways to feel good—giving back is another one. "I support the Campaign Against Hunger. It makes a real impact in the New York City community." Ahead, Feller shares a few of her everyday essentials, from sneakers with flair and colorful sweaters to mindful snacks and her go-to dishware.