“As an Integrative Nutrition, I emphasize the importance of high quality foods and phytonutrient diversity to address clinical imbalances and move individuals toward the highest expression of health.”
“My nutrition assessment, which includes medical history, will lead to a personalized therapeutic intervention created to promote optimal health and prevent diet- and lifestyle-related disease.”
Taft Draper’s Nutrition Support includes:
- Dietary Analysis: knowledge, meal pattern and timing, eating style and environment, culinary, energy/calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), fiber, phytonutrients, fluids/beverages, dietary supplements, medications, and other influencing factors.
- Nutrition Assessment: includes history & lifestyle, anthropometrics & vitals, nutrition-focused physical (signs & symptoms), diet & food habits, supporting clinical data, ongoing support, nutrition care, and collaboration.
- Exercise and movement
- Stress reduction management
- Sleep and mindset
- Analysis of biomarkers
- Food journals
History
Taft has been active all of his life, playing a variety of sports that also included strength training, yoga, Pilates, and cardiovascular exercise. His life has always been about being outside and in nature. He grew up in Bent Creek and loved spending time getting out in the forest. Taft also was in the scouts and this is where his interest blossomed for being in the forest and he also learned many valuable life skills as well. His scout troop went camping throughout the year as well as backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail. His journey of being outdoors, learning about nutrition and strength training has provided him a fulfilling life that he loves to share with others.
When Taft discovered that he could become a Registered Dietitian professionally, he went to school to get a bachelor of science degree in nutrition and dietetics. Afterward, he passed a national exam and then became a Registered Dietitian.
His career began working at local gyms in Asheville, North Carolina and after going to school for nutrition he started working at the Buncombe County Health Department. With a nutrition and fitness background, Taft progressed in his career to become a Fitness Director at the Biltmore Forest Country Club. From there, he worked at Mission Hospital Weight Management Center before venturing out on his own in private practice. He continues to learn about what works optimally for each individual in regards to digestion, absorption, and the metabolism of nutrients.
Taft’s holistic approach to nutrition, exercise and movement, stress, sleep, and the mindset helps him create personalized plans for his clients he works with. He also believes in empowering his clients to make the healthiest choices for themselves.
Taft is currently a registered Dietitian, Integrative and Functional Nutritionist, and a Certified LEAP MRT Therapist. In the past, he has been a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, among many other fitness and wellness certifications. To this day Taft continues to learn about biochemistry and how the body can optimally function.
Credentials
Taft Draper RD, LDN, CLT is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist, Taft graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. He is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, and Dietitian in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. In addition, Taft has a Certificate in Adult Weight Management and is a Certified Intrinsic Coach. For over 25 years he has been teaching clients about leading a healthy lifestyle, working with athletes on improving their performance, and successfully managing individuals’ weight. He has worked with many elite athletes and non-athletes helping each improve their health and optimizing performance.
Taft has worked in a wide variety of settings including:
- Mission Health Weight Management
- Mission Sports Medicine
- MAHEC
- Various wellness settings such as Bohemian Hotel, Barry Callebaut, Duke Energy, JPS PA, and North American Roofing.
He has presented on sports nutrition and weight management to:
- UNCA Women’s Soccer Team
- Western Carolina Nutrition Department
- Various local high schools including Christ School, Carolina Day, and Asheville Christian Academy
- IRS
Currently, he is working with Hendersonville ObGyn, Henderson County Wellness Clinic, and Crestview Recovery Center, as well as various worksite wellness programs.