At Primary Health Solutions, we believe food plays a powerful role in overall health — and for many of our dietitians, that passion typically begins with personal experience.
For Alecia Rupp, MS, RD, LD, CLS, that moment came about 10 years ago after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. What started as a desire to better understand nutrition quickly turned into a lifelong calling.
“My interest in nutrition began when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “I started researching nutrition and cancer prevention to help understand what lifestyle factors might help support health outcomes. I became fascinated by how dietary habits can influence long-term health, disease risk, recovery, and quality of life. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be in a career where I could help people use nutrition as a tool to support their health and wellbeing.”
That experience sparked a genuine curiosity about the connection between nutrition and health — something that continues to inspire her today with Primary Health Solutions and Butler County WIC. Through her role, Alecia helps families navigate nutrition in realistic, approachable ways that fit their everyday lives.
“My favorite thing about my role is building relationships with patients and being a provider who listens, supports, and helps families make small changes that can have a big long-term impact,” she shared.
Alecia believes nutrition is more than simply following a diet. Instead, she focuses on helping patients create sustainable habits that support their overall wellbeing.
She said she believes food is medicine because “what you eat can directly affect bodily functions — such as reducing inflammation, improving gut health and brain function.”
For Alecia, the concept of “food is medicine” goes beyond what’s on the plate. She encourages balanced meals and snacks while helping families make the most of foods available through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Authorized Food List. Her approach focuses on adding nourishing foods rather than creating feelings of restriction.
“I often will talk to patients about the importance of adding nourishing foods that support their goals rather than restricting foods that doesn’t meet their goals.”
Alecia hopes patients leave their appointments feeling empowered, encouraged, and confident that healthy eating can be both achievable and enjoyable.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated — simple can be just as delicious and nutritious. Check out Alecia’s go-to Chickpea Salad recipe with no cooking involved!
Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup feta cheese
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and enjoy!