Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Gaffen.
Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in nutrition began after college when my mom developed three perforations in her colon due to pain medications and steroids prescribed for a rare autoimmune reaction called transverse myelitis. The complications were severe–she needed two feet of her intestines removed and had an ileostomy for six months. Even while receiving total parenteral nutrition (IV nutrition), she lost 55 pounds and became malnourished. As her primary caregiver for two years, and I could see how powerful nutrition played a role in her survival, let alone wellbeing.
My interest in gut health deepened when I met my now-husband, who has Crohn’s disease. He’s 6 feet and weighed 127 pounds at his lowest due to symptoms of the disease. He literally became afraid to eat because he associated all foods with pain, diarrhea, and discomfort. He’s also struggled with complications like iron and B12 deficiencies.
Since we’ve been together, I’m proud to report my husband has gained a healthy amount of weight to feel better and have enough energy to make it through the day because we learned which foods actually do cause his pain, discomfort, and digestive issues. And we focus more on the foods that make him feel good while ensuring he’s getting the macros and micronutrients he needs. And slowly but surely, we’ve removed the fear and anxiety from eating. He now weighs over 200 pounds.
These personal experiences inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and specialize in helping people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
I started my virtual practice during the pandemic, when it felt like the right time to bring my vision to life. Launching at that moment allowed me to super-specialize in supporting the IBD patient population. Working virtually makes it easier for patients to meet from the comfort of their own home–without having to worry about proximity to a bathroom on the way to an office or rearranging their schedule around long commutes. It also allows for greater flexibility in fitting care into their daily lives in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
Through my virtual practice, I focus on supporting people with Crohn’s disease and colitis who struggle with confusion about what to eat to manage their symptoms, resulting in a limited diet, weight loss, and fatigue. I help my patients implement a highly personalized nutrition plan that clarifies which foods to add that may be beneficial, reduces fear and anxiety around eating, reduces inflammation, and ultimately helps them get their lives back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The goal of my nutrition private practice has always been to help patients feel better and reach a point where they no longer need my ongoing support–success means they’re able to confidently manage their nutrition independently. While that’s incredibly rewarding, it doesn’t always make for the most sustainable business model, since it naturally leads to frequent patient turnover.
That said, working with people who have IBD is deeply meaningful to me. It’s an underserved area of care, and because my practice is virtual and I’m able to work with patients outside of San Diego, I’ve been fortunate to work with patients across the country who are looking for this kind of specialized support. There’s still a significant need, and I’m grateful to help fill that gap.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Eat Well Crohn’s Colitis?
Eat Well Crohn’s Colitis is a virtual nutrition practice dedicated to supporting individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with both personal and professional experience in this area, I understand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to navigate food choices while managing symptoms, medications, and flares.
My practice offers personalized, one-on-one virtual nutrition counseling focused on reducing digestive symptoms and inflammation, improving nutritional status, and restoring confidence around eating. I specialize in helping patients understand which foods may be triggering symptoms–and more importantly, which foods can help them feel better and meet their nutritional needs. My approach is practical, compassionate, and deeply personalized, taking into account each person’s unique medical history, taste and cultural preferences, and relationship with food.
What sets Eat Well Crohn’s Colitis apart is the combination of lived experience, clinical expertise, and virtual flexibility. I see clients across the US from the comfort of their homes–no need to worry about scheduling around bathroom trips or commuting to an office. And because I focus on IBD, my patients know they’re working with someone who truly understands the nuances and complexity of this condition.
I’m most proud of the impact this work has on quality of life. My goal is to help people feel empowered–not restricted–by their nutrition plan, and to support them in living more fully, with less fear and more energy. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, recovering from a flare, or trying to rebuild trust with food, I’m here to help guide the process with evidence-based strategies and ongoing support.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important quality contributing to my success is my ability to truly listen and empathize. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or even fearful about food–and they’re often navigating complex medical conditions that impact nearly every part of their daily lives. Taking the time to listen with empathy helps me build trust, understand their unique challenges, and create a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and validated.
This approach allows me to tailor nutrition guidance in a way that’s not only evidence-based, but also compassionate and realistic. When people feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to open up, stay engaged, and make lasting changes–and that’s when real progress happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eatwellcrohnscolitis.com/
