How Grace Fortson Is Blending Nutrition and Movement to Support Whole-Body Wellness

For Grace Fortson, wellness is not about quick fixes or rigid routines. It is about balance, sustainability and understanding the body in a deeper way.

Fortson’s interest in nutrition began in high school while she was a cheerleader trying to improve her fitness. Like many students, she turned to the internet for guidance, experimenting with calorie deficits, trending diets and quick fixes. Instead of feeling stronger, she felt the opposite.

“I turned to the internet for answers and tried different diets, calorie deficits and ‘quick fixes,’ but it left me feeling weak, fatigued and undernourished,” Fortson said. “That experience made me realize something wasn’t right.”

As she recovered, her frustration turned into curiosity. She started to explore the science behind nutrition and saw food in a new way.

“My passion comes from understanding how powerful food is for all of us and more importantly across different disease states, life stages and for overall wellness,” she said.

That shift led her to pursue a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences at FranU, where she is preparing for a career as a registered dietitian.

Alongside her studies, Fortson has built another dimension of her approach to wellness through movement.

She is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and has been teaching for about two years. This role allows her to support others’ physical and mental well-being beyond nutrition alone.

“I started teaching yoga during my undergraduate studies, inspired by the instructors who helped me discover movement I genuinely enjoyed,” Fortson said. “Their ability to motivate others and create a positive environment made a lasting impact on me.”

That experience changed how she views movement, especially for those who struggle with consistency.

“I wanted to give that same experience to others, especially because while physical activity is essential for health, it can be difficult for people to stay consistent when they don’t enjoy what they’re doing,” she said.

After earning her undergraduate degree, she continued her journey by completing her yoga teacher certification, developing a deeper understanding of the connection between mind and body.

Through that experience, I gained a deeper understanding of self-love, connection with others and appreciation for the world around me,” Fortson said. “I learned that yoga challenges both the body and the mind, using physical movement to help quiet mental noise and create space for stillness. It also showed me that movement can be more than just exercise…it can be a form of meditation.”

This unique perspective is guiding her future in healthcare.

“As a fitness instructor and a future registered dietitian, I aim to help others appreciate their bodies for what they can do, rather than focusing solely on calories or appearance,” she said. “Movement can be a source of stress relief, a way to connect with your breath and a powerful tool for overall well-being. It can also look different every day, and that’s okay.”

At FranU, Fortson is gaining clinical experience to support that philosophy. Through supervised practice and simulation labs, she is learning how to apply her knowledge in real-world settings before entering clinical environments.

“Some of my biggest lessons have come from supervised practice and simulation labs,” she said. “The program gives you the chance to practice real-life scenarios before entering clinical settings, which builds confidence.”

She also emphasized the importance of collaboration in patient care.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is the value of interdisciplinary teamwork,” Fortson said. “Everyone has their own expertise, and it’s important to recognize your scope while respecting others’. Good communication and collaboration are key to providing the best patient care.”

She credits the program’s flexibility and supportive environment for helping her grow both personally and professionally.

One of the best parts of the FranU MSNS program is how flexible it is,” she said. “You can choose many of your rotations based on your interests and preferred locations. The relationships within the program also stand out. My cohort, professors and directors feel like a close-knit community, which makes a big difference.”

Fortson is expected to graduate in December 2026 and plans to sit for the registered dietitian exam. She seeks to continue exploring new opportunities, potentially outside of Louisiana, while combining her passions for nutrition and movement.

“Moving forward, I hope to combine my knowledge of nutrition and yoga to help others fuel their bodies and find movement that feels balanced, sustainable and right for them,” she said.

At the center of her work is a belief that health is personal.

Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Fortson said. “What works for one person might not work for someone else. As a future dietitian, my goal is to help people build habits that are realistic, sustainable and tailored to their individual needs.”

Fortson’s story shows that there is more than one way to approach wellness. It can be built at the intersection of science, movement and a desire to help others feel their best.