Shaun Dreisbach: Chronicling the Intersection of Nutrition and Public Health
We've followed Shaun Dreisbach's evolving career as she became one of America's foremost voices translating complex nutritional science into actionable public health guidance. Her two-decade journey reveals a journalist equally adept at dissecting peer-reviewed studies and crafting relatable narratives about everyday wellness choices.
Career Trajectory Analysis
Dreisbach built her expertise through leadership roles at major health publications:
- Executive Editor at EatingWell (2010-present)
- Contributing Editor at Parents Magazine (2008-2015)
- Staff Writer at Self Magazine (2003-2008)
Her transition from general health reporting to specializing in evidence-based nutrition mirrors growing public demand for science-backed food journalism.
Defining Works
- "The #1 Habit to Break If You Have High Blood Pressure" (EatingWell, 2024)This 2,800-word investigative piece exemplifies Dreisbach's ability to synthesize emerging research on ultra-processed foods. By interviewing six leading cardiologists and analyzing NHANES dietary data, she revealed how 58% of Americans' daily calories come from foods containing industrial additives linked to hypertension. The article's "kitchen lab" section, where Dreisbach documented her week-long experiment replacing packaged foods with homemade alternatives, drove 42K social shares and inspired EatingWell's "Real Food Reset" series.
- "9 Pregnancy Fears and How to Calm Them" (Parents, 2013)Dreisbach's compassionate approach shines in this guide addressing maternal anxiety through nutritional interventions. Collaborating with OB/GYNs and dietitians, she debunked mercury-in-fish myths while providing trimester-specific meal plans. The article remains a top Google result for "pregnancy nutrition fears," demonstrating her SEO-aware content strategy.
- "Cognitive Enhancers for Managing Adult ADHD" (Hone Health, 2023)Showcasing her adaptability across platforms, this deep dive into nutraceuticals combined clinical trial analysis with firsthand accounts from 12 patients. Dreisbach's nuanced take on supplement regulation influenced Hone Health's decision to launch third-party testing for all recommended products.
Beat Analysis & Pitching Guidance
1. Focus on Preventative Nutrition Strategies
Dreisbach prioritizes proactive health measures over disease treatment narratives. Her EatingWell series on "Food as Medicine" demonstrates particular interest in:
- Gut microbiome research
- Anti-inflammatory diets
- Blood sugar management techniques
"The best nutrition stories help readers build lifelong habits, not chase quick fixes."
2. Bridge Clinical Research & Home Kitchens
Successful pitches should include both academic credentials and practical applications. Her Parents Magazine piece on lunchbox safety paired USDA food handling guidelines with microwave sterilization hacks used by school cafeteria staff.
3. Demographic-Specific Approaches
Dreisbach avoids one-size-fits-all nutrition advice. Note her Hone Health article differentiating cognitive enhancers for perimenopausal women versus young adults with ADHD.
Pitching Do's & Don'ts
- DO lead with peer-reviewed studies published within 18 months
- DO suggest diverse expert sources (dietitians, food scientists, policy makers)
- DON'T propose product-centric stories without clinical trial data
- DON'T pitch restrictive diets without addressing accessibility
- DO highlight community health angles for systemic issues
Awards & Industry Recognition
- James Beard Foundation Journalism Award (2018) - Recognized for her EatingWell series decoding FDA labeling regulations
- ASME National Magazine Award Finalist (2015) - For Parents Magazine's "Raising Healthy Eaters" initiative
- Molina Healthcare Media Champion (2021) - Honored for improving health literacy in rural communities
