Your Weight Management Experts

What sets us apart from almost all other nutrition programs is that here at St. Petersburg Nutrition we are a team of Registered Dietitian’s (RD) who are licensed to practice in the state of Florida. We also have advanced certifications in exercise. The combination of being a Registered Dietitian and having specialty certifications in exercise allows us to specialize in helping people lose weight, gain weight, improve body composition and athletic performance. 

St. Petersburg Nutrition Team: Brenda Fikry and Jeff Cervero

QUESTION: So, what is the difference between “Nutritionist?” and “Dietitian”

ANSWER: Simply put, a lot. A “Nutritionist” is  someone giving advice on what to eat, but does not likely have any formal education or accreditations. A “Dietitian” refers to a highly educated, accredited and registered nutrition professional that meets the following criterion:

  • Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
  • Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website at www.cdrnet.org.
  • Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
  • Holds a state License (LD) from – in our case, the Florida Department of Health – to practice nutrition in the State
We are EXPERTS in:
  • Weight Management – including weight loss, weight gain and maintenance
  • Exercise
  • Metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Body Composition
  • Adolescent Nutrition
  • Sport Nutrition for Athletic Performance
  • Motivation
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy – nutrition to help medical conditions
  • Behavior Change
  • Confidence Building
  • Last, but certainly not least, prevention!

Meet the Team!

I have had the privilege of spending the last 13 years of my career in health and nutrition helping people lose weight, get off/reduce their prescription medications, gain more confidence and energy, lower stress levels, improve blood glucose levels and, most importantly, regain control over their health with proven long-term results.  

My background blends the gold standard in education (MS), experience and credentials in both dietetics (Registered Dietitian) and fitness (Certified Exercise Physiologist) with real-life experience. Prior to St. Petersburg Nutrition, I ran wellness and weight loss programs for major insurance companies, where I helped thousands of individuals meet their health and weight loss goals. I am dedicated in providing truly personalized, empowering, expert nutrition education and coaching tailored to your unique circumstances.

My approach is about progress, not perfection. Contact us to learn how easy we can make nutrition for you, and to start feeling your best self!

Credentials and Affiliations: 

  • Masters of Science in Dietetics (MS) 
  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) – Commission on Dietetic Registration #01013797 
  • Licensed Dietitian (LD) – Florida Department of Health #ND6043 
  • ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) – American College of Sports Medicine #611834 
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Member 
  • Suncoast Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Member 

Fun Fact: Brenda is a total foodie! She will travel anywhere in the world to learn more about and try different cultural cuisines. Her favorite places to travel are based on her favorite cuisines are Italy and Costa Rica. Next on her wish list – Japan! 

Hello, I’m Jeff! I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 26 years of experience. I have a passion for helping and inspiring people to reach their optimum health through nutrition and fitness. I love teaching healthy lifestyle change to help one achieve personal weight loss and body composition goals.

I have helped thousands of people reach their goals at both private and corporate levels. In my early studies at the University of Wisconsin, I worked extensively with the athletic department to develop an elite sport nutrition program that helped fuel the Wisconsin football team to their first Rose Bowl win in school history! I have also designed and taught nutrition, wellness, and stress management programs treating and preventing chronic diseases to patients and doctors across the country.

I believe all great achievements begin with positive thinking and aligning healthy habits instead of strict diet restrictions. I will create a customized nutrition plan for you which will focus on results and will last you a lifetime. Contact us today to learn how easy we can make nutrition for you and reach your goals once and for all!

Credentials and Affiliations: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics–University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD, RDN)–Commission on Dietetic Registration#825386
  • Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)–Florida Department of Health #ND 8002
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)–National Strength and Conditioning Association #954223
  • Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association–Member
  • International Society of Sports Nutrition–Member
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association-Member

Fun Fact: Jeff is a former competitive weight lifter. He is a seven-time Florida State champion and held a world record with a 660 lb. dead lift in the 198 lb. class!