By Nicolette Helling & photojournalists Jeff Ernewein & Carrie Kohlmeier, FOX 21 News

DULUTH - Emily Erickson is devoted to helping others plan a healthier life, and with her new business Nutritional Balance, she plans to do just that.

"As a society I think we eat too much food that is higher in fat, higher in sodium, but it's the convenience that we're getting those calories from," said Erickson.

"Everything we as a society, we as a nation, we as individuals do, seems to circle around food."

Because food is so central in American life, Erickson wanted to learn how to help people with their every day choices.

So she spent six years studying nutrition and now works one on one with clients who are hoping to make a change.

"We're busy people, we work a lot," said Erickson. "We choose to get food on the go rather than take five to ten minutes to prepare it ourselves."

Emily sends a clear message: understanding just how important nutrition is, could change your life.

That's what happened for Diane Smith, who says mindless eating after a stressful day was her downfall.

"All of a sudden the bag of potato chips was gone and where did it go?" said Smith.

In her sessions with Erickson, Smith says she's learned to be more aware of what she chooses to put in her mouth.

And it's paying off.

"I can tell, just by the way I'm feeling when I haven't been eating right," said Smith.

Part of Erickson's business is making sure her clients know where to find nutritious foods.

That's why she takes them grocery shopping.

For people with special dietary needs, Erickson can help with meal plans.

She'll even go so far as to show up at your house.

"I do home pantry makeovers where I will come to your house and will clean out your pantry with you and show you the good, the bad, the ugly," said Erickson.

When asked to share her top nutrition secrets, Erickson said hydration is key.

You should drink 50 to 80 ounces of water a day, she says, and eat from all of the five different food groups daily.

What does Erickson say about sweets?

They're fine in moderation.

That means no more than three desserts a week.

"My grandchildren, when they come to my house they're like, 'where are all the goodies?' and many of them are gone," said Smith.

Smith says she will continue to work with Erickson until she feels confident in her ability to plan for better health.

"Nutrition is something that is going to make you feel good. It's going to keep your health, it's going to help with longevity. It's, in a nutshell, one of the most important things we owe to ourselves," said Erickson.

Emily Erickson, who is also a member of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants, said she doesn't like to use the word diet - she says, deciding on better nutrition has to be a lifestyle change.

Nutritional Balance is located at:
132 East Superior Street, Second Floor
Duluth, MN 55804
218-260-6913
nutrionalbalancemn@gmail.com