Brendel is a registered dietitian nutritionist who has been asked a plethora of questions while working with with thousands of clients. She loves translating what people hear "on the street" into information that they can use to make a decision about their lifestyle. She focuses her practice on counselling, educating, and empowering her clients. In her writing, Brendel aims to bring her practical experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist to the public.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Brendel completed her dietetic internship at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. She then completed her Master's degree at Kansas University Medical Center where she focused her attention on childhood obesity research. With the goal of providing excellent patient care, Brendel earned advanced certifications in nutrition support and diabetes care. She has experience working in nutrition support, primary care nutrition, and obesity research. After working at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, Brendel is now back home in Baltimore and counsels patients in her practice, Brendel Plonka RDN.