hi there!
I’m Karen
As a licensed dietitian and certified care & education specialist, my job is to help people get healthier . . . but it’s also a personal mission. I am fighting the blood sugar and weight battles for myself and my family as well.
When I was 12 my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but I never really understood the struggles he was going through until later when I started learning about diabetes in college. That’s when I knew I wanted to specialize in diabetes, so I could help him and others better manage diabetes.
I have several family members with diabetes and over the years I have seen them go through physical and emotional suffering from uncontrolled blood sugars.
I also have experienced some of those challenges when I had gestational diabetes over 25 years ago. That’s when I realized food is really the hardest part! Now I am living with prediabetes and am trying my best to prevent type 2 diabetes.
For almost 30 years I have been working in clinics and coaching programs, and have helped thousands of patients resolve their diabetes & nutrition problems.
In 2022, I decided to start offering my strategies online in order to help people get results with less medication and more nutrition, focusing on weight loss, diabetes and gut health.
Why these 3? When it comes to type 2 diabetes, for most people the underlying cause is extra body fat weight around the middle. And an unhealthy gut is often a root cause of weight gain. And if you don’t fix the root cause, the problem will keep coming back right?
So that led me to begin my journey of an intensive 3 year certification program in Integrative & Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. This approach combined with my expertise in diabetes allows me to develop very personalized solutions for those wanting weight loss, better blood sugars or relief from digestive problems.
Many people shy away from meeting with a dietitian because they think we will judge them on their food choices and tell them to stop eating their favorite foods.
That is not my style. I am not the food police and I certainly don’t eat perfectly either.
My approach is to take time to listen to your concerns, assess your situation, and then work WITH you to create a personalized plan. Then we work the plan, problem solve along the way, and achieve your wellness goals.
I would love the opportunity to help you in your wellness journey.
If you or your organization would like to chat more about my services, I invite you to schedule a call with me. Just hit the Book a Call button or click on the Contact page!
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Book a free call with Karen to see if her program fits what you are looking for!
Fun Facts About Me
I bet you didn’t know:
I am blessed to be mother of 2 adult children and 2 beautiful grandchildren!
I grew up in the midwest farm country of Iowa and Minnesota and love country life!
My favorite food is ice cream and I still have not mastered portion control on this one!
My favorite weekend mini-vacation is going to the North Shore of Lake Superior to hike and watch the waves crash against the rocks!
I enjoy bible study, spending time with family, gardening, playing tennis when I get a chance, trying new recipes, visiting breweries, and a good cup of coffee. (I’m doing my best to practice moderation with the food, beer and coffee!)
My Education & Training
- RDN, LD, CDCES which means Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Dietitian (in Minnesota and South Dakota), and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
- graduated from Viterbo College in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in community-medical dietetics
- 29 years of work experience in a variety of settings including clinical, community programs, health coaching, and developing successful diabetes and nutrition programs from the ground up
- training and experience in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy
- Certified Leap Therapist for MRT & food sensitivities
- Integrative & Functional Nutrition training
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