Picture of Kayla Girgen

👋 Howdy, I’m Kayla an online dietitian and founder of LIFe – Lose It Forever. I recognize how simple nutrition strategies and sustainable habits create the foundation for any weight loss journey. Simple = Success!

My mission is to debunk common nutrition and weight loss myths like “calories are king” and “carbs are the enemy.” I created the LIFe program to set the record straight and empower women who want to improve their lives – inside and out.

In helping women think differently about food, I provide a framework to create individualized solutions for optimizing metabolism and ditching the all-or-nothing mindset for good.

With science-backed strategies for managing blood sugar, appetite, and habits, you’ll no longer white-knuckle it through days, weeks, and months to achieve the results you desire. Being healthy doesn’t have to be hard.

Through the LIFe program and my practical approach to nutrition, you’ll find solutions to remodel your mindset, makeover your metabolism, and boost motivation for the long haul.

Trust me, I’ve been there

Growing up, I was overweight, uncomfortable, and insecure.

I hid in oversized basketball jerseys, and to this day, I still hate the grab of a snug, fitted shirt.

I became keenly aware of my size in elementary school as I shopped in the boys’ husky section, nearly in tears. I found solace in mini frozen pizzas, ice cream, and carbs. There was nothing food couldn’t soothe.

Fast forward to high school, and I was restricting like a champ. During lunch, I smoked cigarettes and left campus to deliver Meals On Wheels and avoid the temptation of Italian dunkers and chicken patties altogether.

Throughout adulthood, these back-and-forth, all-or-nothing tendencies continued. From carrot sticks and cardio to booze and bingeing – one extreme to the other. I couldn’t find peace with my on-again, off-again relationship with food and myself.

While my relationship with food (and myself) is much improved, it’s a work in progress. Self-awareness and daily disciplines (habits) are paramount to my – and your – success.

So please understand that, yes, I am a dietitian, but I am not the food police. I know the mental tug-of-war, and this is why I am driven to walk alongside you to find peace with your body and food.

Education & Credentials

  • I graduated summa cum laude from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics.
  • I was one of eight applicants chosen for a competitive dietetic internship with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
  • I’m a nationally-accredited Registered Dietitian and have been recognized and presented for the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • I’ve been an ACE-certified Personal Trainer since 2013.
  • I have been featured in the following outlets. For a full list of media contributions, check out this Pinterest board.

In my free time

I am a Midwestern girl at heart, and even though I can’t drive a tractor, some of my fondest memories involve sitting proudly on the uncomfortable little half-seat admiring the neatly planted rows and machinery.

I love to read, hike, and bike in my home state of Minnesota, and I’m blessed to have married my best friend, adventure, and business partner, Jeremy.

Jeremy and I live in central Minnesota and enjoy all the #lakelife has to offer. We love visiting craft breweries and beachcombing on the shores of Lake Superior for sea glass and “treasures.”

I hope you’ll stick around for real-world weight loss advice, healthy recipes, and tips for living your best LIFe! For more dietitian-approved advice, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Thank you for stopping by!

Yours truly,

Blog-Signature 1 Use

Helping women after bariatric surgery lose weight without eating “perfect.” Learn how to balance blood sugar & optimize your “tool” today! Apply to learn more!

This post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase through any of the links, there is no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small (and very appreciated) commission. Thank you for your support!

2 thoughts on “About

  1. Kayla,
    I am so glad I found you here and was so sad that you were not at your prior job to see me on my one year anniversary of my VSG. You are one of the reasons that I have been successful and look forward to still connecting here. I love your site and am passing it on to all my family to follow.
    I hope we can continue to connect and wish you a very Merry Christmas.
    Gwen Kunkel

    1. Gwen! Happy one-year surgiversary!!! I am so happy you found me, and I appreciate the kind words! I will send you an email with my contact info! 😅 Kayla

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *