About Nutrition Untapped

What you can expect to find

After years of working as a registered dietitian and health coach in retail and clinical weight management, there is one common theme I have noticed among my most successful patients. Those who include foods (and drinks) they love find weight management EASIER and more sustainable.

I was inspired to start this blog to show others that it IS possible to achieve your weight loss and wellness goals without sacrificing your social life – or beer – or wine – or anything fun for that matter!

Whether it’s losing that last ten pounds, moving more, or being a healthy host and role model for your family, you are in the right place. At Nutrition Untapped, you will find practical wellness tips, dietitian-developed recipes, and more intended to help you harmonize your life while enjoying all the things you love!

Give up the “all or nothing” mindset

After several years of working in weight management, I noticed many clients claimed to be either “on the wagon” or “off the wagon” when they described their diet. I related. This black and white way of thinking was all too familiar to me too.

From carrot sticks and cardio to booze and bingeing. One extreme to the other. I pursued a degree in dietetics and still, the struggle was real. If I lacked this so-called “will power” and didn’t fit the mold for the epitome of health, then how could I help others?

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. 

– Homer Simpson

Balance: The secret weapon

After years – and years – I realized the missing ingredient was BALANCE. Once I realized that I could enjoy a salad, a beer, and a pizza all within the same meal, life got easier… Not to mention a hell of a lot more enjoyable!

Eliminating “good” and “bad” foods from your language and way of thinking is not easy. Finding equilibrium between broccoli, beer, pizza, tacos, and tequila {Mmmmm} TAKES TIME.

Furthermore, finding physical activity you look forward to is a crucial component to overall wellness. Exercise, like eating, should be ENJOYABLE. You shouldn’t “earn” your food, drinks, or calories through exercise, but instead, should find strength and empowerment during this precious time that is solely YOURS.

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Meet Kayla

Hi, I am Kayla Girgen, Registered Dietitian and Founder of Nutrition Untapped. My husband Jeremy and I live in central Minnesota and enjoy all the #lakelife has to offer. We enjoy hosting friends and family at our little lake oasis, and I love planning healthy meals for everyone to enjoy.

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Together, Jeremy and I love to travel to craft breweries and sample new beers {raise your hand if you’re a sucker for hazy IPAs like me!}. I have been blessed to have married my best friend and adventure partner.

Nature is my happy place, and I especially love quality time on the Superior Hiking Trail {pictured below}. I am a novice backpacker and enjoy the great outdoors through paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, you name it! I particularly love these activities followed by an ice cold beer. 🙂

If you follow me on my social feeds {links below}, you may come to learn my love of cats {yes – crazy cat lady here!} is equivalent to my hankering for a good hand-crafted cocktail like my favorite Skinny Minnesota Mule {seriously, Jeremy and I enjoy these on a weekly basis!}.

I hope you find balance and the healthy, home-cooked recipes you’ve been looking for. If you have any feedback or would like to connect/collaborate, I would love to learn more. You can reach me at [email protected]

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

In good health,

Kayla
Registered Dietitian & Beer Snob

Education & Credentials

• B.S. in Dietetics from Minnesota State University-Mankato, Minnesota
• Dietetic internship and supervised clinical practice completed at Mayo Clinic-Rochester, Minnesota
• Nationally-accredited Registered Dietitian
• ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer since 2013
• Special Interests: Weight Management, Culinary Nutrition

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