Karen Behnke, RD

Funny story about myself... I originally went to college to become a nurse. One of my nursing classes was in nutrition. Being a dietitian, you think, “no brainier, that I loved the class and became a dietitian, right? Wrong. I disliked the class; and I started to dislike nursing as well. During this time, I had been overweight and not healthy. I had a lot of health issues such as: insulant resistant/PCOS, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I decided to change my diet and my life style. I ate well and exercised. I lost weight and most of my health issues improved and or resolved. Because of this, I wanted to become a dietitian. “If I could do this, and feel so good about myself,” “I could/can help others like me.” So, when I say, “I understand what you are going through, I truly understand.”

I have been a dietitian for the past 21 years. I have graduated from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and completed my graduate degree at Benedictine University with a Maters in Public Health. I hold Suma Cuma Lauda both in undergrad and grad school.

I have received numerous awards in my nutrition profession such as: Outstanding Nutrition Performance award; West Suburban, Illinois and American Dietetic Outstanding student award. I have also been awarded “Dedication as a Renal dietitian for two years in a row. Lastly, my new path has led me to be certified in Functional Nutrition.

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On a personal note, when I am not working you can find me traveling, hiking, gardening, glamping, cooking, and taking care of diabetic 10-year-old black lab, Max. This has been interesting in managing his food and insulin based on his needs.