Lauren Gustafson, RD

Hi there! I’m Lauren, a dietitian and a certified personal trainer who joined the field because I love food! Growing up with a tumultuous relationship with food and my body sparked my passion for helping others break free from restrictive diet rules and rediscover the joy of eating. My mission is to guide you toward a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, where nourishment replaces restriction, and well-being takes center stage.

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Like many dietitians, I once believed that nutrition was all about “eating less” and “eating right,” and I thought weight and health were one and the same. This mindset led me down a path where food became stressful and complicated. But as I started working with clients, I quickly realized that this approach wasn’t effective. Focusing on weight and rigid diets turned food into something anxiety-inducing rather than a source of nourishment and self-care.

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Over time, I learned that food is so much more than just fuel, and strict diet rules only create more stress. I came to understand that the true goal of health is to improve your quality of life. If food and eating are causing stress, then they’re not serving that goal. I saw how obsessing over the scale can actually hinder healthy behaviors and contribute to the growing epidemic of eating disorders and disordered eating. This shifted my perspective: my role as a dietitian is not just to educate on nutrition, but to help people develop a positive relationship with food—one that’s rooted in nourishment, enjoyment, and trust in their own body’s wisdom.

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This realization led me to dive into intuitive eating, mindful eating, and Health at Every Size®—approaches that promote body acceptance and well-being without the need for restrictive diets. These philosophies have transformed the way I work with clients and approach my own relationship with food.