Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in Cottage Grove, MN
Healing often requires exploring beyond conventional methods, which is where functional and integrative nutrition comes in. Due to my own health challenges, I was compelled to seek a new approach to healing. What I’ve learned through nutrition has made me passionate about helping others who face struggles like disordered eating, inflammation, and gut dysfunction. I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experiences, and I continue to learn so that others may heal and rediscover balance in their lives.
Healing often requires exploring beyond conventional methods, which is where functional and integrative nutrition comes in. Due to my own health challenges, I was compelled to seek a new approach to healing. What I’ve learned through nutrition has made me passionate about helping others who face struggles like disordered eating, inflammation, and gut dysfunction. I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experiences, and I continue to learn so that others may heal and rediscover balance in their lives.
For nearly 10 years, my body rebelled against my conventional low-fat, convenience food diet with IBS, intense anxiety, constant cravings, and chronic knee pain (all before the age of 25!). It wasn't until I learned about the healing power of a real food, anti-inflammatory diet and discovered some food sensitivities that I saw a dramatic relief in my digestive and joint symptoms, plus an improvement in how my brain functioned. Now, I am passionate about helping others find their own relief, breakthroughs, and successes in their journey of healing using simple, nutritious foods!
For nearly 10 years, my body rebelled against my conventional low-fat, convenience food diet with IBS, intense anxiety, constant cravings, and chronic knee pain (all before the age of 25!). It wasn't until I learned about the healing power of a real food, anti-inflammatory diet and discovered some food sensitivities that I saw a dramatic relief in my digestive and joint symptoms, plus an improvement in how my brain functioned. Now, I am passionate about helping others find their own relief, breakthroughs, and successes in their journey of healing using simple, nutritious foods!
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
I also support clients in their health journey manage celiac disease, food allergies and sensitivities, planning family meals and raising healthy eaters, weight loss or maintenance, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.
All clients have a unique story to tell, I tailor my approach to fit the needs and goals of each client. I love to empower my clients to make better choices and to feel positive about the food choices they make and maintain every day.
I also support clients in their health journey manage celiac disease, food allergies and sensitivities, planning family meals and raising healthy eaters, weight loss or maintenance, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.
All clients have a unique story to tell, I tailor my approach to fit the needs and goals of each client. I love to empower my clients to make better choices and to feel positive about the food choices they make and maintain every day.
I specialize in comprehensive nutrition care for weight management, including sustainable weight loss and restorative weight gain, alongside medical nutrition therapy for malnutrition, high cholesterol, hypertension, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
Struggling through years of restrictive dieting and self-doubt, I know firsthand how exhausting the weight loss cycle can be. The frustration of doing “everything right” yet feeling stuck led me to question not just my habits—but the entire approach to nutrition.
That experience shaped my path as a dietitian. Today, I combine evidence-based nutrition science with a deep understanding of the emotional and behavioral patterns that influence how we eat. I believe lasting change doesn’t come from rigid rules or short-term fixes, but from building a sustainable, balanced relationship with food.
I specialize in comprehensive nutrition care for weight management, including sustainable weight loss and restorative weight gain, alongside medical nutrition therapy for malnutrition, high cholesterol, hypertension, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
Struggling through years of restrictive dieting and self-doubt, I know firsthand how exhausting the weight loss cycle can be. The frustration of doing “everything right” yet feeling stuck led me to question not just my habits—but the entire approach to nutrition.
That experience shaped my path as a dietitian. Today, I combine evidence-based nutrition science with a deep understanding of the emotional and behavioral patterns that influence how we eat. I believe lasting change doesn’t come from rigid rules or short-term fixes, but from building a sustainable, balanced relationship with food.
Morgan is a hard working and compassionate dietitian with 6 years of inpatient and outpatient experience. Morgan is willing to meet you where you are, creating interventions to align with your unique goals. Morgan provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling/interventions. Morgan's methods within sessions are non-judgemental, inclusive, and collaborative allowing the client to feel comfortable and vulnerable when sharing background, stories, etc. Morgan works with her clients to understand the “why” and establish individualized goals to support results.
Morgan is a hard working and compassionate dietitian with 6 years of inpatient and outpatient experience. Morgan is willing to meet you where you are, creating interventions to align with your unique goals. Morgan provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling/interventions. Morgan's methods within sessions are non-judgemental, inclusive, and collaborative allowing the client to feel comfortable and vulnerable when sharing background, stories, etc. Morgan works with her clients to understand the “why” and establish individualized goals to support results.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
I've experienced the healing power of nutrition firsthand, having struggled with insomnia, acne and regular migraines before I realized my diet was the culprit. I understand that an individualized approach is necessary to achieve the same kinds of results I experienced, which is why I am here to support, motivate and educate you the whole way so you too can experience the positive effects of nutrition. I find it extremely rewarding to see how nutrition can positively change people's lives. Let's get started on your success story.
I've experienced the healing power of nutrition firsthand, having struggled with insomnia, acne and regular migraines before I realized my diet was the culprit. I understand that an individualized approach is necessary to achieve the same kinds of results I experienced, which is why I am here to support, motivate and educate you the whole way so you too can experience the positive effects of nutrition. I find it extremely rewarding to see how nutrition can positively change people's lives. Let's get started on your success story.
Hi there! I'm Jess - exciting to find you here! I refer to the care I provide as "nutrition therapy" rather than "dietitian services" because that feels most authentic to me. I have specialty training in eating disorders and a background in mental health, so no matter what sort of support you're looking for this is a safe space to examine all of the factors impacting your eating behaviors. I practice from a "Health At Every Size"-informed lens and include topics of intuitive eating and social justice in the care I provide. My practice has included people of all ages, gender identities, racial backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
Hi there! I'm Jess - exciting to find you here! I refer to the care I provide as "nutrition therapy" rather than "dietitian services" because that feels most authentic to me. I have specialty training in eating disorders and a background in mental health, so no matter what sort of support you're looking for this is a safe space to examine all of the factors impacting your eating behaviors. I practice from a "Health At Every Size"-informed lens and include topics of intuitive eating and social justice in the care I provide. My practice has included people of all ages, gender identities, racial backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
Hi! I’m Lauren, your period dietitian. I help women in their 20s through early 40s regulate their periods, ease frustrating PMS, and boost their energy and fertility, so they can feel more like themselves again.
My clients are tired of extreme dieting, being told their labs are “normal” when they feel like trash, and that birth control is their only option to regulate hormones and manage symptoms until they want to get pregnant. I get it, which is why we do things a bit different around here.
Hi! I’m Lauren, your period dietitian. I help women in their 20s through early 40s regulate their periods, ease frustrating PMS, and boost their energy and fertility, so they can feel more like themselves again.
My clients are tired of extreme dieting, being told their labs are “normal” when they feel like trash, and that birth control is their only option to regulate hormones and manage symptoms until they want to get pregnant. I get it, which is why we do things a bit different around here.
After more than 30 years in the field, my passion for nutrition continues. Seeing a client find relief from pain and exhaustion is a joy! Plus, I can relate to their desperation to get their life back. In 2005 I put my knowledge of nutrition to the test when, two weeks after invasive back surgery I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly afterwards I discovered multiple food allergies. Once those were removed I stopped three prescription medications and feel better than I had in years. I absolutely love bringing that relief to clients!
After more than 30 years in the field, my passion for nutrition continues. Seeing a client find relief from pain and exhaustion is a joy! Plus, I can relate to their desperation to get their life back. In 2005 I put my knowledge of nutrition to the test when, two weeks after invasive back surgery I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly afterwards I discovered multiple food allergies. Once those were removed I stopped three prescription medications and feel better than I had in years. I absolutely love bringing that relief to clients!
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
I love to empower my clients through nutrition education, giving them the personalized tools and resources they need to optimize their health and well-being. My background in medical nutrition therapy allows me to integrate a clinical approach into realistic nutrition strategies to help you reach your goals. Specialties include healthy eating and wellness for adults, families and children; digestive health; food allergies and hypersensitivities; sports nutrition; weight loss and weight management, women's health from pregnancy through post-menopause; emotional eating and nutrition therapy for chronic diseases.
I love to empower my clients through nutrition education, giving them the personalized tools and resources they need to optimize their health and well-being. My background in medical nutrition therapy allows me to integrate a clinical approach into realistic nutrition strategies to help you reach your goals. Specialties include healthy eating and wellness for adults, families and children; digestive health; food allergies and hypersensitivities; sports nutrition; weight loss and weight management, women's health from pregnancy through post-menopause; emotional eating and nutrition therapy for chronic diseases.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
My clients are people who are looking for a cutting edge approach to nutrition and health. Whether your issue is wanting to lose weight, have more energy, sleep better or you are dealing with a more difficult health challenge, I am dedicated to assisting my clients with a proven track record of success.
My clients are people who are looking for a cutting edge approach to nutrition and health. Whether your issue is wanting to lose weight, have more energy, sleep better or you are dealing with a more difficult health challenge, I am dedicated to assisting my clients with a proven track record of success.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Ava’s ideal client is someone who is curious about nutrition and ready to make real, lasting changes. They want to break free from diets, rebuild their relationship with food, and learn to trust their body’s cues. They’re interested in hormone balance, gut health, anti-inflammatory eating, and sustainable habits that support energy and well-being. They value guidance, education, and accountability as they move toward intuitive eating, joyful movement, and long-term health.
Ava’s ideal client is someone who is curious about nutrition and ready to make real, lasting changes. They want to break free from diets, rebuild their relationship with food, and learn to trust their body’s cues. They’re interested in hormone balance, gut health, anti-inflammatory eating, and sustainable habits that support energy and well-being. They value guidance, education, and accountability as they move toward intuitive eating, joyful movement, and long-term health.
At Cultivate, we are honored to hold space for clients who are finding life a little bit hard. We value client-centered care, creativity, continuous education (for ourselves and our clients), and feeling connected within our practice, the community, and ourselves. We have a particular passion for working with adolescents and young adults, and bridging the gap between higher levels of care and real-life experiences. We specialize in age-appropriate guidance for those balancing mental health concerns with their first steps into adulthood.
At Cultivate, we are honored to hold space for clients who are finding life a little bit hard. We value client-centered care, creativity, continuous education (for ourselves and our clients), and feeling connected within our practice, the community, and ourselves. We have a particular passion for working with adolescents and young adults, and bridging the gap between higher levels of care and real-life experiences. We specialize in age-appropriate guidance for those balancing mental health concerns with their first steps into adulthood.
Specialties include Weight management, Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, and Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Hormonal Imbalances, Digestive Problems (IBS, IBD), GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Michaela is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft. She strongly believes that making healthy, sustainable, and nourishing choices take time and a strong partnership between the client and herself. Changes can be difficult and you need a caring partner to help you through them and make them fun. Michaela firmly stands by the idea that being healthy not only includes nutrition, but our mental and physical health as well. Everyone is unique and Michaela believes that nutrition is not one size fits all and she works to create personalized nutrition care for each individual to result in long-lasting change.
Specialties include Weight management, Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, and Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Hormonal Imbalances, Digestive Problems (IBS, IBD), GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Michaela is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft. She strongly believes that making healthy, sustainable, and nourishing choices take time and a strong partnership between the client and herself. Changes can be difficult and you need a caring partner to help you through them and make them fun. Michaela firmly stands by the idea that being healthy not only includes nutrition, but our mental and physical health as well. Everyone is unique and Michaela believes that nutrition is not one size fits all and she works to create personalized nutrition care for each individual to result in long-lasting change.
Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood that is essential for forming healthy cells and ensuring regular body functions. Although cholesterol often has a negative reputation, it plays a crucial role in our health. There are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The balance between these types is more important than eliminating cholesterol entirely. In general HDL is considered to be the "good" form of cholesterol, while LDL is considered to be the "bad" form associated with conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with high levels of LDL cholesterol circulating in their blood are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as a result of plaque build-up on the interior of the body's arteries.
How does diet affect cholesterol?
While many individuals with high cholesterol are prescribed medications to help lower their levels, lifestyle changes—especially dietary modifications—are considered the first line of treatment. Reducing the consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, helps lower cholesterol. Conversely, consuming sufficient fiber, healthy fats (like those found in salmon and nuts), and low-fat proteins can help lower LDL levels and improve cardiovascular health.
What diet is best if you have high cholesterol?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to lowering blood cholesterol levels. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce cholesterol levels; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats that such diets can include.
Why is it useful to see a dietitian if you have high cholesterol?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so consulting a dietitian if you have high cholesterol can be greatly beneficial. They can help construct a diet that lowers cholesterol and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians can assist clients in identifying foods that are low in cholesterol and those that support overall health. They can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support blood cholesterol reduction, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with high cholesterol, such as kidney conditions, diabetes, and heart disease.