McKel Kooienga

McKel Kooienga is a Registered Dietitian, author, and the founder of Nutrition Stripped®. For over a decade, she has assisted individuals in moving away from restrictive diets toward a mindful approach to food and body connection. Kooienga developed the Mindful Nutrition Method™, a structured method combining nutritional science with principles of mindfulness and self-compassion. This method is designed to support the development of sustainable healthy habits and to foster a calm and confident relationship with food. Her work has been featured across various media platforms such as Oprah.com, Bon Appétit, Food Network, and Women’s Health, reaching a global audience.

Kooienga holds a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from The Ohio State University. Her master’s thesis focused on Dietitian Practitioners’ Knowledge, Behaviors, and Practices Regarding Dietary Supplements. She is recognized as an RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) and LDN (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist) and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her professional development also includes training in Mindful Self Compassion (MSC), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Wellcoaches Behavioral Coaching. Additionally, she has pursued training in The Power Of Awareness by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, and The Science and Art of Herbalism by Rosemary Gladstar, alongside being a long-time student of mindfulness meditation.

As the CEO of Nutrition Stripped, McKel Kooienga has expanded her platform from a foundational blog into a comprehensive wellness resource, providing courses, recipes, and educational materials. She not only works directly with individuals but also trains health and nutrition professionals, supporting other dietitians and healthcare providers in integrating mindful nutrition practices into their work. This initiative aims to cultivate a community dedicated to a compassionate and present approach to nutrition and overall well-being.