welcome

Kristina Cooke, RD

On one side of my family, I spent my childhood years surrounded by addiction and abuse. On the other side, I had warmth and love that fostered the path I took to walk alongside others their healing journey. All of it brought me here.

Growing up, my diet was mostly microwaved hot dogs and melted cheese on Weber’s bread. My food pattern was devoid of veggies, and often was a product of finding quarters in my dad’s couch then heading to the McDonald’s or gas station next door. Although I loved food, “nutrition” wasn’t a word in my food vocabulary.

my approach

I believe in a holistic approach

My method in working with clients to lower their A1c includes focusing on the 3 E's:

I provide the most current, scientifically-sound information to help you learn the skills to lower your A1c for good.

Educate

Empathize

Empathy is one of my greatest values. Together, we transmute the shame into healing.

Empower

Once you have the skills and we've worked together to troubleshoot your unique barriers, you feel empowered. You'll know how to choose foods anywhere, and still lower your blood sugars!

my story

Get to know me!

My first experiences with food were in the kitchen cooking German food with my grandmother, or as I'd call her, my Oma. Each morning I’d wake up and run down stairs to be her sous chef. With my mini blue and red rolling pin, I'd beg to participate in any part I could. She’d allow me to roll out bits of dough, grind the toasted hazelnuts for her torte, or press the button on the mixer to beat egg foams. Scents of hearty stews and roasting plum cakes filled our kitchen each day, along with copious amounts of laughter and story-telling. The kitchen was the soul of our home, and a place so many of my favorite memories were made. My Oma’s love and these moments together are a big part of why I am a dietitian today.

At age 17, I joined the high school dance and drill team, which was a sort of catalyst for what would be my career in dietetics. I became fascinated by learning the way food could impact the body, and ultimately my life. It was then that I had my mind set on becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Healing from the adversity I faced early on in life started with nutrition, and now I have the honor of walking alongside those who are on a similar journey.

My education + certifications

  • Bachelors degree in Nutrition

  • Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Working towards Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist certification

  • Over 5 years of experience, including years working in several well-known Los Angeles hospitals.

recipes

A few of my favorites

Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote

I love this cheesecake, because it is low sugar (less than 1/2 cup added sugars for the ENTIRE recipe - including the blueberry compote), has added fiber...

Roasted Acorn Squash and Farro 

This warm dish is the perfect autumn meal - sweet and chewy bites of dried cranberry and balsamic reduction mingle with the savory crunch of pepitas and creamy roasted squash!

Almond Butter Banana Pancakes

I'd like to share my pancake recipe with y'all! Happy eating, friends.

Let’s work together!

your goals are my goals

There are many paths to the same destination. Let’s find the best one for you!

testimonials

what my clients have to say...

  • “My biggest win is lowering my blood sugar from 17 mmol (first diagnosis) to 6.9 mmol (3 months later). At diagnosis my HBA1c was 11%, 3 months later it was 7.2% and as of today it’s 7% !!! Couldn’t have done it without your help Kristina.

    (UPDATE) This is the path of my a1c from diagnosis to now -> 11 to 7.2 to 7 to 6.5.

    I am able to properly plan my meals as well as indulge in all kinds of food while still being able to keep my sugar readings under target as well as changing my mindset when I have a high reading... I am able to enjoy eating out at restaurants and having cultural foods without it worrying how it will effect my blood sugar.

    Do it! You will have no regrets. Kristina's approach to food and nutrition while managing your diabetes just makes a world of sense. She will never tell you to cut anything out of your diet, she will encourage you to eat what you love. She will work with you and show you how to pair the foods you love so that you can enjoy them guilt free!!

    -Loukia

  • November 2022 - 14% A1C, bgl after 2 hour meal was 400

    December 2022- 9.8% A1C, fasting 105 bgl

    February 2022 - 5.9%!!!!! 😃 A1C, fasting 90 bgl

    Overall cholesterol has gone down from 190 to 90

    After starting your program, implementing good habits, and feeling confident to incorporate certain foods back in my life (portion size and correct paring of macronutrients) I have felt less anxious and restricted. I'm enjoying my meals and making food choices doesn't feel like a losing battle

    -Anonymous

  • “When I started with Kristina my A1C was 8.7. By working with Kristina and learning, I am happy to report my A1C has improved to 5.9! My doctors are amazed by this improvement. I am amazed by this as well. I was frustrated and sought out a different approach to managing my blood sugar and diabetes.

    I had used dieticians before but they were all the same: "You can't eat carbs!" It was no way to live. Kristina educated me on blood sugar and what impacts it. She also taught me how to combine foods in order to limit/lessen sugar spikes. This was so key as it allowed me to enjoy some of the foods that I really love. She made it fun and easy. I owe this improvement to Kristina who educated me and gave me the tools to manage my blood sugar in a practical and sustainable manner.”

    -Mike

  • “Hola! I had my Endocrinologist appointment this morning! It was a great appointment:

    1. A1c is at 5.3

    2. Doctor approved my decision of not taking medication- YAY!!!!

    3. Lost 15 pounds since last appointment for a total of 67 pounds in the last 8 months! Yuhuuuuuu!!!

    4. Doctor was very happy to hear that I am working with you and that I am doing more exercises

    5. Next Appt in 3 months!

    THANK YOU! I would not have all this improvements without your support and knowledge! 👏🏻🥰🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

    My lifestyle has completely changed for the better! For the first time, I feel totally in control and have a whole new outlook on life. Kristina Cooke is an outstanding professional, she has a touching of compassion and dedication to her clients and that makes all the difference. I am thrilled to be able to say that I worked with her. Highly recommended!

    -María Agosto

  • “My blood sugar readings and A1c improved significantly. I went down from a 9 A1c to a 6.4. I learned how to pair my food and the benefits of pairing, that was so instrumental to my numbers decreasing. Do it. The support and level of information that you will receive will make all the difference. This is hard and with Kristina's support I didn't feel alone.”

    -Anonymous

  • "I just wanted you to know that I got my latest A1c results back today and it came down from 10.1 at my last test to 6.4 and I could actually cry right now. Thank you for everything."

    -Anonymous

  • “You will learn so much from Kristina! Other members of the collaborative are so supportive and they will ask questions that you didn't even know you had!

    July 28th - A1C was 8.5 - that is when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. 3 month check up on October 28th - A1C was 5.5!!!!! I was SO excited!! Thank you Kristina!”

    -Beth

  • “On 10/19 my a1c was 9.8, I started working with you in early December, and yesterday my a1c was 7.3 so that feels like I’m definitely going in the right direction. I see my doctor Friday for a checkup about it and I'm glad I am working with you because I don’t think my numbers would look any different if I wasn’t. I’m excited that I’m going downward and it hasn’t quite been two months of working with you yet!”

    -Katie