Kate Manzke
At Your Life Nutrition (YLN), Kate Manzke has already worked with clientele ranging from a client seeking help with sports nutrition to a couple over 80 looking for general nutrition guidance. She loves that she can practice in a setting that gives her the freedom and resources to meet clients where they’re at and customize resources to help them achieve their nutrition goals.
Kate’s interest in nutrition and dietetics started when she was 12 and struggled with an eating disorder. While in recovery she realized “how important and fragile our relationship with food can be and how much she didn’t know about nutrition.” The human aspect of culture and connection that comes with food added to her intrigue in dietetics. Going into her undergraduate studies at California State Polytechnic University, Kate knew she wanted to be a professional who knows how to help others nourish themselves in a way that suits their lifestyles and bodies.
She did just that by earning her Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and RDN certification after completing her intern hours and passing her RDN exams in April 2022.
From playing softball when she was in grade school to volleyball in high school, track and cross country in college, and now an avid long distance runner, Kate naturally gravitated towards sports and performance nutrition as a specialty. Kate loves working in this specialty as she appreciates the athlete mindset. “it is so unique to work with because there is already a drive and motivation that is innately part of the athlete. Most athletes will do a lot for their sport and to become as good at their sport as they can.”
Still very early on in her career, Kate is also exploring eating disorders and prenatal nutrition as potential specialties.
Although Kate recently assumed the role of RDN at YLN, she has been a part of the YLN team for a decade now, working as an administrative assistant and carrying out her private practice rotation for her RDN certification under Nancy King. After allowing herself to look into working at other practices, Kate decided to stay because she appreciates the ability to dedicate time to get to know her clients and their nutrition concerns to promote lasting change. This isn’t possible in all nutrition counseling settings.
In addition, Kate loves the collaborative atmosphere of YLN where the dietitians can count on each other for insight, resources, wise counsel, as well as solid support. “There’s so much experience and knowledge here. Often it’s helpful to have an extra set of eyes on our work and we provide that for each other here.”
One of Kate’s favorite parts about working at YLN is the Craftsman house that serves as their office. Kates admires that, “Nancy has built a literal example of what Your Life Nutrition is, in a house, with different conversations happening. It’s unpredictable and real in such a good way.” This kind of open and genuine character is what Kate embodies in her practice, meeting clients where they are at and providing them with the best possible care without judgment.
Click here to learn more about Kate’s nutrition philosophy.