Michaela Brands

About Michaela

Hello and welcome! I am a health at every size (HAES)-informed registered dietitian passionate and dedicated to helping individuals and families develop sustainable, flexible and intuitive relationships with food and body. I practice from the standpoint that food is fuel and meant to nourish us but there are also many other aspects of food that are equally important including social connection, cultural diversity, and personal enjoyment. I have experience in acute clinical care, oncology care and the treatment of eating disorders for adults and adolescents at the residential, IOP (intensive outpatient program) and outpatient level of care. I have also worked with high school sports teams to integrate flexible and intuitive relationships with food and body in the context of sports nutrition. I am passionate about meeting folks where they are at and helping you define what health means to you.

Approach to care

In our work together you can expect a non-judgmental space to challenge food and weight bias and practice self-compassion as you navigate what health means to you. I take a gentle, compassionate and direct approach to nutrition care while drawing on principles of intuitive eating to help you find a more peaceful relationship with food and body. My food philosophy is "all foods fit" which means we will challenge judgements around food that are holding you back from truly enjoying all of your favorite foods while incorporating variety, balance and adequacy with food intake. I am dedicated to practicing anti-diet, weight-neutral care. I invite you to come as you are in this journey and am excited to get to know you!

Your first session with Michaela

In our first session together you can expect a non-judgmental space where we will get to know each other. We will start by discussing your nutrition goals while emphasizing a weight neutral, anti-diet approach to care. We will also review your medical history while acknowledging there are many systemic factors that influence our health and relationship with food and body. We will work together to create a plan that aligns with your life, goals and values to create sustainable change while leaning into self-compassion. Over time we will aim to find a more peaceful and balanced relationship with food while working towards body trust and respect.

Location

📍 Minneapolis, Minnesota

Education

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Hobbies

Yoga, hiking, running, walking/playing with my pup Sammie, reading, spending time outside, cooking and baking!

Licenses and Certifications