Whitney Mollenhauer

About Whitney

Hello there! I'm a second-career dietitian. I previously worked in social services and public health. * I have 3 cats who would be VERY upset if I brought a dog home, so I have to live vicariously through my patients who have dogs :) If we work together, please know that I always want to see pictures of your pets during our sessions! * I believe treats and desserts are an essential part of a balanced diet. “Nutrition by addition, not restriction” is my motto. * I have a strong clinical background in chronic disease prevention and management. My primary areas of expertise include: - Healthy fat loss and muscle preservation on GLP-1 medications. - Reducing binge eating, emotional eating & night eating. - Bariatric surgery support (pre- and post-op). - Lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. - Improving constipation & IBS symptoms. - Diabetes prevention & management.

Approach to care

My approach is weight-neutral and anti diet-culture, meaning: * If weight loss is your goal, I’ll help you make sustainable changes that support a healthy weight in the long-run—no crash diets, “detoxes” or cosmetic weight loss à la Regina George (“I really want to lose 3 pounds….”). If you have emotional baggage from 1990's diet culture or from your mom dragging you to Weight Watchers when you were 12, my approach might be a good fit for you. * It also means that if weight loss ISN’T your goal, I support that without question. There are more ways to improve your health than just losing weight…and there are far better ways to measure health than BMI. We'll focus on sustainable changes that yield real improvements in your health.

Your first session with Whitney

* We’ll explore your personal values & priorities, which will be our "guiding star" to create a plan that actually feels like you. Yes, “food is fuel,” but it’s also pleasure, connection, and joy! * Many of my patients have a lot of perfectionism and shame when they first come to me. We'll start working on shifting your mindset so you can feel empowered and confident again. *Of course, we'll talk about food, but that's just one part of a comprehensive assessment. I'll ask you about how you spend your time, your stressors, your family & social support system, and what you're hoping to get out of working together. *And you might see my cat walk across my keyboard.

Location

📍 Minnesota

Education

Master of Clinical Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Master of Arts in Sociology, University of California Davis

Hobbies

snuggling my cats; walking outside; asking people if I can pet their dog while I'm walking outside; reading; cross-country skiing; doom scrolling; (is napping a hobby?)

Licenses and Certifications