Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Girgen.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In my early 20s, my personal quest for weight loss—what I called “me-search”—evolved into serious research as I tried to uncover what “healthy” eating truly meant. To my surprise, I encountered an overwhelming amount of conflicting nutrition and fitness advice. The deeper I dove, the more obsessed I became, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a registered dietitian.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Working in multiple weight management clinics, I quickly realized that focusing solely on calories was not only ineffective but also frustrating for both my patients and me. Over time, through research and experience, I began to shift my perspective. I learned that food quality matters just as much, if not more, than quantity (i.e., calories). Instead of prescribing low-calorie diets, I started empowering clients with holistic strategies to balance their blood sugar, reverse insulin resistance, and build strength—both physically and mentally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer specializing in weight management. I leverage insightful technology like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to help clients discover how their food choices and lifestyle habits impact their blood sugar, and therefore their appetite, energy, and ultimately their results. For example, when we can “see” how non-food factors—like chronic stress and lack of sleep—influence cravings, we can use visual data from CGM to troubleshoot in real-time, and my clients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health. CGM is highly motivating, and it’s a fantastic accountability tool.
Rucking is another powerful practice I’ve embraced—for myself and clients. It’s a simple yet effective way to make movement a habit, improve metabolic health, and develop physical and mental resilience. Rucking—or walking with weight—is low impact and helps build bone density, strength, and endurance. I help clients incorporate rucking into their routine for exercise and as an outlet to connect with nature and relieve stress. My husband and I even started a ruck club, and I’m working with a publisher to launch a book about rucking coming in early 2026.
How do you think about happiness?
My happy place is beach combing the shores of Lake Superior with my husband Jeremy. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the combination of nature, movement, and discovery—whether it’s the physical challenge of a tough hike or ruck or the simple joy of being outdoors. It’s my way of recharging, both mentally and physically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaylagirgenrd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylagirgenrdld and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120966962916342
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZnxJ5f_b_poAWqSspoPV1g
- Other: Apply to work with Kayla: https://forms.gle/CUxedHhm2cFtMyJq8
