Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I’m really close with my family! I’m the oldest and have a brother who is three years younger than me.

Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?

Nutrition has always been a part of me. Even as a little kid, I packed my own snacks and meals for swim meets! I’ve always had a really healthy relationship with food and it was a shock to me when I started coaching clients that this wasn’t always the case for people. That needed to change. I shifted away from counseling people on how to lose weight to coaching people to listen to their bodies, how to be more mindful, satisfied eaters, and to eat bread again!

A food freedom dietitian helps people like you find a balanced and simple relationship with food – listen to your body, eat good and you’ll feel good. I love to cook and found out quickly with my nutrition coaching clients that not everyone feels the same way as I do about cooking. This is how Mealwaukee was born. I know how good it feels to eat good food. But I also know how challenging it can be to get a good meal on the table.

Q: What do you love most about what you do?

I love so many things about being a dietitian and owning my own businesses. One of my favorite things is having the platform and outlets to impact and influence people to feel their best. I also love that I get to cook for my job. It beats a desk job any day!

Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?

The path to becoming a dietitian is kind of a long road. I went back to school full time when I was 27 years old, so in many ways I feel like I was starting my life and career over when I graduated at 30. I used to feel really behind in life, but now I just see it as the path I was meant to take and I wouldn’t have changed my journey!

Q: What is the most rewarding part?

One of the most rewarding things in my role is when my clients get to a place where they are free from restriction and dieting and finally are able to enjoy food without guilt or shame. You can truly hear the freedom and happiness in their voice and messages! Introducing someone to meals or ingredients that they may not have otherwise tried on their own is also pretty fun!

Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?

One of my main goals is continuing to grow Mealwaukee. I would love to hire someone on to help me with meal prep and hopefully start to offer delivery some day!

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?

Just start now, right where you are. Some of my best lessons have come from just jumping in and doing the job. Ask for what you want, ask people for help and advice, ask people for opportunities. The worst someone can say is no, but I’ve found that people generally want to help if they can!

Kate Peterson & Our Community

Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)

First of all, I LOVE the lakes. I’m a total summer girl and love that I’m close to so many different beaches and lakes. I also love the small community feel. I grew up in a big town and I love that I go places here and know people everywhere!

Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?

My neighbor and friend, Dennis, is in his 80s and bikes outside about 355 days of the year. I met him last winter while out walking my dog and he was, of course, biking. I want to be like him when I’m his age – still moving, still taking care of my body, and still meeting new friends!

Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is hands down The Beach House Bistro! I love sharing small plates and could eat Mediterranean food every day! Mama D’s is definitely my favorite coffee shop. I’m totally addicted to their breakfast burritos, muffins and cold brew.

Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?

Relaxed, friendly, fun.

For Fun

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I’m 6’ tall! I can’t tell you how many people I meet in person who follow me on social media and have no idea how tall I am!

Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?

I love anything by John Mayer. I have so many life events, memories and people that are tied to his songs.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

Honestly, myself. I’m the least competitive person ever, except against myself. I’m pretty driven and determined!

Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?

Either a cold brew coffee or a Manhattan.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

The Greek Islands (editor’s note: makes sense – historic, beautiful, and all that Mediterranean food!).

Q: What makes you the happiest?

Being in the sun – bonus if it’s poolside or beachside!

Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?

Talk to people about your dreams and goals. The more you talk about them, the more real they become.

Where to Find Kate Peterson

Email: katevpeterson3@gmail.com

Phone: (630) 605-6265

Website: www.katepetersonnutrition.com     www.mealwaukeemeals.com     @KatePetersonNutrition     @MealwaukeeMeals