Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jen Haugen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

When I was a senior in high school, I had my mind set on becoming an accountant after I took an accounting class. My parents however, had another idea. They saw my interest in food, how I took nutrition projects to the fair, did little recipe demonstrations at our 4-H club and my interest in cookbooks and gardening. They suggested I do a job shadow experience with my aunt, who was a registered dietitian at a local clinic. I shadowed her for a day and it changed my life. I knew immediately that was the career for me as I witnessed her ability to help people one on one, take care of their bodies through the foods they would eat. I am grateful for the encouragement my parents gave me to try something I had never thought of because they saw my interests that I didn’t even see.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a registered dietitian nutritionist for more than 20 years. Through that time, I have had many opportunities including working at a world-renowned medical center, going on television for a weekly cooking and nutrition segment for five years, writing newspaper columns and starting my own garden program for kids. What I love most is when I am able to help someone do one small thing to better their health whether that’s through personalized nutrition appointments, a recommendation or a recipe or meal plan. I also have a blog – midwestgoodness.com – where I share camping and gardening ideas along with cooking tips and recipes. Currently, I am working with a start-up company called Dietitian Live, where I get to work one-on-one with clients who want to improve their health in a holistic way. I love it!

I am an author of two books (The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden, and Dinner, Done! found on Amazon) and a co-author of two books (Communicating Nutrition and Stir Gently). I also offer e-books on my website as well as kitchen tools as a Pampered Chef consultant.

I think what sets me a part from others is I care about the client’s goals, how the goals can fit into their lifestyle and explore small steps that can make a big difference in health outcomes. I also believe that I am very knowledgeable in the kitchen and can offer a wide range of expertise on recipes, cooking tools and more that can improve the cooking experience to make it more enjoyable and fun (and fast!).

I am most proud of being a mother to two amazing children. That is the one goal I had since I was a little girl, and I am fortunate and blessed enough to have the opportunity to be a parent and help my kids grow into the people they are today. It is the best job I’ve ever hard!

If you love simple ideas with midwest style, you will enjoy my blog where I share simple meal ideas, nutrition tips, gardening made easy and camping ideas for families to connect with as well.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

When I worked in the hospital, I met with patients who were very stressed and approaching them with compassion showed I cared about them and what they were going through. During that time, there was a mission the hospital had – and continues to have today: “The needs of the patient come first.” That is something I have always carried with me – whether I was working in the hospital, at the clinic, in the supermarket as a dietitian, or even in the school district where I worked with students with special diet needs and menu planning, as well as in sales and marketing. It holds true every time.
I believe that is something that can be used in any career, whether it is health-related or not. When you look at the needs of who you are serving first, over your own, then you will succeed and go far.
People want to know that someone cares about them, has compassion for them and can be friendly and welcoming. Those traits will make anyone go far.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I would choose the same profession – it’s the perfect fit for me. I get to help people, I get to work with food and nutrition, I get to teach people things that make a difference and I get to be creative in the ways I present this information in a kind, caring and compassionate way. It’s the perfect career for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.midwestgoodness.com
• Instagram: @midwestgoodnesswithjenhaugenrd
• Facebook: @jenhaugenrd
• Youtube: @midwestgoodnesswithjenhaugenrd