We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mara Daniela Kramer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mara Daniela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RDN) has been more than just a career choice for me – it has been a journey of discovery, connection and passion. My four years in undergrad laid the foundation, where I quickly realized that being a Dietitian is about more than just nutrition science, it is about caring for people. Food is deeply tied to our culture, our social lives, and the way we experience the world, understanding that nutrition isn’t just about nutrients, but about traditions, memories, and community, solidified my desire to pursue this field.

After graduation, my dietetic internship at the hospital was where I truly saw the impact a Dietitian can have. One experience I will never forget was with a patient who had lost his appetite and along with it, a piece of it’a joy. As an intern, I took the time to learn about the foods that made him feel at home, the meals that brought him comfort. Working alongside the care team, I helped adjust his nutrition plan to include flavors and textures that resonated with him. Seeing his face light up at the first bite reminded me that food is more than just fuel – it’s an experience, a source of comfort, and sometimes, even healing.

Today, I carry that lesson into my work within the community and through the content I create online (@maradaniela.rdn). Helping others understand that nutrition isn’t about restriction, but about balance, enjoyment, and sustainability is what drives me. I believe that food is deeply personal, and my goal is to help people find an approach to nutrition that fits their lives, cultures, and traditions. Making an impact is what I love the most about being a Dietitian.

At the heart of it all, my passion lies in empowering people to make choices that nourish not just their bodies, but their lives. Because in the end, nutrition is about connection – connection to our health, to our traditions, and to each other.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into dietetics began with my own relationship with food. During my high school years, I went through a time when I became self-conscious about my body and the choices I made around food. I wanted to make a change, but I didn’t know where to start. So, I turned into our dearest friend – Google. I started learning about nutrition – not just the science behind it, but the way it impacts our overall well-being. What began as a personal exploration soon became something much bigger.

Through nutrition, I not only became healthier, but I also felt empowered. I discovered that food wasn’t something to control or fear; it was something to celebrate. It became a way for me to take care of myself, explore new flavors, and to build a lifestyle that made me feel strong and empowered. That realization – understanding the true power of proper nutrition – made me want to be that person for others.

Dietetics combined everything I loved; the science of nutrition and the ability to connect with and care for people. Throughout my education and training, I learned how to helo others make nutrition work for their lives, rather than the other way around. Today, I work in the community, providing families with education and tools to make nutritious choices while also embracing the cultural and sensory joy that food brings. I love helping people see that eating well isn’t about giving up what they love- it’s about making food work for them in a way that’s nourishing, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Beyond my work in the community, I also have a deep love for running and sports nutrition. That passion led me to start creating content online (@maradaniela.rdn), where I share practical nutrition tips, health advice, and even a little running entertainment. Whether it’s through education, personal counseling, or digital content, my goal is always the same: to empower people to build a positive and sustainable relationship with food.

Looking back, my journey with nutrition started as something personal, but it has become something so much bigger. Now, I get to help others discover that same empowerment- one meal, one choice, and one conversation at a time.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Oh, most definitely. Nutrition has given me the purpose that drives my life to its most fulfilled state. The beauty of nutrition and dietetics field is also that it is so versatile, you will never get bored. If you want to explore different fields, the possibilities within dietetics are endless. Food is everywhere, and this career offers a lot of opportunities for career development and growth, I will forever be grateful I have found my passion, and I get to share with the rest of the world.

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

When it comes to building a successful career, people often focus on the technical skills. Don’t get me wrong, training and knowledge are fundamental to be successful in any career path. However, networking and a positive attitude are the most underrated skills and traits one can have to be successful. These traits not only open doors to new opportunities but also shape how you navigate challenges and grow in your own field. At the end of the day, success isn’t about just what you know- it’s about how you connect with others and how you approach challenges. Networking builds the relationships that can support and elevate your career, while a positive attitude helps you navigate the ups and downs with confidence. When combined, these two traits create a strong foundation for professional growth, opening doors and helping you make a lasting impact in your field.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @maradaniela.rdn
• Linkedin: Mara Daniela Kramer
• Other: Tiktok: @maradaniela.rdn
  Email: [email protected]