About Karen Collins
Karen is a frequently sought after nutrition writer, speaker and consultant. She empowers her audiences and readers to go beyond the headlines and incorporate solid nutrition research into their lives. She takes nutrition from daunting to doable.
Her draw as a speaker is her ability to break down complex information to provide clarity with a positive approach. People feel less overwhelmed and develop a sense of achievable priorities.
Karen is invited to speak all across the country at nutrition and health conferences. She has spoken alongside major figures in cancer research, nutrition and wellness such as Dr. Walter Willett, Dr. John Milner, Dr. Steven Clinton, Dr. Joan Sabaté, Dr. David Katz and Dr. Brian Wansink.
For more than eighteen years, Karen wrote two weekly columns, Nutrition Notes and Nutrition-Wise, syndicated nationally and carried on the MSNBC website. The latter is now re-named HealthTalk, and Karen is also the author of AICR in Depth, a series of peer-reviewed research reviews for health professionals. You can access the Diabetes-Cancer Connection and other papers here.
Karen also is asked to be involved in major projects as an expert reviewer, lending her expertise in excavating through piles of studies to find the gems -- recommendations for the public that are scientifically sound -- and then explaining how to put them into practice. She was an expert reviewer for the landmark international report Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, which provides recommendations based on examination of more than 7,000 research studies by a panel of internationally-renowned scientists.
Karen is Nutrition Advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), reviewing educational material and presenting seminars for the public. She has participated in production of videos for prevention-focused consumers and for cancer survivors. She has developed a four-volume cookbook series and created Planning Meals That Lower Cancer Risk: A Professional Reference Guide.
If you would like Karen to speak to your group or consult on a project, see the contact page to get in touch with her.
Educational Background
Karen is a registered dietitian, with a BS degree in dietetics from Purdue University and a dietetic internship at Barnes Hospital/Washington University Medical Center. After a few years as a hospital clinical dietitian, she pursued a Master’s degree in nutrition from Cornell University, where she also was a Lecturer and Clinical Instructor. With years of experience in individual and group nutrition counseling dealing with weight, disordered eating, heart health and medical problems such as diabetes, Karen enthusiastically focuses on realistic strategies for reaching health goals.
Karen is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Oncology Nutrition; Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN); Diabetes Care and Education; and Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Groups. She is a member of the American Society for Nutrition, American Association of Diabetes Educators, and a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. Karen has previously served as president of her local dietetic association and has been named Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year in New York State by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.