About Karen
Karen Giles-Smith, M.S., R.D.
I’m a freelance writer and registered dietitian based in Mason, Michigan. I specialize in nutrition, health and wellness writing and business communications.
I’ve been told that my writing has a warm, engaging style that has readers and editors asking for more.
I’ve written articles on the topics of nutrition and fitness, diabetes, distance education, child welfare, fly fishing and nature preservation for consumer and trade magazines.
My articles have been published in:
· USA Today Heart & Stroke health guide and Cancer health guide
· Healthy & Fit magazine
· Dairy Foods magazine
· Today’s Dietitian magazine
· Michigan Farmer magazine
· Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine
· Woods-N-Water News magazine
· Children’s Voice magazine
I’ve also worked with the following clients:
· Cargill
· Brush Art
· Michigan Department of Community Health - WIC Division
· Michigan Department of Community Health – Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Section
· Michigan Department of Education
· PureWellness
As a registered dietitian, I have 23 years experience in the field of nutrition including clinical dietetics, nutrition education, and broadcast and print communications. I hold a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. I completed an accredited dietetic internship at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
As a Contributing Writer for Healthy & Fit Magazine, a monthly consumer publication that focuses on healthy lifestyles with a local angle, I write regular columns and feature articles and also assist with final copyediting.
As the Health & Wellness Editor for Dairy Foods Magazine, a monthy trade publication for dairy processors and ingredient suppliers, I write articles focused on nutrition and health in relation to dairy foods.
I’m also a Health and Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches®. For more about Health & Wellness Coaching with Karen, visit AtEaseWithEating.com.
I am a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Michigan Dietetic Association (MDA), Lansing Dietetic Association (LDA), Nutrition Entrepreneurs of Michigan (NE of MI), The Center for Mindful Eating, and Wellcoaches. I’ve held board positions with MDA, LDA and NE of MI, served as president of LDA and as the race director of the LDA Food & Fitness 5K Run/Walk. Recently, I served as the MDA Annual Conference Co-chair for two years, the NE of MI newsletter editor for two years, and the MDA LINK newsletter editor.
I received the Michigan Registered Dietitian of the Year Award from MDA in 2004 and the Public Relations-Individual Award from MDA in 2008.
For more, view my profile on LinkedIn and my pins on Pinterest.
What/who is a registered dietitian?
When in need of credible nutrition information and advice, look to a registered dietitian (R.D.). Registered dietitians are experts in food, nutrition and health. They have acquired the education, experience and expertise necessary to achieve and maintain R.D. credentials.
· An undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) in nutrition science from an accredited college or university. Many R.D.s hold higher degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D.
· Completion of a mandatory internship (typically 9-12 months) in which practical experience is obtained in a clinical setting at an accredited health care institution.
· Passing a national comprehensive exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR): www.cdrnet.org.
· Completion of CDR-approved and monitored continuing education on a regular basis throughout all years of practice.
For more information about registered dietitians, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org and the Michigan Dietetic Association at www.eatrightmich.org