What do psychology and nutrition have in common? According to Kristen Carli, MS, RD, absolutely everything.

Kristen, the owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness in Gilbert, Arizona, didn’t always dream of becoming a dietitian. In fact, she started out with a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona, thinking her passion for healthy eating was just a personal interest. But after five years working in another field, she had a realization.

“I discovered that I didn’t just want to know this information for myself—I wanted to help others with it, too.”

So, she went back to school, earned her BS in Dietetics from Arizona State University, completed her MS in Nutrition from the University of Western States, and wrapped up her training with the Gulf Coast Dietetic Internship.

Now? Kristen spends her days helping people cut through the noise of fad diets and nutrition trends to build realistic, healthy habits—without the overwhelm.

Why Kristen Loves What She Does

When you picture meeting with a dietitian, do you imagine someone wagging a finger at your lunch choices? Kristen is here to change that.

“We aren’t the food police!” she laughs.

Instead, she focuses on practical tips, encouragement, and making healthy eating feel doable—because it should be. With so many new brands and products popping up, Kristen says it’s never been easier to find healthy swaps you’ll actually enjoy.

Kristen’s Favorite Nutrition Tips

After years of experience helping people build better habits, Kristen keeps it simple with advice that’s easy to remember (and actually stick to).

✨ Eat veggies at every meal. Yes, even breakfast! Toss spinach into your eggs, add tomatoes to your avocado toast, or blend some greens into a smoothie. A little bit counts.

✨ Ditch the fad diets. Kristen is all about getting back to basics: real food, balanced meals, and no extreme rules.

✨ Sprinkle seeds on everything. Chia, flax, hemp—these tiny powerhouses are an effortless way to boost nutrition in oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or smoothies.

Kristen’s Go-To Quick Meal

Need a meal in five minutes? Kristen’s got you:

✔️ Rotisserie chicken

✔️ Crackers

✔️ Raw carrots or celery

✔️ Hummus

Done and done. Balanced, easy, and satisfying.

Her #1 Recommendation

If you’re looking for a simple way to eat more veggies (without becoming a chef overnight), head straight to the deli counter and grab some roasted vegetables. Kristen says it’s one of the easiest steps you can take toward a healthier plate—and they’re already cooked and ready to go!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing Kristen wishes more people knew, it’s that working with a dietitian is nothing to be nervous about.

Whether you’re trying to add more veggies, balance your meals, or figure out where to start, Kristen proves that healthy eating can be flexible, fun, and, most importantly—realistic.

So, go ahead and add those greens to breakfast. Try a sprinkle of seeds. And remember: there are no food police here.

🍓 Want more realistic, feel-good nutrition tips?

Follow Kristen on Instagram @camelbacknutritionwellness for easy meal ideas, product recommendations, and a healthy dose of encouragement!