Testimonials

What people are saying....

Thanks to my work with Sandi Kaplan, I have a completely new life. Yes, I’m aware that this sounds melodramatic, but in this case, it’s actually an understatement. I’ve worked with Sandi for something like 6 years. She has literally saved my life. I was severely, acutely, chronically bulimic and anorexic for over 20 years—bingeing and puking 3-10 times or more per day EVERY day. Even on my wedding day. Even on days when I’d ride my bike 100 miles. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I was killing myself with this awful eating disorder. I finally went to inpatient treatment in 2001. Shortly after that, I met Sandi and began working with her. She skillfully, patiently, and lovingly walked me out of my old life and taught me how to build a new life. She gradually equipped me with a multitude of tools that I use today to life a full, happy, healthy, binge-and-purge-free life (it’s nearly 4 years now since the last time I stuck my head in a toilet). Recovering from an eating disorder is a multi-faceted process, rarely linear. Sandi was amazingly wise and patient as I went through periods of fear, doubt, and anger. I relapsed several times and had to backtrack—and Sandi helped me turn these into good opportunities to learn and grow instead of letting me slip away into failure.  As an addict, sometimes I’d lie to her about my progress and later have to “confess.” She never took these behaviors personally (in fact, they’re all part of recovery). She’d help me pick up from where I was and continue my journey. I learned that I could trust Sandi implicitly—a tough thing to do when you’re deathly afraid of gaining weight and somebody is telling you to eat!

All along the way, Sandi has helped me with the nutrition, of course. She first taught me how to eat in response to my hunger and to stop eating when I was full. She then helped me learn to eat more protein, fewer raw veggies, and helped me make the tough decision to give up vegetarianism (with my damaged digestive tract, I needed to eat meat in order to get the nutrients I need). At the same time, she taught me how to fuel for my athletic activities—biking and triathlon, including Ironman—I’m now starting my 4th year of Ironman training and Sandi has helped me fuel myself for 3 successful Ironmans so far! Today, Sandi helps with so much more than “just nutrition,” though. She continues to help me learn life skills that support my new, healthy, addiction-free life. Relationship skills, self-management skills, decision-making skills, goal-setting skills.  Did I mention her incredible sense of humor? Somehow she’s managed to keep me laughing through all of this really serious, difficult life-rebuilding work. God saved my life when he sent Sandi to me. I’m so blessed!
Seattle, WA

I have struggled with an eating disorder for over ten years.  I have seen many Nutritionists during that time.  I was hesitant to see yet another Nutritionist because I didn’t know what one could offer me at this point in my life.  Then I met Kathleen.  I liked her approach immediately.  Kathleen not only tackles the food, but she also tackles the issues around food, my relationship with my body, and the way that I feel about myself.  One of the most profound things that Kathleen has done is to help me build my worth outside of the way that I feel about my body. In addition on many occasions she also helped me find creative solutions to eating enough calories and protein.  She helped me problem solve where my eating disorder created problems.  It is because of the work that Kathleen and I have done together that I am now able to maintain an adequate calorie intake and see my life beyond my eating disorder.
Jessica
Seattle, WA

Minh-Hai Tran possesses a rare combination of, first, detailed and in-depth knowledge of nutrition and its complexities and, second, infectious optimism and faith in her clients. She radiates a can-do spirit that makes working with her much more than mere consultation – rather, it is inspiration to move assuredly towards attaining ways of eating healthfully, being fit, and relishing the benefits of a sustainable, balanced truce with food. She is able to do this because she is both compassionate and determined to assist people like me to win, in manageable small campaigns, a battle that I have been waging for many years. I unhesitatingly recommend her to anyone who has found it difficult to set and maintain healthy eating goals.
Peter
Seattle, WA

"Eat the foods off this list and don't eat so much, you cow!" That's not exactly what the first nutritionist I saw said, but that's what it sounded like. That was 10 years ago. Understandably, I was not enthusiastic about seeing a nutritionist again, but Dr Susa Holt gave NutritionWorks high praise, and I needed something, so I went.

My weight history isn't unique. I have been overweight since my teen years and have the full "weight loss resume" under my belt. Last year, at 32, I couldn't face another failure. Working with Sandi Kaplan, I have lost about 50 pounds. She is my nutrition advisor, my cheerleader, and my reality check. I need all three.

Almost everyone knows how to lose weight: Eat less. Exercise more. The nutritionist works with you to figure out how to fit these practices into your life. My experience with NutritionWorks has been great. It's not always easy, but when I am struggling, a visit to Sandi helps me refocus and continue to be successful.
L. Pegg,
Seattle, WA

I have been referring my clients to Nutritionworks, after having had the experience of being one of their client's myself, because I appreciate the wide range of services offered and that each person's program is tailored to their individual needs and interests, all with a compassionate and humorous and educational approach. The initial consultation is followed by consistent support, which maintains the connection made and keeps the motivation steady. It is great to know that there is something out there that fits me, my lifestyle and food preferences, instead of having to squeeze into a program that doesn't account for my specific situation. Finally, I feel matched.
Deirdre Wilcox, LMT
Seattle, WA

Kathleen Putnam is a guest on the topic of nutrition in my groups for people with chronic medical conditions. Her empathy and understanding around the sensitive topic of food, eating habits and weight issues helps free people from judgmental self talk that undermines well-being and healthy food choices. Her enthusiasm for her work is contagious and helps inspire people towards more skillful food choices. I recommend her highly.
Carolyn McManus, PT
and stress management specialist
Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA

I am in recovery for anorexia. I have struggled through the years of my illness. I have been working with Minh-Hai Tran for the last four months. She has been knowledgeable and nurturing to my healing journey. Her non-judging approach made it comfortable for me to be honest and work through the anorexic voice in my mind. I would recommend her to anyone trapped in the suffering of an eating disorder or in search of peace with food. She has a wealth of awareness and understanding to offer. “
Anne

Sandi led the Healthy Living Group for two years for the staff at Bastyr. During that time she covered a variety of interesting topics related to nutrition. Not only were her presentations informative, but her enthusiasm really engaged the group. Through her education, I have changed the way I shop, eat, and think about long-term wellness.

I've also had nutritional counseling appointments with Sandi on specific health issues. She took a personal interest in my health and helped me take manageable steps to improve my diet. While I may not always eat the "right" foods, I'm glad to be able to make educated choices about what is best for me.
Cindy Butler Smith
Assistant to the Academic Vice President
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA

As a relatively fit vegetarian, I was shocked when my doctor gave me the bad news about my elevated cholesterol level and told me about the possibility of prescribing “statin” medication. He gave me for months to get my cholesterol level to the normal range.
I turned to Kathleen Putnam at NutritionWorks for help. Kathleen explained the nutritional factors that could be contributing to the elevated cholesterol. We methodically developed a plan involving gradual weight reduction based on sound nutritional principles, increased dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acid intake, and continued regular exercise. Kathleen also introduced me to an online nutritional database that helped me to stay on track.
By the end of the four months, my cholesterol level was perfectly normal, and I felt great! More importantly, I gained nutritional knowledge that will help me for the rest of my life.
SL, MD
Seattle

Minh-Hai Tran has been an excellent resource for me.  She has given me a huge array of tools to use as I navigate the turbulent waters of my food and eating journey.  She has served me by sharing both her knowledge about the scientific aspects of nutrition and eating as well as being providing a supportive and therapeutic environment for me to share the issues that underlie my eating behaviors.  Initially I went to learn the mechanics of food.  I have gotten much more and it stays with me on a day by day, meal by meal basis.
John
West Seattle, WA

Super Competent & Compassionate
If you're ever in need of a nutritionist, Kathleen & Sandi should be on your list of people to interview. They have both the clinical knowledge to provide sound nutritional information and advice, as well as the interpersonal and counseling skills needed to help one figure out how to best incorporate changes into one's life. They are both passionate about their work and seem truly invested in their clients' health and well-being. I especially appreciated Kathleen's understanding of how to work with people with histories of eating disorders.
Judy's Book.com

Minh Hai wrote an article for a newsletter I publish. Though that article was written 3 years ago, I still use it as an example to showcase the publication. Colleagues who read the article consistently comment on its thoroughness and usefulness. I know Minh Hai is a popular presenter in the natural medicine circle. I'm sure she continues to be asked for repeat performances because she is credible, professional, and presents complex nutritional/scientific concepts in an understandable fashion.
Monika Woolsey, MS, RD
Author of Eating Disorders: A Clinical Guide to Counseling and Treatment
Owner of After the Diet Network
Phoeniz, AZ

Kathleen presented easily understood nutrition information for a complicated illness to our support group in a relaxed friendly manner. Our participants felt they were able to ask specific questions and received pertinent, appropriate answers. It is always refreshing to have a knowledgeable person with good communication skills! Kathleen is superb!"
Beth Guadagnoli, Respiratory Therapist
NW Hospital and Medical Center

The class entitled "Food and Mood" was by far the most rewarding short-form workshop I have ever attended - and maybe the most important. As a newly diagnosed diabetic, I have been trying to learn as much as possible about how my body processes foods in order to come up with a "real world" plan to change my diet. I learned more in this 3-hour group session than I did in two one-on-one meetings with the nutritionist I was referred to by my physician. It was clear that the instructors had a commanding knowledge of the subject, but more importantly in this sort of format, each was able to impart that knowledge in a concise and comprehensible manner - even technical information about chemical processes. They were focused and very conscious of staying on topic, but flexible enough to answer questions and handle (as well as contribute) anecdotal data. They were passionate, compassionate and fun!
Janice Parker
Seattle, WA

Kathleen Putnam, MS, RD, CD -- each time I hear her name, I hear her saying "don't drink your calories." What she says really sticks. I just wish I could take her home with me to follow me around the kitchen as I prepare meals!

She is one of Community Health Education's most flavorful speakers! Conference attendees remark that she has the "ability to explain complicated subject matter" and has a "tremendous spirit for presenting nutrition information." Kathleen is to be commended as she is able to suggest practical ways to incorporate healthy meals and is comfortable with participants asking questions continuously.

Kathleen is an exceptional speaker. She is not biased and has lots of good information. As a speaker, she is very objective and answered all questions intelligently and with good humor!
Barbara Kollar, BS, CHES
Health Education Coordinator
Swedish Medical Center

I attended your Food and Mood workshop last night. This morning, as I crawled over to my beloved espresso machine, I was grateful that you suggested that we make change manageable and reasonable. I was challenged to consider what changes would be realistic for me now and what changes I could sustain for a long period of time. I cranked up the espresso machine and opted to prepare food for myself to take to the office as I made my children’s lunches. I knew eating better during the day was a change I could easily make and one I could sustain. I felt inspired and affirmed! I have enjoyed a delicious lunch – with my husband (we work together) – and wonderful snacks this morning. And I’m into my second bottle of water. Thank you for helping understand how to SUCCESSFULLY make change in my life!
Blessings,
MaryPat Cheng
Seattle, WA

Kathleen presented easily understood nutrition information for a complicated illness to our support group in a relaxed friendly manner. Our participants felt they were able to ask specific questions and received pertinent, appropriate answers. It is always refreshing to have a knowledgeable person with good communication skills! Kathleen is superb!
Beth Guadagnoli, Respiratory Therapist
NW Hospital and Medical Center