Host Ellen Kamhi, PhD RN, interviews Kathy Jensen, RD about Living Healthy.

Who is Kathy Jensen, RD?

Kathy is a Registered Dietitian for Colorado Mental Health Institute. Kathy has been instrumental in initiating the  Living Healthy model at the institute by transforming the menus to be much healthier: low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium (3g.), lower in calories, high fiber, higher in potassium and consistent in carbohydrate at each meal.  She has eliminated as many chemicals in the foods as possible,  providing great meals  without preservatives, colorings, etc.

By cooking from scratch the institute is able to feed patients all the food they need to meet and exceed daily requirements on a very tight budget.  Living Healthy also provides an intensive education program for staff,  in nutrition and making healthy choices.  It also involved working with the psychologists for rewards systems that support healthy choices.

Kathy also founded The Diabetes Wellness Network International, Inc.  a non-profit corporation which  delivers low cost education programs for families, and works to educate Dieticians on how to bring whole , nutritious vegetable based food to institutions, while meeting restricted budgets.

Contact: Kathy Jensen” <Kathy.Jensen@state.co.us  ph: 719-263-5223

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestion, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.