We’re looking forward to introducing you to Karrie Heneman PhD. Check out our conversation below.
Karrie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This year I volunteered to coach soccer for my youngest son. I have a 17 year old daughter and a 15, 13, and 10 year old son. I am learning so much from these 12 year old boys. It is so fun to look at the world through their eyes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Karrie Heneman. I have a Phd in nutrition. At my company, family meals first, I work to help mom feed their families nutritiously and cost effectively. I have been vegan now for five years. I believe that consuming plants is the easiest and most cost effective way to protect our health and that of the planet. The key to my dietary advice is moderation, focusing on eating foods with dietary value, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains most of the time, and truly savoring “sometimes foods” regularly.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I served as an intern at the National Cancer Institute in Washington DC the summer between finishing college and starting graduate school. As an intern, I attended classes on cancer epidemiology and reviewed state grant proposals for the national five-a-day fruit and vegetable program. This experience taught me what a powerful impact diet can have on our health. It is so much easier to eat five fruits and vegetables a day than it is to run five miles!
When did you last change your mind about something important?
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I left my job as research faculty at UC Davis to become a stay at home mom. I had always envisioned being nutrition faculty at a research institution, but once I became a mom, I really felt called to be home. There is truly no right answer for any woman who is struggling with finding a work life balance. I feel blessed that had had the opportunity to find the right fit for me. I learned a lot as as stay at home mom and I feel that these lessons make me even more qualified to help other moms nourish their families well.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe in kindness, community, and inclusion. My family is my world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel that I am doing what I was born to do. I first became excited about nutrition as a high school swimmer. Our coach would have us eat different meals (carb heavy, protein heavy, etc) before different events. I was fascinated at how what I ate changed how I felt in the water. Once I got to college, I took every nutrition, sports medicine, and exercise physiology class I could. I just wanted to learn more about the impact of food on health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.familymealsfirst.com
- Instagram: familymealsfirst
- Linkedin: Dr. Karrie Heneman
- Facebook: familymealsfirst
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
