Author:

Caren Dobreff

Caren received her Bachelor of Science in health, physical education and recreation from Aquinas College, where she also played women’s tennis. Her passion for nutrition later became apparent so she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in family and consumer sciences, with a concentration in dietetics education from Western Michigan University. She is also a certified personal trainer through the American College of Exercise. Prior to starting at Spectrum Health, Caren worked with dialysis patients for almost three years. She began her experience at Spectrum Health as a registered dietitian nutritionist in 2008 at Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation and as an inpatient clinical dietitian. Since 2015, she has worked as a projects dietitian for Nutrition Services and Medical Nutrition Therapy. She is also a former adjunct instructor for Western Michigan, where she taught personal nutrition for six years and nutrition counseling and education for three years. As a dietitian, her goals include helping people learn and experience nutrition as one of several lifestyle factors that can have a positive impact on your health and quality of life, as well as the important relationship between the body’s nutrient needs, how the body responds to nutrient balance, excess or deficits. Her personal interests with food and nutrition include trying new foods that taste great and are also good for you. “I love talking about foods, ingredients and recipes with anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits. I love to try new recipes and “healthify” them. My favorite foods include a mixed green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette topped with baked or grilled salmon, a vanilla Greek yogurt parfait with berries and chopped nuts, and my husband’s cooked steel-cut oatmeal recipe with cocoa powder, cinnamon, chopped walnuts and diced apples.”

Posts from Caren Dobreff

Beware the festival fare

There's no shortage of fried and sugary foods at summer celebrations. A bit of pre-planning can help you make healthier choices.

Enjoy the spices of life

They aren't just flavor-boosters—they may improve your health, too.

Freshen up your gift bag

Ideas abound for those who would like to give unique gifts that are both healthy and well-received.

Super-charge your protein plan

Meats and poultry are fine—but don't overlook plants as a shelf-stable, affordable option to meet your protein needs.

More than an orange

Are you getting enough vitamin C? This vital substance helps ward off disease and promotes proper body function.

Hello snow, goodbye sugar

These 12 simple strategies can help keep your calories in check as you head off to a flurry of festive meals.

Exploring a dietitian’s grocery cart

Here's a hint: There aren't a lot of packaged and processed foods piled inside.

Don’t forget the fridge

As you spring clean, reach back into the far recesses of your refrigerator—it may surprise you what ancient purchases lurk within.

Heart-healthy cooking tips

A dietitian shares her secrets for tasty and good-for-you recipe ingredients that will spice up the kitchen.

Smooth the nutrition road

Add naturally colorful fruits and veggies to your diet by disguising them in delicious smoothies.

A slippery subject: Coconut oil

There's an ever-raging debate over its place in dieting and cooking, but the prevailing wisdom says moderation is best.

En el supermercado con la especialista en alimentación y nutrición humana

Aquí una pista: No hay muchas comidas procesadas o empaquetadas almacenadas al fondo.