Meet Sara Namken | Registered Dietitian & owner of Namken Nutrition

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Namken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I went back to work full-time after having our daughter, I quickly realized I needed to start meal prepping on the weekends. Without that, I spent the little time that I had with our child after work, in the kitchen making dinner and lunch for the next day for both my husband and me. I made a plan to grocery shop and cook all of our lunches and dinners for the work week every Sunday. This allowed us evenings with our baby to enjoy the time together. I shared this information with clients at work, and the general response was, “I wish you could do that for me!” So, that sparked the idea and discussion with my husband about the possibility of starting a meal prep business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 6 years of schooling, I passed my boards and became a Registered Dietitian. I eventually went on to finish my M.S. degree. Throughout the years, my knowledge of nutrition has flourished, and I try to think outside of the box. Nutrition is so complicated, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all. I grew up in a family of teachers, and always thought I would become a teacher. After receiving my M.S. degree, I was offered a position as a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Eastern Illinois University. I taught the Introduction to Foods course which included a lab, and that is what really sparked my interest in cooking. After a marriage, a move, and a child, I was finally able to focus on that interest again.

The journey to where I’m at today has been challenging. I’m a perfectionist and tend to be very hard on myself which is something I work on everyday. I’ve learned to allow myself and others grace, and to continue to keep my mind open to new possibilities in the future. I never imagined I would be where I’m at today, but it proves that the possibilities are endless.

I want to show people that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and bland. Food that nourishes our body can be delicious, it’s all about the seasonings and how it’s cooked. Also, I strongly believe all foods can fit into a healthy diet but portion control is key to making that work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If she visited in the summer, I would take her to The Devon Lakeshore Ampitheater for a concert outdoors. We would most likely have a couple of beers at Brew Works, a local brewery downtown, and then walk over to Tap Root for dinner. Downtown Decatur has so much to offer, we really couldn’t go wrong choosing anything there!

We would also check out Lake Decatur – maybe go for a boat ride and have drinks at The Beach House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There was a meal prep business called Simply Rooted located in the building I was going to rent, that was closing its doors (which allowed me to open mine). The girls who owned that company sat down with me and helped me get my business started. They sold me equipment, gave me contact information for contractors, provided advice, and one of them is now my accountant. They definitely deserve a shoutout! I’d also like to acknowledge a local gym I belong to, called Red Zone Fitness/ML CrossFit who allowed me to be a drop off location which helped spread the word of my opening. Coincidentally, we are now business neighbors as my business has grown and moved locations in just 2 short years.

Website: www.namkennutrition.com

Instagram: namkennutrition

Linkedin: Sara Namken

Facebook: Namken Nutrition

Image Credits
Nicole Newton Photography Herald and Review