Amanda Lungren, RDN, CDCES, Island Hospital’s new Diabetes Educator and Clinical Dietitian, always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Food was center to her family values, and there were always many guests around the table. The personal nature and cultural aspects of food attracted her to the topic of food nutrition, and it was only a short leap from there to her path of becoming a diabetes educator.

“It’s a very rewarding career. I love supporting people in problem solving ways to manage their blood sugars and helping them become confident in managing a disease that may initially be very overwhelming to them.”

Lungren graduated Cum Laude from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nutrition and Kinesiology. She will complete her Masters of Public Health in Spring 2023.

Prior to moving to Anacortes earlier this year, Lungren worked at Swedish Edmonds as a dietitian and clinical lead. Some of her vast contract work as a registered dietitian includes cooking demonstrations on King 5’s New Day Northwest morning show (Heart Healthy segment), nutrition community education classes at Verdant Wellness Center, Swinomish Casino nutrition counseling, Providence Mukilteo primary care lead dietitian and Smokey Point Behavior Health’s inpatient registered dietitian.

Lungren wants everyone to know that she is not the “food police,” but rather someone who looks for ways for people to reach their health goals in sustainable, realistic ways. “I think a good dietitian takes into account an individual’s food preferences, culture and medical history. I want to get to know my patients so they can make meaningful changes to improve their overall health.”

When Lungren isn’t working, she keeps busy practicing yoga, biking, dancing or paddle boarding. She enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of their six chickens, two dogs and one rooster—fingers crossed for a goat next year.

Click here to learn more about the Diabetes Education program at Island Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Lungren, please call (360) 299-4934.