Hi! I’m Sara Thielsen, Founder of Well Beyond the Kitchen. I am a Nutritionist, Clean Living Enthusiast, Executive Director with Beautycounter, and Writer.
I created Well Beyond the Kitchen to help you feel empowered, and less overwhelmed, about what you put in AND on your body. I love to share with my community & make nurturing your whole self easy, so that you don’t have to spend hours researching which sunscreen to use, the easiest way to make bone broth or which water filter is best. You’ll find all this and much more here, my newsletter & on Instagram!
There’s no way around it – navigating what to eat, and what products to use on our bodies’ has become extremely confusing and overwhelming. I’ve been on a 15 year journey healing my own skin, slowly switching to safer products for me and my family, finding simple nourishing recipes, and learning to listen to my body. Over time, I found my way. And now, I’m here to share my “how to live well beyond the kitchen” roadmap so that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This journey doesn’t have to be hard – or all at once.
Learn more about my tried and true favorite (safe) products in the ‘Clean Living Corner’ tab at the top. Check out the ‘Recipe’ section for my go-to weeknight meals, snacks and tips for how to make feeding your family easier. We’re talking all the ways to nurture your whole self – lifestyle, motherhood, skincare and more here and on Instagram – all the time.
My Story
I struggled with acne for over 10 years, from about age 12 to 24. I was on every medication imaginable – including 2 extended rounds of Accutane – hardly anything touched it. Each time I went to the dermatologist, I would ask if diet had anything to do with my skin. She always assured me there was no connection. As a teenager, I was both relieved and skeptical each time she told me this. I took a Food and Nutrition class in high school and this truly sparked my passion for food. I went on to study Psychology and Nutrition at the University of New Hampshire for my undergraduate degree. When I graduated, I had taken 11 nutrition classes. While I sure knew a lot about nutrients, I didn’t know much about real food and our food system.
I spent the majority of my 20s working at a natural healing center in Newburyport, MA as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. I took an in depth year long course in 2010 with the Nutritional Therapy Association for this certification. It was through this training, and my job at the natural healing center, that I gained the experience of working one-on-one with clients, teaching nutrition classes, leading kitchen transition seminars, and hosting tours of our local grocery store to showcase the whole, real ingredients to have in your kitchen.
After graduating, I took a life-changing job at an organic farm on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It was there that I learned about farming – growing, harvesting, educating our CSA members – I even was a part of processing the pastured chickens we raised. I left after 2 years, inspired to educate as many people as I could about the importance of real, whole, nutrient-dense food; much like our ancestors ate before modern processed foods swept into our lives and overwhelmed and confused us all!
During those years, I totally thought I could just eat well most of the time and move my body through walking and yoga. I didn’t think I also had to focus on what I put on my skin – it was too overwhelming to switch over all of my make-up, sunscreen, shampoo, face wash, etc. And then I learned all of this.
Now I’m currently in my mid 30s, and I live on the North Shore of MA with my family – my husband, and young kids. Some things I love to do include – napping, being outside with my family (biking and walking in the woods make me so happy!), swimming in the ocean, reading novels, journaling, going on dates with my husband and spending time with my friends.
I also LOVE connecting with each one of you! Thanks so much for being here!
Disclaimer & Affiliate Relationships
The content on this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a Doctor or Medical Professional before making any changes. The information we share is based on our opinions and experience, and the intention is to inspire the reader to become more informed and motivated to learn more about their health and well being.
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