Episode 48: Using Food as the Gateway to Change with Kirstin Nussgruber
Are you a cancer survivor seeking to reclaim your health, find empowerment after diagnosis, or break free from patterns that no longer serve you? This transformative episode dives into the healing power of personalized nutrition, self-advocacy, and mindset shifts essential for thriving after cancer. Board-certified holistic nutrition consultant and cancer mentor Kirstin Nussgruber joins host Kathy Washburn to share her inspiring journey from HR manager to survivor and expert, revealing how she broke the karmic cycle of cancer in her family.
Gain practical insights on moving from overwhelm to empowerment, the profound connection between what you eat and how you feel, and the emotional roots behind food choices. Discover the importance of self-care, reframing limiting beliefs, and building resonant relationships to support lasting change. Plus, get actionable tips for navigating social settings, staying mindful, and cultivating self-worth through nourishment—body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you’re in survivorship, supporting a loved one, or ready for your own transformation, this episode guides you on a path toward informed, sustainable healing—so you can reclaim your life and live with greater joy and resilience. Don’t miss it!
In this episode, Kathy and Kirstin discuss:
Personalized nutrition for cancer survivors
Mindfulness practices in healthy eating
Reclaiming life after cancer diagnosis
Overcoming limiting beliefs around food
The power of resonant relationships
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
04:09 Personal Cancer Journey and Nutrition Focus
11:23 Informed Fighter: Taking Control of Health
18:55 Reconnecting with Body and Nutrition
25:09 Personalized Nutrition and Healing
28:26 Addressing Limiting Beliefs and Self-Worth
30:46 Uncovering Childhood Food Trauma
35:46 The Importance of Resonant Relationships
36:55 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
46:28 Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
48:56 Empowerment Through Self-Reflection
51:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections
If Kirstin was a pill, what effect would she want to have on someone?
Empowerment
More About Kirstin Nussgruber CNC, EMB, BCHN
Follow @kirstinnussgruber on Linkedin
A cancer nutrition expert, author and speaker, Kirstin is passionate about helping people get out of cancer overwhelm by teaching them how to reclaim their lives. A two-times cancer survivor herself she learnt first hand the importance of an integrative medicine approach to one’s health to facilitate true recovery. She offers personalized mentoring packages to private clients and in collaboration with functional medicine practitioners.
Kirstin is the author of Confessions of a Cancer Conqueror – My 5 Step Process to Transform Your Relationship with Cancer which is a combination memoir and self-help guide for people looking for an evidence-based integrative approach to supporting their health. With her End of Life Doula Professional Certificate from the University of Vermont she offers non-judgmental, emotional support and proactive guidance to Stage IV cancer clients and their caregivers.
Kirstin has been a guest on numerous podcasts including the Five To Thrive Live – The Cancer Support Network radio show, the Anti-Cancer Club, 15 Minute Matrix and Princeton Community TV. Currently she is pursuing further education with the Mederi Academy under tutelage of Donnie Yance MH, CN, and is a participating member of his alumni Round Table discussions as well as Dr Nalini Chilkov’s monthly clinical integrative oncology Live Round Calls.
Professional memberships include the NANP (National Association of Nutrition Professionals, past Acting-President), SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology), OncANP (Oncology Association of Naturopathic Practitioners) and NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance). She volunteers at Paws for Therapy, Houston with her personally trained Goldendoodle Minka and at the Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston.
Kirstin shares her philosophy, inspiring blogs and self-created recipes at www.kirstinscancercare.com and is part of the Chilkov Clinic as well as the integrative Wellness Team at Valley Integrative Pharmacy.
Connect with Kathy Washburn
To learn more about Kathy and her coaching services, head over to https://kathywashburn.net/
To schedule a free consultation with Kathy visit https://kathywashburn.net/contact
Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathywashburndotnet
Sign Up for Kathy’s On Demand Anchored Hope Course https://kathy-washburn.teachable.com/p/anchored-hope