Caroline Fornshell
MS, RDN, CDCES, CES
Caroline is a seasoned Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, and certified diabetic educator. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a hospitality degree. Her passions for cooking and eating led her to the science of food and nutrition. While Caroline obtained prerequisites for the Registered Dietitian Credential and a Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the State University of New York at Oneonta, she worked as a Certified Personal Trainer for many years. She completed the required clinical rotations through the Sentara Healthcare System throughout Hampton Roads. Later, Caroline found great satisfaction through her work in diabetes and obesity research at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
The combination of fitness, culinary arts and Medical Nutrition Therapy™ gives Caroline a unique trifecta of knowledge to offer to her patients and clients. She maintains the Registration Dietitian–Nutritionist Credential with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and the Certified Diabetic Educator Credential with National Association of Diabetic Educators (AADE). She is also a Corrective Exercise Specialist through NASM and was a certified personal trainer for 16 years. She is certified in Adult Weight Management by both NASM and AND. She is also certified as a Senior Fitness Specialist (NASM).
Personally, Caroline comes from a big family of big eaters, and has grown to recognize and understand a wide variety of eating personalities. She grew up eating a lot of junk food. In her early twenties, Caroline developed hypothyroidism due to long-standing nutrient deficiencies. At that time, she was also diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a precursor to diabetes, which she has reversed with lifestyle change. Her commitment to exercise, healthy eating strategies and dedicated behavior changes offset the inflammation and weight related to her metabolic disorders. Because Caroline works hard to keep weight off in light of her conditions, she personally understands the effort needed to create a clinically significant lifestyle change. Caroline is in mid-life, but because of PCOS and hypothyroidism, menopause will be different. It will be delayed. Symptoms will be even more dependent on lifestyle, so the pressure is on to optimize each day. She wants you to be able to accomplish this with ease and grace, and she is here to support your success with knowledge and inspiration.
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Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN)
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Certified Diabetic Educator
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Corrective Exercise Specialist
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Certified in Adult Weight Management
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Certified Senior Fitness Specialist
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Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
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Certified Personal Trainer
“It’s your choice to find the peace in your chaos.”
– Caroline
Be Your Own SHERO
Caroline, what has been your greatest challenge with menopause and how have you overcome it?
I am still in the preparation phase, and this is when it really starts to count. With a very busy herd of middle and high schoolers at my house plus a full-full time job, I fit in my own self care as best as I can. You already know that it’s easier said then done to prioritize yourself. Find the hacks you need to optimize self care and prioritize the most effective solutions for your circumstances. It’s go time!
What do you hope every woman gains from the program?
Total empowerment and the satisfaction that comes with gracefully overcoming what could have been a tumultuous transition.