Meet Lauren O’Connor | Registered Dietitian, Writer, & Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren O’Connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is one of my top priorities when deciding which projects to take on. As a registered dietitian, brand consultant, and health writer, I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and energy. One of the biggest lessons has been knowing it’s okay to say no—even to opportunities that align with my skills and values—if they don’t fit my current capacity. I’ve seen that when something is truly meant for you, it often circles back. This mindset helps protect my peace and honors the natural introvert in me.

In 2019, I had a health scare that shifted the way I think about wellness. I developed a severe case of GERD that left my throat hoarse, made swallowing painful, and at times, even made breathing difficult. It was frightening—especially since I was living what most would consider a healthy lifestyle.

Eventually, I realized my symptoms were rooted in stress. I had been balancing work, raising two young kids, and caregiving for an ill mother-in-law—without acknowledging the toll it was taking. My body was telling me to slow down and prioritize my own healing.

That experience changed everything. It reminded me that wellness isn’t just about food and exercise—it’s also about boundaries, rest, and emotional health. These days, I stay grounded through a steady rhythm of consulting, telehealth, writing, and teaching yoga three times a week. Designing sequences and exploring movement helps fuel my creativity and bring me back to center. Like yoga, I believe balance should be fluid and intuitive—not rigid or overwhelming.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a Registered Dietitian for nearly 20 years, and like most things in life, my approach to wellness has evolved. Science has changed, and so have I—growing from a fledgling dietitian to a solo practitioner with a clear sense of direction and purpose. It took time, but I eventually found my niche: I specialize in gut health and GERD, two areas I’m deeply passionate about.

Real life has been my greatest teacher. Navigating my own health challenges and caring for sick loved ones gave me a deeper sense of empathy and insight. I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the table, and that connection has transformed how I support my clients—and how they see me. I’m not just a clinician; I’m someone they can relate to.

Outside of nutrition counseling, my work includes writing for health publications and consulting with food and wellness brands that align with my values. I’m especially proud of my writing—it allows me to reach a broader audience and stay active in the larger health conversation. I write at least two articles a week and am the author of five cookbooks. In many ways, I became the journalist I set out to be in undergrad—before I shifted my path toward Nutritional Science.

Yoga is really the cornerstone of my practice and my personal growth. Teaching regularly keeps me grounded, a better listener, and sparks my creativity—it’s where a lot of new ideas come from. Whether I’m sculpting an article to make it just right or designing a unique yoga flow, my desire to create is what truly sets me apart.

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.
What I really love about living in Los Angeles is the variety of experiences the city offers — from peaceful escapes into nature to vibrant, social energy in the heart of town. No matter your mood, there’s always something waiting to inspire or restore you.

One of my favorite ways to reconnect with nature is hiking up to the Griffith Observatory from Fern Dell, starting at the spot where the bear statue stands. It’s a scenic route that’s both energizing and grounding, with expansive views at the top and a calm that feels worlds away from the city below.

On summer nights, there’s no place I’d rather be than the Hollywood Bowl. Listening to music under the stars never gets old, and since I live in Los Feliz, it feels like it’s just in my backyard — at least relatively speaking.

When I’m craving a good latte and some light conversation, I have my fave local cafes: Intelligentsia on Hollywood Blvd, Maru on Hillhurst, and Ritual on Vermont all serve well-crafted espresso beverages in cozy, welcoming spaces. And when I have visitors in town, I love bringing them to Alcove Café on Hillhurst for its diverse menu and beautiful garden patio.

For a more cultural night out, I head downtown with my hubby to the Ahmanson Theatre. Their productions are always top-notch, and the pedestrian-friendly space between the theatre and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion—makes for a beautiful evening stroll outdoors. There’s a small bar and a few eateries there, too. And of course, I love Walt Disney Concert Hall, where the acoustics alone make the experience unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout-out to my talented friend Bridie Macdonald, who I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with on brand projects that showcase her creativity, expertise, and professional skills in photography and video production. Whether it’s a virtual cooking demo or a yoga-inspired reel, Bridie has a special talent for bringing ideas to life visually. Her work consistently elevates everything I do as a nutrition professional and brand consultant.

Beyond her incredible talent, she’s also the friend who’s always ready to listen, offer support when things get tough, and cheer me on through each new endeavor.

Website: https://nutrisavvyhealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenoconnor.rd/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-o-connor-ms-rdn-ryt-7a7b9810/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehealingGERD/

Other: https://www.health.com/dorothy-lauren-o-connor-8602645

Image Credits
Bridie Macdonald