Health Coach and yoga instructor shares her favorite on-the-go snacks, her skincare secrets and what she holds most sacred.
Katrine (pronounced Katrina) was born and raised in Norway, where nature was always readily available. "My family and I would go for long 'Sunday walks' outdoor every weekend," she recalls. Later, Katrine spent a few years modeling full-time. That's when she ended up coming to New York for work, and never left.
However, the years spent in front of the camera, competing for work with her physical appearance, took their toll physically and mentally. Katrine felt tired and depleted all the time, craved sugar and coffee to get through the day and her skin was breaking out. As a result, she had to re-learn how to nourish herself, especially in a new country where the default food was not as nutritious as what she had grown up with. (Turns out all bread and cheese are not created equal!)
"No one should have to navigate their health alone."
As conventional medicine provided no insights into the underlying issues of why she wasn't feeling well, she started exploring acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine. She also started seeing a health coach to help her navigate the changes she wanted to make and the overwhelm of information that was available.
"I loved her approach and our six months together so much that I decided to go back to nutrition school and study nutrition too, so that I could help other people in similar situations feel well again," Katrine says. "No one should have to navigate their health alone, and having the support and accountability from a coach was what truly made a difference for me."
Katrine also completed a yoga teacher training with Chrissy Carter, another Mindful Movement Instructor at THE WELL, to become a yoga instructor, and holds a BA degree in media and culture from The New School. Along with building her own health coaching practice, she's written three books and worked alongside Dr. Frank Lipman, THE WELL's Chief Medical Officer, for four years.
What does wellness mean to you?
Taking time to care for myself so that I can best care for the people around me. It’s a feeling of contentment, strength and being enough. It is both.
Name three non-negotiables in your life.
Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate. (Joking, but not really!) Also, kids’ snuggles, sleep and movement.
The book you own that is the most dog-eared?
Probably a cookbook, like Dining In by Alison Roman. Early in my wellness journey, the book Clean by Alejandro Junger was such an eye-opener for me.
Favorite quote?
Does “I love you” count?
Snack you pack when you’re on the go?
Apple, Kalumi Bar and Hu Hunks for a sweet treat. Lots and lots of Hu Hunks!
Instagram accounts that get the most likes?
Besides THE WELL, Mark Hyman and Ellen Vora.
Best beauty secret?
Sleep and face self-massage… and a layered Japanese skincare routine!
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird most of the time — I love a quiet house!
Morning and/or bedtime rituals?
Workouts in the morning just set my energy right for the day. They don’t happen daily, but when they do I feel great! I also take a few minutes to meditate and hydrate lots. In the evenings, my routine includes reading for my kids, cleaning up the kitchen (I can’t stand walking into a messy kitchen in the morning!) and a skincare routine for myself.
Wellness travel essentials?
Clothes and shoes to move in, a light yoga mat, essential oil wipes and CBD.
The key to a good night's sleep?
Daylight and movement during the day. And when that doesn't do the trick, magnesium!
When you really need to chill out, you...
Take an epsom salt bath, get reflexology or spend some time in nature.
Instant mood lifter?
My silly kids — especially when they make each other laugh! And if they’re not around, a bounce on the rebounder.
Food philosophy?
Food is nourishment and punishment does not belong there. Lots of plants, plenty of fats and some great-quality animal proteins!
Most used condiment?
Coconut aminos and flaky sea salt.
How do you take coffee or tea?
Swiss Water Processed Decaf coffee with collagen peptides and steamed nut milk creamer in the morning. Then herbal tea all day long!
Hydration strategy?
I focus on eating whole, real foods, which contain lots of water, minerals and enzymes which support hydration.
Simple smoothie recipe?
Frozen cherries, almond butter, raw cacao powder, collagen peptides, almond milk and a big handful of greens. Boom!
In your salad?
Fennel, castaravano olives and citrus!
Go-to wellness gift?
Pai Rosehip oil, silk night mask and amazing chocolate. (All of which can be found in THE WELL’s retail shop!)
Words to live by?
The golden rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. I remind myself of this in my coaching sessions all the time! And, remember to breathe!
How do you reboot?
If I have one hour, a great yoga class. If I have one week, exploring and getting lost in a new place.
Preferred mode of movement?
Yoga, play outside and a sweaty spin on my Peloton bike.
When you feel a cold coming on you ___?
High dose of vitamin D, lemon, ginger, honey brew and sleep.
Weirdest wellness trend you've tried?
The 10 Day Master Cleanse. I did it twice in my twenties and somehow my husband did it with me too! I would not recommend it!
What's sacred to you?
My kids and traveling with my husband.
Last time you laughed?
Probably when I tried my hardest to hold back a laugh as my two-year-old dropped the F-word, perfectly timed, in the local coffee shop.
