Our fitness centers at YWCA Downtown and Midtown are now open as of June 22. As we reopen, you can be certain your health and safety is our top priority. YWCA Uptown plans to open on July 15. Learn more about reopening and our Uptown temporary closure.
Start the Journey Toward a Healthier You
Nutrition is a complicated topic. With so many mixed messages about eating well, how do you know what advice is best for you?
Begin your path toward better health, higher energy and improved quality of life with our registered dietitians.
YWCA’s Registered Dietitians are Here to Help
Meet with our registered dietitians to:
- Discuss nutrition goals
- Receive individualized nutrition information
- Build a custom plan on to safely meet nutrition goals
- Make choices to create long-term success
Nutrition Coaching Services
We provide nutrition coaching services virtually. Sign up for a session today!
Individual Coaching
Dual Coaching
Family Coaching
Up to two adults and children must live in the same household.
YWCA Minneapolis Registered Dietitians
Alea Lester
- Locations: YWCA Midtown and Uptown
- Contact: alester@ywcampls.org
Learn More About Alea:
Wellness Philosophy
My mission is to help clients reach their goals by providing relevant, researched and individualized nutrition information. Every person is unique and I strive to create a specialized counseling program offering continued support and encouragement.
What drew you to the field of nutrition?
I have always had a passion for health and fitness and have participated in competitive sports for most of my life. I found that I loved inspiring and helping people make healthy changes. I started seeing a registered dietitian when I was having my own digestive health issues and realized that I enjoyed learning about and working with food. I truly feel that I found what I was meant to do in becoming a dietitian.
What is your favorite food or meal?
I love spaghetti, so I can often be found making a healthier version of this dish. But I’m a big believer in trying new foods, so I’m always mixing up new things in the kitchen.
What do you do for fun?
I love training and competing in triathlons, so a lot of my spring and summer spare time is taken up by that. I also love to garden and create new dishes in the kitchen with the produce I grow. I read a lot as well, especially murder mystery novels, and have formed a two-person book club with my grandma.
Haylee Kurtzweg
- Locations: YWCA Downtown and Uptown
- Contact: hkurtzweg@ywcampls.org
Learn More About Haylee:
Wellness Philosophy
I believe nutrition is central to overall health and wellness. My goal is to help clients foster positive relationships with food and support clients throughout their health and wellness journey.
What drew you to the field of nutrition?
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the gut. Through my health journey, I was introduced to nutrition and fell in love with it. I hope through my work as a dietitian, I can bring that same passion and joy for wellness through food to others.
What is your favorite food or meal?
Tacos – so versatile and always delicious!
What do you do for fun?
I love reading, especially while snuggled up with my kitty. I enjoy finding new recipes to try and watching HGTV home makeover shows.