Hey 👋!

We’re heading into the last stretch of the year, roughly 90 days, give or take. Instead of a roundup this month, I’d like to do something a little different. A quick check-in with yourself. Grab a pen or open your notes app, it takes about five minutes.

🎉 Start With the Wins

Think back over the year. What has gone well with managing your health, even a little? Maybe you found a breakfast that works, or you made it to every appointment. (Small wins count, because they do.)

📊 Where Are You Right Now?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you doing with your health goal today? This isn’t a grade. It’s a starting point. A 4 tells you where to begin, and a 9 tells you what’s worth protecting.

🧗 What’s Been Hard

Now the honest part. What’s been getting in the way? Busy schedules, cost, low energy, and stress are common ones, so you’re in good company. Most struggles point to a barrier, not a lack of willpower. Once you name the barrier, it’s easier to work around it.

🎯 Making the Most of the Final Stretch

With roughly 90 days left, you have more time than it feels like. Pick one specific goal, and make it small enough to hold up on a busy week. “Walk after dinner three nights a week” works better than “exercise more.”

Try finishing this sentence. By December 31, I will __, and on a hard week, I will still __.

If you’re not sure where to start, I can help with that.

💌 I’d Love to Hear From You

Reply to this email and tell me one win and one struggle from your year. Big or small, they all count. (Yes, even the "I finally went to bed on time one night this week" kind of win.) Share as much or as little as you like. I read every reply, because your effort deserves to be seen.

💡 Quick News Note

In late August, the FDA approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk. It was already approved to help manage blood sugar. Heart health is a big part of managing diabetes, so it’s worth a conversation with your care team if this sounds like you. It’s not a reason to change anything on your own.

🙋🏻‍♀️ YOU ASK, I ANSWER

And if you have a question, reply with that too. I may feature it in a future newsletter.

🤝 Ready to Work Together?

If you're managing diabetes or weight and want to make sure your nutrition is truly working for you — not just your numbers — I'd love to help. I accept insurance and see clients virtually and in person in Massachusetts.

👉 Fill out my intake form here and we'll go from there.

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👋 About Karen

I'm Karen Lau, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience at a major medical institution, helping Asian Americans manage diabetes while honoring their cultural traditions. I work with clients virtually and in person in Massachusetts, and I do accept insurance. Ready to get started? Fill out my intake form here and we'll take it from there.

Note: This content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, not medical advice. While this guide follows current medical guidelines, always consult your healthcare team for personalized recommendations and advice specific to your situation. This newsletter was authored by me, with my professional expertise, clinical experience, and original ideas forming the foundation of the content. Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic, helped organize and expand my thoughts into this comprehensive newsletter while maintaining my voice and professional perspective.​

To your health—body, mind, and heritage,

Karen​
​Diabetes Dietitian & Diabetes Care Specialist (RDN, CDCES)
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