Today we’d like to introduce you to Cari Riker.
Hi Cari, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a family that loved food and had a heart for helping others. Becoming a dietitian was a natural path, it combined my passion for nutrition with a desire to support people’s health and well-being.
I studied Food Science and Human Nutrition in undergrad with an emphasis in international nutrition, focused on serving underserved communities. My dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville broadened my perspective on how deeply nutrition impacts both individual health and public health. After graduation, I worked in research and education before transitioning into corporate wellness, where I gained valuable experience helping people apply nutrition in real-life settings.
Over the past decade, I began to see a recurring theme; more and more people were quietly suffering from digestive issues like bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, and social anxiety. Many felt stuck and embarrassed, not knowing where to turn. I realized this population was incredibly underserved, and I became passionate about helping them.
With the right nutrition strategies, my clients experience dramatic improvements from more energy, less anxiety, better sleep, to a renewed confidence in their bodies. Gut health affects every part of life, and helping people heal from the inside out has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I love seeing people regain control and enjoy life again.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The field of dietetics is vast, and it took time to find my true passion. I explored research, education, and corporate wellness before realizing how much I loved working directly with individuals and small groups. Starting a private practice came with challenges such as, learning business skills, marketing, and connecting with the right clients. But each step helped me grow personally and professionally. It wasn’t always smooth, but those experiences shaped the meaningful work I do today in digestive health, where I get to make a real impact and help people regain control of their lives.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with individuals struggling with a variety of digestive issues, including IBS, IBD, food sensitivities, functional digestive disorders, as well as chronic health issues like diabetes and high cholesterol. My focus is helping clients implement personalized nutrition strategies that reduce symptoms, increase energy and mental clarity, and build confidence around food choices.
What sets me apart is my realistic, practical approach. I believe nutrition changes should feel manageable and not overwhelming. I also prioritize collaborative care, working alongside your healthcare team to ensure a unified plan for your health.
I offer 1:1 consultations (including some insurance plans), group courses throughout the year, and regular newsletters to keep clients informed and supported. Whether someone is looking for relief, clarity, or simply a better quality of life, I aim to be a trusted partner on their journey to better digestive health.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I wouldn’t have always labeled myself a risk-taker, but looking back, many of the biggest turning points in my career involved some form of risk. Leaving more traditional roles in research and corporate wellness to start my own private practice was a huge leap and one that came with financial uncertainty, a steep learning curve, and the pressure of building something from the ground up. Choosing to specialize in digestive health was also a risk, since it’s a highly nuanced area where many people go years without answers. But it was a risk that felt worth it and one that aligned with where I saw the greatest need. I’ve learned that risk doesn’t always mean bold, impulsive decisions. Sometimes, it’s about trusting your gut, taking a step forward before you have all the answers, and being willing to adapt and grow along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rikernutritionconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your.ibs.dietitian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RikerNutrition/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-riker-a7572811
