The Power of Behavioral Change: How Karen Bartle Helps People Transform Their Diets for Personal and Planetary Health
As a Behavioral Change Health Coach, Karen focuses on dietary change for both personal and planetary health, helping people transition to whole food plant-based diets and supporting those with chronic illnesses. This mission deeply resonates with me, and I knew I had to bring her on The Wild Party Podcast to share her insights.
Why Behavioral Change Matters in Diet & Lifestyle
Karen's work is rooted in behavioral psychology, an approach that recognizes that lasting dietary changes require more than just willpower. As we discussed, people often start the year with New Year’s resolutions, but by February, many of those commitments fade. Why? Because habits are deeply ingrained, and without the right strategies, people fall back into old routines.
Karen explained that food is uniquely challenging because we must eat to survive, and many people are hooked on ultra-processed foods that bring comfort and pleasure. The key isn’t just eliminating certain foods—it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle change rather than falling into a temporary diet mentality.
Karen’s Journey into Behavioral Coaching
Karen’s expertise in behavioral change dates back to the late '90s, when she studied psychology and behavioralism. Her career began working with adults with autism and severe mental health conditions, where she helped them develop independence and functional behaviors. This led her to work within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), assisting people with challenging behaviors and learning difficulties.
She later transitioned into probation work, where she had just 15 minutes a week to help people shift criminal behaviors—an impossible challenge. Feeling frustrated with the limitations of the system, Karen left to start her own practice, training in hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and behavioral coaching.
As she built her coaching business, she naturally gravitated toward helping people manage weight, addictions, and food-related behaviors. But it wasn’t until her own health crisis that she truly saw the power of diet in healing.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis & the Shift to Whole Food Plant-Based Eating
Karen’s health journey took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP), which threatened her vision and overall health. The news was devastating—she would need to be immunocompromised for at least 10 years and rely on powerful medications.
Determined to take control of her health, Karen turned to research and discovered the book Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. She learned how a whole food plant-based diet could reduce inflammation, support healing, and mitigate chronic illness risks. Karen and her partner committed to eliminating ultra-processed foods, oils, and refined sugars, prioritizing nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
The impact was profound. While autoimmune diseases don’t have a cure, her symptoms improved, and she realized that dietary change could be the key to long-term health. This realization became the foundation of her coaching philosophy.
The Rise of Weight Loss Drugs & the Importance of Behavioral Change
During our conversation, we touched on the growing trend of weight loss drugs, particularly in the U.S. While these medications help people lose weight, they do not address the root cause of unhealthy eating behaviors. Karen emphasized that sustainable weight management requires changing food habits, addressing food addictions, and reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods—not just taking a pill.
This is where her coaching techniques come in.
Karen’s Approach to Behavior Change in Diet
Karen uses several behavioral strategies to help clients make lasting dietary changes. One of the most effective? The swapping technique. Instead of simply cutting out foods, Karen helps people replace unhealthy habits with better alternatives.
For example, when I stopped drinking alcohol, I realized I had a ritual around happy hour. So, I swapped that habit with elaborate tea drinking, which satisfied the same need for a daily routine. This simple swap made the transition seamless—and Karen applies similar strategies with food.
Other techniques she employs include:
SMART Goal Setting – Creating specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.
Implementation Intentions – Linking a new habit to an existing one (e.g., “If it’s dinnertime, then I will eat from a smaller plate”).
Motivational Interviewing – Helping clients move through the stages of change, from contemplation to maintenance.
The Importance of Community & Coaching in Dietary Change
One of the biggest challenges people face when changing their diet is sticking with it long-term. Karen recognized that community and support are crucial, which led her to create an online membership program.
Her coaching model includes:
A community space for support and accountability.
Monthly one-on-one coaching sessions to keep members on track.
A structured course to guide people through dietary transitions.
Recipes and meal plans to simplify the process.
Rather than forcing people to go 100% vegan overnight, she encourages them to be "plant-forward" and "plant-strong"—phrases that emphasize progress over perfection.
Embracing a Plant-Forward Future
Karen admitted that for years, she hesitated to market herself as a plant-based coach, fearing it might deter potential clients. But as awareness of the health and environmental benefits of plant-based eating grows, she now proudly embraces her mission to help people transition toward plant-based living.
Her work aligns with what I’ve seen in my own marketing business, Boomtown Marketing, where I’ve shifted to supporting ethical, compassionate, and sustainable brands. Once I made that shift, opportunities flooded in, and I believe the same will happen for Karen.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
For those wanting to reduce their reliance on meat, dairy, and ultra-processed foods, Karen suggests:
Start small. Swap one habit at a time.
Find community. Support makes a difference.
Educate yourself. Learn about the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet.
Experiment with flavors. Use herbs and spices to make plant-based meals enjoyable.
Be patient. Change takes time, but every step counts.
Karen’s transformative work is making a difference, helping people improve their health while also contributing to a more sustainable planet.
If you’re interested in learning more about Karen’s coaching, check out her website: karenbartle.com.
And if you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to our full conversation on The Wild Party Podcast!
Let’s all move toward plant-forward, sustainable living—one step at a time. 🌱✨
