When Jonathan’s wife expressed concern about his habits, he would often respond by saying that as long as his lab results were fine, there was no problem. However, everything changed earlier this year when Jonathan—a father, husband, and tech professional—was told by his doctor that his health was in jeopardy.
“I knew if I kept up the way I was going, I would die,” Jonathan said. After processing the news from his doctor, he made a game plan that included working with experts who could support him—including a therapist, a personal trainer, and a registered dietitian at Culina Health. After nearly 8 months of working with Alex Balbontin, BS, RDN, Jonathan has improved his liver enzymes and blood pressure, reversed his pre-diabetes, and transformed how he cares for himself. “Balancing [my roles in life] often led to neglecting my own needs, including my diet. Navigating this meant learning to prioritize my health without feeling guilty about taking time for myself. I’ve had to redefine self-care as not just a luxury but a necessity for being the best version of myself in all areas of my life. Working with Alex Balbontin has been instrumental in helping me integrate nutrition care into my daily routine in a way that respects my identity and responsibilities,” he reports.
In this interview, Jonathan reflects on his journey and what he’s learned working with a registered dietitian.
The Start of Jonathan’s Journey
Why did you want to start working with a RD?
I realized my eating habits were directly contributing to my health issues. After being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health concerns, I knew I needed expert guidance. Alex provided the support and expertise I needed to develop a healthier relationship with food, understand proper nutrition, and create a sustainable plan for overall well-being.
How would you describe your relationship with food before working with an RD at Culina Health?
My relationship with food was deeply unhealthy and driven by emotional needs. Food was my comfort during difficult times, and I often turned to it as a way to cope with stress, depression, and the pressures of life. My eating habits were out of control, and I used food as a way to fill emotional voids, leading to significant weight gain and declining health.
How are food and your emotions connected?
Food and my emotions were tightly intertwined. Whenever I faced stress, sadness, or any emotional discomfort, I would run to food for comfort. It became a way to numb the pain and escape from the challenges I was facing. This emotional eating cycle only exacerbated my health problems, creating a negative feedback loop where poor eating habits fueled further emotional distress.
Goals and Challenges Along the Way
Besides nutrition and diet, what lifestyle factors have been important to you on your health journey?
Sleep, stress management, and physical activity have been crucial lifestyle factors in my health journey. I’ve learned that proper sleep is essential for recovery and maintaining energy levels. Managing stress through therapy and other coping mechanisms has helped me avoid turning to food for comfort. Regular physical activity, guided by my personal trainer, has improved my fitness and overall well-being. This complements the nutritional changes Alex has helped me implement.
Why is it important to focus on your sleep health?
Focusing on sleep health is important because it directly impacts my overall health and well-being. Quality sleep helps regulate hormones, supports mental clarity, and aids in recovery from physical activity. Poor sleep can lead to increased stress, cravings, and reduced motivation, all of which can derail my progress. By prioritizing sleep, I ensure that my body is rested and ready to face the challenges of each day.
How do you continue progressing when facing barriers of time and motivation?
I continue progressing by staying disciplined and reminding myself of the reasons I started this journey. When I face barriers like time constraints or lack of motivation, I lean on the support of my team, especially Alex. She helps me stay accountable and keeps me focused on my goals. I also try to break down my progress into smaller, manageable steps. To maintain momentum, I make sure I’m celebrating small victories along the way.
A Mind-Body Transformation
What did eating consistently show you about your body and health? How did it benefit your day?
Eating consistently showed me that my body responds positively to regular, balanced meals. It helped stabilize my blood sugar levels, reduced cravings, and gave me more energy throughout the day. By maintaining a routine, I found that I could manage my weight better, improve my mood, and feel more in control of my health. Consistency in eating also reduced the urge to binge and allowed me to focus on nourishing my body rather than using food as an emotional crutch.
What was the most surprising thing about working with an RD?
The most surprising thing about working with Alex was how much my mindset around food changed. I expected to learn about nutrition and meal planning, but I didn’t anticipate how much my relationship with food would evolve. Alex helped me see food as fuel for my body rather than a coping mechanism. She guided me in developing a healthier, more balanced approach to eating.
What would you tell someone who got blood work back and is overwhelmed?
I would tell them to start by seeking professional guidance. Working with someone like Alex can help you understand your results and what changes need to be made. It can be overwhelming, but breaking down the necessary steps into manageable actions can help. Focus on one area at a time, whether it’s improving diet, increasing physical activity, or managing stress. Gradually build on those changes.
What advice would you give someone just starting their health journey?
Take it one step at a time and be patient with yourself. It’s important to set realistic goals and understand that change doesn’t happen overnight. Seek support from professionals, whether it’s a registered dietitian, therapist, or trainer, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Focus on making small, sustainable changes rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.
Interested in working with a registered dietitian for weight loss or weight management?
At Culina Health, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, quality nutrition care from a credentialed nutrition expert. We pair patients with registered dietitian nutritionists for personalized, virtual nutrition care that is science-based, inclusive, and culturally affirming.
We offer non-judgmental, sustainable, and multilingual support in all specialties, and we honor all patient backgrounds. Culina Health is proud to be clinician, women, and BIPOC owned. Start today.
