Jessica Davis is a Culina Health registered dietitian specializing in nutrition for hormonal diseases. After years as an endurance athlete and clinical dietitian, Jessica’s postpartum experience opened her eyes to the profound connection between nutrition, hormones, and quality of life. Today, she supports patients through the often-confusing landscape of hormonal health.
Key takeaways
- Jessica Davis leverages personal postpartum and athletic experience to specialize in nutrition for hormonal health.
- Her practical, sustainable approach focuses on realistic goals, simple strategies, and progress over perfection.
- She debunks myths like "soy harms hormones," citing research that moderate soy intake is generally safe.
A Personal Connection to Hormone Health
Jessica’s interest in nutrition began during her training for a full Ironman triathlon. As she pushed her body to its limits, she began to notice that food choices before, during, and after exercise directly impacted not just her performance, but her overall sense of well-being. This revelation was powerful enough to send her back to school to pursue a career in nutrition.
But it was motherhood that transformed her practice in unexpected ways. “I learned about the effects of my own hormones on mood and motivation during postpartum,” Jessica shares. “From personal experience I FELT it all, and learned how simple adjustments made a big difference.” That visceral understanding of hormonal fluctuations (the fatigue, the mood shifts, the brain fog, the weight changes) gave her a depth of compassion and insight.
After dedicating years to clinical nutrition, working with pediatric and pregnant patients, Jessica found her true passion: helping people navigate all of life’s phases through sustainable food and lifestyle choices. “I want to help patients navigate different phases of life through diet and exercise so that each chapter can be an enjoyable experience,” she explains.
Finding Balance With a Practical Approach
Jessica’s philosophy centers on realistic, attainable long-term goals. Having experienced the challenges of balancing fitness, nutrition, family, and self-care firsthand, she reminds patients that progress is the goal — not perfection.
A key strategy? Keep things simple. Take a no-stress approach to dietary changes so that nutrient-dense meals feel accessible rather than overwhelming. For example, patients who are prioritizing vegetables do not have to hit the market every few days and spend hours chopping and prepping (unless they want to). “Keep a par level of frozen steam bag vegetables on hand; this way you can always add a cooked vegetable to dinner in less than 5 minutes.”
Busting Hormone Health Myths
When asked about the biggest misconception she encounters, Jessica doesn’t hesitate: “Soy does not ‘mess up’ your hormones.” She explains that research shows moderate soy intake is safe for most people without soy allergies, and soy foods are actually linked to lower cholesterol levels and increased consumption of beneficial plant-based foods. In an era of nutrition misinformation, Jessica is committed to helping patients separate fact from fear-mongering.
Bite-Size Q&A!
What myth about hormone health would you like to clear up once and for all?
Soy does not “mess up” your hormones. Research shows moderate soy intake is safe for most people (without soy allergy). Soy foods are linked to lower cholesterol levels.
What’s your go-to meal when life gets busy?
Tuna fish on sourdough with melted cheese and a side of watermelon or baby carrots with ranch dressing.
What’s your favorite food-centric holiday and why?
Christmas Eve! Over the past 5 years we have started a tradition of cookie decorating after mass. Last year I added the challenge of 7 fishes as our dinner. I had 7 different types of seafood created that was quick and fun for kids and adults:
- Fish Sticks
- Sardines with Crackers
- Crab Cakes
- Mahi Fish Dip
- Smoked Salmon
- Clam Chowder
- Shrimp Cocktail
You can only buy 5 items at the grocery store; what are they?
Tuna fish, pre-cut zucchini, cold brew, Babybel cheese, and Triscuits
What’s one non-nutrition hobby or interest that brings you joy?
I love reading a romance novel at the beach.
Want to work with Jessica?
You can schedule a session with Jessica or one of our other hormone health dietitians on our website or by visiting this link.
