Why I Chose to Become a Dietitian: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Passion for Health

Growing up, I was always surrounded by a focus on health, fitness, and nutrition. My dad was a bodybuilder who was always ahead of the curve when it came to nutrition and lifting trends. From a young age, I was introduced to healthy eating, and my passion for fitness grew as I participated in sports—especially volleyball, both indoor and outdoor. But as I got older, I realized that what we eat is about more than just performance; it’s about health and feeling your best. My path to becoming a dietitian wasn’t linear, but every step led me to a profession I truly love today.

The Struggles of an Extreme Diet: A Wake-Up Call

In high school, the owners of my dad's bodybuilding gym saw potential in me and suggested that I train for a "Miss Fitness" competition. They provided me with a strict diet, and in just two weeks, I lost 10 pounds. While I could see my muscles becoming more defined, I felt completely drained. My energy plummeted, my eyes looked sunken in, and I found it harder and harder to perform in volleyball. My mom was worried that I might be developing an eating disorder, and my coach was frustrated because my performance had drastically declined. I realized that although I had achieved the physical appearance I was going for, I didn’t feel like myself.

The way I felt wasn’t healthy, and my body was telling me it needed something different. I chose to stop the extreme diet and return to a more balanced way of eating. Soon after, I began to excel in my sports again, regaining my energy and performance. That was my wake-up call: the pursuit of aesthetics shouldn't come at the expense of how I felt or my performance. Health was about balance, not extremes, and I knew I wanted to learn more about how to nourish my body properly.

The Family Impact: A Desire to Avoid Chronic Disease

Around the same time, I began to notice the toll that chronic diseases like diabetes were taking on my family. Both sides of my family had a history of diabetes, and I saw firsthand how difficult it was for my relatives to manage their health. The constant blood sugar checks, the need to read every food label—this wasn’t a lifestyle I ever wanted to have to navigate. This sparked a deeper interest in nutrition and the ways in which we can prevent such conditions by making better food choices. I didn’t want to just help people feel better—I wanted to help them live a life free from the struggles of chronic illnesses.

The Turning Point: Falling in Love with Nutrition

My interest in nutrition truly blossomed when I took an elective course at Santa Barbara City College. The class was eye-opening, and I quickly fell in love with the subject. I began talking to the dietitian who taught the class every day after school, asking questions and picking her brain about the field. She reassured me that although my strengths were more in English and writing, I could absolutely take all the science and chemistry courses required to become a dietitian. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this path, even though I wasn’t sure I could handle the intense science-based coursework.

I decided to dive in. I started taking the prerequisite courses, and eventually, I transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where I completed my bachelor's degree, internship, and master's coursework. The more I learned, the more I realized that this was the career I was meant to pursue.

The Puzzle of Nutrition: Helping Others Achieve Health and Happiness

Today, I’m proud to say that I haven’t looked back. I love being a dietitian and working with clients who are ready to improve their lives. For me, being a dietitian is like solving a puzzle. Every person I work with has their own unique lifestyle, challenges, and eating habits. The fun part is figuring out how to help them make small but impactful changes to their diet, schedule, and mindset to get them on the road to health and happiness.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to see clients feel better, more energized, and more confident in their food choices. Whether it’s helping someone manage a medical condition, improve their athletic performance, or simply eat in a way that supports their overall well-being, every success feels like a personal victory. It’s not just about food—it’s about helping people feel empowered in their choices and achieve a life that feels balanced and vibrant.

Why I’m Passionate About My Work

Becoming a dietitian has been the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s a profession that allows me to combine my love for health, food, and helping others. Every day, I get to educate, guide, and support people in ways that make a real difference in their lives. I am continuously inspired by my clients’ progress and motivated to keep learning and growing as a professional.

My journey to becoming a dietitian wasn’t a straight line, but each experience—both the challenges and the victories—has shaped me into the professional I am today. I’m proud to be in a career that allows me to help others live healthier, happier lives, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.

So, if you’re on your own journey toward better health, remember this: it’s about finding what works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, and small, sustainable changes are often the most powerful. As a dietitian, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!