Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in El Paso County, TX
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed in multiple states, a Kinesiologist, and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. My passion for helping individuals—including professional athletes—optimize their health and performance led me to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama. Since then, I have dedicated my career to delivering evidence-based nutrition and exercise interventions. Currently, I serve as the Director of KM Wellness Center in El Paso, TX, where I take a holistic approach to helping individuals with chronic conditions.
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed in multiple states, a Kinesiologist, and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. My passion for helping individuals—including professional athletes—optimize their health and performance led me to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama. Since then, I have dedicated my career to delivering evidence-based nutrition and exercise interventions. Currently, I serve as the Director of KM Wellness Center in El Paso, TX, where I take a holistic approach to helping individuals with chronic conditions.
I believe in healthy lifestyle recommendations that don't include the "diet" mentality! Good and nutritious food does not have to lose its flavor. I enjoy working with clients that are ready to take the first steps to improve their overall wellness. I have the ability to provide you with a virtual consult in the comfort of your own home.
I believe in healthy lifestyle recommendations that don't include the "diet" mentality! Good and nutritious food does not have to lose its flavor. I enjoy working with clients that are ready to take the first steps to improve their overall wellness. I have the ability to provide you with a virtual consult in the comfort of your own home.
Struggling with weight, prediabetes, PCOS, inflammation, or high blood pressure? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m Rhaizza Velasquez-Garcia, RD, LD, a virtual dietitian specializing in weight loss, insulin resistance, and lowering inflammation. I help clients use personalized nutrition strategies, including intermittent fasting and low-carb/keto approaches, to take control of their health. Ready for real support and lasting results? Let’s work together.
Struggling with weight, prediabetes, PCOS, inflammation, or high blood pressure? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m Rhaizza Velasquez-Garcia, RD, LD, a virtual dietitian specializing in weight loss, insulin resistance, and lowering inflammation. I help clients use personalized nutrition strategies, including intermittent fasting and low-carb/keto approaches, to take control of their health. Ready for real support and lasting results? Let’s work together.
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
Specialties include weight management and weight loss medications, pre- and post-bariatric surgery support, metabolic syndrome, insulin and leptin resistance, MTHFR gene mutation, CGM monitoring, body composition analysis, diabetes, fatty liver, high cholesterol, PCOS, and mindful eating.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Specialties include weight management and weight loss medications, pre- and post-bariatric surgery support, metabolic syndrome, insulin and leptin resistance, MTHFR gene mutation, CGM monitoring, body composition analysis, diabetes, fatty liver, high cholesterol, PCOS, and mindful eating.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood that is essential for forming healthy cells and ensuring regular body functions. Although cholesterol often has a negative reputation, it plays a crucial role in our health. There are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The balance between these types is more important than eliminating cholesterol entirely. In general HDL is considered to be the "good" form of cholesterol, while LDL is considered to be the "bad" form associated with conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with high levels of LDL cholesterol circulating in their blood are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as a result of plaque build-up on the interior of the body's arteries.
How does diet affect cholesterol?
While many individuals with high cholesterol are prescribed medications to help lower their levels, lifestyle changes—especially dietary modifications—are considered the first line of treatment. Reducing the consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, helps lower cholesterol. Conversely, consuming sufficient fiber, healthy fats (like those found in salmon and nuts), and low-fat proteins can help lower LDL levels and improve cardiovascular health.
What diet is best if you have high cholesterol?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to lowering blood cholesterol levels. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce cholesterol levels; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats that such diets can include.
Why is it useful to see a dietitian if you have high cholesterol?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so consulting a dietitian if you have high cholesterol can be greatly beneficial. They can help construct a diet that lowers cholesterol and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians can assist clients in identifying foods that are low in cholesterol and those that support overall health. They can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support blood cholesterol reduction, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with high cholesterol, such as kidney conditions, diabetes, and heart disease.