We offer both in-person appointments Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and virtual appointments Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Our administrative team is available to assist with booking Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Please enter the front of the building gate and park in any available space on the left-hand side of the building.”
Answer: We encourage our clients to bring any recent lab work, medical diagnoses, a list of medications and supplements they are currently taking, one to three days of food log if available, any food preferences, allergies or intolerances, and a short list of what their current goals are. For children, we recommend bringing all growth charts. It’s important to note that these are not requirements for your first visit, but are highly recommended.
Yes, we do not accept walk-in same-day appointments. To schedule an appointment, please complete our online booking request form.
Please review our services and pricing page.
No, we are a self-pay clinic; however, we do have a sister company, Nutrition Behaviour Therapy that accepts most insurance plans. To receive a call from NBT please complete this booking form.
Yes, after the visit is complete, our client care coordinator can provide clients with a superbill upon request. Clients can seek reimbursement from their insurance provider using the superbill.
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Payment is collected at the time of booking to reserve your appointment.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment or no-shows are charged the full appointment fee, and the payment on file is retained.
If you need to reschedule within 24 hours, we are happy to accommodate when possible for a $75 rescheduling fee, rather than charging the full appointment fee again.
This applies in place of the full booking fee (initial assessments are $340, follow-up sessions are $200).
To cancel or reschedule, please call, text, or leave a voicemail at (281) 940-5878, or email admin@houstonfamilynutrition.com.
Yes, we offer virtual, in-person, and in-home appointments. Please note: in-home appointments are subject to a travel fee in addition to the appointment fee. To learn more, please review our services page.
Visit https://charmhealth.com/ for more information.
Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to us. Our practice strictly adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which means your personal and health information is protected by federal law.
We use Charm, a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal, to collect, store, and communicate your information. Charm uses industry-standard encryption and security safeguards to ensure your data is protected at all times.
Your information is never shared without your written consent, except in rare situations where disclosure is required by law. Only authorized members of our care team have access to your records, and solely for the purpose of providing your care and supporting your treatment.
During your initial nutrition assessment, your Registered Dietitian (RD) will take time to understand your health background, current concerns, lifestyle, and goals. Based on this assessment, your RD will determine your level of care and recommend a personalized follow-up frequency that best supports your progress. Some clients benefit from more frequent visits at the beginning, while others may need less frequent check-ins. As your needs change over time, your follow-up schedule can be adjusted to ensure you’re getting the right level of support. Our goal is to meet you where you are and provide care that is tailored, flexible, and effective for you.
We offer the following testing services:
DEXA Scan – DEXA (or DXA) is the gold standard of body composition testing. This low dose x-ray determines bone density, and the percentages of fat, lean, and bone mass in the whole body and segmented regions of the body including the arms, legs, trunk, android (belly fat) and gynoid (hip/butt) areas. The test also assesses for left vs right side symmetry and balance. The data is used as an accurate predictor of health risk and can identify opportunities for modification to diet and training regimens.
Resting Metabolic Rate – This 12 min rested breath test will determine your metabolic rate by calculating how many calories your body at rest burns for 24 hours. The data is used to determine precise nutrient recommendations and to determine metabolic anomalies.
*Please refrain from caffeine/stimulants, food (up to 4 hours before), and working out prior to your appointment
Bone Density – Estimates bone mineral density and support overall bone health. Results help your Registered Dietitian provide personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
VO2 Max – This test, performed on a treadmill or bike, will determine your cardiovascular endurance and health. We will find out your heart rate training zones for fat burning, anaerobic threshold and anaerobic zones for a more personalized training regime.
We offer a full complement of blood testing, including CBC, CMP, Thyroid, Lipid, and certain vitamin and mineral tests. We do not offer allergy and sensitivity testing. If it is determined that allergy and sensitivity testing is clinically indicated, we refer clients out to get Skin Prick Testing, which is the gold standard of allergy and sensitivity testing.
No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with us. However, if you have an existing care team, such as a primary care provider, endocrinologist, or therapist, and you would like us to coordinate your care with them, we’re happy to do so. To protect your privacy and adhere to HIPAA regulations, we can only share or request medical information with your authorization.
This is done through a medical release form, which allows us to securely communicate and exchange relevant records with your approved providers. Coordinated care is always optional and completely guided by your preferences.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a personalized, evidence-based approach to nutrition care provided by a Registered Dietitian to help manage medical conditions and support overall health. It includes a comprehensive nutrition assessment, individualized recommendations, and ongoing support tailored to your needs and goals. MNT is often used to improve health outcomes, manage symptoms, and support long-term wellness.
The short answer: In most states, including Texas, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”, but only a Registered Dietitian (RD), also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) is a licensed, regulated healthcare professional.
Some “nutritionists” are knowledgeable and well-intentioned, but there’s no governing body to hold them accountable if advice is inaccurate or harmful.
Registered Dietitians (RD) are licensed clinicians recognized by the state. Texas law (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 701) explicitly recognizes RDs as the state’s foremost experts in nutrition therapy and ties the credential to licensure, oversight, and accountability.
To become and remain an RD, clinicians must complete all of the following:
At Houston Family Nutrition, all care is provided by Registered Dietitians. That means:
Food affects your health, your body, and often your relationship with yourself. We believe that level of impact deserves trained clinicians, not guesswork.
We treat a wide variety of conditions for additional information, please view our Conditions We Treat page.
Yes, we offer one complementary 15 minute discovery phone call.
To learn about the current services we offer, please view our services page.
We treat children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and we tailor care to each life stage.
At Houston Family Nutrition, we intentionally integrate family systems and eating habits into care, because food choices, feeding patterns, and stress around eating are almost always shared and not individual.
For younger children (under 13), nutrition care is primarily parent-focused. That’s because parents and caregivers are the ones who:
Choose, prepare, and serve food.
Set structure around meals and snacks.
Shape routines, expectations, and the emotional tone around eating.
Children don’t control their food environment; adults do. Our role is to support parents with clear, practical guidance so feeding feels more manageable, less stressful, and more effective. When parents feel confident and supported, children benefit.
When we work with adolescents feeding and eating become more of a shared responsibility. Teens are gaining independence and autonomy. Parents are still providing food, structure, and oversight. Power struggles, stress, or mixed messages can easily show up around eating.
We work with both parents and adolescents, sometimes together and sometimes separately. Our goal is to support healthy communication, appropriate independence, and realistic expectations so that nutrition becomes a partnership rather than a battleground.
When a child has feeding or eating challenges, it can be overwhelming, emotional, and exhausting for families. Many parents worry they’re “doing it wrong” or feel stuck in patterns they don’t know how to change.
You’re not alone and this is exactly the kind of situation we’re trained to help with. We focus on reducing stress, restoring structure, and helping families feel calmer and more confident around food.
We also work with adults living independently or with support, from early adulthood through the geriatric years. This includes:
Adults managing medical conditions.
Adults navigating changing appetites, routines, or health needs in themselves or partners.
Older adults and caregivers adapting nutrition to aging, mobility, or medical complexity.
A balanced diet includes protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Most meals can follow a simple formula: lean protein + high-fiber carb + colorful produce + healthy fat. Balance also means regular meals, adequate hydration, and flexibility.
Your needs depend on your age, activity level, body composition, and medical history. A helpful starting point is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR):
Protein: 10–35% of total calories
Carbohydrates: 45–65% of total calories
Fat: 20–35% of total calories
Within those ranges, the “right” balance varies. For example, someone building muscle, managing diabetes, or navigating midlife metabolic changes may benefit from a different distribution than the general guidelines. A dietitian can individualize your targets based on your labs, goals, and overall health picture.
Different approaches work for different people. Some prefer tracking macros for structure and performance goals, while others do better focusing on simple, balanced meals without counting.
Ultimately, no matter the system, prioritizing mostly whole, minimally processed foods is key. Whether you track numbers or not, quality matters—lean proteins, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables form the foundation of a sustainable plan.
Excess added sugar can contribute to metabolic issues. Naturally occurring sugars in fruit and dairy come packaged with fiber, protein, and nutrients.
Most people do well with 3 meals and 1–2 snacks spaced every 3–4 hours to support steady energy and blood sugar balance.
However, meal timing may need to be adjusted for certain medical conditions (such as diabetes or GI disorders) or for athletic performance and sports fueling. If you have specific health concerns or training goals, individualized guidance from a dietitian can help you determine the best schedule for your body.
Supplements should fill gaps—not replace food.
At Houston Family Nutrition, we recommend supplements sparingly and strategically. They’re used when a true nutrient gap is identified through diet history or labs, or when they are part of an evidence-based care plan for a specific medical condition.
Food is always the foundation. Supplements are simply tools when clearly indicated—not a substitute for balanced nutrition.
We take a physiology-first approach.
That means focusing on metabolic health, muscle preservation, blood sugar stability, and sustainable behavior change—not extreme restriction or quick fixes.
If fat loss is appropriate for your health goals, we pursue it in a structured, supportive way. If dieting has negatively impacted your metabolism or relationship with food, we prioritize nourishment, restoration, and stabilization first.
Weight is one data point—not a measure of worth—and your plan should reflect your full health picture.
Metabolism isn’t something you “fix,” but you can support how efficiently your body uses energy. Building and preserving muscle, eating adequate protein, sleeping well, managing stress, and avoiding extreme dieting all help maintain a healthy metabolic rate.
Yes—when well planned. Attention to protein, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fats, and calcium is especially important.
That said, many dietary patterns can support good health. Whether plant-based, omnivorous, Mediterranean-style, or another approach, the key is adequate volume and variety of nutrients from mostly whole food sources. The overall pattern matters more than the label.
No. It may not be appropriate for individuals with diabetes taking certain medications, a history of disordered eating, adolescents, or some women experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Because fasting affects blood sugar, stress hormones, and overall energy balance, it’s important to individualize the approach. Consulting with a dietitian can help determine whether intermittent fasting is appropriate—and if so, how to implement it safely.
Current high-quality evidence does not support avoiding seed oils when consumed in moderation. Major health organizations, including the American Heart Association, state that replacing saturated fats (like butter) with unsaturated fats (including polyunsaturated fats found in seed oils) is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Some debate exists online around omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation, but systematic reviews and large cohort studies do not show that typical dietary intake of seed oils increases inflammation in humans. As with all fats, quantity and overall dietary pattern matter more than single ingredients.
The broader pattern—minimally processed foods, appropriate portions, and balanced fat sources—is what supports long-term health.
For most people, dairy is not inflammatory. In fact, fermented dairy products like yogurt may support gut health.
Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience digestive symptoms, and those with a true dairy allergy must avoid it. Outside of those cases, dairy can be part of a balanced diet.
If you have medical conditions, performance goals, GI symptoms, hormonal concerns, or feel stuck despite your efforts, a personalized plan can clarify what your body specifically needs.
Working with a dietitian ensures your approach is evidence-based, individualized, and aligned with your full health picture—not just general advice.
Food allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening. They often cause immediate reactions such as hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
Food sensitivities or intolerances typically cause delayed digestive or systemic symptoms (such as bloating or discomfort) and are not life-threatening. Proper evaluation is important to avoid unnecessary restriction.
Yes. Protein needs often increase to preserve muscle mass, and bone health, fiber intake, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic health become increasingly important over time.
Nutritional priorities shift across the lifespan. A dietitian can help you adapt your nutrition strategy as your body, hormones, and health risks evolve.
Adequate calories, protein, iron, omega-3 fats, and stable blood sugar all support reproductive health in both men and women. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic under-fueling, and metabolic instability can influence hormonal signaling.
If you are experiencing infertility or irregular cycles, a comprehensive nutrition assessment is recommended as part of your care team.
Growth requires adequate calories, protein, calcium, iron, and balanced carbohydrates. Energy needs are often higher than parents expect.
Restrictive dieting is rarely appropriate during growth years, and fueling should support development, activity, and emotional well-being.
Workout nutrition depends on the duration, intensity, and your overall nutrition pattern.
Before exercise, fueling supports energy availability and performance. After exercise, replenishment supports recovery and muscle repair. The exact timing and composition vary based on your training goals, body composition goals, and total daily intake.
Yes. Blood sugar stability, adequate iron and B12, sufficient calories, hydration, and sleep all influence cognitive function and energy levels. Persistent fatigue should be evaluated comprehensively rather than attributed to one single nutrient.
Balanced evening meals, limiting alcohol, adequate total calories, and stable blood sugar patterns may support sleep quality. Chronically under-eating or highly erratic intake can disrupt sleep hormones.
Foods that are healthy at mealtime are healthy at snack time. The goal is variety and balance.
Combining multiple food groups—especially protein and fiber—supports satiety and blood sugar stability. Examples include:
Health is determined by overall patterns—not one meal. Whether food is prepared at home or in a restaurant, the focus remains the same: adequate nutrition, variety, and appropriate portions.
When eating out, advocate for your dietary needs, prioritize balanced meals, and view the experience within the context of your broader weekly pattern. Flexibility and consistency matter more than perfection.
