Cristine Saks, MS RDN LD
I am a registered and licensed dietitian specializing in weight management, pediatrics, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, food allergies, and corporate nutrition. I have completed a Certificate of Training from the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics (AND) in Food Allergies and Health & Wellness Coaching. I firmly believe that nutrition is about more than just food; it is a lifestyle. I enjoy working with individuals and families to find ways to incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives, which includes all aspects of a balanced lifestyle: healthy eating, stress management, good quality sleep & regular physical activity.
I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After graduating from St. Mary’s, I made the decision pursue a career in nutrition because I was interested in the health care field but wanted to take a more preventative approach. This decision motivated me to obtain a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of the Incarnate Word, where I also completed my dietetic internship. My master’s project involved studying the impact of how fruit is presented to children affects consumption in the National School Lunch Program. It was during this project that I realized I had a genuine interest in child nutrition.
While obtaining my master’s, I gained invaluable experience working in the Health and Wellness Department at H-E-B. Along with a team of nutrition students, we analyzed the nutrition information for all H-E-B recipes found online. This work continues to be utilized on the H-E-B website to help consumers make informed decisions when choosing recipes to prepare.
Prior to JTA Wellness, I worked in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, where I specialized in educating mothers on breastfeeding, buying and cooking low-cost healthy foods, and raising healthy eaters. My experience at WIC taught me the value of healthy eating in all stages of life.
I am honored to be currently teaching Food and Nutrition at St. Mary’s University as an adjunct professor. It is inspiring to be able to spread my knowledge and passion for nutrition to my students.
In my spare time, I enjoy learning new cooking techniques, gardening, and group exercise classes, which include yoga, barre & cycling.
Testimonials:
“Cristine is great to work with. She’s pleasant, knowledgeable and sharp. She has given me the tools that I need in order to live longer and feel better. I have lost over 30 pounds. I feel better and I look better. I am thinking clearer and enjoying my job. Most of all, I am enjoying life again!”
“Cannot say enough positive about Ms. Saks! She was very professional, engaged, intuitive, smart, creative, respectful, encouraging, and (she really needed this one) patient. [I am following] a much healthier diet that I actually enjoy.”
“[I have learned that] family dinners are so important! Balancing diets are not hard and kids’ meals can be just like adult meals; clean, fresh, and yummy!”
“Cristine was very helpful in understanding my situation and attempts to make healthy changes. The right choice of foods in combination with exercise is not the same for everyone and Cristine clearly understands this and provides alternatives to food choices and exercise. She is very resourceful and provides additional options to help me. I am truly blessed to have such a caring person on my side.”
“Results speak louder than words. I have been able to apply information received during our sessions and have lost weight and inches. I also don’t feel like I am depriving myself either.”
“Cristine [was] very helpful in helping me to manage my eating habits in order to lose weight.”
“Christine is doing a great job in helping me make a lifestyle change and recognize that I can eat healthy and be satisfied.”