Rachel Bland, RDN LD
My name is Rachel Bland, and I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who works with a variety of individuals, including children and adolescents, to help guide them toward healthier lifestyles.
I have previously worked as a dietitian for San Antonio’s city-funded pre-kindergarten program, Pre-K 4 SA, where I garnered experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. I also had the pleasure of working with the San Antonio Food Bank where I planned nutritious meals that nourished under-served areas of Texas. I am very passionate about promoting healthy living in my San Antonio community, especially for children, young families, and less fortunate populations. I believe that healthy eating should not just be a luxury for some, but a valued and attainable key to wellness for all.
From an early age, I knew that I had an affinity for science as well as a compassionate nature for helping people. Combined with my love of food (ALL foods!), I realized studying nutrition would be the perfect path for me. I also witnessed multiple close family members suffer from debilitating diseases – most notably, my mother’s battle with cancer. While it was an unfortunate struggle, it fostered a drive to understand how chronic diseases, such as cancer, can be prevented and treated with optimal nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
I carried that personal mission through college and graduated Suma-Cum Laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Foods. I was fortunate to remain a Texas State Bobcat as I furthered my study in nutrition through Masters-Level courses and through my Dietetic Internship that had a special focus in Pediatric Nutrition.
My broad perspective of food and eating, and all the nuances that accompany it, makes me easy to relate with. With all our complicated and busy lives, I understand how food often represents so much more than bodily fuel and I bring that passionate understanding of the joy of food into sessions with clients. I also strive to bring simplicity back to those that might have gone astray with our confusing “diet-culture”. I am experienced in counseling patients with a variety of medical conditions, including but not limited to, overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hypothyroidism, various autoimmune conditions and more. For our pediatric patients, I frequently see children who struggle with extreme picky eating, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), food allergies/intolerances, overweight/obesity, as well as underweight and failure to Thrive. I have a special passion for infant and toddler nutrition, including feeding methods such as baby-led weaning and family style dining. I also enjoy counseling the San Antonio working class to healthier lifestyles through our Workplace Wellness Programs.
In 2022, my husband and were blessed with having our first child, our beautiful daughter Claire. She is a fun and challenging handful and brings my passion for pediatrics to life! My husband and I love to travel and do outdoor activities – we can’t wait to take Claire to the trails! I enjoy practicing yoga, playing golf (or at least trying to), hiking and running. Fun outings for me include going to the park, the botanical gardens, a farmer’s market or eating at a local restaurant (preferably a nice patio on a cool, sunny day!). I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet new people and work with a variety of patients with whom I learn from every day.
Testimonials:
“Rachel is a very knowledgeable nutrition counselor. She listens and suggests accordingly. She has also gone above and beyond to suggest additional sources and resources for my particular question. She is doing a great job!”
“Rachel Bland listens. She tends to the needs of the client whether it is about exercise, diet, life style. She tailors to the needs of the person.”
“Rachel is very pleasant and easy to talk with. She is very precise and well informed. I look forward to meeting with her because I know she will provide good, solid information in a friendly and compassionate manner.”
“Rachel is awesome and very informative, great energy.”
“Rachel is helpful and I’ve made lifestyle changes after my meeting.”
“Rachel is very encouraging; patient with hearing my questions and providing respective responses”
“I am extremely impressed and pleased with the services that I’ve received from JTA Wellness. More specifically, Rachel Bland’s customer service and competency skills are outstanding.”
“Rachel Bland was very friendly, open to hear my concerns & answered my questions with valuable information that I have already incorporated into my meal plans.”
“I really enjoyed talking to the Nutritionist, she gave a lot of helpful information and I like the fact that is in one to one basis.”
“Rachel Bland was very professional, listened well, and offered great solutions that seemed “doable” for me. I look forward to working with her this year!”
“Rachel was very informative. Corrected my eating habits. She gave me a lot of good tips on snacks and other food ideas. I’m looking forward to me next visit. Thanks!”
“Rachel was very knowledgeable and informative on my diet concerns. I look forward to hopefully losing weight in the near future. Thanks”
“Rachel listens well and makes suggestions based on what will work for your healthy lifestyle and ability. She is very good at mapping a program to fit your needs.”
“Rachel is very kind and realistic. Meeting with her keeps me accountable for my progress and my family as well. She’s very helpful.”
“I appreciate the personal experience Rachel provides. As soon as I walk in, she calls me by name, she remembers things I have mentioned to her. It’s great. I appreciate Rachel’s patience, understanding, and non-judgmental encouragement.”
“Rachel is on top of my goals and journey. She has suggestions for success and seems to genuinely care about my health. Love meeting with her.”