Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Hernandez.
Denise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, my parents always stressed the importance of going as far as my education would take me. They were both born in Mexico and didn’t have the same access to higher education as they would have liked. This motivated me to pursue a career in a health profession. Narrowing it down to which profession was the next step.
I decided to become a registered dietitian to help women overcome chronic disease, like heart disease. Having lost both of my grandmothers prematurely to strokes, and knowing that it’s the number 1 killer of Americans, I knew that I wanted to be on the side of prevention.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey was not as smooth as I would have liked. But as is with life, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Two years into my career as a dietitian, I developed chronic migraines, averaging about four migraines per week. Even though I was still present at work, what I did during my time-off was limited. I struggled with migraines for years, searching for any relief. I changed many things: aspects of my nutrition, stress management, adequate sleep, hydration, etc. I saw numerous doctors from my primary care physician to neurologists. It wasn’t until diving deeper into research, looking at gut health and micronutrient adequacy, that I started to notice a significant change. Since then, I have taken what I’ve learned along my painful journey to help others find relief and the answers they need to thrive.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Houstonian Club – what should we know?
I have been the dietitian at The Houstonian Fitness Club for the past 6 years and have loved every minute of it. Although it is a private club, I am given the privilege of counseling both members and non-members. I also offer virtual counseling since many of my clients live out-of-state, travel or work long hours and need flexibility.
I specialize in one-to-one nutrition counseling to correct heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, migraines, and chronic fatigue. One of my other passions is public speaking, and you will find me around Houston presenting wellness seminars to corporations and businesses.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Understanding the arduous journey of my client’s path to health is crucial to their long-term success. That’s why the approach that I take is one of empathy and accountability. My goal is to help women find the best approach for their wellness goals. One size does not fit all.
It is my ability to express empathy that has been most important to my success as a dietitian. Often clients will tell me that I’ve helped change their lives and that my compassion is what helped them through their struggle and pain.
I believe in empowering those who come to me for advice. I put them in the driver’s seat and serve as their co-pilot, helping them navigate the world of nutrition and wellness, while clearing up some of the confusion.
I don’t give up on my clients even when they have given up on themselves.
Contact Info:
- Address: Houstonian Fitness Club
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024 - Phone: 713-685-6894
- Email: dhernandez@houstonian.com
- Instagram: @denise.hernandezrd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/EdenhdzRD
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