
About Us

Our Mission
To empower a healthier world, one choice at a time. At Nutrition As Therapy, we ignite a passion for plant-forward living, transforming lives and the planet through education, compassion, and community. Our expert Registered Dietitians guide individuals, communities, and future generations, unlocking the profound benefits of plant-forward nutrition for human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Our Plant-forward Approach
At Nutrition As Therapy, we believe in plant-forward nutrition because it is the most effective way to nourish the body while protecting the planet. Prioritizing plant-based foods supports long-term health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. At the same time, it significantly lowers our environmental footprint—conserving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving natural resources. By embracing a plant-forward approach, we empower individuals to make choices that are not only better for their health but also contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Meet Our Founder

Magnolia Vela
Magnolia Vela is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 23 years of experience. She holds a Master's Degree in Nutritional Science from Cal State Long Beach and completed her nutrition/dietetic internship through the University of Northern Colorado. Being of Colombian descent she acknowledges the cultural diversity present amongst clients and appreciates each client for the unique individual that they are. She has always been of the entrepreneurial spirit and started off teaching classes to the latino prenatal population in Los Angeles. She then became the staff RD for Talbert Medical and Universal Care. Shortly thereafter she opened her business otherwise known as Nutrition As Therapy and began counseling clients as she partnered with local doctors and medical groups who were proactive and saw the cost-effectiveness of offering medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to their patients. She now has a team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists that assist her with client therapy. Her goal is to offer clients a thorough and positive experience while they are in counseling from food preparation demonstrations to simple exercise classes where people can experience "hands-on" learning. "She exhibits a nurturing, yet professional demeanor along with excellent communication skills, which allow her to demonstrate her exceptional knowledge of foods as they affect health. As a business owner, Magnolia is devoted to her patients and takes great satisfaction in counseling them on how to live a healthy lifestyle. She approaches patient counseling with a gentleness and concern that is tangible, has managed to surround herself with great, skilled staff that are just as caring and that would explain why her practice is thriving. Genuine service with integrity is what she provides and it is a successful mentality to have. She truly cares about people and wants them to be empowered every time they leave the office. I have had the opportunity to see her in a business setting as well as a social setting and I can truly say that Magnolia is a person who is excited about life, optimistic about almost everything, and empathizes with people. I would highly recommend her to anyone. She makes a difference. "Magnolia is highly knowledgeable in health and nutrition and I would highly recommend anyone who needs health and nutrition counseling to utilize her staff's expertise. Communicates very well, presents herself professionally and has an exceptional knowledge in foods and their nutritional contributions as they affect diet and any desirable lifestyle."
Meet Our Team
What Makes Us Different
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Personalized support. We provide you with nutrition guidance tailored to your food preferences and specific diagnosis.
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Insurance coverage. We accept most insurance plans in California and Texas.
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Sustainable results. We empower you to achieve long-term goals by coaching you on your everyday choices and fostering self-compassion.
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Plant-forward. We encourage you to include more plants in your meals to unlock their powerful benefits and discover their amazing flavor.
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Virtual consultations. With us you get professional nutrition advice from the comfort of home.
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Bilingual consultations. We offer consultations in both English and Spanish.

What We Stand For
As Registered Dietitians, we recognize the significance of not only educating on food for improved clinical outcomes but also illuminating the profound impact these choices have on animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Please refer to the following links to discover how your food choices impact animals, your planet and how you can make a difference.
Stephanie Harris, a Registered Dietitian colleague, curated this site. This link was inspired by her graduate work on understanding the public health implications of concentrated animal feeding operations. This is a compilation of research and resources used in her studies. With over 12 years of experience, she has engaged with countless individuals to explore the intricacies of their eating habits. Through these interactions, she has come to understand that eating is a multifaceted behavior deeply intertwined with our food system. This system encompasses decisions made at local, state, and federal levels, influencing how our food is produced, its cost, and who has access to it. This platform specifically delves into the animal agricultural aspect of the food system and its wide-ranging impacts on public health, the environment, and animal welfare. If you find that the current system doesn't align with your values, we encourage you to explore the "What You Can Do" section and harness your power to drive positive change.
The UN's "Food and Climate Change" page emphasizes that food systems contribute about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with agriculture and land use being major sources. The UN advocates for sustainable food systems and dietary shifts to mitigate climate change and enhance global food security.
Charities
Nutrition As Therapy donates substantial monthly contributions to help these organizations: