Today we’d like to introduce you to James and Dahlia Marin.
The story begins as sick and very unhealthy teenagers, James and Dahlia were on a trajectory for lifelong chronic disease. In one day Dahlia was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, PCOS, and she was very much overweight. She was given three prescription medications and told she would have to take these for the rest of her life, she was 17 years old. This scenario is becoming more and more common and it is a guarantee you know someone with a similar story.
At the same time, James was on a low-carb diet and eating tons of animal products in an effort to be “healthy”; suffering with asthma, constantly getting colds, the flu and any virus that came his way. Despite their efforts James and Dahlia were not healthy and not feeling good. This unhealthy lifestyle was set in motion well before Dahlia and James ever became aware of the situation. Both James and Dahlia grew up on a very refined, sugar laden, and animal product heavy diet, which little did they know was setting them up for these surprises later in life. Over time they both realized through different books, research, frustration and experience that conventional wisdom was not the only way.
Dahlia and James met early on while they were both on their journey trying to understand how to truly be healthy as both of them decided to study Food and Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics at Cal Poly Pomona. It was one year that they both had three classes together where they met, became friends and then became more. They realized they were better together than separate, and their healing journey amplified that much more as they became each other’s support. Fast forward working for non-profits, fighting for genetically modified food labeling, becoming 100% plant-based, finishing college, getting accepted into an extremely competitive dietetic internship, getting married, working professionally in various capacities, having a 100% plant-based pregnancy, to now being partners in their own practice doing what they were called to do (this was a big fast forward). Frustrations along the way with their own health, the lack of knowledge from other health professionals, the red tape and reductionist mentalities from employers have led them to design a practice and approach that does it’s best to look at each patient as an individual and use the most holistic healing modalities they have at their disposal.
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?
When you are part of a small group of people trying to do something that is extremely different from what others are doing you are bound to get pushback, this was no exception for James and Dahlia. In their undergrad education they were some of the only Vegans in the entire department, during their internships they were the only Vegans as well, and even in professional settings it was the same story. Their take on health needing to be a holistic approach focused on prevention was not something shared by everyone in their profession. Obstacles in life can be seen as something bad, but for James and Dahlia they took these opportunities to grow, share their knowledge as to why they made this lifestyle choice, and facilitate meaningful dialogue whenever they were given the opportunity.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Married to Health – what should we know?
Married to Health started as a small consulting business to help with their friends and family. It soon began to grow into much more. As James and Dahlia started sharing more on social media, connecting with like minds, and writing for various outlets they soon teamed up with another plant-based provider named Dr. Angie Sadeghi. It was at this time they joined forces in her practice to offer a more holistic approach to gut issues. In this integrative setting patients can have a focus on root causes of disease, which typically centers around nutrition and lifestyle. The team specializes in setting the record straight when it comes to eating plants and more fiber and having gut issues. Patients are constantly blown away when they are able to eat more beans, peas, lentils, etc. while decreasing their GI issues. Sign up for the Married to Health email/newsletter or follow on social media as it will be where you can get amazing updates for the practice and the excited upgrades the team is working on. In the very near future, Married to Health and their partners will have one of the largest 100% plant-based, integrative wellness centers in California.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
James and Dahlia have always seen the world in a different perspective, they have always researched, questioned, and sought the truth behind many factors related to health. It is this holistic approach that makes them unique as Registered Dietitians and as health professionals in general. Their ability to question and seek deeper root causes has had their patients finding success, which in turn has brought them success. The feeling of helping someone else is always much better than helping yourself. This is the purpose and passion behind Married to Health.
Pricing:
- Initial Visit (Without Insurance) $125
- Private Grocery Store Tour $125
Contact Info:
- Address: 17 Corporate Plaza Dr. Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
- Website: www.marriedtohealth.com
- Phone: 949-404-4444
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriedtohealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarriedtoHealth/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marriedtohealth
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