Life & Work with Gui Bittencourt of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gui Bittencourt.

Gui, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up as an overweight kid in Brazil, surrounded by delicious food but with little understanding of nutrition, something my parents also lacked. My dad was already obese, and by the time I was 14, I was struggling with high blood pressure, headaches, high cholesterol, prediabetes, depression, and more, all stemming from a lack of essential nutrients. I realized that if I wanted a better life, I needed to make real changes.

In 2006, I started working out at a local gym. It was simple, just strength training and a manual treadmill that required real effort to use. Driven by curiosity about nutrition and weight loss, I dove into learning. I absorbed information from forums, books, websites, my teacher, and gym friends. Within a few months, the results were clear: I lost weight, gained muscle definition, felt healthier, and even saw significant improvements in my bloodwork. These changes boosted my confidence, helped me overcome depression, and inspired me to pursue a future studying nutrition in college.

By 2009, in my final year of high school, we were tasked with imagining ourselves 10 years into the future. I pictured myself as a nutritionist, living by the beach.

At 18, I enrolled in college. My family couldn’t afford to pay for it, and my job barely covered the costs. However, I found a college within my budget, and since I lived at home, I managed to afford food and the occasional night out. Working full-time during the day and studying at night was exhausting, and the next five years were full of uncertainty.

Despite the challenges, I persevered. College loans, a university job in a microbiology and bromatology lab, a civil servant role assisting students at another university, and financial help from my grandmother all enabled me to cover my expenses and graduate. It wasn’t easy; there were times I doubted I could continue, but after five long years, I earned my degree.

College taught me more than just nutrition. It deepened my compassion and opened my eyes to the complexity of every person’s story. I came to understand that there’s so much more to people than what they eat, and this realization made me a better human being.

In 2015, I moved to the United States. After a few years working in hospitality, I achieved my dream of founding Gui Dietician in Los Angeles in 2018. Today, my mission is to help others with stories like mine, guiding them toward healthier diets, weight loss, and happier lives.

Alright, 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?
Not at all. It feels like something great came from the pain. It’s like the saying that it takes heat and pressure to turn carbon into diamond. Battling depression and anxiety was one of the toughest experiences I faced. People say, “it’s all in your mind,” but in reality, a lot of depression can be managed—or at least eased—with enough sleep, exercise, and a diet rooted in real, close-to-nature foods. Even now, I rely on these three pillars, along with some supplements, to stay balanced. Once you learn what makes you feel well, you might stray, but you know when and how to get back.

Today, I feel fortunate to live a healthy and happy life, and I’m driven to help others achieve the same.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was fortunate to develop my creative side alongside my nutrition business. In addition to my work as a dietician, I started a photography and videography business, where I’ve been honing my skills for about seven years now. This creative work doesn’t just stand alone; it actually feeds into my approach to nutrition. I’m developing a method that encourages healthier lives through nutrition, but also uses visual storytelling to make the journey inspiring and relatable. I want my clients to feel nourished not only physically, but mentally—seeing health as both a practical and a beautiful, artistic experience.

What sets me apart is that I aim to create a whole experience. I believe health should be transformative, life-changing, and uplifting. People often know the basics—eat healthy, move more—but my goal is to show them how small changes can ripple out, making their lives more vibrant and full. And with my background in photography, I can share that journey in a way that’s both educational and visually engaging. It’s rewarding to see clients not only feel healthier but also find a deeper connection to themselves.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Reach out to people and offer your help. Everyone has something to offer, and often, mentorship comes naturally when you connect on a genuine level. Sometimes, a mentor will reach out to you unexpectedly. I’ll never forget one day during my first year of college, after a rough breakup, a teacher noticed I had been losing weight and asked if I was okay. That moment stood out to me—not only because she noticed, but because she cared and took the time to check in. We formed a long, invaluable relationship; she supported me with advice and encouraged my research into edible insects, even though it went against traditional food guidelines and norms. To this day, we still correspond, and I seek her advice occasionally.

Mentors are like guardrails—they support innovation but also push you into places you wouldn’t reach alone. Anyone looking to connect with a mentor should be open to guidance, show their curiosity, and appreciate the wisdom they are willing to share. Some of the best relationships start when you’re willing to both learn and contribute.

What’s worked well for me is treating networking as relationship-building. Show genuine interest in others’ journeys and work, offer help when you can, and don’t be afraid to reach out. A single meaningful connection can shape your path more than a dozen surface-level interactions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.guidietician.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/guidietician
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/guidietician
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@guidietician
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/gui-dietician-los-angeles

Image Credits
Pictures by Gui Bittencourt and Debra De Liso