
Jonathan I. Chapa, RDN, LD, CSCS
Nutritionist
525 W Elizabeth St Brownsville TX, 78520About
Mr. Jonathan Chapa practices Medical Nutrition Therapy in Brownsville, TX. He provides education and advises people on nutrition for the general population and those with specific needs. He helps patients choose the proper things to eat, plan menus, advise them on supplements, and analyze body composition. Dietitians assess a patient's current dietary habits and needs, educate them on healthy eating habits, follow up to ensure the menu plans are working, and monitor a patients progress. He is in-network with multiple insurances. Please contact him and set your appointment.
Education and Training
UTPA Dietetics 2014
Provider Details

Jonathan I. Chapa, RDN, LD, CSCS's Expert Contributions
Is fish oil good for my child?
I would advise you to speak to your pediatrician about fish oil supplementation. I do not know his past medical history to give you a recommendation. Is he allergic to fish? I would suggest you implement it in his diet. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
Is excessive green tea consumption bad for health?
Yes and no. You could increase cardiovascular risks with excessive caffeine intake. The answer lies within your genetic makeup. If you have the AA variant of the Gene CYP1A2, rs2472300, which makes you a slow caffeine metabolizer, it is recommended to keep your caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. That is about 64 ounces of green tea per day. Side note I would advise you try to drink more water than tea. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
Is it okay to have only fruits for breakfast?
For the general population with no past medical history, it can be okay. However, I would highly recommend eating a balanced meal, not just fruit (carbs). A balanced meal consists of a moderate amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. I know moderate is a vague term but with unknown factors; anthropometrics, past medical history, meds, activity levels, schedule, etc. I can't give exact amounts. Thank you! READ MORE
Is intermittent fasting safe and healthy?
Yes, safe if you have no past medical history. It can be a useful tool for losing weight, but not the most effective way for body recomposition, specifically when you are trying to retain muscle and reduce body fat percentage. Also when I say "it can be a useful tool" I mean all different diet/weight-loss plans; paleo, keto, Atkins, intermittent fasting, IIFYM (if it fits your macros), etc. can be tools in a weight loss toolbox. What is important is that the individual, YOU, has a diet that is personalized to meet all your specific needs and can follow long term with little to no failure on your part. That is a truly "Healthy" diet. READ MORE
What are the best foods to treat high blood pressure?
I'm assuming you don't have any other issues besides high blood pressure, and if that is so the best foods for you are, a variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Also, you should avoid sodium intake. Foods high in sodium are usually fast food, packaged/canned foods, deli meats, condiments, and sauces. Look into the DASH diet. I would highly recommend it for you. READ MORE
Is blue apron really healthy? Should I start it?
I honestly have no experience with Blue Apron to give you a yes or no. I love the idea of the company, though. Grocery shopping can be a hassle. I know it is for me. What I found to work best for busy people like us is using curbside pickup. I don't know what state you're from, but I live in Texas and use HEB. Whatever items I purchased on a previous date can be placed in my current grocery cart within a few seconds. So, if you are on a meal plan or eat the same things throughout the whole week/month, it makes life so much easier. It saves time, and your budget becomes predictable. Thank you for your question. READ MORE
Is juice fasting safe?
I would not recommend it. Juicing has no fiber which helps slow down the spike in your blood glucose. Continued spikes in blood sugar is a potential risk for developing prediabetes/diabetes. If weight loss is your ultimate goal, assuming you're a healthy individual, burn more calories than you intake per day. I would suggest seeking a dietitian so plan what is best for you to meet your needs. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
Is it safe to go off rice and wheat for a long period of time?
It's safe. However, I don't recommend patients exclude any type of food(s) unless they have an allergy, intolerance, or medical condition. You can get "energy" from other sources of carbohydrates, though, and won't feel fatigued if you balance your meals correctly. Set an appointment with a dietitian to help you plan your diet. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
What is the connection between gout and eating non-veg?
The breakdown of purines found in certain meat products causes uric acid levels to increase. Also, when people are entering ketosis, when little to no carbs are being digested per day, uric acid levels in the blood increase and cause the formation of urate crystals. These crystals settle in the joints, causing gout. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
Is taking in a juice fast good for health?
I would not recommend it. Juicing has no fiber which helps slow down the spike in your blood glucose. Continued spikes in blood sugar is a potential risk for developing prediabetes/diabetes. If weight loss is your ultimate goal, assuming you're a healthy individual, burn more calories than you intake per day. I would suggest seeking a dietitian so plan what is best for you to meet your needs. Thank you for your question! READ MORE
Professional Memberships
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitian Association
- Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition
- Thirty and Under in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Dietitians in Nutrition Support
- Dietitians in Business Communications
- National Strength & Conditioning Association
- Rio Grande Valley Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Clinical Nutrition Managers
- Certified LEAP Therapist
What do you attribute your success to?
- Passion for his field, learning, educating others and the ability to work over a large area to help many people.
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