How working with a dietitian transformed Catherine’s approach to food
After seeing concerning blood work results, this fifth-grade teacher discovered the value of professional nutrition guidance alongside real-time CGM data.
Who: Catherine Moreno, 56
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Time with Levels: 2 months
Most Useful Takeaway: Small food substitutions recommended by her dietitian—like switching from half-and-half to 2% milk in coffee—significantly improved her blood sugar response.
What was your health background before joining Levels?
My whole life, I’ve just been a big girl. I’ve demanded so much from my body, but, like so many people, I’ve never been happy with it. Now that I’m 56, it’s about more than just aesthetics. It’s about looking at these blood results that come back every six months because I have hypothyroid.
During my regular check-ups, my numbers were just creeping up. My doctor told me I was pre-diabetic. I couldn’t say to her, “I have no idea why this is happening,” because my diet was basically that of a 12-year-old. I knew I needed to make changes.
How did you discover Levels?
I heard Dr. Casey Means on a podcast. There was just something about what she was sharing that resonated with me. I went right out to the library and got on the waiting list for her book “Good Energy.” After reading it, I told my sister, “You have to read this book!”
The information clicked for me. I realized I was so unhealthy. This wasn’t about weight or my size anymore—this was about becoming healthier.
What led you to work with a Levels dietitian?
I’m a fifth-grade history teacher—I teach 10-year-olds. While all the CGM data is very useful, what do I know about interpreting it? I recognized immediately the value of having a dietitian who knows what foods work well together for better health.
Having my dietitian access all the data she needs to make recommendations for me has been invaluable. She’s been able to guide me to many better practices.
What changes have you made with your dietitian’s guidance?
The dietitian I worked with through Levels' partnership with Season Health guided me to many better practices with my eating habits. For about 20 years, I had been putting flavored creamer into my coffee. After reading “Good Energy,” I stopped using that and switched to half-and-half. But my dietitian encouraged me to look at the difference between half-and-half and 2% or skim milk. She showed me the difference was tremendous. I was worried I wouldn’t like the taste of 2% milk because I’m so used to something rich and sweet, but with a bit of stevia, I like it.
She also introduced me to tempeh, which I’d never heard of before. She explained that it would give me both protein and fiber simultaneously while replacing meat. Every two weeks, she gives me specific goals like that. Having that kind of expertise from someone who’s also looking at my markers has been invaluable.
I’ve also discovered the importance of timing my meals and movement. If I go for a walk after eating, my blood sugar stays stable. If I start to spike but go out and walk, it comes right back down.
How has your body responded?
For one, I’ve seen muscle tone develop—my daughter recently commented that there’s definition in my arms that she’s never seen before.
I’ve lost several pounds since starting the program, which is great, but when I met with the dietitian, I told her I want to focus on overall health, not just weight loss. I need to get my blood work to a better place.
I was starting to experience neuropathy in my right hand and feet at night, and I had a trigger finger. I teach online, so I’m looking at my students through video. I would give a thumbs up, and my thumb was all crooked. I don’t have any of those symptoms anymore.
Any changes from seeing real-time blood sugar?
One time in the last few weeks, I had a strong craving for chocolate. I had been so restrictive with myself that I almost couldn’t control the urge. Instead of getting some dark chocolate, I got a Dairy Queen sundae.
My blood sugar went up 106 points! I could feel my heart pounding—I don’t know if it was anxiety or the effect of that sugar dropping into my system. I thought, “If this is the effect this indulgence will have on me, I can’t do this anymore.” It doesn’t satisfy me in the way that it used to.
That doesn’t mean I won’t have a piece of cake at a birthday party. I’m not overly restrictive. But my daily decisions have been influenced by my experience with this program and the data.
What are your goals moving forward?
My long-term goals extend through October, when I go for my next blood test. I’m focusing on seeing a significant drop in my A1C, triglycerides, and cholesterol numbers.
My dietitian has set me on a path that feels sustainable. I religiously go to the gym, but as they say, you can’t outrun your fork. So I’ve gotten into the habit of logging everything I eat and paying attention to my daily choices.
I’ve learned to focus on specific goals: consuming 90-100 grams of protein a day, at least 30 grams of fiber every day, and monitoring my meal scores. Focusing on these key metrics has made the program more manageable for me.
I’m optimistic about where this path is taking me. The physical improvements I’ve already experienced—from muscle definition to the disappearance of my neuropathy symptoms—have been so motivating. For the first time, I feel like I have the tools and support I need to truly transform my health, not just my appearance. This isn’t a temporary diet; it’s a complete change in how I understand and respond to what my body needs.
Get 1-1 Dietitian Support with Levels
Levels pairs real-time glucose data and comprehensive lab testing with clinician analysis and personalized support—everything you need to turn insights into real health improvements. Click here to get started with Levels.
