Rosa’s passion for nutrition came from her struggle to manage food allergies and intolerances. Over time, she found strength in her challenges and transformed them into a unique understanding of the importance of nutrition in health. Rosa is an advocate for plant-based nutrition, sustainable weight loss, general healthy eating, and gastrointestinal health. She believes that food plays a significant role in our social and cultural interactions, and that food is one of the simple pleasures of life. Rosa’s life and professional accomplishments help her be the perfect ally in her patient’s journey toward better health. She’s here to help patients understand that good health isn’t just about figuring out how to survive but rather to thrive. Before Culina Health, Rosa worked as an inpatient dietitian at UCHealth and with Dietitians on Demand.
Favorite cultural dish or comfort food: Tamales (jalapeno, cheese, and tofu, or just pinto beans)
Go-to morning beverage: Chai latte or black coffee with a plant-based milk
Favorite thing to purchase at the farmer’s market or grocery store: Spicy kimchi or different flavor tempeh for grilling
Sleep ritual I never forget: My skin care routine
What I listen to for inspiration: Somewhat inspirational: Last Day (I always cry). Fun life lessons: Wiser Than Me
Favorite recipe: Last minute spicy ramen. I use spicy kimchi as the broth and add in corn along with any leftover veggies and plain ramen noodles. Most recipes I use are from Pickuplimes.com.
Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Dates with peanut butter and oddly enough, popcorn on top
Favorite book/TV show/movie: Book: Happy Place by Emily Henry. Show: Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV
Grocery shopping tip: Check your pantry/fridge before going and eat beforehand.
What’s one small thing someone can do today to work toward a balanced eating pattern/lifestyle? Focus on adding, not taking away. Add berries to Cheerios or a veggie to a favorite dish.
A mindful eating moment you had recently: Honoring hunger cues despite knowing tasks needed to be done
A habit you swear by: Flavored water or tea for hydration. Even watermelon with tajin.
What’s your nutrition superpower? Eyeing portions for recipes and being accurate.
How has your cultural culinary heritage shaped your approach to nutrition, and do you incorporate any traditional practices into your counseling? It’s complicated. I try to honor traditions however, due to my food allergies, I have learned to make many dishes plant-based, and it has been fun to have the support of my mom.
Nutrition philosophy in a nutshell: You are what you eat.
Language(s):
English, Spanish
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Dietetic Internship:
Central Michigan University
Certificates:
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Counseling Style:
Empathetic
Warm
Educational
Humorous
Attentive
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