Erica’s journey into nutrition began with a deep love for food, science, and the joy of cooking for family and friends. She found fulfillment not only in creating meals but also in growing her own food through gardening. When she discovered she could combine her love of science and food as a dietitian, she shifted her academic focus from medicine to nutrition.
Erica strives to help her patients make practical changes to their eating patterns in a way that is realistic for their daily lives. She believes food should be both nourishing and enjoyable, and that meals can connect us to our loved ones and our culture.
Before joining the Culina Health team, Erica worked in both inpatient and sub-acute care settings at a metropolitan hospital, providing outpatient nutrition counseling.
Favorite cultural dish or comfort food: Ghanaian spinach stew
Favorite thing to purchase at the Farmer’s Market or grocery store: Heirloom tomatoes
Fave Recipe: Banana pudding
Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate with walnuts
Fave book/TV show/movie: The Harry Potter series will always have a special place in my heart
What’s one small thing someone can do today to work toward a balanced eating pattern/lifestyle? Focus on additions instead of subtractions. Ask yourself if there is a way to add more balance or health-supportive ingredients to your meals and snacks.
A mindful eating moment you had recently: Enjoying a meal by using your senses is a great way to incorporate mindful eating. I recently enjoyed the satisfying crunch of toasted sourdough bread in my salmon avocado toast.
A habit you swear by: Using a water bottle with a straw or sip function to hydrate. It can be so much easier to meet your hydration goals this way!
Nutrition myth or trend you find particularly annoying and would like to set the record straight: Nutritious foods are not bland or tasteless. Enjoyment and health can go hand in hand.
Language(s):
English
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, Stony Brook University; Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, New York University
Dietetic Internship:
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Counseling Style:
Warm
Encouraging
Educational
Accountable
Guiding