Nahyeli Perpina

RDN, CNSC

MS, RDN, CNSC

Specialties:

Bariatrics
Cancer Care Nutrition
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Gastrointestinal Disorders & Gut Health
General Healthy Eating Guidance
Intuitive & Mindful Eating
Liver Disease
Sustainable Weight Loss

Patient Populations:

LGBTQIA+, Men, Neurodivergent Patients, Older adults, Patients with depression, Patients with GAD, Patients with learning disabilities, Patients with PTSD/history of trauma, Veterans, Women

About Nahyeli

Culina Health registered dietitian Nahyeli Perpiñá MS, RDN, CNSC grew up in the Dominican Republic, where she was a physician. However, she changed careers to become a nutritionist when she realized the power of nutrition to prevent disease and help patients achieve a better quality of life in a holistic way. During her nutrition training, she became aware of the lack of culturally-sensitive resources available in healthcare, which motivated her to develop tailored nutrition strategies that honor diverse food cultures and traditions.

In addition to her work at Culina Health, Nahyeli serves as an inpatient dietitian at the Veterans Affairs Health System combining clinical expertise with roles in cooking demos and public speaking on various nutrition-related topics. She completed her MS in Clinical Nutrition at New York University.

Nahyeli’s favorite cultural dish is Spanish seafood paella, she looks forward to her cafe con leche each morning, and she loves buying freshly-baked bread from the farmer’s market.

Get to Know Nahyeli

Favorite thing to purchase at the Farmer’s Market or Grocery Store: Freshly baked bread

Favorite cultural dish or comfort food: Spanish seafood paella

Grocery shopping tip: Try picking one new or exotic ingredient each time you shop — it’s a simple way to add variety to your meals and spark some culinary creativity!.

Go-to morning beverage: Cafe con leche (Coffee with milk)

Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a handful of mixed berries is a tasty and nutrient-packed snack that balances protein, probiotics and antioxidants.

What’s one small thing someone can do today to work toward a balanced eating pattern/lifestyle?: Adding one extra serving of vegetables to each meal — it’s a simple step toward a more balanced and nutritious eating pattern.

A habit you swear by: Consistently updating my to-do list and prioritizing tasks. It brings structure to my day, helping me stay organized and focused on what truly matters. Also, crossing out things from my to-do list is oddly satisfying.

What’s your nutrition superpower?: I am the “nutritional detective,” delving deep into the individual stories and preferences of my clients. My superpower involves unpacking the “whys” behind their dietary choices, creating personalized and meaningful nutritional strategies that align not only with their goals and well-being but also with achievable milestones. This approach ensures that clients embark on a journey toward sustainable and attainable nutritional success.

Favorite recipe: Tiramisu

Favorite book/TV show/movie: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland/ Homeland/While You Were Sleeping

A mindful eating moment you had recently: Every afternoon after work I enjoy a cup of coffee. I hold the cup, feel its warmth and inhale the aroma. As I take each sip, I focus on the taste and how the coffee makes me feel. This mindful coffee drinking moment allows me to step back from the rush of the day and appreciate a simple act with full awareness, creating a brief pause for tranquility.

Sleep ritual I never forget: Applying lavender-scented cream to my hands and feet before a 15-minute guided meditation

What I listen to for inspiration: Podcasts: Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Unlocking Us with Brené Brown