Rosa Ochoa

BS, RDN

Specialties:

Autoimmune and Inflammation
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Gastrointestinal Disorders & Gut Health
General Healthy Eating and Wellness
Gestational Diabetes
Other Specialties
Plant-Based Nutrition
Pre-Diabetes
Sustainable Weight Loss
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes

Patient Populations:

LGBTQIA+, Men, Older adults, Peds: 2-5 years, Women

About Rosa

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.

Get to Know Rosa

Favorite thing to purchase at the Farmer’s Market or Grocery Store: Spicy kimchi or different flavor tempeh for grilling

Favorite cultural dish or comfort food: Tamales (jalapeno, cheese, and tofu, or just pinto beans)

Grocery shopping tip: Check your pantry/fridge before going and eat beforehand.

Go-to morning beverage: Chai latte or black coffee with a plant-based milk

Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Dates with peanut butter and oddly enough, popcorn on top

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 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.

Nutrition philosophy in a nutshell: You are what you eat.

How has your cultural culinary heritage shaped your approach to nutrition?: 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.

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 book/TV show/movie: Book: Happy Place by Emily Henry. Show: Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV

A mindful eating moment you had recently: Honoring hunger cues despite knowing tasks needed to be done

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