Saludos, I’m Zariel, a first-generation Dominican American Registered Dietitian who grew up as the family’s gordita, surrounded by amazing food and constant commentary about my body. These experiences inspired me to study nutrition at Ramapo College and Montclair State University, and complete my dietetic internship at CUNY School of Public Health. Along the way, I was taught that our cultural foods should be limited, but I’ve learned to challenge those misbeliefs and celebrate the deep value our foods and traditions hold beyond nutrition alone. Now, I’m passionate about helping you reclaim the foods you love and feel empowered in your body while ditching la dieta for good. I take a weight-neutral approach that focuses on rebuilding trust and connection with your body rather than the scale.