Hi, I'm Amber, a U.S.-trained Public Health Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian with certifications in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and Diabetes Management.
I'm a non-diet Dietitian — this means no fad dieting, quick fixes or weight loss supplements when you work with me — and I am committed to helping Caribbean people improve the quality of their lives through culture-focused nutrition (I believe that you can have your banana bread and eat it too!).
The Cultural Dietitian was founded in 2020, firstly as a blog, but more importantly as an online health platform that holds space for the diversity of healthy eating with Caribbean cultural foods — I grew weary of the lack of representation and ineffective traditional methods and decided to make a change...
I opened the doors to my private practice in February 2021, and have helped clients in the Caribbean and North America to lose weight, improve their gut health, learn how to eat healthy and sustainably, and lower their blood cholesterol, sugar, and pressure — all while including their favorite cultural dishes.
Meet The Cultural Dietitian
My approach
My evidence-based practice philosophy is rooted in culture-focused nutrition.
Culture shapes our beliefs and habits and food is a major symbol of our cultures. In the Caribbean, it represents the ways that we socialize, celebrate, grieve, display hospitality, and align with our religious faiths.
It goes without saying, therefore, that many aspects of food culture are foundational to your nutrition habits, and that a "healthy plate" does not have a specific look.
I am a judgement-free health practitioner — regardless of the size of your body, we will focus on health-promoting habits and effective strategies to improve your nutrition and lifestyle — a weight loss 'prescription' with no further guidance lacks nuance and simply does not cut it.
Changes in your nutrition must be supported by your lifestyle — so be prepared to address and improve your quality of sleep, exercise, and stress management.
Values:
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Authenticity: the world needs more unique and diverse perspectives (and quirkiness too)
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Quality: quality service as a standard of practice
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Personal responsibility: our goals remain wishes until we act with intention
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Consistency: progress over perfection
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Simplicity: simple nutrition is effective nutrition
Who I work with
Individuals or their caregivers, who are seeking convenient, simple but effective, culture-focused nutrition and lifestyle strategies for the prevention or management of newly diagnosed or worsened noncommunicable lifestyle diseases, including but not limited to diabetes, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, gut disorders, PCOS and weight management.
My services and style of nutrition counseling are not everyone's cup of tea — they are for you if you are tired of quick fixes and yo-yo dieting, and are open to building sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes. My services are well-suited for you if you are serious about investing in your physical and mental health, and are ready to commit to your new journey whole-heartedly.
Corporations, public health organizations and wellness services/groups seeking a Consultant for health campaigns, health talks and presentations for staff or at retreats, on-going staff wellness programs, or require nutrition services for public events such as health fairs.
Freelance writing and recipe development for online health magazines such as Healthline Nutrition and Medical News Today, providing evidence-based nutrition content that educates and inspires.
My Credentials
Education & Training
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2020, Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health | Baltimore, U.S.
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2020, Dietetic internship and public health practicum, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center | Baltimore, U.S.
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2018, B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics, University of the Southern Caribbean | Magna cum laude
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2016, nutrition practicums in Grenada and Barbados | University of the Southern Caribbean
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2013, B.Sc. Nutritional Sciences and Biology double major, University of the West Indies St. Augustine | First class honors
Professional Credentials
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Public Health Nutritionist, Registered Dietitian | Trinidad and Tobago Board of Nutritionists and Dietitians
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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Commission on Dietetic Registration
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Certified in Integrative and Functional Nutrition | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
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Certified in Diabetes Management | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Memberships
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Secretary (2021-2024), Continuing Professional Development (CPD) committee | Trinidad and Tobago Board of Nutritionists and Dietitians
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Member, Trinidad and Tobago Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians
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Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
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Member, National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics (NOBIDAN) member interest group
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Member, Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) dietetic practice group
