Integrative IDEAs in Dietetics

Rifqa Dacloush, RDN, LDN, MBA is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a global perspective and a deep belief in food is/as medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience in Mediterranean–Middle Eastern cooking and several years of organic gardening, she brings a rich blend of culture, culinary tradition, and whole-food nourishment to her work. With a multidisciplinary background in Nutrition, Business, and Archaeology, Rifqa integrates science, culture, and culinary creativity into her practice. Her interests include culinary medicine, integrative and functional medicine, and using media as a tool for education and meaningful connection.
With a focus on whole-body well-being, Rifqa draws inspiration from the soil to the table, sharing seasonal recipes, gardening wisdom, and a lifestyle centered on wholesome, whole-food nourishment.Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @rifqa9dacloush, or explore more through her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/rifqa9dacloush

Tune in for a meaningful conversation with special guest Judith Rodriguez, one of the founders of LAHIDAN (Latinos & Hispanics in Dietetics & Nutrition), who recently spoke at the LAHIDAN event during FNCE 2025. Hear her insights on how IDEA principles are now shaping the future of nutrition and dietetics. 
Links
Dr. Judith Rodriguez Resources & Publications
The Latino Food Lover's Glossary and The Diet Selecton
Introducing ADA's 85th President: Judith C. Rodriguez, PhD, RD, LDN, FADA
Contemporary Nutrition for Latinos: A Latino Lifestyle Guide to Nutrition and Health
DIFM Website: Log into your Eat Right Account and if not a member sign up here! You get EXAMIN & The Natural Medicine Data Base when you become a member! Join DIFM
Social Media:
IG https://www.instagram.com/integrativerdn/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4881217/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/integrativerd/mentions/?_rdr
 
 
Upcoming Webinar: Join us for a DIFM LUNCH 'n LEARN on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 10AM Pacific/1PM Eastern Strategies for optimizing weight health in patients coming off GLP-1 agonists presented by Dr. Edward Walker, PhD, and Ashley Koff, RD- Register Here
FNCE 2025 Sponsor: The Akkermansia Company
 
 

Enjoy this episode with Denee Bex, MPH, RD, CDCES, an award-winning registered dietitian and owner of Tumbleweed Nutrition.  
Through Tumbleweed Nutrition, Denee works to celebrate cultural foods, partner with local Native-owned farms, and increase food access in tribal communities. She shares her passion for integrating indigenous foods into healthcare and the importance of building relationships with community partners. Denee also provides insights into traditional foods like blue corn and their significance in Native culture.
Don't miss this inspiring episode that sheds light on the intersection of nutrition, culture, and Native American community. 
 
Website: tumbleweednutrition.com
Instagram: @tumbleweed_nutrition; link: https://www.instagram.com/tumbleweed_nutrition/
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denee-bex-mph-rd-ld-cdces-701b68136
Facebook: Tumbleweed Nutrition; link: https://www.facebook.com/TumbleweedNutrition/
Email: Denee@tumbleweednutrition.com

Join us as we welcome Aarthi Pauldass, an IT professional turned registered dietitian and breathwork coach.
Aarthi's holistic approach towards wellness focuses on treating patients through the root cause of their symptoms, one of which is stress management through breathwork. Through this podcast, Arthi introduces us to three distinct breathing techniques for various parts of the day. Listen in and discover how these breathing techniques can help your patients to manage stress, improve sleep, and induce an overall state of well-being.

Welcome to an enriching episode of The Integrative Ideas in Nutrition podcast where we delve into the fascinating journey of Amber Alexis; a public health nutritionist and registered dietitian based in Trinidad and Tobago.
Our guest shares personal experiences and memories around traditional Caribbean foodways, shedding light on how regional dishes, ingredients, and cooking styles significantly impact her nutritional counseling.
The episode further highlights our guest's innovative work where she integrates traditional cultural diets and modern nutrition science. Alexis elaborates on her mission to breakdown and highlight the nutritional properties of local foods and discusses her process for adapting evidence-based studies informed by integrated functional nutrition principles.
We also delve into the importance of open dialogue with clients in understanding their food traditions and dietary habits, fostering a stronger client-dietitian relationship that promotes comprehensive and personalized nutritional advice.
 
Website: https://www.theculturaldietitian.com

Areli Gutierrez is a registered and licensed dietitian who has worked in nutrition and wellness in retail, government, clinical inpatient and outpatient settings. Areli received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University and her Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. She completed her dietetic internship at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. 
 
Currently she works as a renal dietitian for Davita Kidney Care where she has held many additional champion roles. Areli is committed to improving cultural competency as well as practicing with cultural humility and discusses this topic with other healthcare professionals on her podcast Food Culture Curious. She additionally presented at the 2023 FNCE on cultural inclusivity in the renal diet for Latinos.
 
During this conversation, we discuss considerations and strategies for inclusion of traditional and favorite Latino foods into the eating plan of those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, is a registered dietitian, consultant and certified diabetes care and education specialist. In this episode, she discusses how her career developed to fill a void in providing culturally-sensitive nutrition care for Hispanic individuals. 
 
Website: https://lorenadrago.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenadragomsrd/?hl=en
 

Video demo: https://bit.ly/_chanoyu
-Michi Nutrition, LLC: https://michinutrition.com/
-Ippodo Tea: https://ippodotea.com/
-Urasenke Chado: https://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/

Pamela Malo, MHS, RD, KYT speaks with us about her mind-body approach to nutrition, and provides guidance for creating your own personal professional path. 
Website: https://www.pamelamalo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstar_nutrition/?hl=en

Aminah Ghaffar joins us to discuss the value of indigenous and knowledge-based healing traditions within the Native American community, sharing strategies for how to learn from indigenous knowledge while honoring the human source.