Anca-Maria Cunningham

About Anca-Maria

Hi, I’m Anca—a registered dietitian, nutrition educator, mother of daughters, doctoral candidate, and lifelong student. I have been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2011. Nutrition is my lifelong passion and second career. I have experience providing medical nutrition therapy to diverse populations in various settings.

Approach to care

I believe that the quality of nutritional life is not measured on a scale, but rather in predictable eating patterns, the absence of energy crashes, good laboratory values, good digestion without symptoms, confidence in food choices, and reduced stress around food. When ready to work on goals, a client will speak 51-70% of the session, engaged and actively interested. Your nutrition story is layered—emotionally, behaviorally, biologically—and deserves time to unfold.

Your first session with Anca-Maria

The first session is 55 minutes (standard for all sessions): it is not the "perfect diet" or "perfect meal plan" answer. We’re learning about your routines, challenges, preferences, and what is realistic for you. We’ll examine factors such as meal patterns, hunger cues, energy levels, symptoms, and laboratory results. These are the foundations that make long‑term change possible. Best practice: weekly sessions for 3–6 months (≥14 contacts in 6 months), monthly through 12 months, and quarterly for 2–3 years. This cadence is supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Adult Weight Management guidelines. Nutrition care is not a one-and-done stop, but a process.

Location

📍 San Francisco, California

Education

Bachelor of Science Dietetics, Master of Arts Nutrition Education, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition candidate

Hobbies

reading, cooking, board games, traveling, urban walks, nature hikes, pets (cats), movies, other cultures, the public library

Licenses and Certifications