Maria Oria

About Maria

About Maria I am a Registered Dietitian with a strong background in reviewing research in nutrition and food based on my previous 20+ years working at the National Academies of Sciences. My nutrition counseling takes into account a patient’s health status, preferences, and life circumstances so that patients obtain personalized information and practical tips. Nutritionists are constantly exploring question of how one may achieve health but nutrition information is often difficult to decipher. My strength is in providing patients with understandable advice related to their short and long-term nutrition goals. I also am a firm believer in food as a source of joy and connections. Finally, as a consumer, I like to keep an eye on how food is grown and produced to maintain the health of the planet as well.

Approach to care

I strive to get to know each of my patients and their lifestyles and I like to answer their nutrition questions to the extent possible. In that way, my support strives to come up with goals in a collaborative manner and to consider their preferences and paths in life. My patients appreciate the ample flexibility in the approaches to achieving their health goals one step at a time. I help them with gaining self-accountability, while enjoying a nonjudgmental process. Because our food habits relate so much to our emotional states, I also like to offer tools towards a less stressful life, such as finding joyful activities and practicing mindfulness techniques as appropriate.

Your first session with Maria

You can expect to share aspects of your lifestyle (work, household, food) and expectations from a nutrition consultation. You may also share other experiences that you have had in the past related to nutrition and tolls that have worked for you. I will start accompanying you on your journey and together we will start a doable plan.

Location

📍 Indiana

Education

PhD in Food Science and Nutrition

Hobbies

gardening; hiking, music; reading

Licenses and Certifications