Marielina Figueroa

About Marielina

I have been a dietitian for over 30 years, have a Master's degree in Nutrition, and have been involved in research related to cellular aging. My experience in hospital settings has been mainly in dialysis, kidney and liver transplants, and other liver diseases as well as covering all medical units in a large teaching hospital. As a professor, I've taught clinical child nutrition and the physiology of health. I was award-winning Chair of the Latino Programs Committee of the American Diabetes Association, which led to my various appearances and interviews on television and radio to promote diabetes awareness. On a personal level, I've cared for elderly patients, including my own parents who passed away at ages 97 and 102. I am experienced finding tasty, nutritious comfort foods for aging clients with long established, sometimes stubborn, dietary habits.

Approach to care

In order to reach your nutritional and medical targets, I will work with you on grocery shopping that aligns with your cooking skills. We'll discuss how to add flavor to your food using spices, and teach you the importance of appropriate portions. If needed, I will show you how to optimize your medicine's effectiveness according to meal timing. With your traditional food choices in mind, we will work together to make sure mealtime is still a joy.

Your first session with Marielina

We will discuss your medical provider's recommendations, and review all pertinent medical diagnoses and lab results. We will discuss your current diet, your nutritional needs, and begin to formulate a dietary plan to best improve your health and to achieve the combined goals set by you and your physician. We will agree on one change you can make for the next week and schedule your follow-up appointment.

Education

MA- Nutrition and Dietetics at CSULA, BS- Biology at Loyola Marymount with a Minor Spanish - Universidad de Salamanca, Spain

Hobbies

Reading, Hiking, Biking, Theater, Sewing, Traveling

Licenses and Certifications