Cristina Lucinda Morales, MPH, RDN, LD
Houston, Texas Registered Dietician
Cristina L. Morales, MPH, RDN, LD is a bilingual Registered Dietitian with a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health in Houston. She brings with her over a decade of nutrition knowledge and counseling experience to St. Hope. She offers individual and groups nutrition counseling services to patients across the lifespan and is familiar with food culture and eating styles from numerous populations.
Her practice style includes active listening and promotes forming 1-2 small health goals for best results. Cristina offers practical dietary tips and weight loss strategies that have helped many clients lower their risk for diabetes and related health conditions.
In her spare time, she enjoys quality time with her daughter and tackling DIY home projects. She likes cooking shows, food photography, landscaping, and swimming. Her favorite weekend meal is homemade whole-wheat pancakes with fresh berries!
Questions & Answers
What inspired you to become a dietician?
My parents inspired me to pursue a career in nutrition as I learned at an early the healing powers of plant foods. My dad would say to us (kids) “This fruit has vitamin C and is good for you” and “Sweet potatoes have antioxidants and are tasty.” As a result, the one elixir that remains a staple in our homes is honey with lemon as, “it is good for fighting colds.” Today, I tell my daughter, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” just like her grandpa said to us.
What is your philosophy on patient care?
My philosophy is quite simple, clients want to be heard and primarily are the best source of information for a provider. Want to help your client achieve a health goal? Ask your client key questions, listen to their responses, and be an active listener. Effective communication is vital to offering quality nutrition therapy. I feel every client should be offered an opportunity to express their perception about their own health risk, challenges to making healthy changes, and their lifestyle goals.
What brought you to St. Hope?
St. Hope offers a wonderful opportunity to provide nutritional assistance to many patients who desire to be healthier or need assistance managing a chronic disease. With a culturally diverse community and differing food preferences and eating styles, I know my nutrition knowledge and counseling experience can positively impact the health of the community of St. Hope.
