Meet Crystal
Crystal Orozco is a Latina Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, salsa instructor, and the founder of Vida Nutrition Consulting. As a proud first-generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, Crystal’s journey is rooted in her heritage and commitment to giving back to her community.
Her passion for nutrition and preventative health began in college when she experienced the transformative power of whole, nutritious foods in managing her chronic headaches. This personal journey inspired her to pursue a degree in Clinical Nutrition, with a mission to educate her family & community on the importance of eating real, nourishing foods & the effects foods have on the body.
After years of working in the clinical setting, Crystal decided to extend her impact by opening Vida Nutrition Consulting. Her company specializes in bilingual employee wellness programs, nutrition workshops, food demonstrations, media collaborations, brand sponsorships, public speaking engagements, and wellness health fairs.
Crystal is passionate about empowering the Latino community to build healthier lives together. Through her work, she aims to be a leader in the field of dietetics, inspiring and paving the way for other Latina Registered Dietitians.
What are RDNs?
Crystal is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is different from a “Nutritionist” or “Health Coach,” which are loose terms without any formal guidelines or regulations. Anyone can call themself a “Nutritionist” or “Health Coach,” even without any formal training, education, license, or certification.
On the other hand, the designation of “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” is tightly regulated. RDNs are professionals with extensive education and training in the science of nutrition. To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and obtain the designation “RDN,” the practitioner must complete a formal education and training program outlined below:
- Complete an accredited 4-year Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics (including coursework in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, microbiology, physiology, chemistry, anatomy, sociology, psychology, business, and communications)
- Complete 1200 hours of supervised, hands-on practice
- Pass a national, comprehensive examination
- Complete continuing professional education requirements to maintain registration
Individuals should choose nutrition professionals wisely. The RDN credential provides you with a level of confidence that the provider has the knowledge and expertise to provide safe and evidence-based nutrition recommendations. RDN’s can help individuals identify and achieve nutrition goals through personalized nutrition plans, nutrition education, and ongoing support.