Cristina Arceo MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC she/her/ella
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Board Certified Lactation Consultant
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Cristina, an experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), brings over a decade of expertise to her practice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, both earned from Northern Illinois University. Cristina’s commitment to ongoing education is evident through her Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorders from the same institution. Her research thesis focused on the relationship between acculturative stress and body image dissatisfaction among Latina college students.
Prior to joining Nourishment Works, Cristina worked with WIC at VNA Health Care. She has experience working with adult and young adult clients from historically marginalized backgrounds and has addressed a variety of client concerns, including prenatal and postnatal nutrition, breastfeeding support and education, infant and child feeding practices, fueling during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and nutritional needs for women and children. Cristina is ready to assist you in cultivating an enjoyable connection with food, while recognizing and honoring the significance food holds in your life.
Her Approach
She is committed to providing a compassionate, non-diet, and Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to client care and treatment. Her belief is that well-being extends beyond any particular measurement or standard. Instead, she focuses on fostering a positive relationship with food and supporting individuals in making choices that align with their overall well-being. She hopes to help and encourage clients in their journey to making peace with food. Her Hispanic upbringing has also equipped her with the knowledge of incorporating other cultural foods that are nourishing and important to many.
Since she is a certified lactation consultant, she possesses an added layer of expertise in providing comprehensive care to individuals seeking support in their breastfeeding journey. Understanding the unique challenges and joys that come with this aspect of maternal and infant health, her goal is to empower new parents with evidence-based guidance, ensuring a nurturing start to their breastfeeding experience. She remains dedicated to being a trusted resource for all aspects of well-being, ranging from nutrition to breastfeeding support, as she believes everyone deserves understanding and judgment-free assistance on their path to thriving.
Areas of Expertise
Pediatric, adolescent, and family nutrition counseling
Pregnancy, postnatal, and lactation nutritional counseling
Disordered eating & eating disorder recovery
Skilled in tailoring education to meet the cultural needs of clients
Attuned and mindfulness based eating & self-care
Non-diet, weight neutral, body inclusive approach to well-being
LGBTQ+ welcoming & affirming care
Nutritional counseling of all ages across the lifespan
Experienced facilitator of nutrition support groups
Health At Every Size (HAES®) Expert:
As a HAES® dietitian expert, she is committed to practicing and advocating for size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Interested individuals can explore the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) statement of the HAES® Principles here.
Specialized Training
Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders, Northern Illinois University
Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with extensive knowledge of lactation science and breastfeeding management
Education
Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, Northern Illinois University
Thesis: The relationship between acculturative stress and body dissatisfaction among Latina college students
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Northern Illinois University
Dietetic Internship, Northern Illinois University
