Learn About Diana Urcuyo, MS, RDN, CDCES

My interest in nutrition started when my metabolism slowed down during college.  However, instead of the stereotypical ‘freshman fifteen,’  twenty pounds climbed onto my previously small frame during my junior year while studying abroad in Brazil.  My fellow students all took notice and started teasing me for my weight gain.  I decided that I needed to curb my overzealous eating and figure out what I could do to get back down to my prior weight.  It wouldn’t be until several years later when I became a personal trainer that I would lose all the weight that I had gained through moderate portion control and heavy exercise.

As a personal trainer, I began helping many clients through their weight loss journeys.  I noticed that the clients that enjoyed the greatest successes were those that changed their diets along with increasing their exercise.  I studied up on some nutrition and gave advice when asked, but, ultimately, I began to understand that nutrition was much more complex than what I was really able to offer given my level of education.  So I went back to school to earn my Master’s Degree in Nutritional Science and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Fast forward some years, I have now worked at a cooking school and in both the inpatient and outpatient services at multiple hospitals.   I still find the greatest joy in helping someone achieve a size that creates a healthy body and sets the foundation for a happy life.  I would love to help you find that same gift.  If you have any questions, please email/call me.

Education: Undergraduate degrees in Film Studies and Communications from The University of California at Santa Barbara.  Education abroad year at Pontifical Universidade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Graduate master’s degree from San Jose State University in Nutritional Science.  Dietetic internship through Kaiser Permanente, Oakland and at Mount Diablo Unified School District.

Work: Historically had been self-employed as a personal trainer.  Recent positions include inpatient Registered Dietitian at Sonoma Valley Hospital.  Inpatient and outpatient Registered Dietitian at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center.

Professional Associations: Credentialed through The Commission on Dietetic Registration.  Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist through National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.  An active member of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Association of Diabetic Educators.  Past President of The Diablo Valley District of The California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.