Katya Galbis, LD, DipACLM

Veggisima.com

Katya was born and raised in Mexico. She received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition science from The Autonomous Metropolitan University of Mexico City. After graduating, she moved to Florida where she is an international member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Orlando Dietetic Association. She has worked in both clinical and community settings, her passion however, lies within the social media arena targeting and educating Spanish-speaking people on plant-based diets. She loves to share recipes, experiences, lifestyle tips, and nutritional information on her website and on different social media platforms. She transitioned into a vegetarian diet gradually over a ten-year period. She became vegan for about 4 years ago. As a bilingual dietitian, Katya also works part time for Food and Nutrition Translations with a group of dietitians from different countries, translating health and nutrition materials. In her spare time, Katya enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

1. What are some of your health related values, beliefs and practices?

   For me taking care of our body, the well-being of animals and the planet are my favorite practices. I believe if it´s good for the planet is good for us and vice versa.

2. What kind of foods do you like to eat on a daily basis? And what do you prefer on the day you do not feel very well?

   I love oat meal. I have it every morning for breakfast. I like it because is super easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. To give it some variety I try to change the toppings. I always add fruit, nuts, seeds, and plant-based milk. When I don´t feel very well I usually like to eat soups. They feel warming and easy to digest.

3. Do you avoid eating any foods for your cultural or religious reasons? Which ones?

   Yes. I´m a vegan and avoid all animal based foods. My vegan journey started a decade ago for ethical reasons. Later on I found out that following a healthy vegan diet was also good for my health and for the planet. This is what I call a well-rounded diet.

4. We all have favorite remedies that we use when we are sick, which home remedies do you use?

   I like to drink teas, take some time off and allow my body to heal itself.

5. What steps do you take counseling a patient from a different culture and racial group?

   Being from Mexico I understand the need of respecting my clients culture, religion, racial group, etc. I´m aware of the influence of my own cultural values on interactions with patients/clients and try not to impose them. Rather, I try to hear my clients/patients cultural believes and values before giving any advice. This will help both sides. I will be able to provide better advice and my client will have a high chance to following what I recommended.