In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Dalia Kinsey, RD—a queer, Black registered dietitian and holistic wellness practitioner—for an honest and liberating conversation about food, body image, and diet culture. Together, they unpack why fear-based food rules backfire, how cultural messages shape our relationship with eating, and what it really takes to heal from toxic beliefs around food. Dalia shares personal insights on making eating joyful again, why under-eating often causes more harm than good, and the importance of building trust with your body. This discussion challenges conventional “nutrition as control” narratives and highlights the need for collaborative, trauma-informed care. With warmth and wisdom, Dalia offers a vision of food as connection, pleasure, and empowerment—especially for marginalized communities navigating intersecting pressures of culture, identity, and body expectations. Dalia Kinsey is a queer, Black, registered dietitian and holistic wellness practitioner helping marginalized, burnout-prone communities make wellness simple, joyful, and accessible. Through Kinsey Wellness & Communications, Dalia offers courses, coaching, and digital tools that make wellness feel like a relief—not another chore.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Why food should be joyful—and how diet culture strips that away.
  • The ways food rules and restriction create binge cycles and health challenges.
  • Why under-eating (including practices like intermittent fasting) can worsen metabolic health.
  • How fatphobia and body shame show up even in treatment spaces.
  • The importance of collaborative care between dietitians, therapists, and medical providers.
  • How cultural identity and community shape food choices and body image.
  • Why “neutrality” around body changes is a powerful recovery tool.
  • The dangers of using AI or the internet for nutrition advice without professional guidance.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Today's Exciting Guest: Dalia Kinsey
  • 02:33 Dalia Kinsey's Journey into Holistic Nutrition
  • 04:16 The Joy of Eating: Overcoming Food Rules
  • 04:51 The Impact of Diet Culture on Eating Habits
  • 09:22 The Importance of a Supportive Care Team
  • 16:34 Challenges in Referring Clients to Therapists
  • 20:01 The Role of Technology in Diet Culture
  • 25:20 Red Flags in Eating Disorder Treatment
  • 26:15 Challenges in Eating Disorder Education
  • 27:33 Trauma and Eating Disorders
  • 28:14 Cultural Barriers in Treatment
  • 36:49 The Importance of Community Support
  • 38:56 Conflicting Cultural Messages
  • 39:23 Personal Experiences with Body Image
  • 43:37 Final Thoughts and Resources

CONNECT WITH DALIA:

Website: https://www.daliakinsey.com/ Free Download: https://www.daliakinsey.com/freebundle

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.