We are excited to introduce you to EDRD Pro member Mónica Peralta, MD (she/her) of @dra.monicaperalta! Dra. Mónica lives in Nicaragua and is a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Mindful Eating Coach who specializes in nutrition and diabetes.
Keep reading to learn more about Mónica and her incredible work!
What’s your favorite meal?
Churrasco, which is basically a steak.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be, and why?
My brother. He passed away 6 years ago, and today that I’m filling out this form would be his 24th birthday. Through his fight against cancer, he taught me that this life is worth living.
What is a piece of career advice that you would share with someone starting off in the eating disorder field?
Be prepared to challenge your beliefs; you will never stop learning.
What’s something that’s brought you joy recently?
The breakthrough of my clients, reading how this 4th of July they put into practice all of the tools we have worked on during sessions, and they actually could enjoy the food, feel comfortable, and have a good time around what used to be “fear foods.”
What’s something you’ve learned recently?
Sometimes people can’t recognize their own privileges, because they don’t see it as such. We all as health professionals should receive a course about intersectionality and repercussions in our health and the health care we receive.
Why eating disorder treatment? What drives you to do this work?
Food isn’t something we can escape; it’s a need, and our body is our vessel through this journey called life. I have witnessed the devastating impact these disorders can have on both physical and mental well-being, as well as on the lives of those who care for and support those affected. Witnessing such pain and anguish has instilled within me a profound empathy and a resolute determination to make a positive difference. Each person who seeks treatment for an eating disorder is unique, with their own story, struggles, and aspirations. Understanding this diversity has reinforced my belief in the importance of tailored and compassionate care. To me, it is not merely a job or a profession, but a vocation rooted in the principle of providing holistic support to individuals on their journey towards recovery. I am inspired by the incredible resilience and strength of my patients. Every day, I witness their courage as they confront their fears, challenge their beliefs, and work towards rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Furthermore, being part of a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely to address the complex nature of eating disorders is both humbling and invigorating. The field of eating disorder treatment is continuously evolving, and I find great fulfillment in staying up-to-date with the latest research, advancements, and evidence-based practices.
Do you have specific areas of interest or special populations with whom you work?
Because of my activism against weight stigma, weight bias, and anti-fatness, I try to work with people who live in larger bodies and marginalized groups that would not be able to have access to private treatment because of social injustices.
What’s your favorite part about being involved in EDRD Pro?
The sense of community, the access to continuing education and support groups. When working with a non-weight-centric approach, it’s really important to know there are so many more of us.
What projects, products, or services do you offer that you want to share with our audience?
Since my private practice is online, I’m always providing webinars and workshops about Intuitive Eating, managing diabetes, and Binge Eating Disorder, through a non-weight-centric and compassionate approach.