Sasha Aparicio

Hi, I'm Sasha. I'm a multi-passionate health communications specialist with a BA in Anthropology, an MS in Food and Nutrition, a postgraduate degree in Health Communication and 12 years of experience in higher education, program development, and direction, research, and writing. I'm never short of inspiration or ideas, and on the seeking an opportunity to change the landscape of health and nutrition communication and content.

I'm also a practicing Nutrition Coach with multiple specializations (PNL1, CHN, CHHC, GHNS, PBNS)!

I am a content and communications innovator and storyteller

I can help your company excel at impactful health, nutrition, wellness, and fitness content and communication through strategy, insight, experience, and vast industry knowledge. 

Stay in touch!

My Latest Work

UNICEF Report - The role of schools in preventing overweight and obesity among students in Latin America and the Caribbean

The objectives of this study are:
1. Identify the most effective actions for
preventing overweight and obesity in
schools, based on a systematic literature
review.
2. Identify existing laws, policies, and
programmes related to school nutrition
and health in 41 LAC countries, and
analyze whether they consider the most
effective actions to prevent overweight
and obesity in the school environment.
3. Explore perceptions regarding the level of
implementation of the most effective
actions in 21 schools in Chile, Ecuador,
and Mexico.
4. Identify the physical activity score in the
21 schools.
5. Make recommendations to strengthen
the school environment for the
prevention of overweight and obesity
among children.
Photo by veeterzy on Pexels

Research Presentation: The Ancestral Human Diet: Misconceptions and Lessons for the Health and Nutrition Industry [A Review]

Award-winning research presentation at the International Phytocosmetics and Phytochemistry Conference that critically examines the paths humans have walked to obtain food for generations, from our preindustrial ancestors to today. Then, it explores how dispelling myths and building awareness of the ancestral human diet might advance health, nutrition, and industry science. Finally, it looks to the horizon to visualize ways the health and nutrition industries of today can take the best of our past and our present to live in a rapidly-changing future where food in every household is culturally accepted, abundant, utilized, biodiverse, and nutrient-dense. Winner of the Annual Nativ Dudai award.
Photo by Oleksandr P on Pexels

Scientific Research: School Feeding Programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala: Perceptions about operationalization from the public school community

Co-researcher for the multinational study. The aim of this study was to compare the functioning of School Feeding Programs (SFP) in Costa Rica and Guatemala and the perceptions about operationalization among the public school community. We conducted a comparative review of government reports and existing regulations related to SFP in each country to compare key characteristics. We conducted 32 individual interviews and 43 focus group discussions with actors at different levels of the school community to capture their perceptions about SFP functioning. We conducted thematic analysis applying grounded theory. SFP in both countries have been used as a strategy to address hunger and child malnutrition. Both countries have an important body of regulations and policies that support program sustainability. However, the research revealed some barriers to effective implementation including: limited resources, administrative problems, and a lack of oversight of regulations. In conclusion, while SFP are important instruments of social protection for the right to nutrition in both countries, there are a number of barriers to optimal SFP implementation.
AFPA •

Opinion Blog: A Nutritionist’s Response to Netflix's "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment"

In a world where diet and health are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse, Netflix’s You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment offers a unique perspective on this vital topic. This docuseries, centered around a compelling study involving identical twins on different diets, has become a topic of much debate. Some viewers are captivated by its approach, while others approach it with skepticism. It’s a series that doesn’t just inform; it sparks conversation and sometimes controversy, hig
Photo by beyzahzah on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: Certified Nutritionist vs. Registered Dietitian: What’s the Difference?

Researcher and writer.

While a Registered Dietitian (RD) or a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a specialized role that can provide medical nutrition therapy, a Certified Nutritionist (CN) is a lower investment certification with ample opportunities in health and wellness. Each credential includes its own educational prerequisites, certification exams, job opportunities, and licensure requirements.

This article provides a full breakdown of certified nutritionists vs. registered dietician certifications, help
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: Cultural Competence for Nutrition Coaches

Cultural competence is essential in nutrition coaching because it helps to ensure that clients receive culturally appropriate and effective care. With increasing awareness of cultural diversity, it is important for nutrition coaches to understand and respect unique cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to food and nutrition.

Cultural competence, together with cultural humility, allows coaches to tailor their approach and communication style to meet the specific needs of each client
Photo by nappy on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: No More Awkward Silence: 7 Strategies to Expand the Conversation During Coaching

In the sphere of health coaching, effective communication forms the foundation of a successful coach-client relationship. However, every health and wellness coach has experienced the uneasy quietude of awkward silence. These moments can disrupt the flow of conversation, create discomfort, and potentially hinder the coaching process.

What if we knew how to keep the conversation flowing between moments of meaningful silence?

In this article, we’ll explore the role of silence as a tool in coachin
Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels
AFPA •

The Role of Self-Talk in Health Coaching Client Success and Setbacks

Health coaching has emerged as a powerful tool in guiding individuals toward better overall health, fitness, and well-being.

One often overlooked aspect of the coaching process is the role of self-talk, which can greatly influence a client’s road to health behavior change.

This article will explore the impact of self-talk on health coaching and offer strategies for health and wellness coaches to help clients harness the power of positive self-talk and mitigate the effects of negative self-talk
Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: Health Behavior Science and Why It’s Important for Health Coaches

As health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness coaches, one of the primary skills that you develop during your training is how to guide your clients toward adopting behaviors that make them healthier. You help them to achieve physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

The general population has the perception that access to information will naturally lead to behavior change.
AFPA •

Blog: Behavior Change vs. Mindset Change: Using Design Thinking to Develop Healthy Habits That Stick

As health and wellness coaches, you have ample experience speaking with your clients about their current health habits and identifying which ones can be improved.

The challenge for health and wellness coaches and clients alike lies in identifying which habits can be improved and how to achieve a sustained change in the long term.

Before embarking on a healthy lifestyle journey with a client, you must ask yourself if the goal is to achieve a health behavior change or a mindset change? To decide
Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: 5 Question Types to Help Motivate and Engage Clients

Researcher and writer: Both recently certified health and wellness coaches and experienced health coaches may find themselves in situations where they feel resistance from a client to change.

Rather than assuming that the client is “difficult,” you may want to examine your coaching techniques and mindset. One technique that can help create a safe space with your client while also allowing you to understand the barriers, difficulties, and confidence levels to adopt new health behaviors is motivational interviewing.
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
AFPA •

Blog: Bio-Individuality in Nutrition: An Introduction

Researcher and writer:

Do we really need 2,000 calories a day?

Should we all be eating a dairy product with our meals?

Are five servings of fruit and vegetables really enough?

If you are a health or nutrition specialist of any kind, it is likely that you have already answered these questions with “it depends.”

Bio-individuality in nutrition is an area of study and applied science that helps dig deeper into the “it depends.” It helps to determine how and to what extent different biological and environmental factors

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