Rifqa Dacloush

About Rifqa

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who takes a food-as-medicine approach, using nutrition as a practical, everyday tool within a broader framework that includes lifestyle, habits, and daily routines to support health. With nearly 30 years of hands-on culinary experience cooking for family, friends, and community, I bring a strong foundation in cooking and food culture into my work. I emphasize whole-food, plant-forward approaches inspired by traditional and global food cultures, alongside culinary medicine principles, to help translate nutrition science into realistic and sustainable daily practices. I have a clinical foundation in metabolic, cardiovascular, and preventive health and continue to expand my knowledge in gut health and lifestyle-centered care. I provide counseling in English and Arabic and bring a culturally responsive perspective. I strive to create a supportive space where individuals feel empowered to build meaningful approaches to their health.

Approach to care

I believe nutrition should feel supportive, realistic, and deeply connected to your daily life. My approach is rooted in a whole-person perspective, where food is one part of a broader picture that includes lifestyle, habits, culture, and individual preferences. I focus on meeting you where you are, building on what is already working, and creating small, meaningful changes that can be sustained over time. Rather than rigid rules, I emphasize flexibility, understanding, and practical strategies that fit your routine. I value collaboration and aim to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to make choices that support your health in a way that feels both achievable and meaningful.

Your first session with Rifqa

In our first session, we will take time to understand your health history, current habits, lifestyle, and goals through a guided and supportive conversation. This includes a comprehensive nutrition assessment, approached in a way that feels collaborative and not overwhelming. We will explore your relationship with food, daily routines, and any challenges you may be facing. From there, we will begin to identify realistic, personalized steps that feel manageable and aligned with your life. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, supported, and with a clear, practical direction for moving forward.

Location

📍 Naperville, Illinois

Education

Master of Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology

Hobbies

Walking, cooking, gardening, time in nature, travel, sharing meals and meaningful moments with family, and community outreach through social media.

Licenses and Certifications