Rita studied Dietetics at Algarve University in Portugal, completing her Bachelors in 2005 and Masters in 2009. After graduation she worked as an intern at the University of Algarve, Tivoli Marinotel Hotel and at the Health Centre of Loule, ARS, IP (Regional Association of Health, Public Institute) at the Ministry of Health Portugal. Rita moved into her dietician role in 2009, working at Medical Center Felizbela Neves Quarteira, Portugal where her main responsibilities included nutritional counselling and developing food plans with a strong focus on patients with diabetes. She was also involved in the design of healthy school menus and training. In 2013 she moved to Dubai, taking a role as a senior dietician, where she focused on training of key staff and ensuring that the correct safety and sanitation standards were met (HACCP), and planning food services for patients undergoing dialysis and other inpatient treatments.