| Program | Description | More Info | CECs Earned | Location | Duration | ||
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 | We’ve put a together a wonderful line-up of world-class speakers to share their holistic nutrition clinical and business insights with you each month. The Scoop webinars are conducted virtually and recordings are available in our archive. | ||||||
 | On October 24, 2022, U.S. Right to Know (USRTK) published the fact sheet “Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Corporate capture of the nutrition profession.” If you haven’t read it, I strongly urge you to do so to gain a deeper understanding of what’s at stake for our industry and our nation’s health. While you may find the findings of the USRTK to be shocking, this isn’t new information. In January 2013, Michele Simon, public health attorney, food policy expert, and author released the report “And Now a Word from our Sponsors: Are America’s Nutrition Professionals in the Pocket of Big Food?” Again, I hope you’ll read this report. These articles tell how the most powerful nutrition association in the U.S. accepts millions of dollars annually from junk food companies in exchange for influence over their members and the nation’s food policy. It’s an ugly story that illustrates how unhealthy foods have been labeled “healthy” in exchange for corporate sponsorships. (Among other things, these sponsorship dollars help to fund the years-long campaigns that keep holistically trained nutrition professionals from working in some states and limit our scope of practice in others.) But I don’t want to focus on what they are doing. I want to tell you how WE handle sponsorships here at the NANP so you can have confidence in our process and know that we are 100% committed to transparency. We strive to provide you, our members, with information about high-quality products, services, and educational offerings to help further your career in the holistic nutrition industry. So, here are our promises to you:
At the heart of it, the NANP is, for all intents and purposes, a FUBU organization – For Us By Us. And because we are holistic health practitioners, we approach our business the same way. We pay particular attention to the details and don’t allow flashing dollars to dictate who we will invite on stage or with whom we’ll partner. Doing our work with integrity overrides the desire to post big earnings. “Integrity is doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching.” -CS Lewis Your trusted partner in health, Nicole Nicole Hodson, NC, BCHN®, CDSP™ NANP Executive Director P.S. If reading this note has created a spark and you’re thinking of a company that would be a good fit for your NANP peers, please send the information to us. We’re always looking for great companies in our space! | ||||||
 | Episode: 1 Catherine Layden, MNT, BCHN® Catherine is a BCHN® functional nutritionist specializing in complicated cases of digestive distress, food reactions and immune system balance. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition by NANP, a Master Nutrition Therapist graduate of the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado, and a Certified Gluten Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. As the owner of her private practice, Delicious Nutritious – Nutrition Therapy for Vibrant Health, Catherine works 1 on 1 with clients, striving to find the root of their health challenges so that they can eat for long-term health and enjoyment. She also creates custom nutrition presentations for groups. She works with clients anywhere and welcomes you to visit deliciousnutritioushealth.com. Catherine offers a complimentary 15-minute introductory call to prospective clients and peer/practitioner mentoring and consulting to NANP members who mention this podcast at 40% off her hourly rate. Her passion is educating, encouraging and empowering others to feel as good as they deserve. Show Sponsor: Metabolic Balance Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 10: Rhonda McKinney, CN, BCHN® Rhonda McKinney is an Integrative Certified Nutritionist, Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Cancer Consultant Professional. She is a graduate of American Health Science University and founder of Healthy Solutions since 2007. She is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and member of National Association of Professional Cancer Coaches (NAPCC). She received advanced training by International Health Technologies to utilize the BioScan MSA/SRT technology. She is a functional medicine trained nutritionist analyzing the biochemistry of individuals to guide them to optimal health through nutritional therapy and natural health using supplementation, herbal formulas and homeopathic therapies. She focuses on her clients using functional testing for disorders such as autoimmune diseases, chemical sensitivities, nutritional status, cancer, adrenal fatigue, thyroid disruptions, diabetes, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, skin disorders, hormone imbalances, insomnia, low energy, detoxification and food sensitivities. Rhonda’s passion is to get to the root of the problem and achieve optimal health through nutrition and natural therapies. Show sponsor: C60 Purple Power Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 11: Austin Tchikatilov, CFNS, CPT, BCHN® Austin is a compassionate and kind-hearted soul who is deeply committed to helping others heal and live vibrantly. Austin works with clients using a wide variety of holistic modalities including nutrition coaching, strength training and mindfulness practices. He currently resides in Daytona Beach Florida and is a medical student at Palmer Chiropractic College. He is the founder/owner of Jourrney2BFIT LLC whose mission is to help people align their mind, body, and spirit for optimal living. Show sponsor: Doctor’s Supplement Store Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 12: Therese Revitte, MNT, BCHN® Therese Revitte is a Master Nutrition Therapist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®. She lives in the Denver area, where she runs her private practice, Live Bright Nutrition Therapy. She is an AIP certified coach, specializing in autoimmunity and digestive health. “Put out the Autoimmune Fire” is her signature 6-month autoimmune package. Also an avid organic food gardener, Therese has a passion for food quality and growing nutrient-dense foods. During the Spring, she hosts her Create Your Backyard Food Garden webinar series. Therese is a wife and mother and understands the challenges of eating well in the world we live in. She is dedicated to teaching people how to tap into their best health and happiness through individualized, targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies. Show sponsor: Great Plains Laboratory Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 13: Tammera Karr, Ph.D., CGP, CNW BCHN®, LDN Tammera is an author, public speaker, educator, food historian, researcher, and clinician. She has served as a nutrition advisor to wellness programs and presented at local, regional, and national conferences. She writes a weekly health column for a local newspaper, blogs, and reviews and contributes to national board exams. Passionate about nutrition as the key to stopping many modern illnesses, Tammera authored Our Journey With Food in 2015, Seconded Edition, a companion Cookery Book in 2018 and just recently released her newest book, Empty Plate – Food, Sustainability, Mindfulness. She is also the developer and lead instructor of the innovative HN4U OnLine.ed program: Our Journey with Food. Tammera established an Integrative Medicine partnership in 2006, where she worked in a clinical setting with DO’s, Family Certified Nurse Practitioners, Acupuncturists, Herbalists, ND’s, and others. In 2015, Tammera changed to a virtual office model, making it possible to meet with clients with greater flexibility, time, and cost savings. She serves on the American Naturopathic Certification Board, various committees, and student scholarships for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and Special Advisor for the Oregon Holistic Nurses Association. A Native of Oregon, Tammera is avid about spending time in nature. She enjoys cooking, canning and preserving, and exploring in her free time. She currently resides in Central and Southern Oregon with husband Michael, Australian Shepherd Sadie, and cat Molly. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 14: Maria Viall, CNP, ROHP, BCHN® Maria is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner with a diploma in Therapeutic Supplementation. She received her diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Vancouver, B.C where she also did her internship at Inspire Health, an integrative cancer clinic. As well as having a private practice, Maria is the nutrition expert on Milwaukee’s The Morning Blend talk show, is a sought after public speaker and continuing ed educator for medical institutes in the Greater Milwaukee Area. Show sponsor: Innovative Healing Academy  Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 15: Jayne Reynolds, BCHN® Born in the UK, Jayne married an American and moved to the US in 1995. By 1998, their family was blessed with three children under the age of 18 months! She returned to the workforce as an Administrator in 2004 and began work at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa in 2008. There she served on the Marketing Team for 8 years and then as a Chaplain for 2 years and then part-time as their Resident Liaison. During those years, after several bouts of serious illness and a lot of prayer, it became clear that she needed to make drastic lifestyle changes. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to help others took her to the Energetic Health Institute where she graduated as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist in 2016. She received her Board Certification through the NANP in 2017. Her passion for the holistic wellbeing of others led her to open the Abundant Life Nutrition and Wellness Center on the Fellowship Square Historic Mesa campus. There she provides custom nutrition plans, and coaching for the residents and the public. She also teaches and provides informative monthly classes, and writes for retirement newsletters. Her hope is that she will help all those who cross her path restore their health, reduce their stress, and rediscover their joy. When she’s not working, Jayne loves to spend time with her husband of 25 years, Casey, and their three daughters, Naomi, Brittany, and Emily. She volunteers at Central Christian Church with the Adults with Special Needs ministry and the Prayer Ministry. She enjoys escaping the heat, long walks in the great outdoors, especially if there is a river nearby and will gladly curl up with any period British movie. Show sponsor: Doctor’s Supplement StorePodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 16: Mary Beth Gudewicz , CNTP, MNT, FNLP, CFSP, CGP, BCHN® Mary Beth Gudewicz is a Master Nutrition Therapist, Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition and Therapy Practitioner, Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner, Certified Food and Spirit Practitioner and Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner. She earned her CNTP and MNT from the Nutrition Therapy Institute, a strong science-based, holistic nutrition educational institute and founder of Bella Nutrition Services. She is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Mary Beth is a holistic and functional medicine trained nutritionist analyzing the biochemistry of individuals to guide them to their optimal health through nutritional therapy and lifestyle shifts. She focuses on clients who are diagnosed with autoimmune disease, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, weight gain, low energy and food sensitivities. Mary Beth looks at the roots of the problem(s) to create plans and give tools that are individual to each person resulting in achieving her client’s goals. She enjoys teaching people how to take charge of their health. Food first has always been her motto. Show sponsor: Metabolic Balance Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 |  Sara Peternell is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and is a nutrition expert in supporting those who have autoimmune illnesses, especially of the thyroid. Other areas of focus include: digestive issues, pre- and post-natal nutrition, food intolerances and complex child feeding and growth conditions. Sara earned her Bachelor of Arts from Drake University, and completed the Master of Nutrition Therapy program at the Nutrition Therapy Institute. Sara’s nutrition practice reaches clients all over the Denver-metro area, the U.S., and even internationally. She has been in practice for nearly 20 years. Sara is co-author of the award-winning Little Foodie: Recipes for Babies & Toddlers With Taste. Show sponsor: Nutra Biogenesis & AllVia Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 |  Julie believes good health is as close as your kitchen. Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, Julie’s nutrition practice is based on nutrient-dense whole foods and lifestyle choices that support health and well-being, especially during times of high stress and transitions. Her role as an NC is to educate, guide, and support individuals in positioning themselves to better respond to the inevitable stressors of life. In addition to her private nutrition practice and serving on the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, Julie is a past NANP board member and has been a Distance Learning Instructor for Bauman College. She is proud to align herself with professionals who share the belief that nutrition and lifestyle play critical roles in health and who are taking steps to make significant changes in the health of our nation. Part of Julie’s “lead by example” lifestyle includes hiking, biking, running, swimming, snowshoeing, reading, cooking, and sipping tea. She is on a mission to inspire others to live a vibrant life amidst its daily stressors. Show Notes:
Show sponsor: Doctor’s Supplement StorePodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 19: Julie Thenell, BS, MS, NC, BCHN® Julie believes good health is as close as your kitchen. Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, Julie’s nutrition practice is based on nutrient-dense whole foods and lifestyle choices that support health and well-being, especially during times of high stress and transitions. Her role as an NC is to educate, guide, and support individuals in positioning themselves to better respond to the inevitable stressors of life. In addition to her private nutrition practice and serving on the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, Julie is a past NANP board member and has been a Distance Learning Instructor for Bauman College. She is proud to align herself with professionals who share the belief that nutrition and lifestyle play critical roles in health and who are taking steps to make significant changes in the health of our nation. Part of Julie’s “lead by example” lifestyle includes hiking, biking, running, swimming, snowshoeing, reading, cooking, and sipping tea. She is on a mission to inspire others to live a vibrant life amidst its daily stressors. Show Notes: Please list the following links in the show notes:
Show sponsor: Thrive Academy  Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 2 Christine Pierangeli, MNT, BCHN® Guest bio: My first degree was a BS in education from the UW-Madison. I loved teaching and have always been interested in how eating right and making healthy lifestyle choices impact health in a positive way. My next act, as a stay-at-home mother to two daughters, helped me dig deeper into the principles of health and wellness in order to support my growing girls. My interest became a passion. I enrolled in the renowned Nutrition Therapy Institute (NTI) in Denver, CO and began my new education journey. My education at NTI helped me understand that profound wellness is not achieved by trying the latest diet craze of the moment. Profound wellness is achieved when we respect our body’s innate wisdom and incorporate a whole-foods diet and make healthy lifestyle choices. Find Christine at www.profoundwellness.fit. Show sponsor: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 29:Lesley Herrmann M.S., BCHN® Lesley is an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) with a master’s degree in Building Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She also holds a national board certification in holistic nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and is a Certified Wellness Coach. After overcoming personal health challenges with mold illness and healing her body and mind, Lesley has combined her professional careers to help others navigate the challenges of mold and environmental illness so that they can revitalize their health and reclaim a happy and vibrant life. She bridges the gap between the health of the home and the health of the body by blending her experience in building science with holistic nutrition. Show sponsor: Good Decisions Finally Free Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 3 Chris Bramich, MS, BCHN®, NTP, CGP Guest bio: Chris is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and the founder of vitalfoundations.com. He practices in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, but also works with clients virtually. In 2018, he graduated with distinction from the University of Western States with a master’s degree in human nutrition and functional medicine. As part of his coursework for graduation, Chris’ capstone paper explored the effects of near infrared light on nervous system tissue and mitochondrial function. Chris became board certifiedin holistic nutrition by the NANP in 2016. He wrote an article on clinical interventions for Endometriosis that appeared in Nourishing Bytes early in 2019. Additional certifications include Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner and Certified GAPS Practitioner.Chris works with clients dealing with a variety of concerns, but he views proper digestion and diet as key components to optimal health. He has been in practice for 6 years and prioritizes continuing education, networking and one on one client interactions. Chris continues to grow in his knowledge of health and wellness and plans to gain further education in genetic analysis and homeopathy. He already uses Near Infrared Light in his practice and is a distributor for personal saunas and related products produced by saunaspace. Show sponsor: Good Decisions/Finally Free Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 30: Jonene Ford MS, CNS, LDN, CPT, BCHN® Jonene Ford started her professional career as a public secondary school educator where she taught subjects such as Nutrition, Food Science, Health & Wellness, and Personal Development under the curriculum umbrella known as “Family and Consumer Sciences.” During her teaching career, her passion for fitness was reignited! She began to participate in boot camps, fitness challenges, and races along with lifting heavy weights and became a bikini-division amateur bodybuilding competitor. Because of her passion for fitness, she decided to pursue fitness training credentials so that she could help others become more physically fit. It was during that time, in 2014 when she started Ford Wellness, a company committed to improving the lives of everyday people through nutrition, fitness, and integrative health services. Show sponsor: Qest 4  Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 31: Heather Hanson, NTP, CFMHC, RMA, SFN, CFT, BCHN® Heather grew up in Western Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado Springs, Co, at the age of 18, to attend Pikes Peak Institute and study Medical Assisting. After spending a few short years working in Internal Medicine in Anniston Alabama and Killeen Texas, she found her perfect home in Austin, TX. Here she began working in a Family Practice medical office and spent the next 13 years developing and implementing strategies to create a medical office environment with a strong focus on wellness. Her drive to develop this type of program was propelled by the powerful impact of how changing her own diet helped resolve symptoms of auto-immune thyroid, migraine headaches, reflux, chronic constipation, gas, bloating, anxiety, sleep issues and hormone imbalance. Through this wellness model she was able to guide patients through a 12-week therapeutic lifestyle program encompassing dietary changes, exercise, stress management and appropriate supplementation, facilitating life changing benefits including improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, mood, sleep and digestion. During this time she discovered that her oldest son had celiac disease, which further drove her desire to understand the causes of auto-immune disease in order to help her son and other patients address an extensive collection of symptoms. This passion led her into a more holistic approach to client care, diving deeper into gut health, immune system toxicity, methylation and gene SNP’s, such as MTHFR and COMT. She seeks to empower individuals to live healthier and more vibrant lives through proper nutrition, exercise and stress management. Her goal is to provide an environment where areas of need can be well supported and where each person will have the opportunity to experience their best potential for optimal health. Heather is certified in Holistic Nutritional Therapy, Fitness Nutrition, GAPS (Gut and Psychology, Gut and Physiology Syndrome), Personal Training, Therapeutic Lifestyle Coaching and is also a Registered Medical Assistant. She practices what she preaches by following a nutrient dense diet, being active, getting regular exercise and managing stress. Heather and her husband reside in Georgetown, TX where she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and entertaining family and friends. She also enjoys spending time with her granddaughters, cooking, traveling, hiking, kayaking, listening to live music, reading, continuing education and competing in activities including Tough Mudders, Spartan races, half and full marathons. Show sponsor: Real Mushrooms Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 32: Carrie Bonfitto, NC, BCHN® Carrie Bonfitto is a wellness educator, cooking instructor, and author. She received her nutrition counseling degree from Bauman College and trained in culinary arts at the New School of Cooking. She is certified in Digestive Mastery by the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology. Through her private practice, Two Hearts Nutrition, she turns up the heat on healthy eating transforming it into delicious and practical food therapy. Having spent years getting bounced from doctor to doctor before taking her health into her own hands, Carrie is dedicated to helping those who suffer with chronic conditions regain their vitality. Her book, “What to Cook, Why to Eat It” is an easy to understand guide about the value of whole foods at home. It is packed with the recipes and science backed information she shares in the healthy cooking and nutrition classes that she teaches at Los Angeles Valley College, LA City College, and Jewish Family Services LA. As a mom to a very active seven-year-old and because she worked in the TV industry for many years, Carrie understands the need for easy action-steps and simple delicious food that are practical solutions for her clients Show sponsor: Revitin Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 33:Stephanie Mandel BCHN®, EFT tapping coach, Integrative Health PractitionerStephanie is a Board-Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner with a passion for helping her clients fulfill their potential through both emotional and physical optimization. Stephanie bases her work in the power of a balanced whole-foods diet, stress management, and the pursuit of personal growth as the foundations for optimal health. She partners with her clients to optimize energy, vitality and physical well being with a balanced, natural approach. Stephanie is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). She obtained her Nutrition Consulting certification with honors from Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition in Berkeley, California. Following her training, she led a nutrition lecture series and served as the in-house nutrition consultant for the National Center for Youth Law in Oakland, California. Since returning to her New York in October 2014, she has been practicing integrative nutrition under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Morrison. Stephanie is well-versed in a wide range of health concerns and goals, with special interest in the areas of:
By creating customized plans for each client, Stephanie makes each step toward wellness practical, doable, and delicious. Show sponsor: Transformation Enzymes Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 34: Kerry McClure BCHN®, E-RYT®, YACEP® Kerry is a speaker, author, teacher and wellness mentor in nutrition, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and fitness. She is co-author of the books Beyond Meditation: making mindfulness accessible for everyone, and Gratitude: a mindful pause. She is the creator of The Vibrant Life Method online wellness course. Kerry works with people to eat, move, and practice mindfulness for better energy; a clear, focused mind; and a long, healthy life. Kerry is passionate about helping her clients shift their lifestyle from “surviving” to “thriving” and from feeling “normal” to feeling “optimal”. Kerry is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®. She is a board member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). She is a member of the American Nutrition Association (ANA), Holistic Entrepreneur Association (HEA), and Yoga Alliance. She is multi-certified in yoga, and several fitness modalities. She brings 25+ years of experience in corporate America to her company, Kerry McClure – Practical Wellness. Show sponsor: 3rd Rock Essentials Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 35: Patricia Koss, BCHN®, NC, BCHN®, FNLP, MA, Ph.D. Patricia is a holistic nutrition practitioner living in the Portland, Oregon area and sees clients both virtually and in-person. She is board certified in holistic nutrition and has recently joined the NANP’s board of directors. Most of her clients are adult women, dealing with digestive, blood sugar, endocrine and/or hormonal imbalances and the associated symptoms such as: fatigue, poor sleep, foggy thinking, lack of motivation, infertility, menopausal symptoms, mild depression and anxiety. By taking into consideration the client’s goals, symptom presentation, lab-test results, and lifestyle factors, Patricia and her clients collaborate to develop a supportive holistic protocol consisting of diet, sleep, exercise and stress recommendations. Show sponsor: American College of Healthcare Sciences Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 36: Jaqueline Zhan Fraise BCHN®, CNP, FDN, D.Sc Dr. Jacqueline Zhan Fraise is a Certified Nutrition Professional (CNP, BCHN®), Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioner, and has a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Integrative Healthcare and Clinical Nutrition. She is also on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). She has spent her career working between China, Singapore, and the United States. She has extensive clinical experience, supporting clients with different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. In addition to her focus in nutrition, she has also studied a wide array of subjects such as culinary arts and the role of media in medicine, earning certificates from the California Culinary Academy and Harvard Medical School. In addition to her clinical nutrition practice, Dr. Zhan Fraise is also involved in promoting holistic nutrition through various media channels, thereby reaching a broader and diverse audience to deliver her message that food is medicine. Show sponsor: Biocanic Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 37: Gayatri Rajamani NTP, BCHN Candidate® Gayatri Rajamani is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist Candidate, based out of Dallas, Texas. She is the owner and founder of Glow With Wellness. Gayatri is passionate about nutrition and strongly believes that we can elevate our health with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. In her free time, she loves baking with her kids, reading and going on long walks. Show sponsor: Hemp FusionPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 4 Jen Marshall, CNT, BCHN® Guest Bio: Jen CNT, BCHN® is the founder of Be Balanced Healing in Boulder, Colorado and practices functional and holistic nutrition. She specializes in digestion and its connection to the rest of the body including mood, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and skin conditions. She received her master certification in nutrition therapy from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado and is board certified in holistic nutrition by NANP. Visit www.bebalancedhealing.com for more information. Show sponsor: Doctors Supplement StorePodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 5: Robin Hutchinson, MNT, BCHN® Guest bio: Robin Hutchinson is board certified in holistic nutrition and owner of Healthy Nest Nutrition, a private practice located in Denver, Colorado. Healthy Nest Nutrition’s goal is to help people find their best diet to meet their health and wellness goals. They offer weight loss, sugar reset, family nutrition makeovers, digestive repair, customized nutrition and ongoing support and maintenance programs ranging from 4-6 weeks. Healthy Nest Nutrition wants to join your team, hit your goals, and give you lifelong confidence in food choices for your body. Show sponsor: NBI Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 6: Anthony DiNoble, BCHN®, CHN, CPT, CNM, MMS, CFBCA Guest bio: Though Anthony’s original career path began as an IT professional for large law firms, his lifelong passion around natural health and wellness won out and he shifted gears to become a nutritionist. He furthered his education, by going even deeper into the science and biology around Epigenetics, lab interpretation, live blood analysis, nutrient support, and physical training. His education, training, and additional learning include:
Anthony joined the Nourish Coaching Staff in 2014, and has helped raise the Nourish Program to new levels of freedom for hundreds of Nourish clients. Show sponsor: Sofia Health Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 7: Kerri Ferraioli, MNT, BCHN® Guest bio: Kerri Ferraioli is a Master Nutrition Therapist. She graduated from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in October 2013. Kerri became Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition in April 2014. She works from her home in Point Pleasant, NJ. Kerri works one-on-one with clients helping them realize the importance of whole foods and the effects they have on the body. She specializes in nutrition for people with “hidden” health issues that the medical system deems “healthy”. Show sponsor: Thrive AcademyPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 8: Kirsten Miller, MNT, CSNC, BCHN® Guest bio: Kirsten Miller is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). To become eligible to sit for the board certification exam she needed to earn her Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT) diploma. She is also a Certified Sports Nutrition Consultant (CSNC) and Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (CNTP). She earned her MNT and CNTP from the Nutrition Therapy Institute, a premier holistic nutrition educational institution. She has also completed several functional nutrition courses and believes that continuing education is critical to be an effective nutrition therapist. The science of the food and the body is her passion so she is always studying and learning more. She loves to share this knowledge with her clients and sees herself as a teacher. Her goal is to help her clients to better understand their bodies, learn how foods affect their bodies and help them discover easy & sustainable ways to properly fuel their bodies. Kirsten is a life-long athlete, competing in endurance sports for most of her adult life. She has completed multiple Ironman triathlons, is a Boston Marathon finisher and frequently lands on the podium in her age group. As both a busy working mother and competitive athlete, Kirsten knows first-hand how important nutrition is for optimal health and wellness. If we do not put the right foods in our body, we cannot function well in all aspects of our lives. Kirsten has helped many clients feel the benefit of a healthy, whole-foods diet. Show sponsor: Good Decisions/Finally FreePodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode: 9: Liz Lipski, PhD, CNS, FACN, BCHN®, LDN Dr. Liz Lipski is Professor and the Director of the Academic Development for the Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health. After 30 years of clinical practice she devotes her time to teaching, writing and building the field of personalized nutrition. Dr. Lipski holds a PhD in Clinical Nutrition, is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN) and holds two board certifications in clinical nutrition (CNS, and BCHN) and one in functional medicine (IFMCP). She is on faculty for The Institute for Functional Medicine, and the Metabolic Medicine Institute fellowship program. She is the board secretary for the Accreditation Council for Professional Nutrition Education (ACNPE), on the board for the American Nutrition Association, and on advisory boards for the Certified International Health Coaches, and the Autism Hope Alliance. She is a consultant for Conversion Labs. Dr. Lipski has been a co-author in peer-reviewed papers and is the author of several books: Digestive Wellness (5th edition published 11-22-19), Digestion Connection, Digestive Wellness for Children, Leaky Gut Syndrome and a video course The Art of Digestive Wellness. She is the founder of InnovativeHealing.com and the Innovative Healing Academy where she offers courses and mentoring. Show Sponsor: 3rd Rock EssentialsPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | By: Carla Abate  When I became pregnant 13 years ago for the first time, I never would have imagined delivering by cesarean section. I had recently finished a hypnobirthing class and would have gladly birthed at home if my husband was on board. But after my water broke, my progress slowed and I was scolded by my obstetrician to “do what I should have done a long time ago,” prepare for a c-section. Thankfully, I did not spend much time mourning the birth experience I could not have, nor the poor bedside manner of my doctor. Instead, I decided to empower myself with the tools my baby and I would both need for a robust entry into the next phase of our lives. So much attention is given these days to comparing health outcomes of cesarean-born babies to vaginally born babies, as well as breast-fed babies to formula-fed babies. More than any other period, the perinatal period appears to offer the most significant window of opportunity for modification of future disease risk. Why? Because of the trillions of microbes that coexist within us that we refer to as the microbiome. The concerns with c-section delivery are twofold:
Together, these factors explain the correlation between c-section delivery and microbiome alterations associated with greater disease risk (Stinson, Payne, and Keelan, 2018). C-section delivery is associated with greater risk of:
Probiotics Worried that my baby did not receive a microbiome replete with the beneficial microbes central to the development of his little immune system, I began to explore the use of probiotics. Well aware of the relationship between antibiotics and probiotics, I knew that I, as well as my baby, would benefit from including these in our recovery toolbox. (Grazul, Kanda, and Gondek, 2016). Although antibiotics are passed through breastmilk, the benefits of breastfeeding often outweigh this risk. Not only was I passing along the probiotics through my milk, but numerous Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) commonly known as prebiotics, present in breastmilk, transfer to baby as well. These serve as a fuel source for the bacteria group Bifidobacteria infantis, recognized as one of the major players in early infant microbiome development. Today, more and more babies are being born devoid of this health-promoting bacteria, leading to what many researchers have termed Newborn Gut Deficiency. Supplementation alone however is not nearly as effective as doing so while also making permanent dietary shifts that have an enduring influence on the microbiome. For example, eliminating refined sugars and processed foods starve the pathogenic strains of bacteria that preferentially feed on these types of foods; while fresh vegetables rich in fiber provide nourishment to the sorts of bacteria we benefit from. Just as nature intended! Vaginal Seeding Vaginal seeding is a procedure that involves swabbing the infant’s mouth with vaginal fluid with the assumption that the vaginal microbes will transfer and colonize in the baby. Proponents of this practice argue that it is relatively safe as long as the mother is screened for potential pathogens prior to implementation. A relatively small study backs up the use of this practice by finding similar microbiomes in c-section babies swabbed and babies born vaginally (Dominguez-Bello, De Jesus-Laboy, Shen, et al). C-section-born babies that weren’t swabbed did not display this similarity. However, there is still debate as to whether the microbes of the vaginal fluid are designed to colonize the gut at all. Critics of this technique argue that it is not the vaginal microbes that seed the infant’s gut, but those of the mother’s colon that are relevant. Emergent vs. Scheduled C-section Perhaps the most empowering emerging information is that even in the absence of vaginal birth, labor itself plays a role in the microbiome transfer from mom to baby. According to a 2019 survey published in the Journal of Pregnancy, 42% of c-sections are elective. However, researchers speculate that c-sections involving the onset of labor, in which the fetal membranes have ruptured, are exposed to vaginal bacteria that planned c-section babies elude. Research indicates a stronger link between elective c-section delivery and disorders such as celiac and asthma compared with emergency c-section (Stinson, Payne, and Keelan, 2018). Today, I have two healthy boys both born via unplanned c-section. Both were breastfed and supplemented with probiotics. Neither have allergies to date at 12 and 9 years. As a nutrition therapist that focuses on the perinatal stages, I believe microbiome education is paramount. How to support an optimal microbiome during the perinatal period:
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Bio Carla Abate is a board certified NANP member, an advocate for the importance of nutrition during the perinatal stages, and a family wellness educator. A Certified Master Nutrition Therapist and Postpartum Doula, she is also a wife, and mother of two boys. Her experience with pregnancy and entering motherhood helped inspire her work today. Motherhood brought an abundance of self-growth, inspiration, and courage. It also brought great challenge and forced Carla to dive into her own wellness journey. Today, it’s Carla’s mission to help other mothers flourish throughout pregnancy and bring well-nourished, thriving bundles of joy into the world. For more information visit www.rebelrootsnutrition.com or email Carla at carla@rebelrootsnutrition.com. | ||||||
 | by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP  It’s hard to believe we’re firmly into the year 2021. I know we are all excited to get the new year underway and work toward the goals we’ve set for our personal and professional growth. If you’re looking for a growth opportunity or adding to your credentials, have I got an announcement for you! For several years, NANP has been developing a one-of-a-kind certification for those who provide guidance on or sell dietary supplements. Born out of an idea initially presented to us by Whole Foods Market, the Certified Dietary Supplement ProfessionalTM is a unique credential that raises the bar and delivers a new and authoritative standard in the supplement industry. The education and exam rigor establish the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ credential as a necessity in supporting the whole of holistic health professionals. If you’re already a professional member of the NANP, you automatically qualify to take this exam. If you’re not yet a member but believe you have qualifications that will meet the educational standards for this certification, you can apply for an Independent Educational Review (IER). An IER will identify any areas where you may need additional education to qualify to take this exam. You may even find that you already have the education you need! I’m so excited to share two invaluable free downloads to help you get started.
While I’m on the subject of the CDSP™ exam and the free downloads, I want to take a moment to thank the CDSP™ Committee for their countless hours of hard work and dedication to getting this certification exam written, reviewed, policies set, and documents developed. A special thanks to Kariman Pierce, Committee Chair and chief exam author, without whom this project would still be in the pipeline. I also want to thank Gene Bruno and Huntington University of Health Sciences for providing the Legal & Ethical Responsibilities document (also a free download available via the study guide). Thank you as well to Paula Bartholomy of Hawthorn University for the foundational content for the Dietary Supplement Quality Reference Guide and to Jini Cicero, Kate Mahoney, and Rebecca Zolotor (Purdue University Global) for pulling it all together. Lastly, thank you to Dorene Petersen of the American College of Healthcare Sciences for reviewing our policies and documents with such a keen eye to industry standards. I’m genuinely grateful to each of you and can’t wait to share your hard work with our industry! We recognize there is a wide variety of careers in our profession. The CDSP™ is yet one more way to set yourself apart from others in the health and wellness space by demonstrating your exemplary education and proficiency in a complex service area within our field. Ready to get started? Learn all about this new certification. “Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein | ||||||
 | Staying within the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals (HNPs) is critical. Unless you’re a licensed practitioner, your scope doesn’t allow you to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, prescribe, heal, mitigate or manage any disease state. Instead, our job as HNPs is to advise individuals, families, and groups on improving diet, lifestyle, and attitude to promote health founded on evidence-based and holistic principles. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based, individualized nutrition process to treat certain medical conditions. The term MNT was introduced in 1994 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. MNT is developed and implemented by a dietitian with the approval of the patient’s doctor. Services are provided in an institutional setting such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, or as part of a Telehealth program in states where dietitians are permitted to provide these services. Medical Nutrition Therapy was developed to manage chronic health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, by instituting a personalized diet and meal plan to reduce symptoms of specific conditions and prevent further health complications. Holistic Nutrition Professionals should not provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to their clients as we are not licensed to treat or manage a disease or medical condition. If you have questions about working within our industry’s Scope of Practice, please get in touch with laura@nanp.org. | ||||||
 |  by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP President If everyone is naturally a terrific, effective, and well-organized business person, then why are there so many webinars, courses, books, and presentations helping us to be an excellent business person? Unfortunately, we have to consider the possibility that it is because we need help. We all consider ourselves Holistic Nutrition Professionals, but let’s face it, in reality, we are sole proprietors – we own and run a business. You may not think of things this way, but you are the “boss” of your most important commodity — you. How you manage your business and all the various functions required of you on a day-to-day basis is critical. (Keep in mind, I didn’t say it is “easy,” I said “critical.”) I had the good fortune to work with a lot of businesspeople in my past, many of whom were sole proprietors – doctors, dentists, plumbers, lawyers, etc. The pattern I often noticed with these individuals is they were excellent at being a doctor, dentist, plumber, or lawyer but lousy at managing their business. It’s no secret that in our industry, the more people we have ‘out there,’ like you, the more people are being helped from a nutritional perspective. We need you, and they (your clients) need you. By extension, we need you to be successful in what you do. So I would like to tell you about a few pitfalls people fall into as sole proprietors you can try to avoid. Here is pitfall #1: Thinking you can do it all yourself. You can’t. Ok, maybe, in the beginning, you have to. But long-term, if you are trying to do everything yourself, you are not doing anything very well. In the beginning, when your practice is getting started, it’s simply impossible to cost-justify even a part-time employee to help out. So we do everything ourselves – the analysis of client data, scheduling appointments, researching protocols, checking supplements and ordering, and lots of time listening and talking to clients. We also do the invoicing, handling client communication, managing either a paper-based or online practice management system, preparing workshops or speaking outlines and presentations. As your client base and business grow, you need to slowly shift your worktime to the things no one else can do, which is the clinical work. Time is money. At some point, it will start to become less costly for you to hire a part-time assistant to do the administrative work that allows you to stay focused on the clinical side. Do the math. Figure out your hourly rate. Then make a list of which functions are administrative. Lastly, how many hours per week do you spend on those administrative duties? (an estimate will suffice) Admin Hours X Hourly Rate = Your cost to Perform Admin Functions Now ask yourself, if you didn’t have to spend your time on those admin functions, how many new clients could you potentially bring in with the same amount of time? Look, you have worked long and hard to build your reputation, credibility, and education. Your goal is to use those valuable skills to improve people’s lives and health, not just redesign your business card. When the time is right, reach out to resources who can help you, and be willing to let them in. Pitfall #2: Thinking you don’t need a business plan I’m sure there are a lot of eyes rolling right now — people hate business “plans.” Most would rather read a boring prospectus on life insurance. But look at it this way: having a business plan for yourself is not different from a written affirmation or a visualization board. You are imagining what you can do with your talents and education. In what way can you help your clients or the industry? How many clients can you help in a year? What income do you hope to achieve, and in general terms, what is the source of that income (e.g., 60% supplements, 40% counseling fees)? Most of us believe firmly in the mind/body connection. That is what a business plan is. You are documenting your emotional and mental commitment to your practice. You are steering the Universe into manifesting what you want – what you EXPECT your business to be. And a business plan does not have to be a huge, detailed document. You don’t need to have revenue expectations similar to Exxon. There are many resources online for small businesses where you can read about the types of sections a business plan will normally include. Check some of them out and decide for yourself what should be included, but below is a start of what I think the basics would include:
Pitfall #3: Not investing in yourself This is a big one and often overlooked. Roy Bennet in The Light in the Heart says it well, “There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. It is the best investment you can make; you can never go wrong with it. It is the true way to improve yourself to be the best version of you and lets you be able to best serve those around you.” Yes, you must be judicious about expenses—set priorities for yourself. But make no mistake, every time you invest in your business, you are investing in your passion and yourself. While I was a school student a few years back, I took my first available opportunity to obtain the student registration with NANP. When I graduated, I was eager and proud to upgrade to professional membership. I knew that being a part of my “community” would ensure that I surrounded myself with like-minded people and mentors. Attending as many of the free webinars and annual conferences was a given. This was a priority for me and not a frivolous expense – it was an “investment.” The other valuable step I took immediately upon graduating was getting geared up for the HNCB board certification exam. There are numerous angles one can take to set yourself apart from your competitors, but a big one is education and credentials. For me, the board exam was a logical first step and foundational to anything else. From there, I went on to other targeted educational modules. I will always make time to further my education and stay on top of trends in my industry. Pick and choose what is right for you and your business focus. Be strategic in your decision-making. Remember, you are a businessperson, a sole proprietor, and a Holistic Nutrition Professional. You are out there helping your clients do the hard work. Be proud of what you do! At NANP, we couldn’t be more proud of our flourishing industry and each and every one of you out there making it happen. Keep spreading the message…… nutrition matters. | ||||||
“I recently had a discovery call with a prospective client who asked if I accepted FSA as payment. Can I accept payments from HSA or FSA for my services?” NANP Legislative Affairs has received several inquiries like the one above. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that allow people with health insurance policies to set money aside for health care and related costs. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refers to these costs as Qualified Medical Expenses. Most often, nutrition and general wellness counseling services are not covered by HSAs and FSAs. The IRS states that services covered are for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, which is outside the Scope of Practice of Holistic Nutrition Professionals. Some exceptions exist, but your client must confirm with their plan administrator if your services will be covered. In some cases, the administrator may require your client to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from their doctor to reimburse you for your services. What Should I Tell My Prospective Client?
Note: Today, most HSA/FSA plans provide their users with Debit Cards. You may need to speak with your payment service provider to determine if they are set up to run HSA/FSA payments. This may require different hardware or changes to how you are registered with the software application you use. | |||||||
 | By Deanna Minich, PhD, FACN, CNS, IFMCP  It’s been said long ago by Hippocrates that “food is medicine.” I would add that on many levels “color is medicine,” especially the colors of food. We are learning more about the presence of the several thousands of pigmented phytonutrients in plant foods, which is currently revolutionizing the way nutritional medicine is unfolding in the 21st century. In my nutrition and functional medicine work, I approach the connection of healthy eating, reducing risk for chronic disease, and the food-mood relationship through a ‘color code’ that I developed, called the 7 Systems of Health, informed by science and inspired by integrating healing traditions of medicine, spirituality, and yoga. Each of the 7 Systems is connected to a specific color and specific physical functions and biochemistry to provide a holistic approach to a person’s lifestyle and well-being. You can read more about the 7 Systems of Health on my website, www.deannaminich.com. Specific colors of food can impact physical and mental health through a variety of phytonutrients and their effect on cellular structure and function. Studies have shown that eating more fruits and vegetables is associated with greater happiness and improved mental health. Influences on mood are many, including but not limited to the environment, nutrition, stress, genetics, socioeconomic factors, and experiences in life, and as these influences change in a moment so can one’s mood. As a nutritionist, focusing on dietary patterns can help uncover the influence on mood and mental health. Specific colors of food can impact physical and mental health through a variety of phytonutrients and their effect on cellular structure and function. Studies have shown that eating more fruits and vegetables is associated with greater happiness and improved mental health. Dietary patterns influence mood and mental health. As such, adopting a healthy, colorful approach to eating can increase positive mood, along with other physical and mental health-related outcomes. Whether someone has a diagnosed mood disorder or other mental health condition, wish to improve a mood imbalance, or simply want to increase resiliency and minimize the risk of developing a mood disorder, colorful, healthy food choices can be a foundational starting point. The nutrients in food provide the building blocks necessary for healthy brain and neurotransmitter processes. Of special note for mental wellness are amino acids, B-vitamins, fiber, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and many more. While adequate levels of these nutrients play a key role in preventing or mitigating depression on their own, studies have reported that certain foods can have a significant impact as well, such as cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, organ meats, peppers, nuts, legumes, and seafood. Some take-aways for holistic wellness are:
There are numerous benefits to eating plant-based foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables. Ensuring the consumption of a variety of healthy, colorful foods will permit sampling from thousands of phytochemicals that may help to offset an increased risk of chronic disease and mental illness. Of course, an individual’s eating patterns, situation such as allergies, and overall health should be discussed with a doctor, therapist, nutritionist, dietician, or other member of the healthcare team prior to making dietary changes. To help track the colors of food, I’m including my Food & Mood Weekly Tracker that you can download. Here’s to eating the rainbow of colors of plant-based, whole foods for optimum physical and mental health! Nourishing wishes, Deanna About Deanna Minich Currently, she is Faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine and the University of Western States. She has developed an online certification program for health professionals so that they can apply the color-coded 7 Systems of Full-Spectrum Health in their practice. Her lectures are heard by patients and practitioners throughout the world. Dr. Minich’s passion is teaching a whole-self approach to nourishment and bridging the gaps between science, spirituality, and art in medicine. | ||||||
 | 40 CEC’s Culinary Creator Business School™️ is a group coaching program for culinary professionals who want to grow their reach and income by teaching online. This 6-month group coaching program kicks off with a 90-day sprint where participants will learn how to create, sell and teach their first live online cooking class. Students then move into building a sustainable online culinary business through creating online courses and/or teaching corporate experiences. Participants learn through a combination of on-demand video content, templates and workbooks, live group coaching and masterclasses, alongside a robust peer community. Objectives: This program teaches participants how to teach their first online cooking class in 90 days or less and build a sustainable virtual culinary business through recorded courses and corporate events. The program also focuses on mastering mindset, digital marketing strategies and technology. | ||||||
 | by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANPSo, here we are in early January – no other time of year brings such an exciting promise for a bright future. It’s a time to hit the reset button, reinvigorate yourself, take on new challenges, and start anew. Some of us use this time of year to commit ourselves to a bigger purpose or a new experience. I’m an all-in kind of gal. When I get excited about a new experience or group, I’m generally the person who jumps in feet first and commits all the way. I get a deep sense of gratification from joining in and fully experiencing the new adventure before me. But I recognize not everyone is like me. For some, standing on the sidelines is quite enough, thank you very much. And, that’s okay…except when it comes to your career. Our industry is unique in that most of us work as solopreneurs. Sure, we see clients and interact with them regularly. But our clients are not our peers. They can’t replace the “water cooler” experience one shares with co-workers. You know, those precious moments when you have a meaningful conversation about the work you do with someone who fully understands your joys and your pain points. Those moments remind us that we’re a part of something; that we belong to. Turns out the sense of belonging is a human need. In an article on the Psychology Today website, Marianna Pogosyan, Ph.D. explains that bonds with others can create happiness, reduce stress and depression, be a great motivator, and, “contribute to a meaningful life since being a part of a group connotes being a part of something larger, something that expands beyond the boundaries of our own self, thus promoting a sense of ‘lastingness’ and ‘continuity.’” (Lambert et al, 2013, p. 6) Have you been wondering, “where can I get that?” One of the questions we hear at the NANP (pretty much daily) is, “Why should I join?” There are myriad reasons to join your industry’s association: visibility, credibility, legislative representation, unique learning opportunities, discounts, and networking. Ah, networking – the most valuable gem of them all! At an association, networking IS the new ‘water cooler.’
Belonging to the NANP is like having a family of people with the shared experience of an education and career in holistic nutrition. We’re talking about more than a thousand others who see the world as you do – a world where food should be our medicine and where the whole person matters. Over a thousand people who are either exactly where you are in your career or education right now, or who have been there, done that, and are brimming over with ideas on how to help and support you. According to Naomi Hattaway, founder of a group called I Am A Triangle that helps its members find a sense of belonging after frequent intercultural relocations, “Belonging is like stepping up on a platform and feeling like you are fully supported.” If you’re standing on the sidelines, what are you waiting for?! Stop pressing your nose against the glass to look in – it’s time to join, to belong! Your family is waiting for you. Your partner in holistic nutrition,  Nicole | ||||||
 | Kristy Hall, MS, ROHP, RNCP, BCHN® Kristy’s insatiable desire for knowledge led her first to become a Certified Health Coach through the Dr. Sear’s Wellness Institute founded by world-renowned physician and author, Dr. William Sears. Kristy continued her education by pursuing a Master of Holistic Nutrition degree from Hawthorn University, where she graduated with highest honors. Since graduating, Kristy has been certified in Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy, Culinary Genomics and Epigenetic Nutrition and is currently working toward a Heart Math Certification. Kristy is board-certified in Holistic Nutrition through the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. Her international designations include Registered Nutrition Consulting Practitioner and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner through the International Organization of Nutrition Consultants. Kristy is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Kristy is committed to continuing her education in order to help empower her clients to improve their health. Kristy is certified in Culinary Genomics, Epigenetic Nutrition, Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy, Protecting Human Research Participants and is a Gluten-free Practitioner. Show Sponsor: Innovative Healing AcademyPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Dr. Dian GinsbergDr. Ginsberg completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has years of experience providing obstetrics and gynecology treatment, menopause management and healthy aging. Being a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and an Ironman Triathlete, has led her to explore the latest advances for athletes. She continues her research in nutritional therapies for many reasons, most significantly for the benefits it has brought to her sons with specific learning needs. Dr. Ginsberg lectures for the American Academy of Anti-Aging on hormone replacement and Functional Medicine University on the topic of PCOS. She is the author of the PCOS Environmental Roadmap. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Marty KendallMarty Kendall is an engineer who seeks to optimise nutrition using a data-driven approach. His interest in nutrition began eighteen years ago in an effort to help his wife Monica gain better control of her Type 1 Diabetes. But since then he has worked to develop a systematised approach to nutrition tailored for a wide range of goals. Marty has been sharing his learnings at OptimisingNutrition.com and has developed Nutrient Optimiser and Data-Driven Fasting to guide people on their journey of nutritional optimisation. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | As a survivor of IBS, Lyme Disease and Mold Illness, Dr. Mueller is passionate aboutbringing research, understanding and compassion to those with these diseases. She has co-authored a book released in May 2021, called Use Your Mind to Heal Your Mold and Lymewhich can be found on amazon.Her practice, the Medicine with Heart Clinic, treats thosearound the country. She also co-owns an online functional medicine school the Medicine withHeart Institute, where she trains clinicians around the world in functional medicine. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Tom is a leading expert on the role of the microbiome in health, immune function,chronic disease, and aging. As a translational scientist, his primary focusis on theclinical application of microbiome research in the functional and integrative medicinespace. He is currently a consultant and science advisor for Diagnostic SolutionsLaboratory, and he also serves as a science advisor for Designs for Health. Previously,he was a consultant on microbiome testing for Viome and Vibrant America. Tom iscertified as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner by the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver,and he also provides educational services and courses for practitioners. Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory: https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com Designs for Health: https://www.designsforhealth.com Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women’s health and hormones. Dr. Jones graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she also completed a 2-year residency in women’s health, hormones, and endocrinology. Later, she graduated from Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Health program. Dr. Jones was one of the first to became board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. She was the Medical Director for the DUTCH Test for several years and is the Clinical Expert for the SOS Stress Recover Program for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center and on the Under Armour’s Council on Human Performance. Currently, she is the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women’s health and hormones. Dr. Jones graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she also completed a 2-year residency in women’s health, hormones, and endocrinology. Later, she graduated from Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Health program. Dr. Jones was one of the first to became board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. She was the Medical Director for the DUTCH Test for several years and is the Clinical Expert for the SOS Stress Recover Program for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center and on the Under Armour’s Council on Human Performance. Currently, she is the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Jack Wolfson D.O., F.A.C.C., is a board-certified cardiologist who uses nutrition, lifestyle and supplements to prevent and treat heart disease. He completed a 4 year medical degree, 3 year internal medicine residency and 3 year cardiology fellowship. He served as the Chief Fellow of his cardiology program, managing all of the other cardiology trainees. Dr. Wolfson then joined the largest cardiology group in the state of Arizona and spent 10 years as a hospital-based cardiologist performing angiograms, pacemakers, and other cardiac procedures. He was the Chairman of Medicine, Director of Cardiology and Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation. He was selected by his peers as one of the Arizona “Top Docs” in 2011 . In 2012, Dr. Wolfson founded Natural Heart Doctor to offer patients the ultimate in holistic heart care. People from all over the world consult with Dr. Wolfson, travelling to Arizona or virtually for natural heart care. Dr. Wolfson has appeared on every major news station and major newspaper along with hundreds of appearances at live events, podcasts, and online interviews. He has taught medical doctors and practitioners from all over the world. Dr. Wolfson was recognized as one of the Top 50 Holistic Medical Practitioners. The Paleo Cardiologist, The Natural Way to Heart Health is the first book by Dr. Wolfson and is an Amazon best-seller. He is also a contributing author to The Textbook of Integrative Cardiology. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Lisa Hendrickson – Jack talks about vaginas a lot! She’s a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. In her new book The Fifth Vital Sign, Lisa debunks the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children, by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence – based approach to fertility awareness and menstrual cycle optimization. She hosts the Fertility Friday Podcast, a weekly radio show devoted to helping women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between menstrual cycle health, fertility, and overall health. With well over a million downloads, Fertility Friday is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness, and menstrual cycle health, connecting women around the world with their cycles and their fertility —something our education systems have consistently failed to do. When she’s not researching, writing, and interviewing health professionals, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and her two sons. To learn more, visit fertilityfriday.com Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Dr. Julie Greenberg is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Registered Herbalist RH(AHG) who Instagram @dermatologycenter Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Dr. John Neustadt has spent nearly two decades as a clinician, researcher, writer and entrepreneur. He was recognized by the world’s largest medical publisher as one of the Top Ten Cited Authors in the world for his work and received more than a dozen US FDA Orphan Drug Designations. Dr. Neustadt is on the Corporate Advisory Roundtable for the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) and is Vice President of the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors. His latest book, Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A comprehensive guide to osteoporosis, teaches readers:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Functional Health Coach, Hormone Balancing Fitness Expert, and Flipping 50 founder Debra Atkinson has helped over 250,000 women “flip” their second half with the vitality and energy they want. She’s the bestselling author of You Still Got It, Girl: The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women; Navigating Fitness After 50: Your GPS For Choosing Programs and Professionals You Can Trust; and Hot, Not Bothered. Debra hosts Flipping 50 TV and the Flipping 50 podcast, an AARP top podcast for 50+. She is a frequent speaker and TEDx presenter of Everything Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be a Lie. She has 38-years full time fitness experience, is an International fitness presenter for associations including International Council on Active Aging, IDEA, NSCA, and Athletic Business, and CanFitPro. She’s an American Council on Exercise Subject Matter Expert, and prior Senior Lecturer in Kinesiology at Iowa State University. Debra is also founder of Flippingfifty.com and creator of the Flipping 50 Fitness Specialist program for fitness professionals. She’s a frequent contributor at HuffPost, ShareCare, and other featured outlets and on the Education Advisory Board for Medfit.org. Topic is good. Questions: What are the most common health & fitness goals for women over 50? What are the biggest exercise mistakes women over 50 make with exercise? How does that hurt their results? What’s the biggest predictor of health aging (independence, brain health/cognition, reduced risk of disease)? What’s the “After 50 Fitness Formula for Women”? You have 10 Tenets of Flipping50™ can you share a few? Social and Contact links: Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 38: Cindy Ross MS, BCHN®, CNP, IMP, E-RYT®, YACEP®, NC, CDSP™ Cindy Ross lives in Orange Beach, Alabama. She has recently been nominated for the DEAC Outstanding Graduate award. Cindy graduated in June of 2020 with Honors in the Master’s program of Holistic Nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Shortly after graduation, Cindy began studying for the board certification with the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP) and then became the first Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ . Cindy now holds multiple board certifications and she says she owes ACHS and NANP for the education she received and her private practice, Life Wellness Forever, is thriving. Through her practice Life Wellness Forever, Cindy is able to practice Functional Medicine and is currently helping patients all over the country achieve a better quality of life. Cindy is now enrolled in a Ph.D. of Natural Health Sciences and Doctorate of Natural Medicine program as well. Cindy’s legacy project is a non-profit 501c3 she created in 2016 called C.H.A.D., she plans on using her education to provide humanitarian work of functional medicine along with nutrition counseling in underprivileged communities worldwide through her organization. Cindy has also opened a chapter of Not Just Tourists in Orange Beach and she can’t wait to tell you all about the services they provide in developing countries. Show Sponsor: BiocidinPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Episode 39: Sarica Cerohous, L.Ac. Sarica Cernohous is a licensed practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, incorporating LED light therapy and nutrition consultation in her support of patients’ health. She is the author of The Funky Kitchen, a primer on the importance and practical aspects of traditional food preparation, with its accompanying course, “Fresh, Fun and Flavorful in The Funky Kitchen”, a CEC-approved course for the NANP and the NCCAOM. She is a coach for Metabolic Balance of Germany, from which she crafted The LAPIS Method, a program considering multiple aspects of wellness for optimized weight and vibrant health. Sarica enjoys teaching, participating in multiple health summits and podcasts, as well as presenting from the stage and in the traditional class setting, as in her role teaching master’s level nutrition and coaching concepts at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals since 2017 and has been a member since 2014. She serves on the Educational Standards, Governance, and Poster Boards for HEALCon committees. Sarica lives in northern Arizona with her husband and two teenage children, where she enjoys daily hikes in the beautiful outdoors. Show Sponsor: C60 Purple PlowerPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Nicole Hodson, NC, BCHN® Nicole Hodson is a graduate of Bauman College and the Executive Director of the NANP. After significantly improving her health and her husband’s through whole foods nutrition, Nicole left the managed “healthcare” industry to pursue a career where she could affect more positive change. She has been with the NANP since 2007. Her passion for the industry is infectious, and she has made it her life’s mission to promote whole foods nutrition and those who teach it in every way possible. Nicole is wholly dedicated to putting holistic nutrition professionals to work and protecting their right to practice. When she’s not working, you’ll find Nicole in the kitchen. A dedicated ‘foodie,’ she’s continuously honing her cooking skills. She also loves needlework, reading nutrition and cookbooks (of course!), and is a former professional jazz vocalist. Nicole loves living in Northern California’s gold and wine country with the love of her life and their toy poodle, Louie. Show Sponsor: Canadian School of Natural NutritionPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Melissa Milam MNT, BCHN® Melissa is a Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT) board certified in Holistic Nutrition. She received her nutrition education from the Nutrition Therapy Institute and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She is also a certified clinical herbalist and phlebotomist. She practices holistic nutrition in Park City Utah and worldwide via Zoom. Show Sponsor: Great Plains LaboratoryPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Jill Sharfman, NC, BCHN® Jill Sharfman NC (Nutrition Consultant), is the co-host of the nutrition podcast “Let My People Eat.” On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay and at her website. Show Sponsor: NBIPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Tonya Harris, Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition, BCHN® Tonya Harris is an award-winning environmental toxin expert & the founder of Slightly Greener, offering busy women simple tips to reduce toxins without turning their family’s lifestyle upside-down. As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three, Tonya helps parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health. In addition to Board certification and a Master’s degree in holistic nutrition, she holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field. Tonya has been featured online in publications such as Parents, Reader’s Digest, MindBodyGreen, and Martha Stewart Living, and has appeared on TV shows across the country, such as Great Day Washington, KTLA, CBS New York, and The Dr. Oz Show for her expertise in environmental toxins, holistic nutrition, and how toxins affect children. This year she was named Environmental Toxicity Expert of the Decade by the IAOTP, and her book, The Slightly Greener Method, released by Sourcebooks on August 3rd, can be found wherever books are sold. Show Sponsor: LabSmartsPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Amy Spindel – MSHN, MSSW, BCHN®, AFMC Amy Spindel is a functional holistic nutritionist with a mission: to help moms and kids feel happier, calmer, and more energetic by getting at the root causes of their symptoms so that they can enjoy life. She was fortunate to have grown up in a family that cooked, and was taught to cook by her mom and grandmother. Before getting into the nutrition field, Amy practiced clinical social work as a family therapist, and was frustrated that talk therapy did not seem to go deeply enough for most of her clients, despite their willingness to do the hard work. While attending culinary school, she began understanding how different the food she ate was from the Standard American Diet, and a culinary nutrition course sparked her interest in pursuing a deeper understanding of how food choices impacted how the body and mind function. After culinary school she became a pastry chef, but then her son was born and his health struggles brought her to seek a different lifestyle and diet. Now, as a functional holistic nutritionist, Amy applies a multidisciplinary approach to her work, piecing together seemingly disparate details of a case to help clients figure out why they are not feeling their best, and providing practical recommendations to help them move forward with their health goals. She enjoys helping clients optimize their nutrition and their health, from diet tweaks, to gut health and food sensitivities, to thyroid health, to mental health, to stress management, and everything in between. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, holds a Certification in Applied Functional Medicine, and is also a Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner. Amy owns Food With Thought Nutrition, a virtual nutrition and health coaching practice, as well as sees clients in Plano, TX. Show Sponsor: Nutra-biogenesisPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Cordelia McFadyen, BCHN® Cordelia McFadyen is owner and Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN) at the company she founded, Inspired Living Nutrition Inc. After suffering for years from unknown food sensitivities and actively working her way back to strong health through proper nutrition, she was inspired and determined to take her education further. She has been working as a Holistic Nutritionist since 2013, however she has over 3 decades of personal experience as it relates to complex gut and hormonal conditions. A strong advocate for the holistic nutrition industry she currently serves as Dean to the School of Holistic Nutrition for Pacific Rim College (PRC). To that end she also serves as Vice-Chair for the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB) through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Cordelia has been honored with awards & recognition for her contributions to the holistic nutrition industry in Canada. In addition to her holistic nutrition background, Cordelia has had the opportunity to learn from nutritional, lifestyle and scientific experts such as Dr. Tom O’Bryan, Sally Fallon, Robert Rogers, Dr. Gabor Mate (MATEY), Paul Bergner, Yarrow Willard and more. She has also completed training in Reiki Level 2, Indian Head Massage; and is currently working on receiving additional trauma training as well her certification in herbal medicine. She currently resides on Vancouver Island, BC and is often found back in her hometown of Calgary. In her free time, you can find her tending to her garden, hanging out at the beach and spending quality time with her fiancée and chihuahua. Show Sponsor: VitanicaPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Julie Rauch, MBA, NC, BCHN® Julie Rauch, MBA, NC is a Certified Nutrition Consultant & Natural Chef graduate of Bauman College. She began her service at NANP on the executive board of the (then) Berkeley branch in 2005. She joined the national board in 2009 as treasurer before stepping into the role of president in 2012 and currently serves as treasurer. In private practice, Julie specializes in hard to resolve health issues including hormonal imbalances, chronic infections, and heavy metal & chemical chelation using whole food supplements. She teaches practical “no excuses” healthy eating and cooking strategies to support the health and well-being of her clients. Certified in AcuPoint Integrative Testing (AIT), Julie uses this comprehensive system to evaluate her client’s unique nutritional needs and create customized supplement protocols for them without the need for laboratory testing. Julie is the nutritionist for Advance International, Inc., producer of the odorless, tasteless, marine-based Advance Protein Powder. In addition, she provides nutrition consulting services to the employees of Standard Process of Northern California. Welcome Julie, we want to genuinely thank you for all your contributions to NANP as one of our amazing Board Members and it’s such a pleasure to have you talk with us today! Show Sponsor: Weston A Price FoundationPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Lori Klocek, NC, BCHN® Lori Klocek, Nutrition Consultant and Holistic Health Coach, combines her passion for a balanced healthy lifestyle with her belief that being healthy should be enjoyable and delicious. She came to the field of holistic health and nutrition through her own experience overcoming autoimmunity. Lori enjoys using her knowledge and experience to help clients, teach groups, and maintaining her food and lifestyle blog (GreenLeafKitchen.com). She received her Nutrition Consultant certification from Bauman College, and is a Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (candidate). Show Sponsor: Allergy Research GroupPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Rashmi Sinha, FNTP, BCHN® (Candidate) Rashmi Sinha is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and candidate for Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She is the founder and owner of Rays of Wellness. In Sanskrit, her first name, Rashmi means “the first rays of the sun to touch the earth”. She is also interning with another practitioner with the aim of getting her Board Certification hours as well as updating her knowledge and exposure. She is truly amazed by the numerous ways in which simple food and lifestyle changes enhance our health. Rashmi strongly believes that food and health does not need to be complicated. Rashmi lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their 15 year old daughter. Show Sponsor: Enzyme SciencePodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Sheila Gannon, MNT, BCHN® Founder of Seeds of Nutrition, Sheila is a Master Nutrition Therapist and a Gut Sleuth that helps health-minded individuals uncover the root cause of their ailments so they can find their happy energetic selves. Sheila’s passion for functional nutrition and her focus on gut health stems from the benefits she herself has experienced from nutritional therapy. She received her training from the Nutritional Therapy Institute, and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. Also having a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Education, her combined background makes Sheila an empathetic client partner, health educator and practitioner. Previously as the Lead Nutritionist, Sheila collaborated with Functional Medicine practitioners within an Internal Medicine office. As a certified Brain Health Coach and Heartmath Practitioner, Sheila recognizes that all systems within the body are interconnected; therefore, unexpected sources can impact overall health. Sheila keeps her nutritional knowledge current by regularly researching the latest nutritional discoveries, attending conferences, continuing education and collaborating with colleagues in the health and wellness community. Show Sponsor: Microbiome LabsPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Amanda Mirabella, Holistic Nutritionist BCHN® Amanda Mirabella is a full-time Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist®, practicing with Heights of Health since 2019. Amanda has a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, a BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and is a certified Master MBSR™ and ECR™ Practitioner. She has had the opportunity to serve hundreds of clients in her career path thus far; and is currently seeing clients remotely and at a clinic in Denver, CO! Amanda has endured significant health challenges in her own life such as Hashimotos, a spinal tumor, and cavitations, yet she’s experienced drastic improvements in her physical and emotional wellbeing. She truly loves food and believes there’s a tremendous need to bring more connection, joy, and simplicity to the world of nutrition. Amanda believes we can attain both vibrant health and ease, that there’s no need for an ultra-dogmatic approach. In her work she strives to provide clarity and education to her clients, help them achieve self-compassion for their bodies, maximize health, and encourage everyone to genuinely enjoy food! Amanda recognizes that nutrition is important, but it’s also only one piece of the puzzle! It’s imperative to examine how stress, cellular memories, environmental toxins, and more shape our health and affect our forward growth. Show Sponsor: Qest4Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Diana Walley MNT, BCHN® – Kristen Burkett MNT, BCHN® Show Sponsor: Real MushroomsPodcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
 | Paul Burgess, Functional Medicine PractitionerPaul Burgess is the principal at Paul Burgess Functional Medicine Ltd which is a global telemedicine provider with patients all around the world. He focuses on giving people back the capacity to live a fulfilling, happy life every day by dealing with all the health issues they have and cutting through the confusion patients face on a daily basis when it comes to what is best for them to do for their own health. His typical patient has seen all the usual doctors, specialists and consultants and have been told, ‘there is nothing wrong, it is all in your head’. He has extensive knowledge of testing when looking at mold, toxicity, heavy metals and blood work. The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients’ treatment during the program. The NANP would like to remind participants that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | ||||||
When joining our association, members of the NANP are required to review, sign, and adhere to the NANP Code of Ethics. The intent is to support and guide our members individually and collectively in maintaining the highest ethical conduct. They are standards used to determine the propriety of conduct in relationships with clients, colleagues, members of allied professions, and the public. NANP members understand that our Code of Ethics and our Ethics Policy extend to the individual client and society.  Our Legislative Affairs Division works to protect and expand the rights of holistic nutrition professionals throughout the United States. The NANP Code of Ethics and Ethics Policy are key to our conversations with legislators, who understand that our members obey all laws regarding the ethical practice of holistic nutrition and uphold the dignity and honor of the profession. NANP members will not exceed their scope of practice in their professional abilities or those outlined by law. The rise of social media shines a light on the need to revisit these policies and ensure that those considered to be “Influencers” embrace an appropriate level of transparency and disclosure regarding product reviews and funding to the public. NANP member Influencers must be clear about their role and any compensation they receive when they post on social media, via a blog, or sell products from a Multi-Level Marketing company. They must disclose if they have received free or discounted products or any other form of compensation from a company asking them for a product endorsement. Such disclosures should be upfront and clearly posted on their website, blog posts, or social media accounts (Instagram/TikTok, Meta, etc.). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a document detailing how Influencers should inform their audience about company relationships. Click HERE to view! Below are some recommendations to ensure transparency with your audience:
Please take a moment to review NANP’s Code of Ethics and Ethics Policy and consider it a refresher course or self-appraisal of who you are as a holistic nutrition professional. If you have questions about ethics or our scope of practice, contact our Legislative Affairs Specialist, Laura Waldo, at laura@nanp.org. The information in this article is given with regard to NANP’s Code of Ethics and Ethics Policy and is not meant to replace legal advice. | |||||||
 | by Luen Proft, Soil Advocate & Natural Wine Connoisseur  When is the last time that you put your hands in the soil? Not the dirt or sand – the soil, the very life that’s responsible for…more life! For the farmers that are in tune with the natural world – whether they are raising cattle or grape vines – everything revolves around the soil. As we enter the winter season, soil begins a hibernation, which lets us pay gratitude for all of the bountiful gifts provided over the last few months. From food, to wine, to clothing and shelter – we owe our soil at least that much! So I invite you all to take a moment to give thanks to our soil. For all that it has given and all that it will continue to give us as long as we take care to regenerate it. And when we refer to soil, what do we mean? Well simply, it is a mixture of minerals, water, air, and organisms, both living & dead. With these four components, we have the foundation to our food systems, the natural world, and the key to our global health. Truly taking care of our soil could mean buying organic foods that support regenerative agriculture or it could mean taking the extra step to compost in your community. There are plenty of opportunities to give our soils what they need. One of my greatest joys is sharing meals with winemakers and farmers from around the world. I am grateful to have this opportunity as I travel with Dry Farm Wines to source our Natural Wines. During this time of year I always find myself drinking wines that are versatile and reflective of the change in season. As Fall fades to Winter, my go-to is a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. This region and grape combine to produce a wine of immense earthen complexity that often reminds me of fallen leaves on a forest floor. Cabernet Franc also tends to have a richness from the skins of the grape that make it suitable for the colder temperatures, yet it has great acidity to keep the wine vibrant and juicy as well. It is a really great Thanksgiving wine to compliment all those varied flavors on your plate! Think roast turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, or even cranberry sauce. Here’s to the soil and all that it provides for us. About Luen Proft | ||||||
 by Miriam Zacharias, President, NANP Board of Directors We all come into this profession for different reasons. It may be very personal, seeking specific solutions for you or for a loved one after searching for (and not finding) them in the conventional medicine model. For others, it’s about broadly sharing the message of a bio-individual approach to nutrition for lifelong wellness. Regardless of your reason, if you are a holistic nutrition professional, these things I know to be true: You are a change-maker. You want to reconnect people to the use of healing foods for lasting wellness. You are passionate about this mission. Your desire to succeed as a holistic nutrition professional is profound! NANP exists to help you accomplish all that you set out to be and to do. And as I reflect on these things, I have some questions. 1. How are you finding your way along your path so far? 2. What tools do you need to be successful? 3. Where do you look for the best, brightest and boldest collection of holistic nutrition professionals to support you along the way? People who – like you – work tirelessly towards the common goal of promoting and improving our profession? The NANP is the leading professional organization dedicated exclusively to holistic nutrition experts that pledges to help you find the answers. We champion your cause by providing resources, information and opportunities as you make your journey throughout your career. Though spread throughout the country, our members bond with one another in a spirit of solidarity, advocating for the entire profession while sharing their challenges, tears and triumphs. The list of reasons to belong to our community are many, but we wanted to put it out there once again, and particularly highlight what we feel are the TOP reasons to join if you’re not a member, and if you are, to remind you why you’re here. TOP 4 REASONS TO BE A MEMBER OF NANP:1. Credibility We are all working to strengthen this profession – as well as to help improve the overall validity of an education in holistic nutrition. Becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (or BCHN™️) benefits and advances OUR INDUSTRY efforts in unison. As our field grows larger, it is becoming increasingly important that we work together to advance the credibility of a holistic nutrition credential. As you know, there are some in health care who are not quite so keen to see us succeed. Board certification demonstrates that you have achieved the pinnacle of professional recognition and validates your knowledge, skill, and expertise in the holistic nutrition industry. For your clients, insurance companies, the health care community, and other complementary practitioners, board certification proves that you are aware of and run your business within your legal scope of service and have committed to the highest standards of professional conduct. Check out our detailed video presentation about the board exam here. 2. Community Networking with professionals outside the school where you received your nutrition education can give you a broader perspective on the market, your client cases, and offers a diverse perspective on holistic nutrition protocols that you might not learn otherwise. Sharing in the experiences of others may even leave you feeling energized and refreshed with the feeling you are not alone in the mission. The NANP conference (HEALCon2020) is attended by the brightest minds in our field and provides a hotbed of ideas and collaborative efforts. This is an incredible opportunity for you to meet and network with the largest gathering of your peers from a multitude of schools during the year. As a side note, our conference menu represents the food we strive for our clients to serve in their own homes and meets the lofty standards we have for our own food ethics and nutrient quality. Our conference menu is often farm-to-table, typically sourcing locally available produce and proteins, is always organic and 110% delicious. We walk the talk (and keep our hotel chefs hopping!). 3. Growth The field of nutrition is always advancing. NANP members can keep up with the newest developments and scientific breakthroughs through Scoop webinars, approved CEC courses and other education opportunities that frequently come up throughout the year. Additionally, the NANP has entered into partnerships with providers of many of the advanced education courses you will need throughout your entire career. Are you looking for work? Our Career Center is a great place to find the latest jobs in our field. NANP members benefit from a 3-day lead time on all new job postings – this is an incredible advantage for finding a job in our highly competitive field. 4. Advocacy Many NANP members who lead busy professional lives depend on us to brief them (and represent them) on important industry trends, new legislative rulings and advances in technology. Our Legislative Affairs Division headed up by Laura Waldo, NTP, focuses its efforts exclusively on the rights and needs of the holistic nutrition professional. Indeed, we have your back. Be sure to sign up for our Legislative Affairs Member Circle through your member page on our website. Laura has more information about this exciting new members-only group (see below). Please visit our website to find out more about all the above. And most important, fast track your career and join us in our mission. We have important work to do, and every person counts. Become a professional membership of the NANP, and get Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® today. Reach out, get to know us. We are ready for you.  Miriam PS – Most importantly, at the NANP you find out in countless ways that you are not alone. | |||||||
 | by Vaish Sarathy, Ph.D.  9 years ago, my non-speaking son who has diagnoses of Down Syndrome, Autism (and we suspect Cerebral Palsy) was caught in peals of maniacal laughter that came like spasms and lasted most of each day except when he slept. Some days he couldn’t even sleep. He had to laugh so much that he couldn’t go to school. It was a time where we had no idea what was going on in this body, he was all of 4, until we saw our local naturopath. She suspected systemic yeast overgrowth, in what I now know was Day 1 in our journey towards Functional Medicine and Nutrition. I can honestly say that Functional Medicine, over the years, has saved his life, his energy, his focus and his gut. The impact this turnaround had in my 4-year old child was so profound that I decided to study Functional Nutrition (with what is now the Functional Nutrition Alliance) and practice it (despite being a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry and working as an Environmental Engineer until then). The world of food as medicine was profound, immediate, and rich and I believed in every cell of my body (and was told by experts) that the solution to all dysfunction lay in the gut. But I was wrong, *they* are still wrong, and despite years of functional work, my son did not show any signs of cognitive improvement outwardly. Doctors (both conventional and functional) told us that the intellectual disability was a given because he has Down Syndrome. I know now that I, like thousands of other parents of children with disabilities, believed the wrong idea. Or rather we didn’t believe the right idea, we bought into the narrative of intellectual delay being a core symptom of Autism. At 13, my son is still non-speaking, but is a published author, and presented poetry both at the United Nations and at poetry events, one of which was a poetry recital at Michigan State University attended by college students and professors. His language abilities are higher than most neurotypical children his age, and he learns academic ideas easily but differently. In short, he is intelligent AND he is neuro-divergent. He can’t speak, but he CAN think. He has Autism, he has Down Syndrome but that has nothing to do with his cognitive abilities. At 13, after 9 years, I have understood, that we, the Functional Medicine community, are here to support Autism, to heal the gut, optimize the gut-brain axis, and we have beautiful, powerful tools in our community to do that. But that is just helping our kids get on the ramp of life. The actual drive on the highway happens: When we Assume Intelligence, When we respect the innate intelligence of the child. When we refrain from using words like “cure” and “fix” in front of a child who is listening and comprehending every word of what we say, regardless of what their appearance or speaking ability might be. We now have hundreds of examples of Autistic children and adults performing at high cognitive levels, despite having significant physical needs and disabilities. And no, they are not savants or exceptions. Many of them express the sense of being “a smart kid trapped in a dumb body.” Why is this important? Functional Medicine remains the only place today where a child with disability gets genuine investigative personalized medical care, without being dismissed as “This is just Autism”, or “This is just Down Syndrome” which is often the case with conventional medicine. However, without an assumption of intelligence, comes a medical intervention of the type often seen in Functional Medicine or “Bio-Med”, based on research and sound clinical knowledge, not always respectful to the child, but definitely attempting to address serious biochemical needs of the child. Again, Assumption of Intelligence brings RESPECT. With respect, and only with respect, can true healing ever happen. Respect toward, and partnership with the client is the very foundation of the Functional Medicine paradigm. The child is truly the primary client, not the parent. That difference, that respect, is what makes or breaks the self-esteem of the child listening in during a clinical session. That difference enables a parent to choose to Assume Competence instead perhaps of ABA. That difference is what enables a practitioner to either speak TO a child, or OVER a child. That difference is what makes a treatment humane or intrusive, even if at the end of the day, you are really doing the same thing. Let Him Live – by Sid Ghosh, 13, Autistic, Down Syndrome, non-speaking. Give man Give man Bio: Vaish Sarathy, Ph.D. is a Functional Nutrition Practitioner, TEDx speaker, Chemistry and Math Coach. She is also the founder of Project Swasthya, a functional nutrition practice for children, especially with disabilities. Vaish’s mission is to reframe and redefine health, learning, and optimal function for children with labels, especially Down Syndrome and Autism. She passionately believes that children of all labels deserve respect, sound nutrition and an equal education. Her podcast, Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids brings weekly insights into this unique intersecting field. Her perspective is shaped by her son, Sid (a prolific poet), who is 13 and non-speaking with diagnoses of Down Syndrome and Autism, a sharp wit and strong drive. | ||||||
 | By Amir H. Shaani, PhD, MS, MWS, ROHP, NANP Professional Member What is GMO? A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal, microorganism, or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified or altered in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. This process generates a combination of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes which are not present in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods and conventionally grown foods. Genetically modified plants like soybean, corn, cottonseed, and canola have had foreign genes derived from the DNA of bacteria and viruses inserted into their DNA, which have never been in the human food supply chain. Americans have been consuming genetically modified ingredients in many processed foods since 1996 (Smith, 2020). Is it Regulated and Does it Require Labeling? The fact that transgenic technology can improve our knowledge of natural processes is widely accepted. Consequently, it results in major changes that could affect society at large, including agriculture, industry, and socio-economic conditions, and therefore requires to be regulated. Plant GMOs are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the Plant Protection Act (loc.gov). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating genetically modified plants and approving GM feed for animals in Canada (loc.gov). The tracing and labeling of genetically modified organisms in the food industry has also become increasingly important. Labeling GM crops is mandatory in many countries such as China, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. However, in countries like the US, Canada, and South Africa, the labeling of GM crops is voluntary (Kamle, 2017). The United States does not have any federal legislation that is specific to GMOs. Rather, they are regulated pursuant to health, safety, and environmental legislation governing conventional products. Compared to other countries, the US’ approach to regulating GMOs is premised on the assumption that regulation should focus on the nature of the products, rather than the process in which they were produced, which is favorable to their development (Pew Initiative, n.d.). From an economic perspective, GMOs are an important component of the biotechnology industry, which plays a significant role in the US economy, as it is the world’s leading producer of GM crops (Select USA, n.d.). Human or Lab GMO? The reality of considering GMOs as the fasted incorporated commodities in the agribiotech industry worldwide leads to many controversies around it, which have dramatically increased in the past two decades since commercial genetically modified crop production began. Some people have very strong opinions against GMOs. Others, however, believe that for many reasons such as combined herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, drought tolerance or disease resistance, GMOs are beneficial (Kamle, 2017). In fact, there is sometimes confusion around the exact definition of GMOs, and as such, the implementation of effective regulatory measures has become more important. We need to understand that virtually all plants that we consume have had their genome modified either by humans or in a lab. Farmers select plants with superior, desirable traits to cultivate in a process known as agricultural evolution for thousands of years, during which traditional agricultural breeding has changed plant genomes from those of their original wild ancestors (Prakash, 2001). Broccoli, for instance, is not a naturally occurring plant in nature. There is a distinction between cauliflower and broccoli based on their relative ontogeny at marketable maturity. It has been bred from undomesticated brassica oleracea or wild cabbage (Baggett, 1975). Human intervention has practically resulted in the existence of most crops grown on farms today. Breeding seeds chosen from the best yielding plants for the purpose of having a better plant (which changes the plant genome in a way that does not occur naturally in nature) has been practiced by farmers for numerous years. However, these are not considered plant GMOs (Bent, 2020). The reason that I have elaborated on agricultural evolution and human intervention is because this leads to the fact that not all GMO plants are created equal. It is very crucial to distinguish between the trait and the method of producing GMOs. Trait or Method? Molecular biology techniques which have no resemblance to natural breeding are utilized to breed the offspring back with the parent for the purpose of reaching the desired combination of parental traits. These include pest resistance, higher yield, sustainability, improved plant growth and nutritional content, and consequently, increased profitability (Bent, 2020). In the early 1980s, for the first time, it became possible to insert non-plant genes into plants by using a plasmid derived from the bacteria, agrobacterium tumifaciens. A study done in 2014 reveals eight new methods for altering genes in plants. Through these techniques, different enzymes or nucleic acid molecules (DNA and RNA) are used to make changes to a plant’s genes. These are either altering the sequence of a plant’s DNA or leave the sequence alone but make other epigenetic modifications to the structure of a plant’s DNA. These epigenetic modifications do not alter the order of the DNA or genes. Instead, they change how genes can be expressed (Hartung, 2014). Epigenetics, Agricultural Practices, and Human Health Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by a variety of environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. In agriculture, these chemicals are commonly used to protect crops from pests and weeds, but they can also have unintended effects on the plants themselves. Studies have shown that exposure to pesticides can lead to epigenetic changes in crops, altering the expression of genes involved in the plant’s defense mechanisms and potentially making the plant’s tissues more toxic (Rohila, 2018). This can have implications for human health, as people who consume these crops may be exposed to the toxins and other substances produced by the plants as a result of these epigenetic changes. The relationship between epigenetics, agricultural practices, and human health is complex and not fully understood. However, some studies have suggested that exposure to pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture may contribute to food sensitivities, allergies, and digestive problems in humans (Chen, 2019; Hernandez-Vargas, 2020; Martin-Biggers, 2018). For example, a study by Hernandez-Vargas et al. (2020) found that exposure to pesticides was associated with a higher risk of developing allergies and digestive problems. However, other studies have not found a significant link between pesticide exposure and digestive problems (Chen, 2019), highlighting the need for further research in this area. In conclusion, while the links between agricultural practices, epigenetics, and human health are not fully understood, it is clear that exposure to pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture can lead to epigenetic changes in crops and potentially impact human health. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent to which these changes may contribute to food sensitivities, allergies, and digestive problems in humans. Personal Viewpoint I personally believe that it is primarily the matter of how GMOs are made, rather than what new traits the modified plants have, that is important to consider. I do not support lab GMOs if non-plant genes are inserted into them despite the fact that they may offer some advantages such as fewer pesticides, lower cost, and more nutrient intake. I defend my opinion with the following reasons:
References Baggett, J. R. & Wahlert, W. (1975). “Taxonomy and Evolution of Broccoli ( Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica ).” Economic Botany, Springer-Verlag, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02862698. Bent Research Associate, Elizabeth. (2020). “Not All GMO Plants Are Created Equally: It’s the Trait, Not the Method, That’s Important.” The Conversation, theconversation.com/not-all-gmo-plants-are-created-equally-its-the-trait-not-the-method-thats-important-39532. Bodnar, A. (2019). “GMOs Could Render Important Antibiotics Worthless.” Biology Fortified Inc., biofortified.org/2010/03/gmos-antibiotics/. CBAN. (2019). “Environmental Impacts.” Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, cban.ca/gmos/issues/environmental-impacts/. Chen, Y., Wang, L., Guo, Y., & Han, X. (2019). Association between exposure to pesticides and digestive problems: a meta-analysis. Environmental Pollution, 250, 512-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.062 Hartung, F. & Joachim, S. (2014). “Precise Plant Breeding Using New Genome Editing Techniques: Opportunities, Safety and Regulation in the EU.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tpj.12413. Hernandez-Vargas, H., Hernandez-Vargas, E., & De La Riva, G. A. (2020). Pesticides and human health: A review of the association between exposure to pesticides and the incidence of allergies and digestive problems. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 583815. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.583815 Kamle, M., et al. (2017). “Current Perspectives on Genetically Modified Crops and Detection Methods.” 3 Biotech, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5495694/. Kennedy, M. & Samantha, C. (2020). “Evidence-Based Pros and Cons of GMO Foods.” Insider, Insider, www.insider.com/gmo-pros-and-cons. Latham, J. R., et al. (2006). “The Mutational Consequences of Plant Transformation.” Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Hindawi, www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2006/025376/. Martin-Biggers, J. T., & Doerner, J. G. (2018). The gut-pesticide axis: a review of the impact of pesticides on the gut microbiome. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 3104. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.03104 Prakash, C. S. (2001). “The Genetically Modified Crop Debate in the Context of Agricultural Evolution.” Plant Physiology, American Society of Plant Biologists, www.plantphysiol.org/content/126/1/8. Pew Initiative. (n.d.). “Guide to U.S. Regulation of Genetically Modified Food and …” Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, ww.pewtrusts.org/~/media/legacy/uploadedfiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/reports/food_and_biotechnology/hhsbiotech0901pdf.pdf. Rohila, J. S., & Kumar, S. (2018). Epigenetic changes in crops in response to abiotic stress. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 602. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00602 Select USA. (n.d.). “The Biotechnology Industry in the United States.” Select USA, selectusa.commerce.gov/print/industry-snapshots/biotechnology-industry-united-states . Smith, J. (2020). “Health Risks.” Institute for Responsible Technology, www.responsibletechnology.org/science-guide/health-risks/. WHO (n.d.). “Food, Genetically Modified.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/food-genetically-modified. About Amir:  As an Orthomolecular Health Practitioner, Holistic Nutrition Consultant, and Master Water Specialist with over a decade of experience in the health & wellness industry, I strive to encourage a holistic approach to our health and well-being. Mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness go hand in hand, making the task of deciphering how our bodies respond to external stimuli a challenging one. What makes me different is that I do not look at symptoms as problems. Rather, I examine the underlying functions in the body, and even deeper, lifestyle in general, to better understand the cause of the symptoms. As the Founder and operator of the Vancouver Bio Boost Clinic, I am an exceptionally seasoned and compassionate nutrition professional with an outstanding record of holding educational seminars and info sessions, committed to continuing education in nutrition and fostering healthy behaviors for patients and in the broader community, around the world. My professional experience include:
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The NANP career center connects the brightest talent with top-notch employers in our field. Available for our members – everything you need to make your resume stand out, ace the interview and advance your holistic nutrition career. | |||||||
 | by Miriam G. Zacharias, MS, NTC, BCHN, President of the NANP Most of us take on too many things when declaring our New Year’s resolutions. We launch a renewed commitment to lose weight, increase exercise, start playing the piano again, dive into the literary classics and read a book a week, and sign up to devote a portion of our time to non-profit activities. Then there’s the list of “don’t do’s” that we pull together: less TV and alcohol, reduce negativity in thought and deed, and, as you are intimately aware, there’s that massive list of foods that we swear will not pass our lips in 2020. Then, layer on top of that all our business resolutions and pretty soon our short list of resolutions could fill a novel! And yet, the statistics on how many people actually follow through and accomplish their New Year’s resolutions are rather grim. Studies have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. If you are in that 92% who finds yourself frustrated by your success when February 1 comes around, why not do something different instead: set goals versus resolutions. Why? Because goals are specific, whereas resolutions tend to be broad and vague. Goals are much more actionable, which is what makes them more effective. How can you turn your New Year’s resolutions into goals?So here’s my take on making progress next year:
Once you’ve completed one big goal, identify another and start the process all over again. I often think about carving out 3 months per project but, of course, that depends on the project. I have discovered that whether or not I complete my project in 3 months’ time is less important than the habit I’ve developed to prioritize the project itself. Whatever one thing (or many) you choose to do in 2020, make your goals meaningful to you …and remarkable. I’ll look forward to hearing about your accomplishments in person at next year’s HEALCon! | ||||||
 | by Whitney Marks, NTP Like many holistic nutrition students, my journey began before I enrolled in a program. When I decided to pursue nutrition for my career, I knew I needed an educational foundation, but I wasn’t sure where to go. There are so many options, and I knew I needed to choose a program that was solid and reputable. Scope of practice in my state and what’s possible within this field was also at the top of my list in finding out if this passion-turned-career-path was even feasible for me. As I researched both of these things, my search results kept pointing me back to the same place: The National Association of Nutrition Professionals. This organization quickly became my go-to for helping me find that reputable program, as I learned that each approved school listed on the NANP website has to apply for and participate in a thorough review process. Only those schools/programs that pass their review make the cut. So if it was good enough to meet the NANP’s educational criteria and also qualify me for board certification, it was good enough for me! And I scoured scope of practice for my state, but nothing I found on my own compared to support from their Legislative Affairs Division. An (almost instantaneous!) personal email reply from Laura Waldo, the NANP Legislative Affairs expert, made all the difference for me as I navigated the murky waters of the law and our industry. Fast forward to my time as a student enrolled in a program, and I took full advantage of student membership! Here are a few of the benefits I have received since joining this incredible organization: CredibilityI knew I needed to be part of an organization that would lend to my success far after my time in the classroom ended. The NANP sets the standards for our industry, providing so much to help us all succeed. So, I knew it was in my best interest to stay connected and dialed in to what the NANP is doing as a new student just getting my feet wet. LeadershipVolunteer – I have had the chance to build my reputation by getting involved in member volunteer opportunities. Promote holistic nutrition – the NANP fights for our right to practice nutrition across the country. On a personal level, NANP’s communication tools, training, organization, and access helped me become an effective advocate about the many benefits of holistic nutrition. Community & ConnectionsNutrition Students Group Circle – I joined the bigger conversation by connecting with my peers across all schools in our industry. Learning from others’ perspectives has helped broaden my own horizons. Network – Similar to above, by getting to know a diverse pool of fellow nutrition students and professionals, I am able to take the grunt work out of finding and accessing like-minded peers! Teatime with Andrea – I don’t know about you, but I love to be a part of the conversation. This quarterly chat for members brings old-school nutrition professionals and newbies together to talk, laugh, learn and share with each other. Professional DevelopmentBoard Certified in Holistic Nutrition® – This is the only board exam in our industry that gives the added credibility and confidence I need to take my nutrition business to the next level. I have big plans to take this exam in the near future. Continued Education – I love that learning doesn’t stop just because I finished my program. It’s an ongoing journey, and it’s important to know the NANP offers free monthly webinars, previous conference content, and more to make sure I am constantly growing and staying on top of the industry’s latest. HEALCon – This year I got to join others from all over the world who share my passion for holistic nutrition at HEALCon, NANP’s Annual Conference & Expo. I was blown away by the leadership, topics, vendors, and attendees all in one place for one common purpose. It was exciting and fulfilling on many levels! Exclusive Access to Legislative AffairsAs I mentioned earlier, I have been the beneficiary of the personal scope of practice support I needed before joining the industry. In today’s ever-changing landscape of legal rights to practice in each state, I definitely have peace of mind knowing Laura Waldo is in my corner. The next best thing would be an attorney, but seriously, how many students can afford that? And so much more!NANP’s Resources – There is so much I want to say (and so little time) to tell you all about all the doors NANP can open for you in today’s holistic nutrition arena. Just know this: you’ll get access to tools for your business, your clients, and ongoing learning content designed specifically with you and your career in mind. Discounts – Because I am just starting out, I know I need help with sourcing the best products and services to build a successful practice. The partners NANP brings in to the fold are so incredible – I feel like I am a part of a team of people ready to help me succeed! See all the NANP Member Benefits here. My time as a Student member with NANP ended recently when I completed my program. I have since transitioned into Professional membership and am so thankful for the NANP’s efforts on my behalf and on behalf of the more than 1,000 other holistic nutrition professionals who are also members. In addition to being a member, I also happen to work in Member Relations for NANP, as I am passionate about helping students navigate the all-too-common challenges I once faced. In my personal, and now professional experience, being an NANP member makes a powerful impact, not just for yourself, but for our communities, and ultimately for our world. YOU are the future of the holistic nutrition industry! Join the NANP today, and together we can fulfill our dreams and create a profound, positive impact in people’s lives! | ||||||
 | by Sara Peternell, MNT, BCHN®, Marketing Specialist, NANP  No, really. I almost gave up. I have been in private nutrition practice for over 20 years. I taught at the Nutrition Therapy Institute for five years. I’ve been a mentor to countless holistic nutrition students. I co-authored an award-winning baby food cookbook in 2016. My holistic nutrition YouTube channel with nearly 2,000 followers actually makes me a little bit of money. My paper client files take up an entire closet. I considered myself to be successful in this industry. Until 2020. I nearly gave up – last year broke me down – financially, creatively, optimistically. I figured that my clients were feeling like the rest of the world – “we’re all gonna die, so I might as well eat the chips and drink the beer.” Heck, I had a few of those days in 2020 too. The phone just wasn’t ringing with any new business. Even my long-time clients were few and far between – everyone was hunkered down at home and in survival mode. I was dismayed because my newly launched 30-day, self-paced online program for living healthfully with autoimmune thyroid disease was sitting there empty with no enrollments. My expensive office in a gorgeous functional medicine practice was CLOSED. For over two months. Bills were piling up, and you know – expenses to run a small business don’t just go away. So I accrued debt and I began to worry. I wasn’t paying myself (or my family!) anymore. But, I was still WORKING. Working my butt off to keep my business alive.
I kept treading water to stay afloat – and, I held on to my faith that people were indeed waiting for the right time to start focusing on their health again. I mean, healthy beyond everything pandemic-related… They will remember they want to cook and eat healthy! They will soon need a refresher on their supplements! Lifestyle adjustments will need to be made! Weight will need to be lost! Sanity will need to be restored! RIGHT?! I prayed. In the fall of 2020, I faced hard truths. There was the chance that things would in fact get worse. I had to cut costs and I had to begin a “maintain and build back” strategy for my business. Or, I had to quit. I decided to enlist the help of my awesome book-keeping firm (Salt Lake City Bookkeeping) – and they put numbers down clearly outlining what my financial goals needed to be to stay open. I had to cut expenses and let go of some pretty important people supporting my business. I had to move to a different office. I actually cried and I lost quite a bit of sleep. But, once I had a plan in place, I began to feel the clouds lifting. I could see how with a little (more) hard work I could recover lost earnings and I could stay open. (It turns out I love my new office space and the people there too!) 2020 was the year when many of us learned to “innovate or die” and I did a lot of that in the water-treading stage of saving my business. But, by year-end, I learned that getting back to basics was going to be my best bet.
I sought out a new plan to reach the people in my community with these holistic nutrition concepts. I focused on “nutrition near me” Google search engine optimization (SEO), while also leveraging my global YouTube platform. I started “selling” holistic nutrition again. I had nothing to lose! Sales is not easy in our field. But, we can and must do it – we need to remind people of what they need, what we offer and how our value proposition is actually a lifelong investment in true and lasting health. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to get folks to pay attention to how they wish to live out their remaining years on this planet. Well, as 2020 came to an end and I was fresh with ideas to tackle the new world we live in, I found that my intentions were quickly and easily manifesting. My wish for my local community to seek their best health and to – in turn – find me exploded around Christmas week. And, beyond my local community, I also took on new virtual USA clients, AND two new international clients! I am delighted that holistic nutrition is truly a gift of hope. One that many of my new clients gave to themselves in the spirit of turning the page on a dreadful year. What Can You Do If You Feel Like Giving Up?
Sara Peternell, MNT, BCHN® Sara’s nutrition practice, Family Nutrition Services, reaches clients all over the U.S., and even internationally – focusing on family nutrition, thyroid health, and detoxification programs. Sara has been offering personalized nutrition services to individuals, children, families, non-profits, and corporations since starting her business in 2005. Sara is co-author of Little Foodie: Recipes for Babies & Toddlers With Taste, Winner of Red Tricycle’s 2015 Best Cookbook for Babies Award. | ||||||
 | This is great news, guys. According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food and Health Survey, as many as 85% of Americans made changes in their food or how they prepare food because of the pandemic. Despite so many of the challenges we faced in 2020, one positive result is that many people are thinking about food differently now! With that news in mind, our team put their heads together and quickly came up with the Fabulous Five Ways in which the pandemic has shone a positive light on the Holistic Nutrition Industry. Here it goes… #1 People are cooking at home more.With the home kitchen seeing a resurgence, many Americans are eating at home for all three meals. Sara Peternell, NANP’s Marketing Specialist, reminds us that in March 2020 alone, grocery store sales jumped nearly 30% compared to the same period in 2019. Even in the late summer of 2020, consumers remained heavily reliant on supermarkets for food during the pandemic. In their reporting, the International Food Information Council estimates that about one in five consumers reported making healthier shopping choices with “functional ingredients” being a top priority. This means that while legacy brands (Nestle, Hormel, etc.) are still keeping pace, consumers also are interested in innovative new ways to keep meals interesting. What makes meals interesting? Sara says, “trends towards superfoods, fermented products, medicinal mushrooms, collagen, and other items are making their way into the home kitchen more so than before the pandemic.” She has found that the clientele at Sara Peternell Family Nutrition Services this year appear savvier, more curious, and more willing to buy different foods with powerful health claims because of what they have read online or heard about from others. Sara’s clientele wants to be in-the-know and actively understand what health benefits these new products offer. Cooking at home means people are paying attention to what they buy and eat! This may seem understated, but Sara couldn’t be happier. An aware, educated, and empowered at-home cook elevates our field because people who want to cook and like to cook may soon enlist the help of a professional who can help them make their meals delicious AND nutritious. #2 People are thinking about their health.Brad Linberg, NANP’s Website and Graphic Designer, says, “Crisis moments also present opportunity. You have people concerned about not getting sick and wondering what they can do to elevate their health.” Brad points out one way of recognizing this change that has impacted our industry; there has been a shortage or back-order of many beloved supplements on popular practitioner dispensary websites.
We probably have all had at least one conversation with a friend or family member in the past 12 months that starts like this, “So, if I had to take one or two vitamins that can help keep me healthy, what should they be?” People thinking about their health is one of the most basic ways holistic nutrition professionals can find more potential clients knocking on their door. Brad says, “people are taking their health into their own hands, and will call me up and say, ‘I heard about a certain immune supportive food or supplement, but I need you to help me make sense of it all.’ This has been a profound shift since the pandemic started.” #3 People are prioritizing self-care.Whitney Marks, NANP’s Member Relations Assistant, shares that self-care is now a daily practice that more people eagerly fit into their day. “What started as routines to help us cope with immediate uncertainty and disruption (maybe even an antidote to boredom) needed to morph into strategies to cope with some of the most profound stressors some of us have ever faced.” Major pandemic-related events, including illness, loss of loved ones, and loss of employment, caused many people to take a big step back and reevaluate what’s important. Whitney thinks all of this reflection has caused some people to reveal to themselves just how precious life is and how we need to take good care of ourselves to live a happier, fuller life. “From working at home to child-care issues, or just too much “together time,” Whitney has found that her friends and family recognize that for the good of their mental health, self-care, stress management, and coping techniques need to be a priority. As holistic nutrition professionals, we greatly appreciate this turn inward. We want people looking within themselves to find the strength to face the day and cope rather than crumble and rise rather than feeling defeated. Promoting the “normalcy” of a self-care routine – taking a hot bath, stretching, reading, using essential oils, the comfort of touch like a massage, relishing in a nap, etc. – help to promote a new kind of wellness collective that Americans have never really known. #4 People like to get outdoors.Laura Waldo, NANP’s Legislative Affairs Specialist, is no stranger to the benefits of fresh air, movement, nature, and the negative ions which benefit the body. Laura’s experiences living in the mountains among the evergreens are one of the best things she ever did for her health, and she sees that many people around her seek the same kind of solace for their health and mood. Laura says, “People were cooped up for so long at first. I think in the beginning, not being able to do some of the things we are used to doing in public meant going back to older, simpler, more meaningful ways – just taking a walk or going fishing – that suddenly made sense. And, people now have time to take more nature adventures!” Laura’s love of nature has inspired those around her. “I am so happy to see that instead of getting more plugged in, many are doing the opposite. I mean, we are on our devices all day now if we are working remotely. At the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is scroll social media. Getting outside is the antidote!” What better lifestyle approach is there than encouraging connection with nature? As holistic nutrition professionals, we know that health is so much more than what we eat. We believe strongly in our connectedness to the environment and the natural world. People begin to thrive when they make time to get outdoors. We are happy this habit has become the norm for Americans and hope it won’t go away any time soon. #5 People are looking at the healthcare system differently.The pandemic has affected many facets of the healthcare industry. We see an unexpected impact on our industry as more people seek options to stay or get healthy outside traditional medical institutions. Andrea Grandon, NANP’s Educational Programs Specialist, says the pandemic has likely altered the public’s perception of needing frequent urgent care visits, pharmacy visits, and hospital visits. “In fact, I think many of the clients I see in my practice are being more selective with procedures and the time they have to spend on healthcare,” Andrea says. Her clients at The Nutrition Helpline are more proactive and take that same personalized approach that Brad mentioned earlier. “They want to go outside the confines of the managed care approach, skip the lines and middlemen and get right to the meat and potatoes, so to speak,” says Andrea. Weight loss is a big area where this is happening. Andrea sees that the pandemic has caused people to gain weight or become concerned about their weight more than previously. “We know the joke about the 19 pounds,” she smiles. “But the reality is, my clients are bypassing the doctor’s office for advice traditional weight loss programs and going straight to the experts in metabolic health and nutrition.” Andrea feels that because people are thinking more about their health, they become savvier in their choices. “If they have had a poor experience, maybe felt like their time was cut short, or their concerns were dismissed, these may be the reasons to pay out of pocket for a proper experience.” Furthermore, she has many trusted referral partners, and she is getting a slew of new clients from providers who know their patients need holistic nutrition support to meet their medical health goals. That is where Andrea comes in. Naturally, with holistic nutrition, we believe that the relationship between client and practitioner is a powerful one that can change lives and empower people to live their best lives. We hope that this trend continues and that our industry will connect allopathic providers and more holistic care across the spectrum. | ||||||
 | by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP President and Nicole Hodson, NC, BCHN®, Executive Director, NANP Entrepreneurs aren’t known for being joiners. In fact, starting your own business is the ultimate way to avoid playing by other people’s rules. As a small business owner and someone who may work on your own all day, every day, you want to be growing yourself, your team and your business continually. Firsthand experience tells us that doing so will be challenging to accomplish if you work in a vacuum, with little contact within the broader industry. Below are just a few reasons joining your industry association is so important. Then, we will give you examples of how to choose the perfect association. Top 3 Reasons to Join an Industry Association 1. Networking. Having relationships with other business owners in your industry can add massive value to your company; they know what it’s like to run a business in your field and have experienced many of the same issues from which you can learn. Networking allows you to tap into a variety of opportunities for your business by connecting with others. 2. Reputation and Credibility. When you become a member of an industry association, it sends a message. It means you take your business seriously enough to invest your time, energy, and resources outside of office hours into learning everything you can to build the most successful practice possible. Make no mistake – that message resonates with your colleagues, potential clients, and outside suppliers. 3. Advocate for the Industry. Most industries have common issues that impact all businesses associated with it; ours is no different. A professional organization will regularly lobby the government on behalf of their industry to ensure their members’ interests and those of the public are being protected. By joining such an association, you can become an advocate for your industry, or at the very least, stay on top of what the issues and changes are that could affect how you do business. Despite the compelling reasons to join an association, there seems to be uncertainty among practitioners and others in our field about taking this important step. It can be confusing, and we get it! Choosing how to allocate precious budget dollars is key to making the right business decisions. Let’s run through a few important considerations. Top 3 Considerations When Choosing an Industry Association a) Is the organization the leader in the industry? Industry associations support the broader field at large — companies, suppliers, employers, employees, and entrepreneurs, and protect their rights in the legislative arena. Standard for a true industry association would be to provide members with a range of services, including support and educational opportunities, access to job postings, networking, and the latest industry information and professional development to enhance their skills. Some associations (like the NANP) may also offer certifications to elevate your credentials. b) Non-profit or for-profit? This is an essential distinguishing factor among industry associations. Most of them are non-profit. However, there are some associations in the nutrition space that are for-profit. The primary objective of a for-profit is to, well, make money. By contrast, a non-profit doesn’t prioritize profits but rather its mission. Therefore, the funds raised by a non-profit are usually directed right back into the association to pay for expanded offerings to its members in the form of additional educational programs or technologies, certification exams, relationships with companies that offer member discounts, etc. c) Who is leading the organization, and what is their priority? A small group of incentivized individuals is at the helm of most private or for-profit organizations. They often receive bonuses and profit-sharing. Non-profit associations, such as the NANP, are led by a volunteer board of directors (in our case, all are holistic nutrition professionals) who have no financial stake in the organization. This type of board focuses first on community-building rather than turning a profit. If you’ve been thinking about joining our association but are still on the fence, we have a special enticement for you! We invite you to take us for a test-drive by joining for FREE for thirty (30) days. Joining the NANP is not just a good move for you as a practitioner; it is good for the entire industry. Growing our organization is central to our ability to represent us all legislatively and to provide our industry with cutting-edge tools and technologies to build your thriving nutrition practice so you can optimize the health of the world around you. P.S. If you’re already a member of the NANP, you’re getting thirty (30) days of FREE membership, too! During the pandemic, we increased our membership grace period from thirty (30) days to sixty (60) days to lighten your load. | ||||||
 | Once, a dear friend contacted me from the emergency room. He’s kind of a tough guy, so he doesn’t like talking about his health issues (I’m sure you know someone like that too). He admitted that he’d been plagued with terrible digestive issues and needed help. In order to avoid the ER and his abdominal pain again, he stated that he was ready to make some dietary changes. The short version of the story is that my friend was suffering from some intolerances to certain foods. We got to the bottom of that quickly and he started to feel better. He was amazed. Small changes can have such a huge impact! From my perspective, what I did was simple – I shared my knowledge and helped guide him to a sustainable solution that would help alleviate his digestive complaints. We ALL Have So Much to ShareHere’s a really important question: “What’s the most valuable gift you can give to your industry peers?” OK, I’ll answer for you – it’s your knowledge. Do you know how I know this to be true? We’ve been doing a lot of research to find out what our members want/need the most to help them be more successful in the important work they are doing in our field. What we’ve discovered surprised us, and it may even surprise you. NANP members want to learn more from one another. Overwhelming feedback from NANP members indicates that there is tremendous value in learning from one another. So, we asked ourselves… You already know the answer to this question. There is no repository of holistic nutrition information. It simply doesn’t exist! Let’s Get Down to BusinessWe are getting ready to build something pretty darn amazing… The NANP is embarking upon the creation of an incredible online content library in the coming months. Our goal is to bring non-biased health and nutrition content to practitioners, consumers and the media. We will educate the public on the cost/benefit of eating unprocessed local, fresh, plant-based foods. We will write about the value in taking quality nutritional products to manage chronic nutritional deficiencies and related health problems. And, guess what! The committee will soon be accepting author submissions – from you! In the coming weeks, you will be able to apply to be part of a groundbreaking collective of nutrition professionals sharing their expertise and practical nutrition advice. By writing for the NANP’s online clinical content library, you will be able to:
This is your opportunity to share your wisdom with the world! Help us in our mission to spread the value of holistic nutrition and improve lives. We want you to bring your passion and your unique voice to this project. Can you write from the heart based on personal experience and/or professional expertise? What We are Looking For
People love to feel like they’re reading something written by a real person, with real experience in life, and genuine heart. Doesn’t this sound amazing? How will a repository of this type of content help support you in your holistic nutrition career? Well, we think this is going to be a game-changer. And, we are ready to build it – with your help! This is for you – our members – our family. “Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value.” Applications will be accepted for author submissions in October. Stay tuned for more details. For more information about this clinical content project, please send an email to editor@nanp.org. | ||||||
 |  By Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) Provost, Huntington University of Health Sciences Do you recommend N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to your clients? If so, it is a good choice since this derivative of L-cysteine is one of the most well-researched amino acids with solid scientific support for its efficacy. First, it is an effective antioxidant that promotes the body’s production of glutathione—a particularly powerful and versatile antioxidant. [i] It also has mucolytic (i.e., mucus-reducing) properties, which has been shown in a number of studies, including with COPD patients and those with bronchitis.[ii] [iii] [iv] In addition, research in both sexes demonstrated that NAC was effective in promoting cell-mediated immunity when used for six months.[v] Furthermore, animal research has also shown that NAC reduced the cytokine (inflammatory substance) secretion from some of the particulate pollution which in turn caused lung inflammation.[vi] Consequently, it is no surprise that an FDA warning letter about NAC caused such consternation. The FDA warning letter In August of 2020, the FDA stated in a warning letter that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement. Their reason for this is that NAC was previously approved as a drug by FDA to treat liver side effects from an overdose of Tylenol (acetaminophen)—although NAC is given as an injection in this case, which is clearly not a dietary supplement delivery form—and more recently as a mucolytic agent in respiratory diseases[vii]. Also, the FDA indicated that, to their knowledge, NAC hadn’t been previously marketed as a food or supplement prior to FDA’s approval of it as a drug. However, in the Old Dietary Ingredient List published by United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), NAC is indeed identified as an old dietary ingredient marketed in the United States before October 15, 1994. In any case, even after the FDA warning letter, the dietary supplement industry continued to market NAC products to consumers without any apparent object from the FDA, with the exception of those companies who were marketing it as a hangover remedy or making other egregious claims. The Amazon reaction Subsequently, Amazon’s AI system recently identified some products containing NAC as disallowed for sale on their site. This action created further anxiety within the industry. This issue was discussed in a UNPA meeting that took place on April 22, 2021, causing the organization to look further into the issue and open a line of communication with Amazon. FDA’s guidance document on NAC In August of 2022, the outlook for NAC began to look better. The FDA issued “Policy Regarding N-acetyl-L-cysteine: Guidance for Industry”. In the guidance document, FDA stated: “…we are considering initiating rulemaking under section 201(ff)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act to permit the use of NAC in or as a dietary supplement (i.e., to provide by regulation that NAC is not excluded from the definition of dietary supplement). If, among other considerations, FDA does not identify safety-related concerns as we continue our review of the available data and information, we are likely to propose a rule providing that NAC is not excluded from the definition of dietary supplement.” The reason for the FDA’s apparent change of heart is that they received two citizen petitions: one from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) dated June 1, 2021, and one from the Natural Products Association (NPA) dated August 18, 2021, requesting that the FDA conclude that NAC not be excluded from the definition of dietary supplement. The short version of the guidance document is that the FDA intends to “exercise enforcement discretion with respect to the sale and distribution of certain products that contain NAC and are labeled as dietary supplements.” In other words, if the product is labeled appropriately and sticks to structure-function claims, the FDA won’t object. If you want more details, read the entire guidance document by clicking on the hyperlink provided in the prior paragraph. Conclusion If you’re recommending NAC to your clients, the good news is that you can certainly continue doing so based upon the FDA’s guidance document. Hopefully the FDA will soon go all the way and include NAC in the definition of a dietary supplement. Meanwhile, if you sell NAC in your practice, make sure that the brand(s) you’re selling stick to structure/function claims on their labels, and don’t make any claims with regard to the prevention, treatment or mitigation of any disease or medical condition. Also, make sure that any literature you provide to your clients about NAC which lists the branded NAC product you sell, also follows these same guidelines. Biography: Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)Gene Bruno is the Provost and Professor of Nutraceutical Science for Huntington University of Health Sciences. With graduate degrees in nutrition and herbal medicine, and as a 43-year veteran of the dietary supplement industry as well as an award-winning formulator, he has developed natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies; educated and trained natural product retailers and health care professionals; and written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer and peer-reviewed publications, as well as authoring books and textbook chapters. His latest book is What’s In Your Blood & Why You Should Care: How to Cleanse and Detoxify Your Blood for Optimum Health (©2019, Square One Publishers). Professor Bruno is one of the original developers of the exam for Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition, as well as the exam for Certified Dietary Supplement Professional. References[1] Leuenberger P, Schweiz Med Wochenschr (1994) 124(4):129-35. [1] Pela R, Calcagni AM, Subiaco S, et al. N-acetylcysteine reduces the exacerbation rate in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Respiration 1999;66:495-500. [1] Grandjean EM, Berthet P, Ruffmann R, Leuenberger P. Efficacy of oral long-term N-acetylcysteine in chronic bronchopulmonary disease: a meta-analysis of published double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Clin Ther 2000;22:209-21. [1] Volkl KP, Schneider B, Fortschr Med (1992) 110(18):346-50. [1] De Flora S, Grassi C, Carati L. Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. Eur Respir J 1997;10:1535-41. [1] Kennedy T, et al, Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol (1998) 19(3):366-78. [1] Tardiolo G, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Overview on the effects of n-acetylcysteine in neurodegenerative diseases. Molecules. 2018;23:3305. | ||||||
 | by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP Board President For those of you who are parents, an aunt or an uncle, or even just a close friend of a young person, you probably know that feeling of pride that is oftentimes accompanied by “gushing” (i.e., going on and on with glowing remarks). This feeling makes it next to impossible to keep our mouth shut. When we feel proud, it also makes us feel good to share that with others. If you resonate with that, then hopefully you’ll understand how I’m feeling about our legislative process at NANP. (Please bear with me because the “gushing” will begin shortly.) First of all, I know for a lot of you, government rules and regulations and the politics behind it is as boring as can be – it’s just not your thing. I totally get it. But in this case, the laws as they exist today in many states in the U.S. are so limiting in scope that they prevent our practitioners from doing the jobs they were educated to do. From a legal standpoint, this affects every single one of us. During 2017, the NANP Board of Directors agreed unanimously to participate monetarily in a legislative effort to rewrite the restrictive laws in many states that were working against Holistic Nutrition Practitioners. Within a short time, it was clear that this was an effort that required our direct supervision; we needed this function in-house. So we did that. NANP spent considerable time and allocated budget dollars toward actually affecting legislative change. The outcome has been pretty incredible. Here’s how:
Let the “Gushing” begin – Part I I’ve worked in high-level positions within corporations, so I have seen the work required to bring about meaningful, sustainable change. Creating supportive documentation, emails, and phone calls to those for and against an issue, countless meetings, and an attitude of tenaciousness and optimism – this all takes incredible persistence, patience and hard work! The hardest part, however, is being on the front line of a project or issue as the “influencer.” The issue of breaking down the laws in various states has merit on its own. But as many of you know – people don’t buy a product or an idea. They buy people. NANP can not accomplish what we’ve set out to do in the individual states if we don’t have an influencer. Laura Waldo is our person. As I said above, Laura is one of us. She lives and breathes holistic nutrition. She is a person of influence and persuasion. When she speaks to a legislator on the phone or in a hearing, she immediately exudes a level of honesty, integrity, and expertise that draws people in and makes them listen. I know this from listening to her in meetings, but I also know this is true because Laura is getting results. Laura’s accomplishments on behalf of our industry in the 20 months she has been on board with NANP defines her as a champion in my book. “Gushing – Part II” The other notable “gushing” comment needs to be directed to you, our members, our partners, and our partner school administrators. Day in and day out, you support our industry and your respective businesses by continuing your membership and sponsorship of NANP – THANK YOU! Because of the growth in the holistic nutrition arena, we can justify, and indeed, pay for the costs associated with having an internal legislative process so you don’t have to. Let me give you a brief snapshot of what your support and membership are helping to fund:
Now, please understand – my reasons for focusing this article on our legislative efforts is two-fold: First, thank you all for your continued commitment to the NANP. Your support is doing more to help our industry than you can imagine. Second, to let you know how very proud we are at the NANP of the work being done within our very own organization to give you the freedom to practice, no matter which state you are from. Someday – hopefully soon – there will be a world in which a person can freely choose which type of nutrition professional they will use for advice and counsel. Stick with us, because it may be you! | ||||||
 | by, Sara Peternell, MNT, BCHN™️ Congratulations on deciding to pursue your dream of working in the holistic nutrition industry! In this world we live in, holistic nutritionist professionals play a crucial role in helping people eat healthy. Not only that, food is powerful preventative medicine! With guidance and expertise from a holistic nutrition professional, individuals and groups learn to improve their eating habits and instill healthy behaviors into everyday life. Working as a holistic nutrition professional can be incredibly rewarding as you watch clients improve their quality of life and feel better. If food and nutrition is your passion, consider the degrees, skills and traits that are necessary to work in this field. Courses in holistic nutrition are offered online and in the classroom. Students can earn a holistic nutrition certificate or pursue more in-depth studies and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field. A variety of certificate and degree programs are available to obtain this training. The NANP team has thoughtfully and carefully put together the list of questions below because we think they will be helpful as you drill down on selecting the program that resonates best with your vision and passion for working in our field. We also suggest that you “interview” at least three schools.
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The New Federal Reporting Requirement for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) became effective on January 1, 2024. Many companies in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners – the individuals who own or control the company. This information must be provided to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Who Has to Report? Companies required to report are called reporting companies. Reporting companies must provide information from their owners and report it to FinCEN. Your company may need to report information about its owners if it is: 1. A Corporation (B, C, S, etc.), a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a company that was created in the United States by filing a document with a Secretary of State or any similar office under the law of a state or Indian tribe; or 2. A foreign company and was registered to do business in any U.S. state or Indian tribe by such a filing. When Do I Report?
Do Sole Proprietorships Need to Report BOI? No, unless a sole proprietorship was created (or, if a foreign sole proprietorship, registered to do business) in the United States by filing a document with a Secretary of State or similar office. An entity is a BOI reporting company only if it was created (or, if a foreign company, registered to do business) in the United States by filing such a document. If you filed a document with a government agency to obtain: 1. An IRS employer identification number, 2. A fictitious business name (DBA), or 3. A Professional or Occupational license you are not considered a reporting entity, and therefore a sole proprietorship will not need to file a BOI. NANP suggests that members review FinCEN’s Small Entity Compliance Guide, Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements, which provides information to help small businesses comply with this reporting requirement. To File your company BOI use the following link: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Beneficial Ownership Information Filing Members should direct questions about their company structure and reporting their Beneficial Ownership Information to their Accountant/Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or contact a FinCEN representative through their website.  Laura Waldo NANP Legislative Affairs Specialist | |||||||
 | Produced by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, the Nourishing You Podcast is a monthly show dedicated to featuring an expert in the holistic wellness space on a timely topic we know you’ll want to learn more about! We strive to shine a light on innovative ideas and concepts in the holistic health space in an effort to help our community thrive. Subscribe and tune in to stay on top of the latest! The podcast is written, produced and co-hosted by two of our outstanding board certified NANP members – Diana Walley and Kristen Burkett. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or listen in on your favorite streaming ap.
More Information at https://nanp.org/nanp-podcast/ | ||||||
Sofia Health is facilitating speakers for a large organization looking to provide health and wellness to their employees. Open to all topics, but interested in topics that address or help support mental health & fatigue. In the next 3-4 weeks, they are looking specifically for topics on:
If you are interested and have ideas for topics, interactive sessions, or you think one of your modalities helps with anxiety, fatigue, or mental health, please apply and submit your information to team@sofiahealth.com. If you can, include past speaking engagements, any presentation used, and resume! Must be a member of Sofia Health. | |||||||
 | Students Welcome! The “Revitalize Digestion For Practitioners” workshop, open to students as well, is a comprehensive training program presented by Erin Livers, ICNT. It’s designed to empower health professionals with a proven 30-day Anti-Inflammatory, Elimination-Challenge Diet & Gut Healing Program. This program integrates various aspects of nutritional education, enabling practitioners to address and resolve gut symptoms, balance blood sugar, identify food sensitivities, replenish nutrients, and reduce pain, inflammation, and excess weight in their clients within a month. The workshop provides a step-by-step guide, offering all the necessary tools and knowledge for practitioners to effectively lead their clients through this transformative gut healing journey. This training is an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their skills in guiding clients towards foundational health through dietary and lifestyle changes. | ||||||
 |  by Luen Proft, Soil Advocate & Natural Wine Connoisseur Many transformations take place as we shift with the seasons. This time of year is one of great upward energy for the mind and spirit. Vibrant new foods become available, and we once again have the opportunity to enjoy spring produce, consuming local foods from farmers and fields close to our tables! As part of the change, hearty stews and winter vegetables paired with warming red wines transition to fresh foods like fruits and salads, which pair with lively whites and lighter reds. Thanks to the growing hours of daylight, we can spend more time outside taking in the beauty of the natural world. This time can bring about wonderful joys and heightened energy as we take in more sunshine and socialize with friends outdoors. However, we may also sense stress levels rising as the world around us speeds up again. The foods and wine we consume can help balance these polarities. And with that in mind, I wanted to share some of the wines that I will be opening this spring season to help me find balance for my mind and spirit. As you may very well know, here at Dry Farm Wines, we only offer wines with 12.5% ABV alcohol or less. And for this time of year, I find that low ABV wines are especially helpful to enjoy on longer days. There are often more dinnertime hours available for refills, and with additional social time, the extra glass is a welcomed celebration. It is much easier for your mind and body to say yes to that extra glass of wine if the ABV is low and the wine is made with the utmost care, quality, and love. I also find that spring is a great time to explore lighter red wines. Look for something that still has a bit of that red fruit component but with more elegant tannins and a softer color – a better match for the season! Some of my favorite light red grapes include Schiava, Valpolicella, Grolleau, and Gamay.
I encourage you to celebrate the season by spending more time outdoors welcoming in the fresh, vibrant season of spring! You’ll certainly find me barefoot in my garden tending to seedlings with a glass in hand. Cheers to a time of transition. May you enjoy it as much as I do! To high health and spring abundance! About Luen Proft | ||||||
In today’s ever-changing landscape of legal rights to practice in each state, the NANP Legislative Affairs Division gives members full access to and understanding of ongoing legislative action throughout the U.S. | |||||||
 |  by Lisa Powers, Development Specialist, NANP I’m pretty excited to be writing my first article for the NANP. It’s been just over two months since I joined the team, and during that time I’ve been struck by the passion and dedication of our members in the field of holistic nutrition. The more I learn about our members, the more determined I am to seek out and work with potential partners who mirror that passion and dedication. I’ve also been learning a great deal from our current partners about how they consider NANP members to be their collaborators on this life-journey; from our partner schools who work to educate and nurture their students, to industry partners who count on our members for support and feedback, and who offer tangible benefits in return. Benefits for members include:
Just to name a few! To facilitate what I think is already a synergistic environment, and in order to make sure our partners have meaningful and on-going access to our members, the NANP has recently renovated the way we work with our partners. Rather than offer a set menu of marketing opportunities, we’ve developed strategically-focused packages that are designed to ensure our partners have the chance to inform, enlighten, and integrate fully into our community. This means our partners are not just simply “advertising” to you, our members. They are one of us, and they understand your needs, values and the ways in which you do your work. Our partners become allies and a foundation for supporting your daily functions. This makes our community stronger.As we expand both the scope and scale of opportunities available to those partners whose products and expertise are invaluable to our members, NANP members benefit by having access to a greater array of services and product providers. Think of it like this: when you can choose from so many different avenues – who do you want to learn from? Who resonates with your business? Who helps strengthen the offerings to your clientele? And, for our partners – the reciprocal benefits are strong as well. This audience of holistic nutrition professionals is the best, brightest and most passionate anywhere in the country (even the world!). These are the people you want to inform about your organization. These are the champions of holistic health, the leaders of change, and the pioneers of a new path for healthy eating and living. In closing, let me say how delighted I am to be part of this fabulous organization. I am here to engage viable partners for the NANP and our members. If you have suggestions, comments, or ideas about how I can continue to bring the right people together for the benefit of all, please send them my way: angie@nanp.org. In the meantime, enjoy, love, and nurture! – Lisa Powers, Development Specialist, NANP | ||||||
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 | By: Mary Beth Gudewicz  As holistic nutrition professionals, we work day-to-day with our clients offering nutritional support when they contract a respiratory virus. Recently, I was faced with my own respiratory illness and utilized the following to help me move through the life of the virus. Bone Broth: My appetite was nearly non-existent, but I knew I had to get nutrients in my body in order to start recovering. Bone broth was a great choice because it contains amino acids (protein) such as arginine, glutamine, and cysteine and electrolyte minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, boron and iron to improve hydration. It was also easy on the digestive system that was a bit dysregulated with the virus. Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get antioxidants, healthy fats and protein into the body. I included mixed berries, chia seeds, coconut water, spinach, cucumber and celery. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and works with other antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin E (Marz, 1999). Antioxidants can be looked at as the “bricks that build the wall” of your immune system. In another study, vitamin C showed it reduced the duration of symptoms (Abioye Al, 2021). I like superfoods and found the form Camu Camu worked best for my body.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has shown in studies that it helps support the immune system (Pieter-Jan Martens, 2020). In another study, it showed a decrease in the duration of respiratory viruses (Abioye Al, 2021). I had my labs checked, so I knew the amount I needed to take. I also made a point of spending about 10-15 minutes a day sitting in the sunshine. Sunshine helps synthesize vitamin D in your body. (Marz, 1999)
Magnesium: Magnesium has been shown in studies to help support the immune system as one of its many benefits. (M Tam, 2003). I included Epsom Salt Baths into my regimen. They are a great source of magnesium and it helped my body to relax by easing the aches and pains that came with this virus.
How to take an Epsom Salt Bath: Dissolve the Epsom salts in a jug of water. Add the Epsom salts to the bath while the water is running. Relax for about fifteen minutes in the bath. You don’t want to get chilled when you are sick. Then get out of the tub and give yourself a vigorous rub with your towel. Zinc: Zinc has been shown to shorten the duration of respiratory viruses. (Abioye Al, 2021). Our immune system uses zinc. (Marz, 1999)
Probiotics: Part of our immune system resides in our gut. Probiotics can help balance the bad and good bacteria in your gut. This virus affected my digestive system and adding the probiotics helped calm it down.
Far Infrared Sauna: Far infrared saunas can help to raise your core body temperature, which helps boost your immune system (C.V. Harper, 2018), stimulate the production of white blood cells, and when you sweat, eliminate toxins. Wet Sock Treatment: This natural therapy goes back to my childhood. It can stimulate the immune system and increase blood circulation. It helped reduce my high fever and cleared my head. I started it the first day I was sick and for the next few days. What you need: 1 pair very thin socks 1 pair wool socks 1 bowl ice water 1 warm bath or a foot tub with very warm water Instructions:
In addition to the above, I also made sure I was hydrated, eliminated refined-sugar, added an Antioxidant Boost (recipe below), and listened to my body when it needed to sleep or rest and didn’t fight being sick. When we are ill, we can become frustrated, angry or fearful. By allowing yourself to be more in a flow, treating your symptoms and listening to what your body needs are all great ways to support the body. Antioxidant Boost (I had 2 tablespoons 2x/day) Ingredients: 3 organic grapefruit peels 3 organic lemon peels Instructions:
ReferencesAbioye Al, B. S. (2021). Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Global Health, 6:e003176. C.V. Harper, D. W.-A. (2018, May 29). Temperature regulates NF-KB dynamics and function through timing of A20 transcription. Retrieved from PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America: https://www.pnas.org/content/115/22/E5243 M Tam, S. G.-G. (2003, October). Possible roles of magnesium on the immune system. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: PubMed.gov: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14506478/ Marz, R. B. (1999). Medical Nutrition from Marz 2nd Edition. In N. M. Russell B. Marz, Medical Nutritin from Marz 2nd Edition (pp. 235-241). Portland, Oregon, United States: Omni-Press. Pieter-Jan Martens, C. G. (2020, April 28). Vitamin D’s Effect on Immune Function. Retrieved from Nutrients MDPI, NCBI Resources, PMC US National Libray of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281985/ | ||||||
 | By, Cloe Parker of Parker Pastures  My name is Cloe Parker. My family and I are Colorado regenerative ranchers. Regenerative ranching describes ranching and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity – resulting in carbon drawdown, an improved water cycle, increased plant and animal biodiversity, and more. Well-managed cattle are one of our best chances at improving soil health and sequestering carbon. Red meat is also a superfood, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals.
Not all meat is equal, and I would like to address some of the concerns often cited, and prove the environmental and nutritional case for thoughtfully raised meat. Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Thoughtfully managed grazing animals that are raised for meat can increase the soil organic matter. The soil organic matter at The Van Tuyl Ranch has increased from 6.8% in 2010 to 15% in 2020 because we manage the grazing of our meat-producing animals to mimic nature, and we avoid the use of chemicals on the land and animals.
If a notable quantity of carbon is stored in the soil as organic carbon it reduces the amount present in the atmosphere and this helps to reduce global warming. This process of storing carbon in the soil is called soil carbon sequestration. Thoughtfully managed cows, sheep, and other livestock raised for meat actually offset Colorado carbon emissions by pulling excess carbon out of the atmosphere and storing it where it belongs… in the soil. It has been estimated that each 1 percent increase in soil organic matter helps soil hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre.(https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1082147.pdf. ) Talk about a solution for drought! Preserving Grasslands and Wildlife Habitats Parker Pastures meats are Audubon Certified as “Grazed on Bird Friendly Land.” The Audubon Society launched their Conservation Ranching program several years ago so that when consumers enjoy a package of Audubon Certified beef, they can trust the cattle were raised not only antibiotic, hormone, and cruelty-free, but with the health and habitats of local birds and wildlife in mind. Program certification is achieved by following a set of program standards in four areas:
By choosing meats from Audubon-certified ranches like ours, Coloradans can contribute to the expansion of livestock management practices that are better for our health, better for cattle, and better for the environment. Nutrition
It has an extensive micronutrient profile and contains a good amount of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Benefits from increased omega–3 consumption include decreasing all markers of inflammation, helping with depression, and helping with focus. Recent studies show omega–3s to be a promising alternative to alleviate attention deficit disorders (ADHD) over stimulant medications. Beef from grass-fed cows also contains a certain beneficial fatty acid called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA can help prevent several diseases and conditions like obesity and diabetes. In addition, one serving of grass-fed beef provides an incredibly nutrient dense protein with naturally occurring vitamin E, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Betaine, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, and Selenium. These are only some of the reasons why my family, community, and I choose to include regenerative meats in our diet. We know and believe that eating grass-fed, grass-finished, regenerative meat raised from holistically managed ranches is the way to combat climate change, degeneration of landscapes, and loss of biodiversity. It also provides a healthier meat choice for people. Once we acquaint ourselves with these truths, we begin to understand that opting out of meat isn’t going to fix the system.
About Chloe Parker My name is Cloe Parker. My family and I are Colorado regenerative ranchers. You will find us in the beautiful mountain valley of Gunnison, Colorado stewarding our land with intentional, holistic, and regenerative management of livestock. Our headquarters is on the City of Gunnison’s Van Tuyl Ranch, and we manage several other ranches in and around the Gunnison Valley. We make our living by raising and direct-marketing our Colorado grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised meat. We provide our meats directly to individuals and families locally, state-wide, and nation-wide through our family-owned company Parker Pastures. Our most important partners are Coloradans seeking healthy, locally grown, mindful meats they can feel good about eating and conscientious folks across the United States seeking the world-class-regenerative beef that we raise in the mountains of Colorado. We are part of a world-wide community of holistic & regenerative ranchers and farmers, and we are the co-founders of The Colorado Regenerative Network, which is a Savory Global Hub. References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/grass-f ed-beef/faq-20058059 | ||||||
 | 30 CEC’sThe text you provided remains unchanged: “The Institute for the Psychology of Eating’s Eating Psychology Coach™ Certification Training | ||||||
 |  It’s a New Year, and I hope you are as excited as I am about helping your clients succeed in 2022. Like many of you, I see an upswing in inquiries during January. People are ready to start anew, focusing on change and healthy lifestyles. While it is exciting to hear from prospective clients, I want to gently remind everyone that we must be careful to always work within our Scope of Practice. | ||||||
 | Ready to get your holistic nutrition career off the ground? You’ve come to the right place. The Career Preparedness Program (CPP) was designed with YOU in mind. Full of useful tips and resources, this program will help you steer clear of expensive mistakes to set yourself up for success right away. This amazing resource is available for NANP members only! We believe it is so important that we provide it for FREE to our Professional Members! The CPP answers the top five questions asked by holistic nutrition students and professionals.
2. How do I run my own business? 3. How will I make money? 4. Will I find help along the way? 5. How can I stay current after I graduate from nutrition school? | ||||||
 | Insights by Kirstin Nussgruber, CNC, EMB, BCHN® Acting President: NANP A question I am constantly asked is how to best differentiate yourself from every other nutrition professional out there. Is finding a niche the answer? To Niche or Not to Niche I think yes! A niche is a way of shrinking your competition and establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Focusing this way will channel your time and resources, and increase your credibility with your peers. What do I mean by that? As a trusted expert in your field other practitioners, including fellow nutrition professionals will refer clients to you! A niche helps you become more targeted in your marketing efforts, clarifies your message, and helps you be laser-focused when attracting a target audience. Finding a Niche For many in our industry, the niche finds us. In my case, my first cancer diagnosis during my nutrition studies sealed my path. But what about those without a personal health challenge who simply feel a calling to help others? Start by identifying a target audience. Discover what really moves and motivates you, what evokes a passionate, emotional reaction. -Does seeing overweight young kids in elementary school really upset you? -Are you itching to intervene when you see an elderly couple pile their shopping cart with pre-packaged meals? -Are you stunned to discover a bulging belly after menopause despite eating all the right things? Be sure to choose a niche that continually drives you to learn more. Or ask yourself, how can you offer a perfect-fit solution to help your clients achieve what they really want? Put yourself in their shoes – feel their pain, fears, anxieties, and what they envision for themselves instead. Their wants are very personal. That is your hook. Nailing your Niche Formulate answers to the typical questions “What do you do in your practice?”, “And exactly how do you do that?” Here’s where you can elaborate more, describing how you help your clients achieve their goals. Here are some examples; -I help women in menopause regain self-confidence by teaching them how to reduce their belly fat. -I help mothers of picky young eaters overcome their shame by empowering them to train their kids to become engaged healthy eaters. -I help passionate dog owners overcome their hesitation by enabling them to cook fast and healthy meals for their pooches. -I help athletes tame their fear of performance failure by empowering them to eat nutritionally balanced meals that match their activity level. -I help women with bone health issues overcome their paralysis by enabling them to lead active lifestyles again. -I help people with blood sugar regulation issues overcome their sugar cravings by enabling them to lead joyful but more balanced healthy lives. -I help working mothers by teaching them techniques to feed their families healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. As NANP Past President, Miriam Zacharias, states in her book “The Peace Process – Attract a Steady Stream of Clients and Create a Thriving Holistic Practice,” (a must-read for anyone in our business), “Identifying a niche is about focusing your time, energy, and money toward establishing your place in the market and being discovered by a desperate community that needs your help.” Kirstin Nussgruber, CNC, EMB, BCHN® Acting President: NANP | ||||||
 |  by Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner, Certified Eating Psychology Coach at The Freedom Promise Today is a great day. It’s a testament to the last 16 years I’ve devoted to self-discovery, asking the right questions, and finding the courage to listen to the answers, whether or not I wanted to face those truths. Today I’m preparing to launch a Summit dedicated to changing the conversation about eating disorder (ED) recovery. I’m digging deep by moving past the fear of asking for what I need, and moving through the deep-seated worries of not being “enough.” I’m writing a new chapter to add to the story of my life. I’m all about living the happily-ever-after. It wasn’t always like this, though. There are memories deep within me that are shrouded in darkness, riddled with regret, shame, and guilt, and tied-up with loss and grief. I recall the years I spent figuring out how to be instead of who to be. I remember the feeling of walking on eggshells as I worried about saying and doing all the the right thing to such an extent that I became a walking cliché. I’d like to take you back in time for a moment. I was born into a loving family, but it was complicated. I was the first born to parents who were mere children themselves, who married young to escape the dysfunction of their own upbringings. My youngest sister was diagnosed with a genetic disease that came with a poor prognosis for a long and vibrant life, even before her first birthday. The cloud that settled over our family was dark and foreboding. As a result, I learned to be very careful, to stay out of the way and not ask for much, and I thought I needed to excel at everything. Image was important to my success, so I also picked up on the value of beauty. With that message came the understanding that one’s weight was part of how one was judged. A rail thin child, I later developed the curves and softness that comes with puberty. As my parents were confronting weight issues themselves, Mondays became the day we collectively started a weight-loss diet. We experimented with them all – Atkins, Weight Watchers, Dr. Stillman’s Diet, the cabbage soup diet, and of course, calorie restriction. Over the counter appetite suppressants, diuretics, and laxatives filled the medicine cabinet. Given my penchant for perfection, my deep desire to please, and my fear of disapproval, this created the perfect recipe – if you will – for a disordered relationship with food and my body. Fast forward to my early twenties. I married at 21 and became a mom a year later. My second daughter came two years after that. I was living the life that was planned for me. Still obsessed with weight, food and the size of my thighs, the image I projected and how I perceived I was being judged never left me. The years that I could have been experiencing wondrous growth and empowerment were given up to the scale. When I wasn’t calculating calories, carbs and grams of fat, I was compulsively binging and consistently purging. Any exercise I did was designed to essentially make my body go away. Finally, about to hit the bottom, I reached out to our family doctor. I was in my late thirties and my weight was approaching a danger zone. The consequences of my actions were becoming costly. My then teenaged daughters were developing damaged relationships with food and their bodies as well. My husband was distraught, vacillating between blaming himself and resenting me. My health was suffering, as I was struggling with digestive distress and blood sugar irregularities. Anxiety and mood disorders were a constant companion and the prospect of hospitalization loomed. At the time, my husband and I were well known and active in our community, so the possibility of hospitalization was not going to be an option for me – after all, I had an image to protect! I embarked on a new routine of weekly doctor visits and weigh-ins, twice weekly therapy sessions, and visits with a registered dietician who had me eating what I considered to be an absurd amount and variety of food. She suggested I wash it all down with 2 glasses of wine to keep me relaxed. A prescription for anti-depressants and Xanax came next. I knew this regiment would be completely unsustainable long-term. Determined to break free of this downward spiral, I embarked on a journey to learn as much about nutrition as I could. Not only was I curious about the nutrient-density of food but also about how my body functioned as a result of what I ate. I started to quiet the noise of the disordered thinking and learned how to listen to what my body was telling me. I started to trust that I could honor my hunger and stop when I’d had enough. I didn’t need to exercise compulsively. I could honor my body with movement that felt right for me. I was finally learning to love the girl, now the woman, who deserved to be seen for who she really was. I started to engage more with the world around me. I felt the joy and pride that came with watching my daughters grow into wise and independent women. The relationship with my husband was deepening as we were so enjoying being empty nesters. I embraced my nutrition training and started to share my experience with other women, and I actually built a following! As life happens, however, and just when I thought we had it all, my husband was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma. The prognosis was dire and after a fierce 21 month-long battle, we lost Stuart in August of 2004. I was 49 years old and now completely lost. Stuart had been my rock, my troubleshooter, and the one I could hide behind when the world scared me. It didn’t take too long for me to retreat back into my self-destructive behaviors, and this time I found additional solace in glass after glass of wine. After all, I was self-soothing. I hit rock bottom… again. There were actually times when I felt that my daughters believed the wrong parent died. My alcohol abuse was a source of embarrassment and I often put myself in danger. My food and weight obsession were back with a vengeance. I was physically, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. Eventually, I came to realize that I had a choice: seek the light or stayed buried in the darkness. I chose light. In May of 2005 I walked into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. It took me two years to embrace sobriety. At the same time, believing I was making an empowered choice to live what I came to see as the blessed life I was given, my eating disorder started to lift like a cloud. By no means was it easy, but the power of mindset amazed me. I could choose life, and by doing so life chose me. I met wonderful women who to this day offer wonderful support and reminders of why I chose life. The relationship with my daughters solidified and grew deeper as we developed a healthy respect for each other as women experiencing life and all it hands us. I discovered a safe and sacred space within me that connects to a mindful presence. It’s my higher power, my deepest self, and my home. My desire to embrace my recovery and pay it forward sent me back to school and I earned certifications in Integrative Health Coaching, Eating Psychology, and Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practice. Here, I found the warmth of a community surrounded by like-minded mentors and colleagues. In 2012, I created The Freedom Promise, LLC in an effort to help others transform their relationships with food from one hindered in fear and confusion to one rooted in love, nourishment, and sustainability. The Freedom Promise was born from my experience, strength, hope, and education. I embrace my recovery and I walk the walk in a way that pays it forward. I empathetically educate, support, and partner with my clients. Through my work, I developed a 7-step signature framework. I detail these steps in the book I published in 2014, The Freedom Promise: 7 Steps to Stop Fearing What Food Will Do TO You and Start Embracing What It Can Do FOR You. My program offers an alternative approach to recovery that is aligned with the principles of functional medicine – all systems are connected, every client is unique, and everything matters. I don’t prescribe to the “all-foods-fit” model that is the conventional nutrition protocol for recovery. In my teaching, I help my clients and readers adopt 3 important concepts:
Clients come to me feeling disempowered by a system that’s telling them that what they’re feeling is all in their head. They’ve been unable to experience sustainable recovery due to the lack of respect given to the GI discomfort they report following an “all-foods-fit” diet. Statistics show that 90-98% of those struggling with EDs display gut related issues, a direct result of dysbiosis created by years of purging, binging, and restricting. Further research teaches that children who struggle with GI issues have a greater propensity to develop EDs. What we know about the gut/brain connection is that there’s a direct correlation between physiology and psychology. Furthermore, a dysfunction in brain chemistry, fostered by dysbiosis, impacts physiology, creating a perfect storm. This compels me to ask, is the “all-foods-fit” diet actually helping to feed the anxiety that fuels the ED behaviors? My primary concerns around the conventional model and the anti-wellness diet message is that they neglect to address:
Furthermore, the news cycles and social media overload certainly contribute to both the uncertainty and dogma around diet. You don’t have to look too far to see the barrage of health information, nutritional systems, celebrity doctors promoting products promising healing cures, and eating experts telling us what to do. What’s even more confusing to people is that each of these experts is offering scientific evidence that their theory is best: Paleo, Keto, Vegan, Low Carb, etc. How do we make sense of all this? There’s so much information out there regarding nutrition but so very little wisdom in what truly nourishes us. The field of nutrition has a tendency to preach the “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” of how to get healthy, skinny, sexy, and happy. With all these rules, how can we ever learn to trust our symptoms, our hunger, and our body’s wisdom? What so few of these diets and experts address is the most important ingredient – a deep connection to the beautiful wisdom of one’s body and the ability to listen when she speaks to us, when symptoms are calling for attention. I learned in my journey through nutrition that it’s not so much the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but rather, we are what our bodies DO with what we eat. Sustainable recovery and healing occur when we know how to nourish and care for ourselves so to become the most optimized version of ourselves. Unfortunately, few of us are armed with the tools and resources we need to reclaim the healthy body we want, heal the body image, and gain the self- confidence we need to live a long life of contentment and vitality. I’m on a mission to change that. My goal is to change the conversation about diet and recover. In my work, I introduce those who are suffering with EDs to an empowering approach to personalized nutrition and lifestyle practice, while addressing the root cause of the symptoms they face. I want to promote the sustainable and lasting recovery that’s within reach when we transform our thinking, trust our hunger, honor our body with loving movement, and become fully nourished by a supportive and like-minded community. Presently, I work one-on-one with clients as well as lead groups. I’ve been privileged to share my experience, strength, and hope with women locally, throughout the country, and the globe! I also mentor peers and colleagues so they can share the gift of recovery with their clients too. I’ve re-married a wonderful man who encourages me to pursue all that matters to me. He brought with him two wonderful sons and daughter-in-laws. We have a beautifully blended family and 8 spectacular grandchildren. Sadly, my sister passed shortly before my book was published, but I have dedicated to her brilliant courage as well as to my daughters’ past, present and future. The health consequences that ensued as a result of my ED still remain with me today to some degree, but I’m grateful to have the resources to help myself heal. I’ve had open-heart surgery to repair a faulty valve and my gut issues still linger. However, I am walking the walk daily, ever so vigilant, as I manage the triggers that may confront me – and they do. The definition of recovery is to regain what has been lost or stolen. Addiction, obsessive thoughts, and self-harming behaviors rob us of our ability to connect to the deepest part of ourselves. Re-framing our belief system and letting go of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that no longer serve us allows for the creation of a fully nourished life we desire and deserve. So, today is a great day. I have created a legacy while honoring the past, for it is the past that has brought me the gifts of today. And, I will continue to pay it forward. Bio: Mindy Gorman-Plutzer brings 24 years of experience to her private practice as a Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner, Integrative Health Coach, and Eating Psychology Coach. Mindy’s life experience and training inspired her to create a framework that combines functional nutrition, positive psychology, and mind/body science; introducing a compassionate resolution to physical and emotional challenges resulting from chronic and complex health issues, as they relate to Eating Disorders. | ||||||
 | by Skye Chilton, Mushroom Enthusiast & Expert  As medicinal mushrooms become increasingly popular among the mainstream for their myriad health benefits, supplement companies are jumping on the bandwagon to include them in their products. As it turns out, many supplements in the U.S. market that tout the benefits of their mushroom ingredients don’t actually contain any mushrooms at all! Rather, they consist primarily of mycelium, the mushroom’s root system, and the rice or grain on which it is grown. This is ground into a powder and included in the whole mix, instead of the actual mushroom (fruiting body). Studies conclude that, absent the fruiting body or the ‘real mushroom’, the health benefits are severely diminished, and may be nothing more than inactive grain powder that the body cannot utilize. This is because the highest concentration of beta-glucans and other therapeutic compounds are primarily found in the mushroom. When searching for a high quality mushroom product, look for the following:
Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) is rich in a multitude of important compounds: beta-glucans, which are responsible for many benefits but are primarily known for immune system modulation. More recently, certain compounds of interest like hericenones and erinacines have shown potential for neuroprotection by stimulating production of nerve growth factor (NGF) [1]. Small scale clinical trials with elderly patients have shown improvements in depression, anxiety and cognitive decline [2,3]. Reishi Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) contain high amounts of beta-glucans which are associated with immune regulation, and if taken over time can significantly support the immune system through its effect on white blood cells. It also contains beneficial triterpenes which gives reishi its bitter flavor. As an adaptogen, it is also known to improve sleep, reduce stress and fatigue [4]. Cordyceps Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are an incredible immune boosting mushroom because of their ability to increase the number of NK (natural killer) cells. They are also thought to enhance physical performance due to the presence of adenosine and cordycepin which can help increase the body’s natural production of ATP, which delivers energy to our cells [5,6]. Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), which is commonly referred to as a mushroom, is actually a woody canker that grows in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. As Chaga grows primarily on birch trees, many of the medicinal compounds like betulin and betulinic acid come from the birch tree itself. The outer black layer on the canker contains high amounts of melanin which can be beneficial for our skin [7]. Turkey Tail Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes Versicolor) is one of the most well researched medicinal mushrooms. It grows on dead logs worldwide, and receives its name because its rings of brown and tan look like the tail feathers of a turkey. Turkey tail contains one of the highest amounts of beta-glucans for all mushrooms and two immunotherapy drugs in Asia, PSP and PSK, have been derived from it [8]. Shiitake Shiitake mushrooms are the most popular mushrooms in the world, have a meaty, versatile flavor, and a long history of use. During the Ming Dynasty in China, shiitake was deemed “the elixir of life”. They’re great to cook with, and are also loaded with B-vitamins, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body [9]. Maitake Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is commonly known as Hen of the Woods or the Dancing Mushroom. It is plentiful in the deciduous forests of North America and Japan. An edible mushroom with an earthy flavour, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used this mushroom for its support on the immune system. This mushroom contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which have been linked to healthy cell growth and turnover [10]. Vitamin D Mushrooms can also be a great source of Vitamin D. Contrary to what many articles might say, your typical store bought mushrooms do not contain a high amount of Vitamin D but they do contain a fungal sterol called ergosterol. When ergosterol is exposed to UV light, it is converted into ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2). Simply slicing your store bought mushrooms and putting them out in the sun for 20 minutes can drastically increase the amount of Vitamin D content. Through more technical UV light processing the Vitamin D content can be brought up to as high as 40,000 IU per gram. While Vitamin D3 is typically prescribed, daily supplementation with Vitamin D2 has been shown to be as effective as Vitamin D3 in raising serum levels [11,12]. About Skye Chilton, Founder of Real Mushrooms References:
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 | by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP It seems like every day since the pandemic hit, we’re facing new, uninvited challenges in our lives. Let’s face it, most of us figured by now things would be back to normal – or at least we hoped so. But, as the months have drug on, it’s become clear we don’t know when we’ll be able to go back to the way things were or even if the life we once had is within reach any longer. Many of us now find ourselves living a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ kind of existence, with spouses and kids back to work and school one day and home again the next. Along with that comes the inability to spend time with some of our loved ones, especially at-risk or elderly family members and those who live in care facilities. It’s all a bit much, and all the uncertainty and unwelcome life changes are taking their toll. Lately, I’m reminded of a great piece of advice I got from a colleague I worked with decades ago. In my early 20s, I was newlywed, had just moved out of my folks’ home, and my brand new husband had been immediately deployed across the country. I suddenly found myself feeling very alone, overwhelmed, and unable to sleep at all. I went days on end without any sleep and spent my time complaining to my co-workers about how tired I felt. Charlene was a mature woman who had adopted three orphaned sisters when they were just 2, 3, and 5 years old. She became a mother of three in one day. A few months into sudden motherhood, Charlene walked in on her husband with another woman. So she left and raised these three beautiful little girls all on her own. This woman had been through a lot! One morning after I had once again announced how exhausted I was (Imagine a cartoon kitten with a stressed-out look on her face, eyes wide open, freaked out, and ears up in high alert), Charlene came into my cubicle. She sat down across from me, leaned in, took my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said one straightforward thing that frankly, changed it all for me. She said, “Sweetheart, all you have to do is make it through the day.” The freaked-out look slid down off my face, my eyes softened, and my ears drooped. She was right. That really was all I had to do. And for some reason, that assignment of “make it through the day” put everything into perspective. It gave me the focus I needed to realign myself. You’re probably thinking, “duh!” But, when you’re in the middle of a difficult time, it can be a challenge to distill everything that’s coming at you. I’m a lot older now, and I’ve learned to take things in stride. Along with that nugget of wisdom I picked up from Charlene, I’ve grabbed on to a couple of others. For instance, my mother-in-law’s favorite, “You can only do what you can do,” is an excellent reminder that I can control only myself and nothing else. And another little pearl I like, “You never know what’s around the corner.” Life is full of surprises, and we have to keep that in mind – especially during times of great uncertainty. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not suggesting that cliches will solve our problems or that we should rush through life, unengaged and not living in the moment. But I do want to acknowledge that there are times when we have to get through the day. And, that’s okay. Because you can only do what you can do, and you never do know what’s around that corner. | ||||||
 | It likely starts with risk. For me, it started in January 2020 when I admitted to myself how miserable I was at my lucrative, corporate day job that involved carpet fibers – anything but holistic nutrition. I had reached a point in life where I could no longer keep repeating my 9-hour workday and pursue holistic nutrition as a personal learning adventure. To be fully transparent, I knew if I wanted to have any sort of fulfilling life ahead, I had to do something. And fast.  I then started feverishly researching holistic nutrition programs and bit the bullet by enrolling in March 2020, spending way more money than I intended, but forging ahead, nonetheless. Talk about risky business. As my program began, the hunger for my “out” at my 9 to 5 continued to gnaw at me, at which point I then began a rather obsessive quest to get my foot in the door at any holistic nutrition-related gig that would let me in. I would spend my lunch hours and late nights after work and studying, scouring the internet for every opportunity out there. I applied for anything and everything that was industry-related and never heard back for the most part. I mean, who would want to hire a brand-new holistic nutrition student with zero experience in the industry and only a corporate background to fall back on? And then last July, I got an email from the NANP regarding my application for their part-time Member Relations Assistant position for which I had recently applied. I vividly remember my nervous excitement when I read the email. But instantly, I told my husband this sort of opportunity would never work because there’s just no way I could leave my full-time, salaried day job to take this opportunity should it be offered. At the time, my husband was a new solo entrepreneur, trying to get his own business off the ground – let’s just say it made absolutely no sense to pursue this opportunity from a financial perspective. Fortunately, my husband told me to interview anyway and not jump the gun since I hadn’t even been offered the position at this point. Fast forward a few days after the interview, and the position got offered. With my husband’s full support, I decided to take the leap, and I’ve yet to turn my head for even the slightest glance back. I began my role as Member Relations Assistant in August 2020, and since then, let me just tell you how that pursuit of passion has paid off! In October 2020, NANP started the search for a social media intern. Long story short, after the position didn’t get filled with an intern, it was offered to me as an addition to my Member Relations responsibilities! And a few months after that, the opportunity to expand my marketing abilities and assist our Development Specialist came along. And if all of that isn’t enough, the most recent opportunity to step into the Marketing Specialist role has been made available as our very own Sara Peternell transitions out of this position and into her thriving nutrition practice full time. I mean, talk about open doors after taking a leap of faith! The moral of the story? Pursuing a passion is something all of us can relate to on some level. Either we’re going after it, or we’re not. My experience doesn’t have to match your experience, or anyone else’s for that matter. But I think there’s a lesson here that perhaps all of us can be reminded of or take to heart: taking risk is rarely easy, and it’s also rarely a straight path. But the reward is so worth it as you grow and develop as a person in the midst. Be encouraged that if you’re not currently pursuing a passion – take a risk and go for it! If you are, keep going! | ||||||
 |  By, Danielle Brooks, NTP One of the most common reasons clients give for eating when they’re not hungry is boredom. When there’s nothing else to do, they feel they might as well eat. This contributes to poor health and tarnishes the relationship with our self and with our food, because after all, when the candy wrapper is gone, guilt and shame usually come creeping in. When we’re bored, our feelings have time to rise to the surface. If these feelings are uncomfortable and invoke insecurity, fear, unworthiness, loneliness, or judgment, we want to escape. Some people make a staggering effort to fill every second of every day with activities and to-do lists to avoid boredom and ensure those un-welcomed emotions never arise. Eating becomes another way to fill the time and distract our mind.
What if our feelings weren’t our enemy, but our friend? What if being bored is actually an amazing gift of time that we could use to love, be gentle with, and nurture ourselves? And what if the feelings we often try to feed, soothe, or avoid just want to be felt and let go? We tend to go, go, go and do, do, do, with little time to reflect. But reflecting gives us the opportunity to get to know ourselves on a deeper level. Afterall, we are human-beings, not human-doings. Perhaps we were just never taught how to be bored in a positive way. By definition, to be bored means to “feel weary because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one’s current activity.” If this is true, then boredom may just be a gift in disguise, a gift that suggests to us we would prefer to do something more interesting and gratifying. So, let’s explore boredom and learn to do it properly. When we as coaches and consultants learn about positive boredom, we can teach your clients to understand boredom in a new way, which can empower them to overcome emotional eating. Positive boredom allows people to explore what they really hunger for in life.
Let’s look at the difference between negative boredom and positive boredom. Negative BoredomNegative boredom occurs when we fill our time with tasks that do not contribute to our wellbeing or happiness, such as chastising ourselves, criticizing others, watching endless television, unconsciously scrolling through social media, or mindlessly eat. We know negative boredom all too well. Many people have a habit of eating when there is nothing else to do, which robs them of the opportunity to experience what fills up their lives, rather than their belly. Positive BoredomPositive boredom, on the other hand, allows insight and inspiration to arise when we simply sit quietly with ourselves. To practice positive boredom, you humbly and consciously turn off the TV, put down the phone, and just be with yourself. It’s that easy.
The first couple of minutes of quiet contemplation may be nearly unbearable. We can all endure, but the mind will resist. It doesn’t want to be still! Don’t worry, you’re not going to die! In fact, just the opposite will occur. What you are doing is creating the space for discovering something about yourself and what you want more of in life. Promise yourself that whatever comes up, you’re not going to move for 15 minutes. Creativity is born from idle time. Boredom is that gift of time that opens the doors to inspiration and allows whatever it is that must flow through us to be born into the world. Some of the many benefits of positive boredom include creativity, emotional attunement, and overall mental health. Equally important, this alone time gives us a chance to understand ourselves. It’s a time for reflection, introspection, and exploration. So then, what is the difference between “boredom” and “relaxation?” It’s not what’s going on outside; it’s what’s going on inside. When I am bored and sit with myself… and wait, what usually arises is the urge to write, meditate, create a tool or tactic that helps my clients eat intuitively and strengthen their mindset. This reveals something about the essence of who I am. If you had the chance to be bored in the positive sense, what would you be inspired or compelled to do? What would it say about the essence of who you are? How could positive boredom help your clients?
About Danielle BrooksAuthor of “Good Decisions… Most of the Time,” Danielle is a best selling author, a nutritional therapist, a clinical herbalist, an expert on emotional eating, a professional speaker, and founder of Lake Washington Wellness Center. She founded her wellness center in 1994 and has worked in the health care field for over two decades. Danielle is a member of The American Herbalists Guild, NTA, NANP, and the Association of Washington Business. She launched Good Decisions Finally Free™ in 2019 with the intention to be a sun that lights a thousand suns for global impact. She currently teaches nutritional practitioners how to overcome their blocks to success and teach others how to overcome emotional eating and step into their personal power. She hopes to elevate global consciousness and evolve how we relate to food and our bodies. | ||||||
 | by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANPIf you’re like me, you’re already thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday next week. You’re looking forward to the warmth of time with family and friends, and (of course) the delicious food. In anticipation of the holiday, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to… Gratitude and Stories“Your gratitude determines your latitude.” Great saying, right?! Or… should the saying be the other way around? I mean, in many ways, WHAT you are grateful for is authentically a product of your perspective, your situation, your condition in life. In other words, gratitude is shaped by your story. Here’s what I mean, based on my own experiences. I spent my young childhood in pre-revolution Iran. And, while my dad was a bit of a Renaissance man having married a relatively outspoken American woman, he still had the ingrained perspective of a man raised in a patriarchal society. Growing up in a country where women routinely covered themselves from head to toe (now a requirement), gave me an interesting perspective on what it means to be a woman. That being said, when I count my blessings, they almost always include the ability to move about freely without a man to escort me, not having to cover myself top-to-bottom, getting to choose my own husband, having a rewarding career, and being able to freely speak my mind. These may seem so obvious to you, but for me, they’re reasons to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but EVERY single day! My story shapes my perspective and that for which I’m grateful. What About You?How did you make your way to this moment? What happened that brought you here and how will it shape your today and tomorrow? How does your own story shape your perspective and determine your gratitude moments in life? (By the way, it’s very on-trend these days to ask ourselves these questions exclusively for marketing purposes; to find our “WHY” to attract clients.) But doesn’t it go deeper? Shouldn’t our stories be a way to communicate and connect better with our clients? Many of us think we should be (only) great listeners and that healthy boundaries mean holistic nutrition professionals might be better off to keep our stories to ourselves. If this describes you, then I want to encourage you to think differently. Stories Define What MattersOur 2020 HEALCon opening speaker is the perfect person to teach us all about why our stories matter…so darn much. I am so proud and excited to announce (and introduce as our HEALCon opening keynote speaker!) Dr. Joel Carter. Dr. Carter is a palliative care physician, specializing in hospice care, and he has a very different perspective on the importance of story-sharing with our clients. Dr. Carter believes in the power of the human journey and the integration of the symbols of hope and healing. Dr. Carter says the search for meaning and purpose in service of others, is made possible by the creative power of stories in defining what’s most important in the midst of life’s mystery. Wow. This is big stuff. What this means is that while listening to your clients’ stories is an important part of the practitioner relationship, according to Dr. Carter, it’s equally as important to share your own stories. In fact, he believes that our clients hearing our stories can be healing to them. During a recent conversation with Dr. Carter, he revealed to me some of the profound experiences he’s had with hospice patients as they shared stories between them. It was a remarkable conversation and I can’t wait for you to be a part of his interactive presentation at HEALCon 2020. All The ThingsAs you head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to be grateful for the big things, the little things and everything in between. The hustle and bustle of next week (and the coming holiday weeks ahead) can be a busy, challenging and sometimes difficult time for many. In your gratitude devotions, remember to thank those who make your life happy and wonderful. Even perfect strangers are deserving your thanks. (Last week I called my very tiny local grocery store manager to thank him for instituting an organic section in the produce department. From his reaction you’d have thought I just told him he won a million dollars!) And while you’re enjoying time with your family and friends, know that we (your NANP family) are so very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your story. With love & gratitude, Nicole | ||||||
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