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 I read one more article that starts with, “These are challenging times…” I’m going to scream! I think we’re all painfully aware of the strange times in which we’re living. So, instead of reminding you of it, I’m going to issue you a challenge.

by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP Board President

I know what it’s like when you first graduate from school and start your new consulting business in Holistic Nutrition. I’ve been there, it’s challenging.

I also relate to those of you who have been at this a while.

by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP Board President

Do you remember the movie, Saving Private Ryan starring Tom Hanks?

It is a poignant (sometimes gruesome) war-movie about trying to save a young man from war and what a small group of soldiers went through to track him down. It’s a movie loosely based on historical events, and I don’t know a SINGLE man who doesn’t love to watch it over and over again. As a woman, I find it incredibly sad and difficult to watch. For me, seeing it once was enough. 

Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN^® became NANP Board President effective immediately during the NANP General Meeting on Friday, May 1, 2020, held during the annual HEALCon conference and expo (which for 2020 was held virtually due to the pandemic).

Barbara was the President-elect starting on January 1, 2020, and succeeds Miriam Zacharias who was Board President beginning in 2017.

by Beth Romanski, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

We all experience stress and anxiety on occasion (some of us more than others as our personality predisposition), but there are situations in our life that can raise our stress levels, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, challenges at work or a job loss, unexpected health diagnoses or simply doing too much and trying to be superwomen/men day in day out.

Often, we might turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with our emotions, such as drinking, smoking, avoiding exercise, overworking or overeating unhealthy comfort foods or sugary treats. While a Sugar Detox might necessarily not be possible during these times, we can still take our health into our own hands and a few simple steps to manage our mindset to get through times of uncertainty, overwhelming stress and anxiety.

by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP President

NANP's virtual conference was held 4/30 through 5/3 and it was truly amazing! So much so, in fact, that I’m STILL bubbling over with excitement after it’s over!

by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP

We all know we’re living through a unique time in history. Never have entire states and nations been in lockdown over a pandemic, resulting in massive hits to local and worldwide economies. For so many who were already living paycheck to paycheck (or client to client) times just became that much harder. With long range impacts completely unknown, I want you to know that if you’re feeling helpless and hopeless about the future, you’re not alone.

But, let me offer up one piece of advice – be flexible.

The current pandemic presents seriously unprecedented times for our industry, and our constituents are no doubt turning to us for guidance. 

The quality and accuracy of all information published by our members are of utmost importance. 

The current pandemic in the United States has had a huge impact on all of our lives.

We have heard from many of you with your valid questions, concerns, feedback and ideas. Addressing you, our members, is our number one priority. Here is what we are working on and what has transpired for our holistic nutrition community:

by Lesley Herrmann, MSc, CNC, CWC, BCHN®️

The immune system is constantly using resources to regenerate and protect us from getting sick. Luckily, there are many ways to fight back against seasonal illness with supportive foods, key supplements, and rejuvenating lifestyle practices.

As nutritional professionals, we can help our community reduce stress and stay healthy by reminding our clients of the power we have at our fingertips to support our immune system.  This article provides a list of immune-bossing foods, supplements, and self-care strategies we can all implement at home.

by Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN®, NANP President-elect

As NANP’s incoming President-elect for 2020, and President starting in 2021, I am delighted to introduce myself to you and share a little about what I hope to accomplish during my tenure in this exciting role.

Like many of you I entered the field of holistic nutrition as a second career, and as a direct result of a personal health crisis. My story involved a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at the age of 49 that resulted in a three-year struggle with declining health status and mobility.

by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP

So, 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.

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.

by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP

If 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.

by Miriam Zacharias, President, NANP Board of Directors

by Monica Nesbit, Development Coordinator, NANP

by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP

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).

by, Sara Peternell, MNT, BCHN™️
Marketing Specialist, NANP

NANP's Top 15 Questions to Ask your Prospective Nutrition School

1. How are the courses within the program taught? Are classes virtual, held in person in a classroom, or both?
2. Are the courses a self-paced style of learning, or do the courses keep to a specified schedule?
3. How much access will students have to their teachers for asking questions, getting additional support, or having discussions outside the scheduled course time?
4. Is there ample interaction with other students taking the course, or are students fully independent in their coursework?
5. What is the school's primary food philosophy? Do they teach a variety of food philosophies for a well-rounded approach?
6. Does the holistic nutrition program also include cooking lessons, recipe development, basic kitchen methodology?
7. What type of business guidance is offered by the program? Do they provide business development courses, electives, counseling or resources?
8. Is there a job placement component to the program? Does the school have strong connections with holistic health businesses in their geographic area?
9. What is their NANP Board Exam pass/fail rate? How many students sit for the NANP Board Exam? Do they offer study groups in preparation for the Board Exam?
10. How long has the school been in business? Who is running the school? What is the background of the director, the instructors, the staff running the admissions.
11. What is the financial status of the institution? Is the school financially in good health and prepared to make good on your investment in your education?
12. Does the program offer financial assistance to students?
13. Does this program satisfy the requirements for your specific state laws? Is the school in good standing with state and local laws?
14. Does the school have an alumni list for you to access? What kind of reviews exist from students who have attended this program in the past?
15. Does the school allow for credits to roll over to other institutions in the event you might want to continue with a higher education program elsewhere?

So, folks, this is our list of the most important questions.  But, inevitably - because this is such a big decision - we understand that you might have other questions.

We suggest that you write down a list of the things you want and need to know before you register. Do not be afraid to ask their admissions counselors all the questions on your list.

Miriam G. Zacharias, MS, NTC, BCHN, President of the NANP

What can you do with your holistic nutrition credential?

If you aren’t sure that building a solo practice is your “thing,” here’s the good news: there are a boatload of ways to use your education.