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.

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 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. 

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 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.

by Nicole Hodson, Executive Director, NANP

As you know, we are growing over here at the NANP. Our team is currently the largest ever to serve you. And, that is really good news with so much happening not only amongst our largest-ever member base of over 1,200, but also within the ever-growing and changing landscape of the holistic nutrition field.

One area that is especially important right now is legislative affairs.

It’s YOUR Time to Speak Up!

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

Public speaking is the fastest way to grow your knowledge, your influence, and your base of followers. Yet many people dread the idea of speaking in front of an audience. Jerry Seinfeld, in fact, once quipped:

“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Death is number two. This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Why Board Certification Matters

As the Executive Director of the Council of Holistic Health Educators, I get a lot of questions from practitioners. One that comes up quite often is if they should attain further credentialing. From a policy standpoint the answer is always yes. Anything that you can do to differentiate yourself from others elevates our profession and community. Furthermore, it helps to qualify your ability to speak to some of the "science" that is often thrown at us by those who seek to discredit, disqualify, and exclude us from the marketplace.

What’s Your Emotional IQ?

Last month I wrote to you about my excitement for our upcoming NANP Team Building Excursion. This year’s gathering was another great investment into the administrative future of our organization. We tackled several critical issues and had a wonderful time getting to know our newest team member, Brad Linberg.

Speak up, stand out, make an impact!

Public speaking is the fastest way to grow your knowledge, your influence, and your base of clients.That’s not just my opinion, either. Nearly all the 40 or so practitioners that Julia Zaslow and I interviewed in our Prosperous Practitioner Summits told us that giving talks was a game-changer for launching their careers.