While this isn’t the Topic of the Month – I tossed it in that category.

This week I spoke at an Aging Well meeting on the topic of Diet and Supplementation.  It’s a conversation very dear to my heart.  Since selling supplements is actually how I earn my living, any opportunity to share my 13 years of expertise is a good thing.

The senior crowd was small, but enthusiastic. Every single person in that room took at least a multi-vitamin, others took the basic C and E, some folks were also on track with some sort of essential fatty acid. How cool is that ? I asked them how do they decide which vitamin to take? Most of them replied that they read something about what to take in Readers Digest. Since when is Readers Digest any authority on supplementation? I thought Readers Digest was bathroom reading material – no offense – but that is what we had in the bathroom growing up! All of the attendees were on some form of medication. 1/2 the room was on more than 5.  None of them were doing anything to protect their liver.

Wow – where does a nutritional consultant begin?

The premise of taking a multi-vitamin is very simple – we don’t eat right, we take something to fill in the gaps missing from the typical American diet.

Adding certain additional nutrients is also very valid, but one has to give credence to the scientific community and the ongoing discovery and understanding of nutrients and how they bring benefit to the body. Vitamin C and E are great, yet there are so many other NEW nutrients that are also really great and supported by research that individuals could be taking too.  Vitamin C and E are tried and true, yet they are almost like yesterday’s news.

Sources of nutrients — like where to buy them,  is usually where people really don’t understand. There is a huge difference between something you get at Costco vs something  purchased from a truly devoted and quality driven supplement company.

I like to ask lots of questions. I like to ponder the alternative approach to those meds one might be taking, or better yet the preventative approach should someone know that their family health history dictates a pre-disposed disposition to a health challenge. I like to have my clients consider that their body will appreciate a superb quality supplement or two in a way that shows up in things like; stronger immune function, productive bowels, high energy and vitality and more.

I also advocate more than just supplements because everyone knows that what you eat is equally of value. We all know the good, the bad and ugly about what we eat. This is when I like to gently introduce the design of substandard foods and the addiction factor. One really doesn’t need those cookies. You just like them, want them — in your mind you might even think you must have them. What if you were addicted to them? The premise of not eating them for a period of time to see if you can live without them is one approach. See what happens. Your body will tell you.

Years ago I had the privilege of working for Whole Foods – they are the largest purveyors of what I call the alternative market. Or simply stated: choice. The store doesn’t spoon feed it to you – you still have to be a conscientious consumer, you still have to choose wisely. Yet they are the ultimate in giving choices in the food arena.  When I  personally was getting into all that they were an answer to a prayer.

I also speak to moving the body, and most of us are just not doing that enough. Movement of some form each and every day. Not rocket science

The triage of well being: healthy diet, exercise and supplementation.

I have a virtual consulting practice. I do great phone!  I quote and follow up via email. I run a paperless office.  I don’t get paid for the commute. My time depending on your needs is fee based, with a rebate towards product, if that is something you decide to do. Pretty casual.  I am vastly resourced, thorough, will prod compliance ( why by the stuff if your not going to take it ) and pride myself on my customer service and educating of the consumer.

If you can’t tell I adore my work! It’s interesting, vibrant, it gives me the chance to help others and I get to work from my home – probably the best part of all.

Perhaps I can be of help to you?

I look forward to Mentoring YOU to Health Success

vibrant floral flickr image credit

K a r e n     H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant

Websites:
Nutrition
Weight Loss

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs www.wswe.org
WSWE Board Member and Programming Chair