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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN

AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN During the last 30+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN. She earned her Holistic Nutritionist Certification from AFPA. Meet AFPA Graduate Kellie Hamilton BSN, RN, HN Tell us about yourself. My name is Kelly, and I am a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Nutritional Wellness Consultant with AFPA. I am a practicing surgical ICU nurse in central Massachusetts and the very proud owner of A Better Path to Wellness. How did you initially become interested in health and wellness? I became interested in holistic health and wellness after graduating from one of the top nursing programs in Massachusetts back in 2014. The first non-nursing book I picked up after a four year bachelor’s program in science and nursing was a book on holistic health and nutrition and kitchen chemistry. I was floored by the evidence-based science and information and the helpful tips that no one had ever shared with us. I started asking around my friends that were in med school, and no one was learning about this very key piece of health and wellness. There was such a lack of evidence-based nutrition, and I decided right then and there that I was going to start filling that void. Which AFPA certifications have you earned, and why did you choose those certification programs? I chose to be a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Nutritional Wellness Consultant with AFPA. After extensive research, I really wanted a program that fit not only with the kind of alignment of how I saw myself as a coach going forward, but I also wanted something that was going to work with my busy schedule. I wanted something that could be done online that had great customer service. I did extensive research into reading reviews, comparing programs, and AFPA just really checked all of those boxes for me. I also liked that I could call and get a live person and ask questions and talk to them about what the program really looked like for somebody who had no idea what to compare it to. The reason I chose the certifications I did was because I wanted to have one foot in holistic medicine and one foot in Western medicine. I felt like there is such a disconnect and there’s such a place for both of them. I wanted to offer people more preventative health and nutritional interventions to pair with their health. And the Holistic Nutritionist Program really aligned so well with that way of thinking. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition. How are you using your certification? I use my certification by helping people in many ways. Mainly, I have a home office here in Worcester, Massachusetts where I work with clients virtually from all over the country. I help them one-on-one in education sessions. We look at where you are and help form a holistic plan for you and how you can use foods and things in your environment, whether it’s adding things or omitting things that are just really affecting the overall quality of your health. I am also a very passionate public speaker. I love to do educational events, workshops, and speaking engagements. In the last couple years of my business, I’ve really branched out. I’ve had the ability to lecture to the athletic department for my alma mater, which was amazing. I have won pitch contests talking about innovations on how to change the face of what health looks like. I have upcoming events for senior centers and doing speaking engagements for them. I’ve been featured on cable access TV on topics like Parkinson’s nutrition and more. I have really put the certifications and licenses that I have received to use, and it has helped propel me into the health, wellness, and nutrition space. What are your favorite parts of running your business? My favorite aspects of A Better Path to Wellness is the people that I get to meet, whether it’s the one-on-one people who find me for sessions and education, or the people I meet out in the community doing vendor events or speaking engagements. I have made some of the best friends, and colleagues, and I have some of the best clients that I could have ever asked for. The people that I get to engage with on a regular basis from having launched this business and using my certificates this way have come back to me tenfold. I’m so glad that I get to do that and I get to meet and work with some of these amazing people. Do you have any success stories you’d like to share? I am grateful to say that I have a lot of success stories that I could share, but picking one would do a disservice to the amount of hard work my clients all put in. Collectively, the amount of weight loss, the amount of diminished chronic disease, the amount of medications that my clients have been able to come off, the biomarkers like the lipid panels, the fasting glucose, the insulin levels that have all been reduced in a healthy, positive, sustainable manner have just shattered my expectations on what people can really achieve when they put their mind to something and have the power of a educated, professional, empathetic coach behind them. And that really in itself is the success story of my clients because they all achieve success in their own way. It has been a pleasure and will continue to be as long as I advance in my career to cheer them on and support them and yell their success

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AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss

AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss During the last 30 years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Savanna, who has completed two AFPA certifications. She is an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Tell us about yourself. My name is Savanna Sunny Strauss. I am 24 years old and a recent graduate from Utah Valley University and AFPA. I am married to my best friend and love my dog Pogue! I am a personal trainer with a love for weightlifting, yoga, swimming, surfing, pilates, and sunset walks. I love to cook, try new foods, and create recipes! I love how food connects us and provides memorable experiences. When I am not at the gym or cooking in the kitchen, I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, and watching movies! How did you initially become interested in health and wellness? My interest in health and wellness started at a young age when my dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through his health journey, I was able to watch and learn how his diet affected his life. As I grew up I started to make connections between my own diet and its effects on my health. This led me to love exercise and eating well for my body. I eventually became a group fitness instructor and developed a love for helping others. After college, I realized I wanted a career helping others live their healthiest lives possible. I found AFPA and was immediately drawn to multiple courses! Enrolling in AFPA was one of the best decisions I have made for my career as a coach, as well as for my overall health and wellness.  Which AFPA certifications have you earned, and why did you choose those certification programs? I earned AFPA certifications in Holistic Nutrition and Health and Wellness Coaching. I chose to take the holistic nutrition course to gain a deeper understanding of disease prevention and the relationship between health and lifestyle. I was excited about the opportunity to educate others on nutrition in a simple way. This motivated me to also enroll in the Certified Health and Wellness Coach program to learn how to help others develop sustainable healthy habits. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition. How are you using your certification/planning on using your certification? I am currently using my certifications as an online personal trainer, nutritionist, and health coach. I am starting my own business and am working in person at a local gym. How has becoming certified with AFPA impacted your life? Becoming certified with AFPA has impacted my life in many ways. I have learned how to be a better coach for others and myself! I have been able to strengthen many relationships by having an education in health and nutrition and have been able to better my own lifestyle. What was one thing you learned in your studies that has left an impact on you? My main takeaway from the holistic nutrition course was that health and lifestyle are interconnected. I developed a new perspective on nutrition and a deeper understanding of the body as a whole.  How can we find you online? Find me on Instagram @savannasunnyhealth and get in touch with me on my website Savanna Sunny Health. Read more AFPA graduate success stories AFPA Graduate of the Month: Sarah Salain of Simply Sarah Healing, Holistic Nutritionist and Health and Wellness Coach: Sarah quit her job as a nurse to grow her online health coaching and nutrition business. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Emily Hudak, Holistic Health Coach: Emily started her own business and works full-time serving clients as a health coach. AFPA Graduate of the Month: Meral Jibouri, Holistic Nutritionist: Meral offers plant-based nutrition coaching and content creation. The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss appeared first on AFPA. During the last 30 years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Savanna, who has completed two AFPA certifications. She is an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist […] The post AFPA Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Sunny Strauss appeared first on AFPA. Melissa Lopez{authorlink}https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/health-coaching-success-stories-savanna-sunny-straus/Blog – AFPA TURN YOUR DREAM CAREER INTO REALITY https://www.afpafitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fav.webp

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A Nutritionist’s Response to Netflix’s “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” 

A Nutritionist’s Response to Netflix’s “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment”  In a world where diet and health are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse, Netflix’s You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment offers a unique perspective on this vital topic. This docuseries, centered around a compelling study involving identical twins on different diets, has become a topic of much debate. Some viewers are captivated by its approach, while others approach it with skepticism. It’s a series that doesn’t just inform; it sparks conversation and sometimes controversy, highlighting the diverse and often personal reactions to discussions about diet and health. I’m Sasha Aparicio, and my fascination lies in how health professionals and organizations can effectively communicate to positively impact individual, community, and even national health. With a background in nutritional anthropology and a Master’s in Food and Nutrition, I bring a keen interest in understanding the complex interplay between diet, culture, and health. As someone deeply involved in health communication and education, particularly with the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA), I’ve dedicated myself to creating educational content that bridges the gap between scientific research and practical health advice. In this exploration of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, I’ll be sharing insights drawn from my professional experience and personal reflections. We’ll look at the series through a critical lens, examining its narrative, the strengths and limitations of its approach, and what it means for our understanding of nutrition and health. First, we’ll do an overview of the docuseries, including a summary of each episode. If you’ve seen the series, feel free to skip this and jump straight to my review and takeaways. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition. Overview of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment is a compelling 2024 American docuseries on Netflix, centered around an innovative 8-week study by Stanford University. The study enlists 22 sets of genetically identical twins to explore the impact of diet on various health markers, using the unique approach of controlling for genetics. While the series closely follows four pairs of twins, it enriches the narrative by incorporating perspectives from a diverse array of experts, farmers, chefs, and advocates. This approach adds depth and context to the study, offering a multifaceted view of nutrition and health. From the outset, the docuseries seems to advocate for the benefits of a plant-based diet, setting the tone for the episodes that follow. Who Are the Twins? The docuseries focuses on four pairs of twins, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations for participating in the study: Carolyn and Rosalyn: Seeking to increase Filipino representation in scientific research. Pam and Wendy: South African chefs with a culinary perspective. John and Jevon: Nursing students and fitness enthusiasts. Michael and Charlie: Owners of a cheese business, facing dietary challenges. Whose Voices Do We Hear Throughout the Docuseries? Below are some of the people interviewed throughout the docuseries: Experts in Nutrition and Health: Christopher Gardner: Leads the Stanford Nutrition Study, providing key insights into the study’s design and findings. Irwin Goldstein: Physician and director at San Diego Sexual Medicine, leading the sexual health portion of the study. Erica Sonnenburg: A microbiome scientist from Stanford University, discussing the impact of diet on gut health. Lucia Aronica: An epigenetics specialist at Stanford University, providing insights into the relationship between diet, genetics, and epigenetics. Dr. Michael Greger, Marion Nestle, and Nicole Avena: Discussing the health risks associated with excessive animal product consumption. Nimai Delgado: A lacto/vegetarian professional bodybuilder, offering perspectives on building muscle on a plant-based diet. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai: Neurologists discussing the impact of diet on cognitive health. Advocates and Activists: Cory Booker: U.S. Senator discussing the impact of food choices on health, society, and the environment. Sherri White-Williamson: Lawyer and environmental justice activist, addressing the negative impacts of confined animal feeding operations. Don Staniford: Researcher and activist campaigning against salmon farming, highlighting environmental and health concerns. Leah Garces: CEO of Mercy for Animals, working on alternative farming practices like mushroom farming. Shakara Tyler: of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, working to reclaim equal access to culturally-relevant plant foods. Eric Adams: Mayor of New York City, sharing his experience of managing Type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes. Farmers and Chefs: Thomas Locke: A regenerative cattle rancher discussing sustainable farming practices. Danielle Daguio: From Keep Growing Detroit Farm, providing insights into urban farming and access to fresh foods. Daniel Humm: Chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park, sharing his experience transitioning to a plant-based menu. Craig Watts: A former chicken farmer who transitioned to mushroom farming, reflecting on the emotional impact of factory farming. You Are What You Eat Episode Recap Episode 1: Setting the Stage for a Nutritional Journey Introduction to the Study and Participants Episode 1 of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment serves as an engaging introduction to the groundbreaking study conducted by Stanford University. The episode begins by outlining the study’s premise: an 8-week nutritional experiment involving 22 sets of genetically identical twins, each pair assigned to either a plant-based or omnivorous diet. This unique approach aims to control for genetic variables, allowing a clearer understanding of how diet alone can impact various health markers. The episode focuses particularly on four pairs of twins, each with distinct backgrounds and motivations. Carolyn and Rosalyn participate to increase Filipino representation in scientific research, highlighting the intersection of culture and nutrition. Pam and Wendy, South African chefs, bring a culinary perspective, while John and Jevon, nursing students and fitness enthusiasts, offer insights into health and wellness. Lastly, Michael and Charlie, owners of a cheese business, face the challenge of adapting their diets in a cheese-centric lifestyle. Expert Insights and Cultural Perspectives The episode is enriched with insights from

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AFPA Graduate of the Month: Sarah Salain of Simply Sarah Healing, Holistic Nutritionist and Health and Wellness Coach

AFPA Graduate of the Month: Sarah Salain of Simply Sarah Healing, Holistic Nutritionist and Health and Wellness Coach During the last 30 years, we’ve certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly distinguished graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Sarah Salain, an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Tell us about yourself. Hi there! My name is Sarah. I’m a Registered Nurse & Holistic Health Coach specializing in holistic nutrition and hormones. I help empower women on their health and wellness journeys by educating and coaching on the importance of nutrition to overall health, as well as balancing hormones. I absolutely love holistic health, the beach, and spending time with my husband and two pups. It’s truly my mission to provide the best care, guidance, and support to all the clients I serve. How did you initially become interested in health and wellness? I’ve always been interested in health, but it wasn’t until I became ill myself that I truly took a deep dive into what holistic health and wellness meant. After completing AFPA’s Holistic Nutritionist course, I started delving deeper into holistic health, and my body began healing and feeling better. When I started implementing more nutritionally dense foods, changing my lifestyles and habits, and becoming more aware, my entire life changed, and a new passion for wellness began. Although my times of sickness were extremely disappointing and frustrating, it fueled a new passion to serve my clients as best as I could to finally help them get to the root cause of their health struggles. Which AFPA certifications have you earned, and why did you choose those certification programs? I personally chose the Holistic Nutritionist course and certification for a few reasons. As a Nurse, I was taught very little about how nutrition supports the body and how it can be used as medicine. I feel nutrition is one of the most critical aspects of health and wellness, related to every part of our mind, body, and soul. When I started learning and implementing the information I was being taught in the AFPA course, I was floored. I felt as if I had stumbled upon a new version of health and wellness that the entire world needed to learn about. I knew it would become my mission to spread awareness about whole foods, holistic healing, and simplifying diet and lifestyle to help change people’s lives. Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist Tell me about your business and how you serve people. SimplySarahHealing is truly my whole heart and soul. My mission is to empower women on their health and wellness journeys by understanding their cycle, supporting their hormones with nutrition, healing their gut, and truly getting aligned with their body. I have created three programs that help women lose weight, heal their gut, lower their toxin load, and truly understand their cycle phases while balancing their hormones. What are your favorite parts of running your business? There is absolutely no better feeling than my clients sharing their wins with me. Every week I just want to jump up and down when I get messages about their achievements. Whether it’s hitting their goal weight, feeling more confident in their clothes, feeling stronger in the gym, getting a positive pregnancy test after struggling with infertility, or just knowing and understanding their body’s specific hormonal cues at certain phases of their cycle. It’s so important to me that every single one of my clients leaves me with empowerment, confidence, and so much more knowledge than they came to me with. What has been the hardest part of running your business, and what have you learned from it? My clients truly become friends to me, so I celebrate their wins and feel their losses. Health journeys are not always 100% linear. Sometimes we get stuck, hit a rough patch, or have a bad week, so when my clients are struggling with their health and wellness journeys or even with a hard life moment, I truly feel it with them. I, too, am still on my own personal health and wellness journey, so I can empathize with how hard it really is to truly change your lifestyle one day at a time. Some days can be tough and defeating, but that’s why having a coach is so important!! I feel confident that my clients and I can navigate their own unique and personal journey together! How has becoming certified with AFPA impacted your life? When I signed up for the AFPA Holistic Nutritionist course, I had no intention of ever being a health coach. I was simply desperate for a solution to help me on my own personal journey. As I read, studied, and continued to learn, I felt like I was relearning an entire different system of health and healing. I became so passionate about spreading awareness regarding the importance of nutrition. After I started living by the information I was learning and started feeling better in my own health, I just knew it was my mission to help other women do the same. I was SO tired of running into women that were constantly dismissed for their symptoms, who were told how they were feeling was “just being a woman,” who were broken down, defeated, helpless, and were fighting their body. I wanted to heal that, help them find the light, and help empower them to reclaim their health back. Do you have any client success stories you would like to share? SOOOOO MANY. I’ve helped countless women become pregnant, have painless periods, heal their gut, lose weight without medication, find sustainable routines and habits, lower A1C, navigate PCOS, learn to go non-toxic and cycle-sync, empower them to lean into their hormones and cycles rather than toss it to the side, lower cholesterol, and make long-lasting forever lifestyle changes. My clients are the real deal!!! They truly inspire me every.single.day. I feel so honored

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