January

Mental Wellness

Find resources, articles, and recipes here from our community of holistic nutrition professionals. Topics covered include anxiety, stress management, your brain, and how holistic nutrition is connected. 

Did you know your blood sugar could be affecting your anxiety? In this post from Meg de Jong, R.H.N., we explore how fluctuations in blood sugar can impact mood and stress, the science behind the insulin and anxiety connection, and share simple ways to support steadier energy and a calmer mind.

It’s time to move beyond the tough-it-out mindset. We discuss some practical, holistic approaches that support emotional well-being and can help men feel stronger, calmer, and more balanced.

Shelly Leger transformed her career and life by putting self-care first. Using the tools and knowledge she gained at CSNN, Shelly not only rebuilt her own health and confidence but now empowers others to do the same. Through a holistic approach to nutrition and weight management, she helps women navigate menopause and life transitions with strength, grace, and vitality.

Kick off the year with this easy taco bowl recipe—perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or just very busy, this is simple to make and full of flavour. Recipe from Sarah Cuff, R.H.N.

Food and mental health are linked and there is more research over the years that supports the correlation between the two. Kristina Virro, R.H.N. shows us how holistic nutrition professionals can improve someone’s mood through food.

Weight loss is a common topic this time of year, but what if there’s a more holistic way? This post offers a fresh perspective on health without dieting. Want to learn even more? Take control of your own wellness and consider registering for the Natural Nutrition Program.

Alexandria Magee is a CSNN graduate but also registered psychotherapist who brings a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the powerful connection between nutrition and well-being. She views food not just as sustenance, but as an expression of identity and self-care, and is passionate about exploring the mind-body connection to support clients more fully.

Is getting better and more sleep one of your resolutions? Sleep matters more than you might think. Learn how to improve both the quality and quantity of your sleep, discover practical tips, and understand why these strategies really work—so you can wake up feeling more rested, energized, and balanced. Post from Valerie Di Paolo, C.H.N.C.

9 of the best foods you can have to impact your mood and help improve your mental health. Allison Tannis, R.H.N. doesn’t just share what to eat, but why these foods affect us in this way and also what to avoid.

Cozy up with this lasagna recipe, a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for anyone looking to get back into cooking this year. Packed with nourishing spinach, it’s ideal for family dinners, make-ahead meal prep, or simply challenging yourself a bit in the kitchen. Delicious, satisfying, and full of goodness, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Recipe from Alannah Brolund, C.H.N.C.

These self-love journal prompts are about care, not control. They gently guide you to notice how you feel, why you do what you do, and how your emotions and physical well-being are connected. A simple, holistic way to build awareness, kindness, and balance from Jenna Lessner, C.H.N.C.

Happiness is the word on everyone’s lips in 2026. It’s becoming a goal we are all striving for. To help you make 2026 your healthiest and happiest year yet, let’s uncover what scientists have found makes you happy. This guide to happiness in 2026 will discuss three practical, science-based lifestyle changes to improve mental wellness. 

This soothing drink may help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote better sleep. Plus, it’s a cozy, natural way to unwind. Sip your way to wellness with golden milk! Recipe from Melisa Cannella, R.H.N.

Feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to food? Let’s unravel diet culture and take a closer look at why we fear missing out in this post from Jenna Lessner, C.H.N.C.

“Lose weight” is one of the most popular resolutions in the new year for many. Before you start cutting out foods left and right, check out this blog post on how a low-calorie diet is not the best approach for weight loss. Let’s debunk this nutrition myth and see what the experts say about a more holistic approach instead.

The top resolution for many people is to lose weight in the new year. This post sheds light on how to lose weight effectively according to research. You may also be interested in the No-Diet Solution post. If you’re interested in learning more and are fascinated by nutrition science, the program might be for you!

Let us help you reach your goals and resolutions this year! Whether you are looking to improve your health and wellbeing, discover a new fulfilling career you’ll love, or connect with an uplifting, supportive, and knowledgeable community, the Natural Nutrition Program can help. 

Have you tried savoury oatmeal? If you’re ready to try something new with breakfast, oats are the perfect canvas. We’re used to sweet toppings, but they work wonderfully with savoury as well. Filling, comforting, and nutritious, give savoury oats a try. Post from Paula Hingley, R.H.N. 

Dry January is a wellness challenge where participants abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month of January. There are plenty of mental and physical benefits from doing this. If this is something you’d like to try, here is some information on it and some tips to help you succeed. Article from Naturally Savvy.

5 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners. These recipes are great for busy families who want to enjoy a healthy homecooked meal. Recipes from Joanna Brown, C.H.N.C.

Find Your Spark

Register for Spring 2025

You’ll feel a spark when you learn more about nutrition, health, and how it is all interconnected. You’ll feel it when you find out how to eat better and improve your overall mood and wellbeing. You’ll feel it when you discover you can make a career by helping others achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Registration is OPEN!

Discover our incredible curriculum, engaging instructors every step of the way, flexible schedules to suit your busy lifestyle, and inspiring holistic nutrition community!

Find a branch and learning format that works for you today!

 

Mental Wellness Articles

  • 5 Red Flags of a Fad DietRemember to treat yourself kindly in the new year. Holistic nutrition is not about dieting. Lisa Kilgour, R.H.N. shares the 5 red flags of a fad diet to look out for.
  • How to Get Healthy Skin Naturally  – Cold dry air can wreak havoc on your skin. Did you know there are delicious ways to support healthy and glowing skin? Allison Tannis, R.H.N. shares 9 science-backed holistic tips for healthy skin this year.

Mental Wellness Facebook Live Replay (Feb. 12/18)

An interactive discussion with Holistic Nutrition Professional and CSNN Grad, Andrea Donsky, led by BOLO Inc. Founder, Caleigh Rykiss, about a holistic approach to mental wellness.

  • Nourish Your Wellbeing to Beat Burnout – Sharon K. Summerfield explores the topic of burnout and some strategies we can incorporate to help us beat burnout. It’s important to take care of your mental wellness, all year round.
  • 5 Strategies to Help Fight Seasonal Depression“During the winter months, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or ‘the winter blues’ is a very real thing that impacts many people.” Joanna Brown, C.H.N.C., shares Strategies to Help Fight Seasonal Depression.
  • 3 Ways Tech is Messing with your Mind – Orsha Maygar, MSc, BSc, C.H.N., explains how technology is messing with our brains, and what we can do about it.

Back to Basics

  • Top 4 Plant-Based Proteins – Whether you are looking to eat more plant-based in the new year or are just looking to expand your culinary palate, here are the top 4 plant-based proteins to get you started. Blog post from Bethany Gettis, C.H.N.

Healthy New Year

Want to learn how to eat, cook, and live healthier this year? Holistic Culinary Certificate will teach you cooking techniques and introduce you to an array of whole foods and some holistic nutrition tips. Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Certificate is a fun series of workshops with topics like Gut Health, Healthy Fats, and Protein to give you a taste of holistic nutrition and some practical tips. Available at select branches via Zoom or Online.

Here is an easy and free resource if you would like to try a guided meditation from Heather Lillico, R.H.N. Mental wellness can involve taking intentional steps to calming and relaxing the mind. We hope this helps with any stress and anxiety you may be dealing with in the new year. Use this as a starting point to building better mental wellness habits for overall better health.

Is improving your mental wellness one of your resolutions? Deep breaths and a good night’s sleep are probably the first things you think of when you want to improve your mental health. But here are 3 additional surprising ways.

Roasting a whole chicken is not only economical but it’s great for your meal-planning. It can feed a lot and you’ll have delicious leftovers. This is a simple and delicious staple recipe to add to your repertoire. Recipe from Katie Chemij, R.H.N. 

Bonnie has helped several clients and also given back to the CSNN community. She chose digestive health as her area of focus and takes a whole person approach to health with her clients. Check out her inspiring career story.

Do you experience mid-afternoon crashes? You might be on the blood sugar rollercoaster. To help balance your blood sugar and keep your mood and energy steady, try these elixirs. They are refreshing and can help satisfy your sugar craving. This little trio is made up of Apple Cardamom, Pear Apple Rosemary, and Pineapple Star Anise. Recipe from Orsha Magyar, MSc., C.H.N. of Neurotrition. 

This versatile dip is full of flavour and can be paired with so many things. It packs a nutritional punch as well with the garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and miso. It also happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and a total crowd-pleaser. Recipe from Renee Robbins, R.H.N.

So you have decided to talk to a holistic nutrition practitioner. Or maybe you’re curious about what it would be like to be one and what it would look like to consult with clients. Here’s a little peek into what a visit might look like. Article by Bonnie Wisener, R.H.N. 

This is a moist and delicious breakfast loaf (or anytime loaf) that is also healthy. It’s also quite filling because of the added protein. This recipe is sweetened with natural sugars and made without any dairy. Try it with some jam and peanut butter. Recipe from Emily Dawson, R.H.N.

This family-favourite is something you should definitely make more in the new year. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly versatile. To make it even simpler, it can be made in the oven. Recipe from Samantha Rempel-Wry, R.H.N. 

Meg de Jong, R.H.N. shares a delicious recipe for her “Eat to Ease Your Anxiety” Nourish Bowl. Learn how the ingredients can be helpful in supporting your overall health and mental wellness.

Curry in a hurry! This is a quick and delicious Tuna Curry with a boost of anti-inflammatory turmeric. Recipe from Sarah Cuff, R.H.N.

Stress Less Smoothie

Lisa Chilvers, R.H.N., brings us this easy smoothie that can help you feel calmer, full of beneficial ingredients to soothe tension and relax. 

Hummus with a Twist

Orsha Magyar, M.Sc., C.H.N., shares this yummy dip packed with anti-oxidant rich and anti-inflammatory ingredients that’s brain-friendly.

Cognitive Support Certificate

AHN Workshops for Healthcare Practitioners

Upgrade your knowledge and earn association hours. Available at select branches via Zoom and through CSNN Distance Education.

AN102 Nutrition and Mental Health (Part 1) – Mood Disorders
AN103 Nutrition and Mental Health (Part 2) – Alzheimer’s Disease

Learn more about these workshops here: AHN Workshops

In fight or flight mode, your parasympathetic nervous system, which needs to be activated for digestion, won’t switch on. Let’s talk about anxiety and digestive health and walk through the stages affected…

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