There are many reasons to seek assistance from a nutritional counselor—to feel better, lose weight, improve gut health, prevent and manage chronic disease and break free of the destructive cycle of stressing or obsessing over eating habits. 

With a new year looming, the thoughts of many turn to New Year’s resolutions. A quick Google search indicates that, of the top five resolutions, three focus on physical health: improve fitness (48%), lose weight (34%) and improve diet (32%). A local woman, Beth Brenner, is passionate about helping people find success in those resolutions and bringing healthy habits and wellness to the Corry area.

Brenner first became interested in the physical effects of food when her son was suffering from unexplained seizures at a young age.

“Some of my interest in nutrition was from struggles with my own health, but it really came to the forefront when nothing was helping my son Jake, who had seizures,” Brenner said. “When we went a nutritional route that was supervised by his doctor and a nutritionist, and he was able to get off all of his medication. At that point, I just saw the power of food.”    

Thanks to the change in diet, Brenner’s son has been free of seizures for nine years. 

Brenner’s personal and family experiences prompted her to study nutrition and become a certified nutritional health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). 

Brenner said that many seek out health coaches for weight loss or to reduce inflammation, both of which she is happy to address.

“Generally, a client signs on for six months, and I meet with them twice a month,” Brenner explained. “On average, a person can expect to lose around 30 pounds in six months because we’re not doing anything extreme. We’re just doing good, healthy nutrition.” 

As an integrative nutrition specialist, Brenner isn’t solely focused on weight loss and doesn’t have a pre-set diet plan for clients, because, “Everyone is bio-individual. What works for one isn’t necessarily going to work for another.”

Along with her education, Brenner utilizes strategies found in the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, which deals with the whole person, mind and body.

“The book is a great help, because it deals a lot with the psychology of why we do what we do,” Brenner said. “I don’t want people to lose weight only to fall back into their same habits.”

Beginning Jan. 8, 2024, and continuing every Monday through March, Brenner will offer her knowledge in a group setting at Columbus Church, 66 W. Main St., Columbus. She said that anyone of any age is welcome to attend.

For the one-hour group session, attendees will receive nutrition and supplement advice and education, menu suggestions and meal plans. The cost is $10 per person, per session.

Purchase of the  “Atomic Habits” book is recommended, but not required. Brenner suggests borrowing a copy from the library or finding one used online. 

“Whether or not people choose to use some or all of the advice and meal plans is totally up to them,” Brenner stated. “There’s nothing magical about it. You just have to apply what you learn. Additionally, when people are in a group setting, it helps with accountability and encouragement. Find a friend to do this with you because, beyond those first three months, you’re going to want somebody that can help hold you accountable to the goals that you have set for yourself. You will be so much more successful if you do it that way.” 

Brenner will also be offering the same group session on Thursday nights, beginning Jan. 4, for those who want to attend but can’t make it on Mondays. The group will meet at Brenner’s home office, 9201 PA Route 426, Corry.

“If somebody came to me and said, ‘I have five or more people and we want to have a group but this day is the only day that we could do it,’ then I’ll do my best to work with them and make it happen,” Brenner added.  

Brenner is also accepting clients for her one-on-one, six-month program. Clients have the choice of meeting in their home or at a local restaurant.

“I love combining with other businesses, such as meeting people at Twisted Sisters’ Cafe,” she said. “Individual clients can expect an hourlong session, twice a month. That service is $1,200 unless they pay the whole thing upfront, and there’s a discount of $200.”

Brenner realizes not everyone can afford the one-on-one counseling, which is why she is offering health coaching in a group setting. 

In the long run, Brenner’s goal is to help people feel better, both physically and about themselves. 

 “I absolutely love when somebody says to me, ‘I haven’t felt this good in 15 years,’ or, ‘I wish I had known about this years ago,’” Brenner said. “The most exciting thing is when people see success. They don’t have joint pain, and they’re feeling better. That’s what I’m passionate about.”

For more information, visit Brenner’s website, deeprootswellness.live, or email her at [email protected].