Transformative Insights from the ANA Conference: Empowerment, Healing, and Evidence-Based Practice for CNSs

After every conference, I typically carve out time to sit down, reflect, and write out everything I’ve learned—notes, clinical pearls, new tools for my practice—and revisit the resources provided. It’s my way of internalizing the material and identifying what’s actionable. But this time, after attending the recent American Nutrition Association (ANA) Conference, I felt compelled to do something different.

Rather than simply compiling bullet points for myself, I wanted to share a deeper reflection on what I learned and experienced.

The ANA conference wasn’t just another professional event—it was a dynamic, energizing gathering of some of the most thoughtful and progressive minds in clinical nutrition. With a powerhouse lineup of CNSs, functional medicine experts, and integrative practitioners, it addressed the most pressing challenges we face today: chronic inflammation, metabolic disruption, environmental toxicity, hormone balance, and more. But what made this conference special was how practical, evidence-based insights were paired with soul-level inspiration. It reminded me that our work isn't only about protocols—it’s about people, systems, and the environment in which healing happens.

One of the most powerful reminders for me as a practitioner is this: we can't do it all, nor should we try to-- there is no one-size fits all practitioner, just like there is not a one-size fits all health journey. Part of being a responsible clinician is recognizing when a case, a condition, or a client’s needs fall outside your scope or current capacity. That’s why I’m sharing my insights from this conference and the names, resources, and protocols of other practitioners doing exceptional work in their areas of expertise. Whether you’re collaborating with a colleague, learning from a specialist, or offering a trusted referral, knowing who to call—and when—is a mark of integrity, not limitation.

So instead of documenting what I learned for myself, I’m sharing my key takeaways here—for any fellow practitioner looking for fresh insight, meaningful resources, or simply a reminder of why we do what we do together.

Here's a recap of my thoughts, key sessions, and resources that are especially relevant for nutrition professionals.

🌱 Herbal & Nutritional Menopause Support – Rebecca Snow, CNS, RH

Rebecca Snow delivered a masterclass in evidence-based menopause care, blending clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and emotional well-being. Her integrative protocols offered practical tools for supporting women through the complex neuroendocrine changes of menopause. Some of her integrative protocols included Rheum rhaponticum (ERr 731), which has been clinically shown to reduce menopausal symptoms; Black Cohosh, which is supportive for vasomotor symptoms; and Maca, Sage, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian, which are targeted for libido, mood, and sleep. There was so much more that I am still reviewing and working to understand.

Key points I took away were the following:

• Protein-dense eating: Essential to preserve lean body mass and support metabolic health during and after the menopausal transition.

• Mediterranean-style and plant-based diets: Shown to reduce vasomotor symptoms, lower cardiovascular risk, and support mood and cognition.

• Intuitive eating: Encouraging a more positive body image and reducing dietary fatigue from chronic restriction.

• Stress-reduction tools: Mindfulness practices, adaptogens, and lifestyle changes help regulate the HPA axis and improve overall resilience.

  These strategies emphasize nourishment over restriction, supporting women's feelings of strength, balance, and understanding in the post-reproductive years.

  
  

🧠 GLP-1 Medications & Nutrition – Monica Reinagel, CNS

With the rapid rise of GLP-1 agonists in obesity management, Monica Reinagel provided a timely and insightful look at the nutritional implications of these medications—and the vital role Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNSs) can play. As these medications significantly reduce appetite, they can inadvertently lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Muscle preservation becomes a critical concern during rapid weight loss, and maintaining a protein intake of 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day is essential for protecting lean body mass. Reinagel emphasized the importance of hydration, micronutrient-rich foods, and slow, mindful eating to support digestion, mitigate gastrointestinal side effects, and ensure long-term nutritional adequacy.

Key points I took away were the following:

• GLP-1 medications shift physiology but don’t teach people how to eat well.

• CNSs are uniquely equipped to bridge this gap.

• We are critical in helping clients maintain metabolic health, preserve muscle mass, and develop sustainable, nourishing habits throughout their weight loss journey.

🌾 Soil & Microbiome – Sara Keough, CNS

Sara Keough delivered a powerful and inspiring presentation emphasizing the often-overlooked but profound connection between soil and human health. As an eco-nutritionist and clinical practitioner, she highlighted how regenerative agriculture is not just about sustainability—it’s a clinical nutrition strategy that starts with the ground beneath our feet.

Healthy soil is teeming with microbial life, and these diverse microbial ecosystems directly impact the quality and nutrient density of the plants and animals we consume. This, in turn, influences the diversity and resilience of the human gut microbiome, which plays a central role in immunity, metabolism, and mood regulation. Sara encouraged CNSs to think beyond macronutrients and consider where and how food is grown as a foundational healing aspect.

Key points I took away were the following:

• Prioritize nutrient-dense, regeneratively farmed foods to support both human and planetary health.

• Educate clients about the critical connection between soil health and the gut microbiome.

• Partner with local farms to promote food transparency and empower clients to make informed sourcing decisions.

📍 Find Local Farms using the Regenerative Farm Map, and guide your clients to make informed, health-supportive food choices rooted in soil stewardship.

💡 Empowering Clients Through Self-Efficacy – Liz Abel, CNS, LDN

Liz Abel delivered a compelling presentation on the transformative role of self-efficacy in clinical practice. Drawing from Social Cognitive Theory and the behavior change framework developed by Michael Arloski, she outlined how clinicians can help clients build the belief that they can improve their health. This mindset significantly enhances outcomes in both chronic and preventive care.

Self-efficacy isn’t just a “soft skill”; it’s a powerful driver of behavior change. Liz emphasized that CNSs have an opportunity to go beyond giving information to become true facilitators of change by using coaching techniques that empower clients, even when setbacks occur.

There were four key points I took away:

• Mastery experiences: Help clients recognize and celebrate small wins. Success, no matter how incremental, builds confidence.

• Vicarious experiences: Encourage clients to learn from peers and role models who have faced similar challenges and made progress.

• Verbal persuasion: Use sincere, personalized encouragement to reinforce belief in their abilities, especially during challenging moments.

• Physiological states: Teach clients to tune into their body’s cues and shift from stress responses to states of regulation and growth.

🧬 Mycotoxins & Mold Exposure – Tori Trocki, CNS

Tori Trocki delivered a highly informative session on the often-overlooked impact of mold and mycotoxins on chronic health conditions. She highlighted how exposure to mold, particularly in water-damaged buildings, can trigger Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This condition often mimics or overlaps with diagnoses like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and IBS.

Tori emphasized that mold-related illness can go unrecognized for years, especially in genetically susceptible individuals, and requires a methodical approach to identify and resolve.

What I took away was the 5-step protocol that Tori included:

1. Identifying exposure through clinical symptoms and patient history.

2. Removing environmental sources to stop continued toxin intake.

3. Using targeted binders and nutraceuticals to support the elimination of stored mycotoxins.

4. Reducing inflammation through diet, especially by supporting gut and mitochondrial health.

5. Supporting detox and immune recovery to restore resilience and prevent recurrence.​

This session was a powerful reminder that when clients present with persistent, unexplained symptoms, environmental factors like mold exposure must be part of the differential, especially when conventional approaches have failed.

This ANA conference underscored what many CNSs already believe: the future of clinical nutrition lies in integrative, personalized, and ecologically conscious care. From detox protocols and hormone balance to soil health and behavior change, these sessions offered not just education but inspiration.

As a clinician, one of the most valuable takeaways wasn’t just the protocols—it was the reminder to keep learning beyond my existing toolbox. It’s easy to rely on what we already know or what’s worked before, but conferences like this challenge us to think more broadly and stay open to emerging science, holistic perspectives, and new ways of supporting our clients.

The power of stepping into a room filled with like-minded virtual or in-person professionals goes far beyond the CEUs. It’s about reconnecting to purpose, exchanging ideas, and discovering that our work is part of something much bigger. For ourselves and our clients, continuing education is as much about growth and community as it is about credentials.

References

1. Abel, Liz (2025). Helping Clients Build Self-Efficacy & Its Influence on Health Outcomes. ANA Conference Presentation. Clinician’s Incubator / Nested Health Coach Certification.

2. Nested Health Coach Certification. (2025). https://www.nestedhealth.com – Trauma-informed, 12-week NBHWC-approved training for healthcare professionals.

3. Arloski, M. (2014). Wellness Coaching for Lasting Lifestyle Change. Whole Person Associates.

4. Trocki, Tori (2025). Mycotoxins: A Five-Step Protocol to Combat Mycotoxin-Induced CIRS. ANA Conference Slides.

5. Shoemaker, R. (2018). Diagnostic Process for CIRS: A Consensus Statement. International Medicine Review.

6. Mold Exposure Questionnaire. East Valley Naturopathic Doctors. https://www.eastvalleynd.com

7. Resource Document for Mycotoxin Support (2025). MicroBalance Health Products. https://microbalancehealthproducts.com

8. Snow, Rebecca (2025). Evidence-Based Nutrition for the Postmenopausal Woman. ANA Conference Slides.

9. Sadahiro, R. et al. (2023). Meta-analysis of Black Cohosh for Menopause Symptoms. Journal of Women’s Health.

10. Dubey, A. et al. (2024). Clinical Efficacy of Rhapontic Rhubarb (ERr 731). Journal of Complementary Medicine.

11. Herbal Products in Menopause Lecture – Rebecca Snow. Herbal case studies and product-specific insights (Estrovera, Remifemin, Ayush AdrenOm).

12. Keough, Sara (2025). Soil & Human Health: The Microbiome Connection. ANA Conference Presentation. https://eco-nutrition.com

13. Van Vliet, S. (2023). Metabolomics of Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef. Presented at EcoFarm Conference.

14. Regenerative International Farm Map. https://regenerationinternational.org/regenerative-farm-map

15. Reinagel, Monica (2025). Nutritional Considerations for GLP-1 Medications. ANA Conference Presentation.

16. Rader, Hazen & Brownstein. (2024). Trends in Obesity and GLP-1 Use in the U.S.

17. Konstantinos, M. et al. (2024). GLP-1 Agonists and Muscle Preservation. Journal of Obesity Research.

18. Kim, J.E. et al. (2016). Protein Requirements During Weight Loss. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.

19. Sims, S.T. & Kerksick, C. (2023). Protein Recommendations for Peri/Post-Menopausal Women. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Statement.

20. Cienfuegos, S. et al. (2021). Time-Restricted Feeding and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women. Obesity.

21. Vincent, W. et al. (2025). Body Image and Health Behaviors in Postmenopausal Women. Journal of Women’s Health.

22. Carrard, I. et al. (2021). Intuitive Eating and Psychological Health. Appetite.

23. Patterson, R.E. et al. (2015). Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health. J Acad Nutr Diet.

24. Monteyne, A. et al. (2021). Plant-Based Protein vs. Omnivore Diet for Muscle Protein Synthesis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

25. Bernatoniene, J. et al. (2021). Isoflavones and Chronic Disease. Int J Mol Sci.

26. Pinckaers, P.J. et al. (2021). Anabolic Response to Plant vs. Animal Protein. Nutrients.