This month’s practitioner spotlight features private practice dietitian and health coach Beth Beisel, RD. Throughout her career, Beth has made massive strides in influencing public policy and has become an expert on the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). She has volunteered her time educating consumers and healthcare professionals, as well as lobbying at the Connecticut State Capitol. Beth co-led a campaign called GMO FREE CT and is the founding member and former director of ConnFACT, Connecticut Families Against Chemical Trespass. She has appeared on various radio and TV shows, and documentaries advocating for GMO labeling laws and teaching consumers how and why to avoid them.

Beth is an amazing advocate for the Dietetic profession and wellbeing of others, which is why we are honored to have her as our guest speaker in next month’s professional education series. If you haven’t signed up for our upcoming webinar, “Enhancing The Health Of Children With Autism: Diet & Environmental Modifications That Can Help Kids on the Spectrum Thrive,” you can do so here.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally so that our readers will be able to “get to know you”.

A: On a personal note, I am married to my best friend and soulmate, and we have three fun grown-up children. I met my husband at Villanova University while pursuing a degree in economics. I was very bored with that major and had always been fascinated with food as medicine. In pursuit of my interests, I walked over to the Villanova nursing school and spoke with the nutrition professor, a Registered Dietitian, who encouraged me to pursue a career in nutrition. After graduating Villanova, I went on to study clinical Dietetics at the University of St. Joseph, earning my RD credential. I worked in corporate wellness and then pharmaceutical/nutritional sales. Once our first child was born, we decided that I would work part time, so that I could stay home with our family, but continue to grow professionally. That was the beginning of the “private practice” that I still have today.

In addition to private nutrition and wellness consultations, I have consulted for multiple subacute care facilities and organizations that treat individuals with special needs, such as autism. My professional interests include prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, teaching the truth about “healthy” fat and cholesterol, creating healthy recipes, eliminating toxins that lead to chronic illness in children and adults, and geriatric nutrition.

From 2011-2013, I co-led a voluntary campaign called GMO FREE CT. Among many responsibilities, my role included lobbying and testifying at the Connecticut State Capitol, advocating for laws that would require labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods.  As a result of those efforts, on June 26, 2013, Connecticut became the first state in the nation to pass a GMO labeling law.

Q: How long have you been an RD? Do you have any additional certifications/specializations/awards/publications you’d like to tell us about? 

In 2017, I became a Certified Health Coach through Epidemic Answers, an organization that specifically addresses the needs of children affected by common childhood epidemics, including allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease, ADHD, and autism.  I am still fascinated by “food as medicine,” and currently study functional nutrition. 

Q: How did you initially find Orgain and what specifically prompted you to begin using/recommending it to your patients

I believe I first saw Orgain at Costco! I’m always looking for organic options and was excited to find a clean protein supplement to make smoothies. I called the company to ask some questions about it and spoke to Dr. Abraham himself! He told me about his cancer journey and how the hospital staff offered him supplements that weren’t real food at all, but basically sugar and chemicals. When he told me that story, I was ecstatic to find a like-minded health professional! Because I know some of the Orgain employees have extensive healthcare experience, I trust their products are some of best out there and I recommend them with confidence.  

Q: What is your personal favorite Orgain product and flavor and why? 

I love them all, but if I had to choose, I’d probably pick Orgain Plant Protein & Superfoods Powder in Vanilla Bean because of its versatility. You can bake with it and make a variety of smoothies. If I’m in the mood for chocolate (which I eat every day) it’s easy to add some raw cacao to a smoothie. I love the extra superfoods ingredients and the added probiotic. 

Q: How are you currently using Orgain in your practice? 

I recommend Orgain protein powder when I teach staff at group homes how to make smoothies. I recommend the ready-to-drink products to elderly patients for quick, healthy, and more tolerable meal replacement options if they are having a hard time chewing or swallowing. I also recommend these shakes to support weight gain as they make a wonderful in-between meal or snack. Lastly, I make sure my son has some on hand in his dorm room, in case he misses a meal!

Q: Please share a personal story about your experience with Orgain and how it has been beneficial with one or more of your patients. 

A few years ago, I had a patient in our sub-acute care facility. She was from London, England. We had a conversation about wellness and foods with healing qualities.  I brought her a sample of Orgain and she was thrilled!  Before I left her room, she said something to me that I will never forget, in fact I wrote it in her chart: “There is a plant for every malady except stupidity.” 

Critical Resources

We recognize the ongoing and increased uncertainty that coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing around the world.  With reported cases on the rise, identifying reliable and timely sources of information will be critical to making responsible decisions. In response, we are sharing the resources below that provide the most up-to-date information along with helpful tips and strategies. We encourage you to share these resources with family, friends and colleagues.

Resources:
A live-tracker from Johns Hopkins University
The latest updates from WHO
The latest updates from the CDC
The latest updates from the NIH
The latest updates from the FDA

In times like these, the world is reminded that healthcare providers are real-life heroes. We want you to know that our company is here to support you, so that you can help your patients, clients, friends and family stay well.

As you are stocking your pantries, we want to make it easier for you and your patients to replenish all of your favorite Orgain products by offering free shipping on all orders at Orgain.com for a limited time.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Orgain. Let’s take care of our bodies and each other and calmly navigate this time together.

Quarantined Orgain Consumer and Retired Dietitian Shares her Story

For this month’s newsletter we’re sharing two heart-felt testimonials from a loyal Orgain customer and retired dietitian. She contacted us while quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and shares her story about how Orgain helped critically supplement her and her husband’s diet.

To view The World’s Most Skippable Ad, click here.

Organic Voices, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the organic industry, launched a rather unconventional advertisement designed to grab the attention of consumers. “The World’s Most Skippable Ad,” features a 30-minute video of a happy couple washing dishes while singing the names of 700 chemicals allowed in conventional farming and food manufacturing.

More than 100 leading brands and organizations in the organic industry, including Orgain, have come together to support the campaign and its message:

“skip the chemicals and just go with organic.”

As healthcare professionals, we understand how easy it is for consumers to be confused by the various messaging surrounding nutrition. This campaign cuts right to the chase, highlighting the ease of identifying the cleanest food by sticking to the organic label. Rather than reading a long list of difficult-to-pronounce, potentially harmful ingredients, consumers are encouraged to skip the list and buy products stamped with the USDA Organic seal for peace of mind.

We love this message because it mirrors Orgain’s commitment to using clean, organic ingredients. For those of you interfacing with patients and clients, this is a great resource for educating individuals about the benefits of organic in a fun, unconventional way!

Recipe Contest — Are You Ready?

Do you have a go-to Orgain recipe that you share with patients or clients? If so, we would love to know!

We’re excited to announce our first-ever Orgain Healthcare Professional Recipe Contest. The contest will kick-off on April 15th. Benefits will include a complimentary nutrition analysis of your recipe using ESHA’s Food Processor® Nutrition Analysis software, plus the chance to have your recipe featured on the Orgain website!

We will follow up with more details, including how the contest will work, from kick-off to crowning winners and everything in between. For now, put your thinking caps on, don your aprons and start creating your best Orgain recipes because we’re interested in seeing the new creations you come up with for a chance to win! We are looking for all varieties of recipes, whether they are tailored to specific diets or supports the needs of a specific patient population… all recipes are welcomed. Stay tuned for more information.

Orgain Collagen Peptides

With the rise in popularity of collagen over the last few years, more people are inquiring about supplementation. As a clinician, it’s essential to keep an open mind, while assessing the evidence and providing proper guidance.

While we understand collagen supplementation may not be for everyone, this is definitely a supplement you’ll want to keep your eye on. It has a unique amino acid profile rich in glycine, proline and the modified amino acid hydroxyproline, providing a more concentrated source than other dietary proteins.

There’s a growing body of literature supporting the use of collagen peptides among athletes, aging individuals and those recovering from injuries. Preclinical and clinical studies show that supplementation may support skin¹, nail², bone and joint^3,4,5 health. Early adopters in the healthcare field are already recommending collagen as a supplementary protein source for patients with increased protein requirements that have severe dietary allergies or restrictions.

With a growing number of our patients and clients using collagen, it’s important to keep in mind that not all collagen supplements are created equally. The type of collagen and how it’s sourced matters. Orgain’s Collagen Peptides are derived from bovine collagen, sourced from grass-fed, New Zealand cattle, providing type I and type III collagen. Together, types I and III constitute more then 90 percent of the collagen found in the body. They are composed of amino acids which support growth, maintenance and repair of the body. Because collagen powder can be easily incorporated into various foods and beverages, Orgain Collagen Peptides provides a convenient way to ensure adequate intake of these amino acids.

Consider trying it yourself and experience why Orgain’s Collagen Peptides have been praised by WebMD and other leading health and lifestyle magazines including Women’s Health, Shape and INStyle.

Learn More About Orgain Collagen Peptides >

References:
1. Proksch E et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27:47–55.
2. Hexsel D et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;1–7.
3. Zdzieblik D et al. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017;42(6):588-595.
4. Benito-Ruiz P et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2009;60 Suppl 2:99-113.
5. Benito-Ruiz P et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2009;60 Suppl 2:99-113.

Orgain Launches First Ever Grants for Greater Good Program

Orgain is proud to announce the launch of Grants for Greater Good, a program aimed at supporting start-up businesses focused on championing wellness through preventative measures.

“Entrepreneurship can be difficult, leaving too many inspiring, lifechanging ideas in the dark. Orgain is dedicated to linking arms with likeminded start-up brands in the active lifestyle, nutrition and mindfulness space to help super-charge them. Grants for Greater Good is a program designed to bring Orgain’s purpose, and values to life by supporting well-intentioned companies dedicated to making true change in the world through the power of preventative health.” Dr. Andrew Abraham

The program will award three deserving start-ups with $50,000 each to help take their businesses to the next level. The final date for applications is April 30th. To learn more about the program, click here.

Important Updates

As a science-based, health-focused organization, Orgain is following the most up-to-date guidance available regarding our work-related conferences. In accordance with these recommendations, attendance at such events will be suspended until further notice. For any questions related to this, please reach out to the Orgain Healthcare Team at [email protected].

Practitioner Testimonial

“I am so happy I found Orgain! I have been looking for clean, plant-based protein and bars, and Orgain is perfect. My patients are constantly asking me what protein to use for shakes, and I will be happy to recommend Orgain!”

– Sara
Oncology Dietitian