MONROE — January means the arrival of New Year’s resolutions, often focused on health and wellness. It can be overwhelming to sort through the mass of advertisements for workout clubs, supplements and diet plans to find the strategies that will actually work.
Everest Nutrition, a nutrition club based in Monroe, encourages starting with the basics first and understanding your body’s unique needs before identifying new nutrition goals.
“Consider your schedule and realistic goals. Avoid jumping into fad diets,” said Kara Austin, owner and operator of Everest Nutrition. “Focus on creating a sustainable, enjoyable plan that fits your lifestyle. Give yourself grace-if you slip up, acknowledge it and then keep moving forward.”
The quality of your nutrition affects your health and well-being far beyond things like building strength. “The brain and the digestive system are deeply interconnected, constantly exchanging signals that influence overall health,” said Austin. “A healthy gut promotes better nutrient absorption, which supports immune function and mental health.”
Everyone’s gut environment is different and can change throughout their lives depending on factors like diet, hormones and environmental factors.
“Maintaining a healthy balanced diet and staying hydrated are essential for maintaining a healthy gut. Which, in turn, benefits brain function and overall well-being,” said Austin.
Austin says consistency is the key to long-term success.
Everest Nutrition opened in 2021 and provides a variety of nutritious drink and meal options, including:
● Meal replacement shakes
● Energizing teas
● Boba teas
● Greens specialty drinks
● Protein coffees
● Caffeine free refreshers
● Herbal teas
● Pre and Post-workout drinks
● Specialty drinks for immune and digestive support
● Kid’s boba drinks
“We also provide the opportunity to purchase for home use and occasionally stock protein snack options such as bars, chips, snack bites, protein balls and donuts,” said Austin. Customers can also find specialized menus, gift options and personalized nutrition plans.
Personalized nutrition plans are tailored to an individual’s specific nutrition goals, whether they’re starting with the basics, looking to achieve weight loss/gain or muscle growth/maintenance.
The first step to building a personalized nutrition plan is meeting with Austin for a wellness evaluation. Together, you will discuss your results and goals, receiving a recommended plan to help you “achieve your goals in a healthy way” including product recommendations.
Everest Nutrition does not create meal plans but is able to guide customers toward dietician resources if needed.
“If I don’t believe I am the best fit to assist them based on the information they provide, then I recommend local professionals or businesses that can better meet their needs,” said Austin. She enjoys being able to bring healthy alternatives to the community.
“Whether it’s providing a quick, healthy meal and energizing tea to brighten someone’s day or simply being that friendly smile and lending an ear, it has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Having the opportunity to be able to meet and help people from all walks of life to reach their goals and work towards better nutrition while adding a positive touch to their day.”
Austin sees a wide range of customers, from younger fans of the boba drinks to middle-aged individuals looking for a nutrition revamp and seniors who “appreciate our meal replacement shakes.”
Austin said many customers have become regulars who “feel like family,” sharing comments with her like “I don’t know what you gave me yesterday, but it made me feel so much better, give me that again;” and “I stopped in the other day, you asked me a few questions and I gave you answers and you made me a drink because of it and it was so delicious and I felt so good afterward. Can you do it again?”
As she starts 2025, Austin is particularly excited about their Immunity Essentials product. “It supports the immune system with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Epicor, which also promotes good gut health,” she said.
Whether you decide to start small or are ready to focus on specific aspects of your nutrition, Everest Nutrition stands ready to point you in the right direction.
“If you are unsure where to start, stop by for a chat,” said Austin. “We’ll guide you in the right direction and provide personalized recommendations to help you reach your goals.”
