ABOUT ANDREA TESTIMONIALS

"WOW----We don't have to be perfect. What a relief! Andrea spoke at our annual fall conference, and just lit up the room with her energized, dynamic, and inspiring presentation. The feedback from our participants was just glowing; like they've been renewed and given permission to focus on what really counts at meal time. The real life approach to food and nutrition is so much more attainable and sustainable. Our group consisted of Food and Nutrition managers, dietitians, and food industry reps, and all were engaged with Andrea's messages."

Denise Russell
President-Alberta Society of Nutrition Managers
 

Hi Andrea,

I just wanted you to know that the session on October 18th changed my life. I grew up eating meat and potatoes and having to make sure my plate was always clean - typical upbringing of the 60s and 70s. I never took the time to understand nutrition - I love food, I am not over-weight, so all is cool! So I thought.

The seminar taught me some very practical things and tips:

• Food is fuel for your body - sounds simple and logical. But I never saw it that way - I always saw food as extra calories that I did not need, so I skipped most meals. I typically ate 1 or 2 meals per day. Often, dinner was a huge meal.
• I now eat breakfast daily without fault and try not to skip lunch. I also try not to eat dinner past 8 pm. I've still not gotten at the mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks though! I have not put on additional weight as a result of eating three meals per day.
• Balance - grain/starch, protein and fruits/vegetables. Again, a relatively simple notion - but one that was foreign to me. I'm not a big fan of fruit - but I now have a fruit juice every morning without failure. To catch up on my fruit/vegetable portions, I now look for vegetable soups for lunch, a small cup of diced fruit, a glass of V8 with every dinner, and often will graze on celery and carrots before dinner. I now consciously look for items from each group at each meal.
• Portion distortion - I used to be guilty of this. I now exercise more control in serving sizes.
• Awareness - I am much more aware of my food preparation and intake - in the past, I ate because I liked it. Now, I look for balance; I read labels; I look for substitutes; I try to understand the effect of all ingredients in preparing a meal - but I also still eat food that I like (just in moderation and in the context of what else I am eating). I developed a template to assist me with my daily meal planning and quantities.

But mostly Andrea, it's the common sense approach and the no “severe” rules approach that you used to deliver the material that made it worthwhile. I left feeling that I could do something about it and it was not going to be negative (I can still have my two glasses of wine!). I am now so much more aware of nutrition and its impact on my life.

Thanks again.

Richard Boyer
Gienow Windows & Doors
 

"We can’t thank you enough for your contributions to our HealthCare Education day, especially on such tight timelines. The amount of work you put into tailoring your message and your presentation to our crowd was very clear. Your presentation was an incredible opportunity for our customers to take something away not only for their professional lives, but for their personal lives as well. Additionally, your energy and ability to relate to the audience was invaluable as a presenter. Your presentation truly transcended age and time, and everybody was able to relate and walk away with something to help them out. Thank you so much for inspiring that in our customers and in us. We hope to have you back again."

Christopher Sprentz
Marketing Manager, SYSCO Calgary
 

"Thanks for a fabulous afternoon. I enjoyed your energized, articulate, well-prepared and dynamic presentations. I have walked away focused on eating better and not worrying about being perfect. I also liked your approach that how we eat is as important as what we eat."

Colleen Biondi
Attendee, Energized Public Event
 

"I attended your keynote seminar at the Calgary District Dental Society annual event and I just wanted to let you know I thought you were great! I left your presentation renewed in my commitment to the way I feed myself and my family."

Barb Olson
Dental Hygienist & Mother of 4
 

"Andrea spoke to our annual conference of family businesses. She offered a lively and interesting look at the challenges of eating properly in today’s busy world. She presented tips for all age groups and made you feel as though you could follow her advice. Most importantly, she never made her audience feel guilty about their current eating habits. I would strongly recommend Andrea as a strong and energetic speaker."

Karen Whiteman
Executive Director, CAFÉ (The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise) Calgary
 

"Excellent presentation! What a refreshing change to have a speaker inspire rather than "lecture" about nutrition. Your captivating stories, tips and overall approach to healthy eating uplifts and puts people at ease. It was great to hear we don’t need to strive to be perfect eaters, and that small changes really can make a difference in how we feel and in our health. Thanks to Andrea, we have solutions to our every day nutrition challenges that can actually work in real life!"

Tina Tamagi
Human Resources, ARC Resources Ltd.
 

"Andrea Holwegner brings huge value and return on investment as an inspiring leader in the nutrition field. She is an upbeat speaker, with credible, practical ideas to share. We have continued to bring her back again and again to speak to our employees. Her message is starting to stick! Our employees are starting to "walk the talk" and as a result of eating better, are returning to work feeling healthier and more energized."

Sheri Brake
Manager, Employee Development, IHS Energy
 

"Andrea’s approach to healthy eating not only inspires, but leaves a lasting impression of hope and confidence for success. She has worked with our staff over the last few years in providing us with sessions focused on simple nutrition tips for better energy, health, and weight management. She is an expert in her field and truly knows how to challenge each person to do just a little bit better. Improved nutrition for our staff has excellent returns for better focus and health for work and in our personal lives. Her sessions are always guaranteed for good attendance and we look forward to bringing her back again to motivate us some more!"

Michele Flaig
Health Services, Devon Canada Corporation
 

"Andrea, your high energy keynote session delivered at our conference was right on target! Your positive contagious energy and humour generated optimism with our group. Your stories and practical tips not only captivated the attention of our group, but inspired us to take charge of our health. We learned that eating well doesn’t have to be difficult, and that small changes can really make a difference in how we feel at work every day. Your fresh approach to healthy eating and philosophy that all foods can fit really allowed you to connect with the audience. We look forward to having you speak to our group again. Thanks!"

Debra Watt
Manager, Court Services, Alberta Justice
 

It is with pleasure that I write this letter of endorsement for Andrea Holwegner.

I am the current President of the Calgary Dental Assistants Association.  Our organization acts as a liaison between the Registered Dental Assistants of Calgary and the College of Alberta Dental Assistants.  At this time, all of our members are women who work in the dental field whether it be chairside assistants or administrative assistants within the dental industry.  Our organization holds bi-monthly meetings to help bring education to our members to in turn educate the public about dental health.

We were fortunate enough to have Andrea come and speak with us for a morning session about Power Nutrition for Women.

This was a very great topic for our members as we are all women and it was helpful to know what kind of things we should be eating even if we do have hectic schedules as working women and mothers.

Andrea was able to separate our larger group into small groups and do some hands on activities and group participation. She was able to keep everyone interested in what she had to say and was very energetic.

I would definitely recommend Andrea to share her knowledge of nutrition and health with everyone: men, women, and children. She is very knowledgeable and fun!

Sincerely,
Tina Spector
President (2008-2009)
Calgary Dental Assistants Association
 

"I admit I went to see Andrea with somewhat of a closed mind, thinking she was going to be some "granola feeding dietitian". Was I surprised! Andrea’s practical approach and acceptance of human nature helped me to lose 40 lbs and 6 pant sizes; and this was the absolute easiest way to lower my cholesterol. Andrea’s tailored program allows me to eat whatever I want. The ongoing consultation and having my wife join the program definitely made a difference in my life."

Mike Podovinnikoff
One-on-One Coaching Client
 

"I have taken many nutrition courses and read many articles but this is the first time I have ever heard anyone apply common sense to nutrition. You provide a great approach to healthy eating that we can all relate to. Thanks!"

Lanny Watkins
Senior Tax Analyst, ARC Resources Ltd
 

"Andrea Holwegner is a leading expert in the field of nutrition. After numerous successful television segments on Global Morning News, we asked her to be a regular monthly guest expert. Over the past year Andrea has continued to bring forward current issues and topics relevant to our viewers. She understands media, comes well prepared, and is both entertaining and energetic. We look forward to continued work with her as a regular guest on our show. Thanks Andrea!"

Angela Kokott
Co-host Global Morning News Calgary
 

"Andrea’s session was the most highly regarded by all participants. Feedback received from participants stated "This was awesome! Very inspiring! Excellent information I will apply; When is the next session?"

Dawn Keith
Instructor Lethbridge Community College
 

"Andrea’s enthusiasm inspired everyone to take their personal health and nutrition into their own hands. Everyone who attended her talk left with something that they could incorporate into their daily nutrition plan immediately and easily."

Alexandra Lys
University of Calgary Medical Students Association
 

"Thanks to Andrea we were allowed the opportunity to refocus our attention to our own personal needs so that we would then be able to focus on our newly acquired energy for our jobs."

Kevin Kohle
Principal, St. Rita’s School
 

"I loved how realistic and practical this presentation was."

Julie Burns – Public Health Nurse, Alberta Health Services
Attended Keynote "Bite-sized Changes for Supersized Results"
 

"Very informative – lots of fun and SO sensible."

Barb Barrington – Public Health Nurse, Alberta Health Services
Attended Keynote "Bite-sized Changes for Supersized Results"
 

"Great balance of information and humour. Great to see a dietitian who does not scold or shame but advocates for the middle and moderation to inspire people to change."

Gail Rude – Assistant Principle, Calgary Board of Education
Attended Keynote "Bite-sized Changes for Supersized Results"
 

"I thought this presentation was engaging and motivational. Andrea is humorous and positive in the delivery of valuable information. Thank you, well done!"

Pamela Garrah – Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Attended Keynote "Bite-sized Changes for Supersized Results"
 

"I thought I had heard it all, but you had new, thought provoking tips."

Vicki Ashmead – Public Health Nurse, Alberta Health Services
Attended Keynote "Bite-sized Changes for Supersized Results"
 

"Andrea was contracted in May 2010 to speak to the membership of Mount Royal Support Staff during our Professional Development Days. We are a diverse group ranging from administrative assistants to groundskeepers. It can be a challenge to find speakers that will address issues of importance to all. Andrea was an excellent solution to provide a program for a varied audience."

"Andrea was very professional in both planning and presenting material that suited our requests. The presentation style was both engaging and entertaining. She presented facts and ideas that could easily be incorporated into daily lives at both work and home."

"As our final session of the day, Andrea was able to energize the room with a humorous slideshow and lively delivery. She gave us a new perspective on healthy eating and menu planning which was focused on positive results."

"We enthusiastically endorse Andrea as a speaker."

Debbie Henson
Co Chairperson Mount Royal University Support Staff Association PD Days