The Herbalife Nutrition Dietetic Advisory Board (DAB) is made up of dietitians and nutritionists around the world whose mission is to educate our independent distributors on the importance of good nutrition.
Ana Cristina Gutierrez is on our DAB from Costa Rica. Ana is a licensed nutritionist and holds a Masterâs degree in Nutrition. I asked Ana to tell us about herself and describe a typical healthy meal in her country of Costa Rica.
How long have you been working with Herbalife Nutrition?
I have been a member of the DAB since the beginning, in 2014.
Why did you choose nutrition as a career?
I have always been passionate about eating healthy and staying active through sports and so I thought: why not teach people how to eat healthy? And Iâm so glad I chose this career because I really enjoy helping people understand the importance of good nutrition.
What is the best part of your job?
Helping people understand how eating healthy can provide quality of life and wellness, too. When people lose weight and feel happy, that makes me think I’m in the right place.
Everyone, even nutritionists, has a âguilty pleasureâ when it comes to food. Whatâs yours?
Chocolate and wine!
If you had just one piece of nutrition advice to give to someone, what would it be?
Go step by step, don’t try to do everything on the same day or month. Gradual changes are better than drastic changes. It is important to have a quality of life that incudes eating healthy and exercise.
What are some of the latest diet and nutrition trends in your country?
Paleo diets and Detox diets.
If you werenât a Nutritionist, what would you be?
I would probably be a physician.
What is something that most people donât know about you?
My schedule can get very busy with work – I have my private clinic where I see clients 3-4 days of the week â and getting my kids off to school, taking them to afterschool activities, homework, dinner made, etc. Despite my busy schedule, it is important to me that I be a good example to my clients, so I try to stay active and play tennis at least 4 times a week in the middle of my day so I don’t sacrifice time with my kids when they come home from school. At night I try to organize menus and snacks for everyone at home and have a nice dinner with my husband. A typical âsuper momâ!
When I travel with Herbalife Nutrition, I enjoy exploring new places, eating unique foods and making new friends. It’s also my time to sleep, read and watch movies.
What is your favorite Formula 1 shake recipe?
1 scoop of Herbalife Formula 1, Orange Cream flavor
1 scoop Herbalife Formula 1, Vanilla flavor
2 scoops Herbalife Personalized Protein Powder
1/2 banana + 1/4 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup cold water
Do you have a favorite recipe that represents Costa Rica?
CASADO
1/3 cup of white rice (make it healthier with whole grain rice)
1/2 cup of freshly cooked black beans
3 ounces of grilled chicken or grilled lean beef steak
Tossed salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red peppers)Â and/or Picadillo (which is non starchy vegetable such as squash with carrots diced and boiled);Â dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar
8 ounces of fresh fruit blackberry juice or iced tea
Susan BowermanM.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND â Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training
Susan Bowerman is the senior director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition. She also serves as a chairwoman of the Dietetic Advisory Board (DAB). As a registered dietitian, she educates distributors about our global nutrition philosophy and is responsible for developing nutrition education and training materials.
Bowerman earned a B.S. in Biology with distinction from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University. She is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and holds two board certifications as a specialist in Sports Dietetics and in Obesity and Weight Management. When she is not busy teaching and writing, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and gardening. Her favorite Herbalife Nutrition products include Simply Probiotic and Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix Banana Caramel.